Engineering Commons^™

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Transformer-Driven Intelligent Prediction For The Time-Series Features Of Mine Pressure In Fully Mechanized Mining Face, Du Feng, Chen Bo, Wang Wenqiang, Pu Hai, Du Xueming, Li Guodong, Qiao Rui, Li Xinlei, Xu Jie, Cao Yu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Mine pressure prediction represents an important means for early warning and management of disasters in coal seam roofs, serving as the prerequisite and foundation for safe production in intelligent mines. However, the complex and variable conditions of fully mechanized mining face lead to significant variations in the distribution of support pressure data acquired using electro-hydraulic control systems, complicating mine pressure prediction. Methods This study developed a Transformer-based mine pressure prediction model. Specifically, missing mine pressure data were filled using linear interpolation, and the data structure of mine pressure was adjusted using a sliding window algorithm. Based on the time-series …

Mechanisms Behind Permeability Enhancement Of Coal Reservoirs Induced By Electro-Chemical Composite Energy Pulse Fracturing, Meng Bingbing, Cao Yunxing, Duan Hongfei, Zhang Xinsheng, Zhao Lijuan, Shi Bin, Yu Guofeng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Electro-chemical composite energy pulse fracturing (ECCE-PF) technology (i.e., the electrical explosion of metal wires igniting energetic materials) can effectively change the pore structure of coal reservoirs and enhance coal seam permeability. Elucidating the mechanisms behind the influence of this technology on both the scales of modified coal pores/fractures and methane desorption pattern can provide a theoretical basis for the wide application of this technology to coal seam permeability enhancement. Methods This study investigated coal samples from the Zhangcun Coal Mine in the Lu’an coal mining area, Shanxi Province. Using a self-developed ECCE-PF experimental platform, an experimental study was conducted …

Development Potential Of The Ucg-Eg Industry In Guizhou Province, China, Wang Lingxia, Zhou Ze, Yi Tongsheng, Qin Yong, Yang Lei, Kong Weimin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods This study aims to promote the sustainable development of the underground coal gasification (UCG) industry and to extend the industrial chain of syngas development and utilization. To this end, this study analyzed the UCG-electricity generation (UCG-EG) potential of Guizhou Province based on the evaluation results of resources allowing UCG and the current status of energy and electric power structures of this province. A 3D analytical principle model for UCG-EG industry scenarios in Guizhou was constructed through scenario modelling. Using this model, the prospects of the UCG industry under low, medium, high, and ultra-high scenarios were quantitatively depicted. …

Advances In Research On Enrichment Of Major Metallic Elements Within Coals In Coal-Accumulating Basins Across Xinjiang, China, Ning Shuzheng, Wang Xiaoxia, Huang Shaoqing, Yan Xiaoyun, Xu Xiaotao, Zhang Jianqiang, Zhang Li, Hou Yuehua

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Xinjiang serves as an important coal production base in northwestern China. This region holds approximately 40% of China’s predicted coal reserves, with its coal resources primarily distributed in coal-accumulating basins such as Junggar, Yili, Tuha, and Santanghu.Methods Focusing on strategic metals (e.g., lithium, rare earth elements, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, and tantalum), hazardous metals (e.g., arsenic, mercury, and sodium), radioactive metals (e.g., uranium and thorium), and other heavy metals (e.g., iron and manganese), this study explored the enrichment mechanisms and metallogenic potential of these metallic elements in coals across representative coal-accumulating basins in Xinjiang.Advances The metallic element enrichment …

Factors Influencing Productivity And Production System Optimization For Deep Coalbed Methane In The Daning-Jixian Block, Ordos Basin, Zhao Haifeng, Jia Zhaojie, Chen Mengqi, Yang Ziyi, Wang Bin, Lin Hongliang, Yang Yanfeng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Deep coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs are characterized by ultra-low porosity, ultra-low permeability, and super saturation, rendering it impractical to copy the productivity models of shallow coalbed methane and shale gas. Furthermore, the production performance of deep CBM varies significantly across different well sections. However, the impacts of different factors on the productivity of deep CBM remain poorly understood. This study conducted a numerical simulation analysis of the productivity of deep CBM in the Daning-Jixian block along the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin based on the geological characteristics of the block, aiming to explore the impacts of various key …

