sustainability
Article
Study on the Instability Mechanism of Coal and Rock Mining
under a Residual Coal Pillar in Gently Inclined Short-Distance
Coal Seam with the Discrete Element
Chuanwei Zang, Jia Zhou, Miao Chen * , Feng Bai and Zhengyang Zhao
Citation: Zang, C.; Zhou, J.; Chen, M.;
Bai, F.; Zhao, Z. Study on the
Instability Mechanism of Coal and
Rock Mining under a Residual Coal
Pillar in Gently Inclined Short-Distance
Coal Seam with the Discrete Element.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6294. https://
doi.org/10.3390/su15076294
Academic Editor: Jianjun Ma
Received: 10 March 2023
Revised: 4 April 2023
Accepted: 4 April 2023
Published: 6 April 2023
Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
This article is an open access article
distributed under the terms and
conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/
4.0/).
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6294. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15076294
College of Energy and Mining Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology,
Qingdao 266590, China
* Correspondence: miaochen@sdust.edu.cn
Abstract: The collapse of overlying rocks caused by the instability of residual coal pillars during
lower coal seam mining significantly impacts its safety. This paper focuses on the gentle dipping coal
seam group and utilizes the discrete element method (DEM) as the basis to comprehensively consider
multiple factors through orthogonal experiments. In so doing it reveals the influence mechanisms
of various factors on mining at a close distance under a residual coal pillar. Firstly, the process of
lower coal seam mining under residual coal pillars in gently-dipping coal seams was simulated and
analyzed based on a case study at the Baoping coal mine. Comparing the evolution characteristics of
coal–rock fractures, stress changes, and displacement changes during the mining process reveals the
mechanism of the joint instability of the lower coal seam, interlayer rock, coal pillars, and overlying
strata under the disturbed conditions of lower panel mining. Secondly, an orthogonal simulation
experiment was established using the width of the coal pillar and the thickness of the lower coal
seam as variables. By comparing the development process of cracks, stress distribution, and rock
displacement under different conditions, the research results indicate that the width of coal pillars has
an impact on the maximum amount of coal pillar subsidence, while the thickness of the underlying
coal seam has an impact on the time of subsidence, when hd ≥ 4.2 m (hj /hd ≤ 4) and w ≤ 14 m
(w/hm ≤ 2), a large-scale collapse of the overlying strata of the coal pillar occurs.
Keywords: gently inclined; residual coal pillar; short-distance coal seam; UDEC; coal rock instability
1. Introduction
In recent years, the problem of mining under situations of close-distance coal seams
has gradually attracted attention. The mining of multiple coal seams gives the overlying
strata different migration characteristics than single coal seam mining, and the law of
mine pressure is more complicated than that of a single coal seam [1–6]. Gao et al. [7]
have analyzed the distribution of dynamic ground pressures, geological characteristics,
and stress fields in coal mining sites. Based on this analysis, they established a detailed
classification system for rock burst mechanisms and provided guidance for controlling
rock bursts in similar mining conditions. Yang et al. [8] used a mechanical model to
reveal the influence law of multi-coal seam mining and the dynamic breaking mechanism
of overburden and calculated the strata movement parameters and influence range of
multi-coal seam mining.
A large number of studies have shown that the residual coal pillars in multi-coal
seam mining may have gradual or abrupt instability under the influence of overlying rock
stress and mining disturbance, which will further induce the displacement failure of the
overlying strata and lead to accidents in the lower panel [9]. Therefore, many scholars
have begun to study the coal pillar and rock strata as a whole. The deformation and failure
characteristics, energy change characteristics, acoustic emission characteristics, and fracture
evolution characteristics of these coal–rock assemblages have been analyzed in detail using
https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability
 [10–14], and the influence of surrounding rock lithology, loading conditions, rock
gle, and other factors have been studied [15–18]. Gao et al. [19] analyzed the stre
bution characteristics with or without the overlying coal pillar by numerical sim
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6294
and established a functional model between the peak stress of the surrounding 2 of 15
r
the concentrated stress of the coal pillar and the distance from the panel to the co
and its buried depth and put forward the reinforcement method to control th
mation ofanalysis,
theoretical the roadway
physical under
simulationthe experiments,
coal pillar. andThey then simulated
numerical simulationthe evolutiona
[10–14],
and the influence
acteristics of theof surrounding
leading coalrock lithology,
stress and theloading conditions, rock
displacement in the dippanel
angle,under
and the i
other factors have been studied [15–18]. Gao et al. [19] analyzed the stress distribution
of the overlying coal pillar and revealed the mechanism behind the impact of the o
characteristics with or without the overlying coal pillar by numerical simulation and
coal pillara functional
established on the assertive mine pressure
model between behavior
the peak stress of the panelrock
of the surrounding in and
combination
the
field monitoring
concentrated stress ofdata. Zhang
the coal pillar et
andal.
