Numerical analysis of seepage flow characteristic of collapse column under the influence of mining

Abstract Based on the importance of fractured rock mass seepage research, in order to analyze seepage flow characteristics of collapse column under the influence of mining, a method by embedding fractured rock mass flow solid coupling relationship into FLAC 3D internal flow models is presented according to fluid–solid coupling theory and strength criterion. A calculation model of numerical analysis was established, and the influences of mining pressure and plastic damage to pore water pressure and seepage vector change rule were studied. The results show that collapse column is the main channel of confined water seepage upward. The impact is not big when the workface is away from the collapse column. But when the workface is nearing a collapse column, there will be a seepage channel on a side near the workface, in which seepage vector and head are comparatively large. With workface pushing through collapse column, the seepage channel transfers to the other side of the column. In addition, when the plastic damage area within the collapse column breaks through, a “pipeline flow” will be formed within the column, and seepage field will change remarkably and the possibility of water bursting will be greater.