Research Progress And Prospects Of High-Salinity Mine Water Storage In Deep Strata, Xue Jiankun, Wang Shuangming, Zhang Pingsong, Wang Xiaodong, Zhou Zhenfang, Wang Tiantian, Zhang Quan, Xu Shi'ang, Wang Zhizhou

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background High-salinity mine water (HSMW) is widely distributed in mining areas in western China, while its discharge and treatment pose severe challenges to both the ecosystem and resource utilization. In recent years, HSMW storage in deep strata has gained widespread attention as an environmentally friendly and resource-saving approach for mine water treatment.Advances Focusing on the general characteristics of HSMW, this study systematically reviewed the key scientific issues and technical bottlenecks associated with HSMW storage in deep strata, highlighting its principles, technical classification, and engineering application. It comprehensively elucidated the applicability boundaries of this technology, involving the core links such …

Influence Mechanisms Of Cleats On Hydraulic Fracture Propagation In Deep Coalbed Methane Reservoirs, Wang Haiyang, Lu Chen, Su Xu, Wang Yufei, Zhou Desheng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Creating large-scale fracture networks through hydraulic fracturing serves as an important approach to the commercial development of deep coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs. However, these reservoirs contain extensively developed cleats. The significantly different cementation strengths of cleat fillings lead to complex interactions between cemented cleats and major hydraulic fractures during fracture propagation. Therefore, clarifying the mechanisms underlying the influence of cemented cleats on hydraulic fracture propagation is critical to improving the simulation effects of deep CBM reservoirs. Methods Using particle flow code (PFC) discrete element method, combined with quasi-triaxial mechanical test results of the No.8 coal seam within the Yichuan …

Seepage Dynamics And Damage Characteristics Of Shaft Lining Concrete Under Hydraulic Coupling, Xue Weipei, Zhou Yaya, Cheng Hua, Yao Zhishu, Rong Chuanxin, Wang Zhongjian, Wu Hao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Concrete serves as a lining material for support structures used in vertical shafts in coal mines, and its seepage performance and mechanical characteristics play a crucial role in ensuring structural safety. Furthermore, shaft lining concrete is placed under the groundwater level, subjected to a stress environment significantly different from that of surface concrete.Methods To investigate the impacts of groundwater seepage on the performance of shaft lining concrete under triaxial stress conditions, hydraulic coupling tests were conducted using a servo pressure testing machine equipped with a seepage apparatus, yielding data on permeability, elastic volumetric strain, crack volumetric strain, and …

Evolutionary Mechanisms And Control Strategies For Surrounding Rock Stability Of Inclined Shafts Under Groundwater Seepage, Zhang Cun, Zhao Xiangyu, Chen Yanhong, Ren Zhaopeng, Wu Runze

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The western coal mining area has emerged as China’s primary coal production base. In this area, multiple ten-million-ton-scale coal mines are constructed using inclined shafts. Since inclined shafts run through multiple aquifers, many of them are subjected to shaft wall rupture and water inrushes to varying degrees.Methods This study aims to determine the impacts of groundwater seepage on the surrounding rock stability of inclined shafts. Using field survey, theoretical analysis, and numerical simulation, this study investigated the shaft wall stability of the main inclined shaft in water-rich sections in the Xiaojihan Coal Mine.Results and Conclusions Theoretical analysis …

Mechanisms Behind Water Inrush Disasters Induced By Tbm Tunneling Passing Through Deeply Buried Fault Fracture Zones, Li Zhi, Dong Shuning, Shi Zhiyuan, Tong Renjian

