Asymmetric development of overburden fracture and gas migration law for a goaf of entry formed by roof cutting

Abstract In the study, a combined numerical simulation and on‐site monitoring method was used to analyze the asymmetric development characteristics of overlying rock fractures in a goaf under the condition of a goaf side entry formed by roof cutting and to explore the gas accumulation area in the goaf, achieving precise gas extraction from the goaf. The results demonstrates that a double‐balanced arch structure is formed under the condition of a goaf side entry formed by roof cutting, achieving safe retention of the roadway and showing the significance of the pressure relief effect of roof cutting. The collapse movement of the overlying rock on the roof‐cutting side is relatively advanced. The heights of the collapse zone on the roof‐cutting side and the uncut roof side are 28 and 24 m, respectively, and the development heights of the fracture zone are 37 and 42 m, respectively. The fault line on the roof‐cutting side gradually shifts toward the direction of the goaf, and the surface settlement and fracture development are relatively small. There is a clear asymmetric structure in terms of time effect, fault line, fracture zone height, and surface settlement compared to the uncut roof side. The gas is distributed throughout the entire goaf in the roof‐cutting and tunneling mode, and a high‐concentration gas accumulation area is formed near the open–off cut and working face on the high side of the fracture zone. Based on an actual situation, a method of drilling high and low positions in a fracture zone is proposed for extraction. Combined with on‐site monitoring, the goaf was no longer filled with gas during extraction, and the proportion of low‐concentration gas space considerably increased.