Estimation of the Load Distribution on the Chain Pillars of the Mechanized Longwall Panels in Tabas Coal Mine Using Numerical Method

Chain pillars are placed between two adjacent panels in mechanized longwall mining. These pillars have different load distribution comparing with the other kind of pillars in various mining methods. Estimation of load and its distribution on chain pillars are very important from designing point of view. Empirical and traditional methods have some limitations for load prediction and its distribution. So in this study by using of Mohr-Coulomb strain softening failure model of FLAC3D software, the load and its distribution on the chain pillars were estimated. As a result, based on Tabas coal mine conditions, it can be concluded that the maximum load distribution will happened at 4 to 5 meter distance from the first edge of pillar while the face is 20 meter after from there.