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objectives While passing through a deeply buried water-rich fault fracture zone, a tunnel boring machine (TBM) frequently faces an extremely high risk of water inrushes, seriously restricting the engineering safety and efficiency. Methods This study aims to reveal the evolution patterns of water inrush disasters in the case where the TBM roadway tunneling passes through faults zones and propose technologies for advance prevention and control to mitigate the water inrush risk. Against the engineering background of the tunneling of a main roadway in a coal mine within a North China-type coalfield, this study established a 3D numerical model using the …

Tle-Unet-Based Image Segmentation And Feature Extraction Of Water-Cooling-Induced Complex Cracks In High-Temperature Rock Masses, Fu Tianyu, Hu Mangu, Zhang Xiaojun, Yang Xiaobin, Lyu Fu, Lyu Xiangfeng, Peng Lei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Method Water cooling-induced macroscopic surface cracks in high-temperature rock masses are characterized by fine scales, pronounced length variations, and severe class imbalance in images, posing significant challenges for image segmentation. To address these challenges, this study proposed TLE-UNet, a semantic segmentation network for rock crack images. First, through thermal treatment and uniaxial compression tests of granite specimens, crack images under varying temperatures were acquired. Then, using a self-developed Lite Edge Fusion module, high-resolution shallow features were finely aligned with deep semantic features at varying scales. Furthermore, edge detection and channel-attention mechanisms were combined to enhance crack boundary perception. …

Multiscale Fusion Aot-Gan Intelligent Filling Of Blank Strip For Formation Microresistivity Imaging Logging, Huang Luyi, Wang Fei, Kong Lingsong, Jiang Qishu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Formation microresistivity imaging (FMI) images features incomplete borehole coverage and thus contain blank strips due to the gaps between electrode pads, as well as their pushing and attachment mechanisms. Traditional blank strip filling methods suffer from several limitations, including susceptibility to image distortion and difficulty in retaining information on fine-scale structures such as fractures. This study developed an aggregated contextual-transformation generative adversarial network (AOT-GAN) for blank strip filling, aiming to achieve high-precision and high-fidelity information reconstruction. Methods Initially, a high-quality dataset was prepared based on original FMI images, along with full-borehole images obtained through image inpainting using CIFLog. Then, …

A Drilling-Punching-Hole Protection Integrated Hydraulic Caving Technology For Broken Soft And Low-Permeability Coal Seams, Yao Ningping, Hao Shijun, Zhang Jinbao, Wei Hongchao, Nie Chao

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Method For broken soft and low-permeability coal seams, gas drainage achieved through permeability enhancement and pressure relief by cross-seam hydraulic caving in coal seam floor faces problems including serious borehole collapse in the drilled coal seam intervals, low construction efficiency, and poor gas drainage performance. To address these problems, this study proposed a high-efficiency drilling-punching-hole protection integrated gas drainage technology, which enabled hydraulic caving, permeability enhancement, and pressure relief. Furthermore, this study developed a drilling-punching-hole protection integrated caving device. Through laboratory experiments conducted under pressure conversion and central channels equipped with controllable opening/closing mechanisms, this study selected the …

Surface-Borehole Resistivity Tomography For Seepage Detection In Earth-Rock Dams, Tan Lei, Hu Xiongwu, Zhang Pingsong, Jiang Xiaoyi, Dong Ya, Liu Fuda, Li Chunyang, Xu Hu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Resistivity methods allow for effective detection of seepage in reservoir dams. However, when used to detect the hidden hazards of dams, the surface resistivity method fails to accurately identify vulnerable areas across an entire dam due to blind spots near both dam abutments and insufficient resolutions for deep parts. Methods This study proposed a seepage detection technique for earth-rock dams based on surface-borehole resistivity tomography, followed by the analysis of the distribution of surface-borehole resistivity under the lateral and vertical variations in a seepage zone through numerical simulations. This technique was applied to the Shibi reservoir dam. Using the …

A Gaussian Process Regression-Based Denoising Method For Transient Electromagnetic Signals, Wang Peng, Shi Jiaxing, Lu Kai, Hu Jinru, Wen Guangyuan, Zhai Haojie

