ABSTRACT
Caving processes, which are the result of sublevel coal mining, significantly encroach into the natural rock structure and consequently change the deformation and stress fields, and to a certain extent influence the existing mine objects. This largely depends on the primary stress situation and geomechanical properties of rocks, as well as operational time of a mine. All these factors are important since coal excavation is a complex technological process which needs to function harmoniously in all segments and is vital for normal mine operations. The support systems which provide the stability of mine objects and reduce the impacts of caving processes need to be adapted to actual geotechnical conditions, such as deflections and changes to constantly changing stress fields, as well as the position and time functions. Understanding geotechnical properties of geological structures with different composition of rocks and soils in the hanging wall, footwall and the properties of coal seams are, in addition to the mining impact factors, crucial for rational and safe mining.
