Seismic Advance Detection During Roadway Excavation in Underground Coal Mines: Method and Field Applications

Authors

  • Chuanjiu Zhang

    CHN Energy Shendong Coal Group Co., Ltd., Ordos 01700, China; Shendong Coal Branch, China Shenhua Energy Co., Ltd., Ordos 01700, China
  • Sushe Chen

    CHN Energy Shendong Coal Group Co., Ltd., Ordos 01700, China; Shendong Coal Branch, China Shenhua Energy Co., Ltd., Ordos 01700, China
  • Donglin Fan

    CHN Energy Shendong Coal Group Co., Ltd., Ordos 01700, China; Shendong Coal Branch, China Shenhua Energy Co., Ltd., Ordos 01700, China
  • Fengjuan Tao

    Wuhan Changsheng Coalmine Safety Technology CO., Ltd., Wuhan 430300, China
  • Chunsheng Liu

    Wuhan Changsheng Coalmine Safety Technology CO., Ltd., Wuhan 430300, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v8i7.12730
Received: 26 February 2026 | Revised: 29 April 2026 | Accepted: 6 May 2026 | Published Online: 27 July 2026

Abstract

Safe and efficient roadway excavation is critical to intelligent coal mine development, while advance geological detection remains challenging under continuous excavation conditions. This study proposes a seismic advance detection method conducted concurrently with excavation, utilizing vibrations generated by roadheaders as seismic sources to achieve real-time geological forecasting without interrupting production. A complete processing workflow including time-window selection, band-pass filtering, first-arrival picking, cross-correlation signal extraction, and depth migration imaging was developed to extract effective reflection signals from random excavation-induced vibrations and to construct accurate subsurface images ahead of excavation faces. Field applications were conducted in Roadways 2110 and 2209 of Dongzhouyao Coal Mine under different geological conditions. Results demonstrate successful identification of faults, collapse columns, fractured zones, and lithological transitions ahead of excavation. Imaging results agree well with excavation exposure and drilling verification data, confirming the reliability and practical applicability of the method. The proposed technology enables continuous advance detection during excavation, improves operational safety, and enhances construction efficiency. It shows strong potential for practical application in intelligent roadway drivage and advance geological hazard prevention in underground coal mines.

Keywords:

Intelligent Drivage; Seismic Advance Detection; While-Excavation Monitoring; Geological Anomaly Identification

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How to Cite

Zhang, C., Chen, S., Fan , D., Tao, F., & Liu, C. (2026). Seismic Advance Detection During Roadway Excavation in Underground Coal Mines: Method and Field Applications. Journal of Environmental & Earth Sciences, 8(7), 261–280. https://doi.org/10.30564/jees.v8i7.12730

Issue

Vol. 8 , Iss. 7 (July 2026): In Progress

Article Type

Article

License

Copyright © 2026 Chuanjiu Zhang, Sushe Chen, Donglin Fan , Fengjuan Tao, Chunsheng Liu

Creative Commons License

This is an open access article under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.

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