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective The transient electromagnetic (TEM) method serves as a primary geophysical technique for groundwater detection in coalfields at present, with the detection results directly influencing the implementation of water hazard prevention and control in coal mines. Since it is difficult to avoid electromagnetic interference sources such as power lines during data acquisition, TEM signals are prone to be contaminated by electromagnetic noise. Given that primary denoising techniques such as wavelet transform and empirical mode decomposition (EMD) are yet to be further improved, this study developed a novel Gaussian process regression (GPR)-based denoising method for TEM signals. Methods First, time alignment …

Ainet: Integrating Mamba And Cbam For Enhanced Camouflage Object Detection, Henry O. Velesaca, P. Andrea Mero, Abel A. Reyes-Angulo, Angel D. Sappa

Michigan Tech Publications

This paper introduces AINet, a novel deep learning architecture designed for detecting camouflaged objects in complex and diverse environments. The objective of this work is to design an end-to-end camouflaged object detection architecture that simultaneously captures long-range dependencies and refines subtle camouflage cues, improving segmentation accuracy and boundary delineation across both standard COD benchmarks and real-world agricultural scenarios. AINet leverages the strengths of Mamba, an efficient sequential state model for capturing long-range dependencies, and the Convolutional Block Attention Module (CBAM) for feature refinement through attention mechanisms. Detecting camouflaged objects is a significant challenge across a wide range of real-world applications, …

Synergistic Breaking Of Composite Key Strata And Energy Evolution Of The Overburden Under Mining Disturbances, Wu Boqiang, Wang Xiaodong, Zhu Shibin, Xu Ganggang, Zhang Yuehong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective This study aims to explore the synergistic breaking responses and energy evolution mechanisms of composite key strata under mining disturbances. These efforts will provide robust theoretical support for the prevention and control of disaster-causing accidents in the surrounding rocks of coal seams and hold great significance for ensuring safe mining operations underground. Methods The breaking and instability characteristics of composite key strata under mining disturbances were analyzed by integrating physical simulation using similar materials, numerical calculation, and theoretical analysis. Accordingly, the accumulation and release patterns of strain energy and gravitational potential energy in the overburden were investigated. Finally, the …

Post-Fire Inspection, Material Testing, Repair, And Field Load Testing Of A Full-Scale Concrete Box Girder Bridge: Delta Bridge Case Study, Ahmed S. Eisa, Hilal Hassan, Mohamed A. Badran, Ayman El-Zohairy

Faculty Publications

Bridges are critical components of transportation networks, and fire accidents can significantly impair their structural integrity, leading to safety risks and major economic losses. This study presents a comprehensive inspection, materials testing, repair, and field load testing program for a full-scale concrete box girder bridge (Delta Bridge, Alexandria, Egypt) following a fire exposure on two spans. A total of 28 concrete core samples were extracted and tested, revealing average compressive strengths of 48.50 MPa (slab), 53.90 MPa (web), and 45.88 MPa (columns), representing moderate reductions of approximately 8.5%, 7.9%, and 10.8%, respectively, relative to the original in situ concrete strength …

Mechanism And Prevention Of Rockburst In Deep Asymmetric Goaf Areas Coal Seam Main Roadway, Lu Xihui, Zhao Weiwei, Hao Yinghao, Cao Anye, Su Shijie, Lyu Guowei, Bai Gang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective With an increase in the utilization of main roadways in coal seams, rockburst have occurred increasingly more frequently in these main roadways. Investigating the mechanisms behind these rockburst under specific conditions, as well as differentiated prevention and control measures, holds great significance for the safe extraction of deep coal resources.Methods This study investigated the main roadways at risk of strong rockburst within a coal mine in Inner Mongolia. By integrating a range of methods, including field measurement, theoretical analysis, and FLAC3D-based numerical simulation, this study examined the evolutionary patterns of both the surrounding rock stress and the overburden …

