Impact of Subzero Temperatures on Water Impermeability of Tubing Support in Vertical Mine Shafts

Thermal environment in vertical mine shafts has a significant influence on the shaft support and reinforcement, and on the safety of the while hoisting facility. Fluctuation of air flow temperature causes thermal deformation of structural elements in the shafts. Subzero temperature air enters mine shafts in the winter season because of deficient heating of air supply shafts and as a result of air flow reversal in ventilation shafts. As a consequence, tubing support in the shafts experiences cooling, the tubing joints open, and water inflow in the shaft goes over and above a guideline value, which can initiate an accident. The authors analyze the impact of subzero temperatures on the opening of tubing joints after change in the stress–strain behavior of the tubing ring–concrete lining–rock mass system. The developed and implemented numerical model of the mentioned geotechnical system determines patterns of temperatures and deformations in tubing rings in the periods of exposure to cold.