A prediction model for mining subsidence in loess-covered mountainous areas of western China

Land subsidence in the loess-covered mountainous area is a complex process that contemporary models could not accurately simulate. We assumed that flat-ground mining subsidence was the result of joint action of bedrock mining subsidence under equivalent load of the loess layer and the spread of bedrock surface subsidence to land surface via thick loess layers. Quantitative relationships between equivalent load of the loess layer and equivalent exploitation width, depth, and bedrock subsidence were examined. A double-medium model of flat-ground mining subsidence based on stochastic medium theory was developed to simulate the interactions between loess layers and bedrock. Another model was established to describe the slip deformation associated with loess in hill side mining. The two models were integrated to account for mining subsidence on flat ground and hillside. The integrated model was demonstrated to be robust in land subsidence deformation prediction for loess-covered mountainous area based on field measurements from a mining area in western China.