Geomechanical research into surface coal mining in terms of geotechnical safety substantiation

Purpose. The purpose of the present study is to determine the geomechanical parameters for calculating the stability of side slopes by partial and general angle in the working front to ensure the completeness of coal mining in accordance with geotechnical rules and standards based on the regulations (EC-7) of the Kosovo Energy Corporation, which is the state corporation, producing not only electricity in the Republic of Kosovo.Methods. In the course of the present study, 60 additional drillings were carried out to a depth of 150 m up to green clay contact to determine the coal thickness. It was realized using a Type EK-650 drilling machine and a drilling diameter of 145/101 mm. To determine the angle phi and cohesion C, two methods were used, such as the Direct test and the Triaxial test. To obtain the most accurate results, a mathematical model was used to derive geomechanical parameters for calculating the slope geometry for the design geometry, where coal is mined to achieve a safety factor according to geotechnical standards.Findings. The results of this study have demonstrated that there are inappropriate physical-mechanical parameters due to tectonics, especially the presence of groundwater and clay masses. There are locations with coal thickness from 0.5 to 1 m. This entirely affects the decrease in the calorific value of coal, but it also makes difficult to mine coal in the field in terms of geotechnical safety. Therefore it is important to design the slope geometry that can ensure the stability of the mine as well as coal mining in full compliance with market demands.Originality. A large number of physical-mechanical parameters were analyzed, including a mathematical model, with which the slope geometry was calculated using the design profiles and 9 methods. This has given satisfactory results based on Eurocode EC-7 which can be implemented in the field.Practical implications. To analyze the numerical and analytical methods for the design slope geometry, geotechnical Eurocodes were used according to two standards: Eurocode EC7-1 for geotechnical designs and Eurocode EC7-2 for field verification. They were tested on two factors: Category of terrain and Category of objects (excavator), to remove the coal cover using technology in compliance with the conditions in the field, such as the presence of surface water, underground waters and tectonics. This whole analysis is time consuming, so a safety factor has been determined based on the numerical analysis data.