Evolution law of mining-induced overburden stratum stress and fracture fields in inclined coal seam

Purpose This study aims to clarify the evolution law of stress field and fracture field during the mining process of inclined coal seam, to prevent the occurrence of roof burst water and impact ground pressure accident during the advancing process of working face. Design/methodology/approach The evolution law of stress-fracture field under different mining conditions of inclined coal seam was studied by using discrete element method and similar material simulation method. Findings The overburden stress at the lower end of the coal seam was mainly transmitted to the deep rock mass on the left side, and the overburden stress at the upper end was mainly transmitted to the floor direction. With the increase of the inclined length of the mining coal seam, the development of the fracture zone gradually evolves from the “irregular arch” form to the “transversely developed trapezoid” form. The development range of the fracture zone was always in the internal area of the stress concentration shell. Originality/value An original element of this paper is based on the condition that the dip angle of coal seam is 35°, and the evolution law of overburden stress-fracture field during the excavation of coal seam with different lengths was analyzed by UDEC numerical simulation software. The coupling relationship between stress shell and fracture field was proposed, and the development range of fracture zone was determined by stress. The value of this paper is to provide technical support and practical basis for the safety production of a mine working face.