Sedimentary Evidence For The Connection Between The Southern Margin Of The Ordos Basin And The Paleotethys Ocean During The Permian To Early Triassic, Li Zonglin, Shi Yongsheng, Li Wenhou, Chen Long, Sun Jiaopeng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Understanding the Permian-Early Triassic sedimentary environments along the southern margin of the Ordos Basin (also referred to as the SMOB) and their tectono-sedimentary responses to the Paleotethys Ocean plays a key role in determining the paleogeographic evolution and energy resource potential of the southern margin of the North China Craton. Methods This study investigated the Qinling Orogenic Belt (QOB) and the SMOB. Through systematic sedimentological examination based on drilling data and outcrop sections, along with a systematic review of existing paleontological findings, this study re-determined the Permian-Early Triassic tectono-paleogeographic frameworks along the SMOB. Furthermore, this study explored the paleogeography …

Characteristics And Mechanisms Of Guar Gum Degradation By Indigenous Bacteria In Coal Seams, Li Bing, Guo Hongyu, Zhou Xiao, Wang Haichao, Jian Kuo, Chen Zhaoying, Zhang Bin

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Hydraulic fracturing serves as a stimulation technique extensively used in the commercial development of coalbed methane (CBM), in which guar gum is commonly used as a fracturing fluid thickener. However, under the low-temperature conditions of coal reservoirs, conventional chemical gel-breaking methods often suffer from incomplete gel breaking and high residue content, resulting in formation damage and a decrease in the production efficiency of CBM wells. Methods Using indigenous bacteria in coal seams as functional strains, this study conducted microbial gel-breaking experiments. It systematically investigated the characteristics of guar gum biodegradation by these bacteria and determined the dominant microbial taxa …

A Method For Diffracted Wave Separation And Imaging Based On The Gwa-Vmd, Lin Peng, Liu Yulin, Peng Suping, Cui Xiaoqin, Guo Changbo, Yang Jie

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Small-scale discontinuous geobodies such as faults, collapse columns, and pinch-out points are widely present in underground spaces. They are closely associated with the safe production and development of underground resources such as coals, oil, and gas. As the wave field responses of small-scale discontinuous geobodies, diffracted waves can overcome the shortcomings of traditional reflected wave imaging, being capable of accurately identifying and localizing small-scale geobodies. Objective and Method This study aims to achieve diffracted wave imaging of discontinuous geobodies. Based on the differences in kinematic and dynamic characteristics between reflected and diffracted waves, this study leveraged the precise self-adaptive …

A Reflected Radio Wave-Based Exploration Method For Goaves In Closed/Abandoned Mines And Its Application, Pang Yao, Wu Rongxin, Wang Jinguo, Hu Ze'an

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Method The redevelopment and reutilization of closed/abandoned mines hold great research significance and practical production value due to their substantial number. In China, the secondary development and utilization of energy and spatial resources in such mines started late, rendering foundational theories and key technologies relatively underdeveloped. To investigate the developmental characteristics of underground spaces within goaves in closed/abandoned mines, this study proposed a reflected radio wave-based exploration method. Specifically, an observation system with a fixed transmitter-receiver (TR) spacing was deployed in rock roadways above/below or on both sides of the mining face in a closed/abandoned mine. Then, a …

Cross-Modal Lidar-Camera Joint Calibration For Heading And Mining Face In Coal Mines, Yang Wenjuan, Ren Zhiteng, Zhang Xuhui, Du Yuyang, Li Changpeng, Zhang Chao, Xu Jie, Wan Jicheng, Lei Mengyu

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective In underground coal mines, it is challenging to extract the features of the heading and mining face stably under insufficient illumination, significant dust interference, and sparse point clouds. This severely undermines the accuracy and robustness of camera-LiDAR joint calibration based on underground unstructured scene characteristics.Methods Targeting complex operating conditions, including fully mechanized mining face and tunneling roadways, this study developed a LiDAR-camera joint calibration method based on cross-depth feature coupling. In this method, an improved random sample consensus (RANSAC) algorithm for multi-plane fitting was designed for feature extraction. By integrating normal vector-based pre-clustering and an adaptive iteration mechanism, …

