Application of principal stress differentials to rockburst risk analysis and prevention

The principal stresses will increase or decrease during mining, leading to variations in surrounding rock strength and subsequently an influence on the risk of rockbursts. To address this issue, this study conducted theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and field monitoring. A rockburst risk analysis method that integrates dynamic changes in the stress and strength of surrounding rock was proposed and verified in the field. The dynamic changes in maximum ( σ 1 ) and minimum ( σ 3 ) principal stresses are represented by the σ 1 and σ 3 differentials, respectively. The difference in principal stress differential (DPSD), defined as the difference between σ 1 and σ 3 , was introduced as a novel indicator for rockburst risk analysis. The findings of this study demonstrate a positive correlation between increases in DPSD and heightened risks of rockbursts, as evidenced by an increase in both the frequency of rockbursts and the occurrence of large-energy microseismic events. Conversely, a decrease in DPSD is associated with a reduction in risk. Specifically, in the W1123 panel of a coal mine susceptible to rockbursts, areas exhibiting higher DPSD values experienced more frequent and severe rockbursts. The DPSD-based analysis aligned well with the observed rockburst occurrences. Subsequent optimization of rockburst prevention measures in areas with elevated DPSD led to a reduction in DPSD. Following these adjustments, the W1123 panel predominantly experienced low-energy microseismic events, with a significant decrease in large-energy microseismic events and no further rockbursts. The DPSD analysis is a valuable tool for evaluating rockburst risk and aiding in prevention, which is of great significance for disaster prevention.