Load bearing capacity of arch structure in unconsolidated layers

Coal mining inevitably results in the movement of overlying strata, with the upward formation of the strata leading to surface subsidence, causing irreversible impact on the buildings, land, and ecological environment. The movement and deformation of the strata are controlled by the bearing structure in the overlying strata, whose failure results in the deformation and breakage of the overlying strata simultaneously. While studies have been conducted on the arch structure in unconsolidated layers (ASUL), its bearing performance has not been addressed. Therefore, this study develops a bearing mechanics model based on the morphological characteristics of the ASUL. The analytical expressions of the axial force, bending moment, and shear force of the cross-sectional area were determined using theoretical derivations. The model analysed the internal forces and showed the influence laws of the overlying load, horizontal pressure coefficient, and rise-to-span ratio of the ASUL. The failure criterion of the bearing was also further determined. The results indicated that with overlying and horizontal loads, the axial force and bending moment are symmetrically distributed, whereas the shear force is asymmetrically distributed. In addition, the axial force gradually increases from the dome to the base of the ASUL. Compared to the axial force and bending moment, the shear force has a lower impact on the stability of the ASUL. Most of the axial force and overlying load is received through the axial compression of the cross-section to maintain stability and play a bearing role on the overlying unconsolidated layers. As the overlying load, horizontal pressure coefficient, and rise-to-span ratio increase, the axial force, bending moment, and shearing force also increase gradually. This effect is more apparent at the dome, spandrel, and base of the ASUL. The stability of the dome and spandrel is key to the overall structural stability. Therefore, the failure criterion for the ASUL was determined based on the compression failure at the dome and spandrel. During the mining process of the working face, the ASUL served as load-bearing control for the overlying unconsolidated layers. Further, increasing width of the working face damages and shifts the base of the ASUL, resulting in compression failure at the dome and spandrel, further inducing dome lift and causing overall failure of the ASUL. Considering the aforementioned factors, a control method that reinforces the surface subsidence of the ASUL by 'one-time, upward, staged, and multiple-ground-drilling' compaction grouting has been proposed. During the mining process of the working face, the arch bead-like structure, combined with the ASUL, serves as the load-bearing control on the overlying strata and ground surface, reducing ASUL deformation in the unconsolidated layers, overlying strata, and ground surface. This process enables the controlling of ground subsidence of coal mining in thick unconsolidated layers.