Note: Greenvent – Revolutionizing Methane Management With Hybrid Energy Processing In Mine Ventilation, Roman J. Jędrzejczyk, Damian K. Chlebda, Jacek Dańczak, Piotr Rosikowski, Monika A. Koperska, Robert E. Hayes, Joseph P. Mmbaga, Robert Hildebrandt, Joanna Profic-Paczkowska

Journal of Sustainable Mining

Methane plays a significant role in intensifying the greenhouse effect, possessing a global warming potential more than twenty times greater than that of CO₂ when measured on a carbon-dioxide-equivalent basis. Hence, identifying efficient methods to mitigate methane emissions is crucial for safeguarding the environment, ensuring economic viability, and maintaining practicality. Globally, research initiatives are dedicated to crafting an effective catalyst system for methane oxidation, which involves developing catalysts, comprehending their characteristics, and determining the best way of bonding them to structural supports to enhance functionality. Notably, systems that incorporate metals from the non-noble d-block of the periodic table as …

Enhancing Workforce Development In Construction Management Through Collaborative Teaching (Co-Teaching) Models, John Annor, Francois Jacobs

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a collaborative co-teaching initiative implemented across three educational institutions—the University of State, Community College, and High School—through two key construction courses: Construction Materials and Methods and Construction Safety. Designed to bridge gaps across educational levels, the initiative adopted a mixed-methods research approach to assess student learning outcomes, instructional effectiveness, and stakeholder perceptions. Quantitative data were collected from standardized assessments, including quizzes, a safety plan project, and exams administered across multiple years. Analytical techniques such as Welch's two-sample t-tests and Welch ANOVA were employed to compare student performance between and within institutions, adjusting for unequal …

A Longitudinal Study Of Workforce Trends And Challenges In The Construction Industry Of A Rural State: A Case Study Of Wyoming, John Annor, Francois Jacobs

Online Journal for Workforce Education and Development

Wyoming’s construction sector, while often eclipsed by extractive industries, plays a vital role in supporting statewide economic activity and infrastructure development. This study investigates key labor force trends in the sector from 2010 to 2024, focusing on employment patterns, age-based workforce composition, and wage trajectories. Drawing on monthly data from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, the analysis employs descriptive statistics, time series modeling, and cross-variable analysis to explore sectoral vulnerabilities. Findings reveal a cyclical employment structure marked by seasonal peaks and troughs, with a notable disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The workforce is aging rapidly, with workers …

Tetramethylbenzidine Loaded Pva Nanofibers Strip For Visual Detection Of Hydrogen Peroxide Via Cu2+ Catalysis And Its Applications, Samar A. Salim

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Background Advancements in sensor technology have facilitated the development of cost-effective and highly sensitive sensors which have significantly improved the detection of biological analytes in various fields. This study presents a novel approach for the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), a critical analyte in both biological and environmental systems. A simple and sensitive colorimetric sensing platform was developed based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers loaded with tetramethylbenzidine (TMB). Results The nanofibers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, confirming the formation of smooth, spindle-shaped fibers with diameters from 324 to 551 nm. The colorimetric detection method utilized TMB, which undergoes oxidation …

Uas Path Planning With Dynamic Rerouting Using A Space-Time Graph, Kimoy Williams

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

UAS systems have emerged as multifaceted technologies with applications across a wide range of sectors. Their ability to access areas that are difficult or unsafe for manned systems has made them invaluable tools in various domains. As a result, UAS have transformed numerous industries, including infrastructure inspection, delivery and logistics, military and defense, as well as precision agriculture and environmental monitoring.

The advancement in UAS technology is fundamentally reliant upon ongoing research efforts in the specialized area of UAS path planning. Optimal flight planning is essential for a UAV to effectively execute its mission’s task safely, effectively, and in congruence …