Evaluation of coal seam floor water bursting in multi-aquifer Gequan coal mine, China

A water-bursting evaluation of the coal seam floor is critical to ensure safety of coal mine production. The vulnerability index method based on AHP is selected for this study’s evaluation method. Water pressure, measured specific yield, equivalent thickness of effective aquiclude, brittle rock thickness under mining pressure damage zone, distribution of faults, distribution of collapse column, distribution of endpoints, and the intersection of fault are taken as the evaluation index based on the analysis of geological data in the study area. The authors assessed the threat posed by the two aquifers in the lower portion of the coal seam. Separate evaluations were conducted on the Benxi and Ordovician limestone aquifers. The results’ veracity was confirmed by comparing the obtained results to the water bursting point and a few boreholes. The evaluation results provide recommendations for the safe operation of coal mines.