the[20], combining
distance from the field
panel observation
to the coal pillarand andnumeric
lation,
its buriedanalyzed
depth and put the forward
concentration area of method
the reinforcement verticaltoand horizontal
control stresses
the deformation of in a co
the roadway under the coal pillar. They then simulated the evolutionary
under a residual coal pillar, studied the deformation and failure characteristics o characteristics
of the leading coal stress and the displacement in the panel under the influence of the
way in different positions, and finally put forward a reasonable scheme for the
overlying coal pillar and revealed the mechanism behind the impact of the overlying coal
of roadway
pillar locations.
on the assertive mineThrough several of
pressure behavior groups
the panelof similar simulation
in combination with thematerial
field tests
[21] conducted
monitoring a mechanical
data. Zhang analysisfield
et al. [20], combining of the key blocks
observation above asimulation,
and numerical residual coal p
analyzed the concentration area of vertical and horizontal
revealed the mechanism of instability of those key blocks. They discussed stresses in a coal seam under the infl
a residual coal pillar, studied the deformation and failure characteristics of a roadway
two factors, the covering depth of the overlying coal pillar and the interlayer thick
in different positions, and finally put forward a reasonable scheme for the selection of
the coallocations.
roadway pillar’s Through
stability, and groups
several considered that
of similar the rotation
simulation materialand movement
tests, Ju et al. [21]of the ke
concentrate
conducted overlying
a mechanical stress
analysis on key
of the theblocks
coal pillar,
above a transferring it downward.
residual coal pillar and revealed Based
findings,
the mechanism theyof proposed
instability of a those
method key of pre-advancing
blocks. They discussed thethecoal pillar of
influence roadway,
two wh
factors, the covering
proven to be effective. depth of the overlying coal pillar and the interlayer thickness, on the
coal pillar’s stability, and considered that the rotation and movement of the key blocks
To sum up, the mechanical evolution process of coal and rock instability i
concentrate overlying stress on the coal pillar, transferring it downward. Based on these
coal seam
findings, theymining
proposed is acomplex
method ofand challenging
pre-advancing theto study,
coal pillar and research
roadway, whichon was its mech
lacking
proven in effective.
to be terms of the under-the-joint action of different factors, including coal s
To sum up,
angle, coal pillar the mechanical
size, andevolution
lower coal process
seamof coal and rock instability
thickness. This paper in multi-coal
aims at the pro
seam mining is complex and challenging to study, and research on its mechanism is lacking
mine pressure behavior encountered in the process of mining under the remain
in terms of the under-the-joint action of different factors, including coal seam dip angle,
pillar
coal of size,
pillar a gently inclined
and lower coal coal
seamseam in Baoping
thickness. This paper coal mine,
aims at theXinjiang.
problem of Bymineusing the
of theoretical
pressure behavioranalysis
encountered andinnumerical
the processsimulation,
of mining under thisthe
paper probes
remaining the
coal fracture e
pillar
law
of of a inclined
a gently gently inclined
coal seam coal pillarcoal
in Baoping andmine,
the Xinjiang.
mechanism behind
By using the linkage
the methods of insta
theoretical analysis and numerical simulation, this paper probes
coal and rock strata under the condition of multi-coal seam mining and analyzes the fracture evolution law
of a gently inclined coal pillar and the mechanism behind the linkage instability of coal and
tors that affect the movement and destruction of coal and rock in the process of m
rock strata under the condition of multi-coal seam mining and analyzes the factors that
affect the movement and destruction of coal and rock in the process of mining.
2. Engineering Background Analysis
2. Engineering Background Analysis
Baoping coal mine in the Huishuangou Mining area of Changji City is locate
Baoping coal mine in the Huishuangou Mining area of Changji City is located south-
westofof
west Zhunnan
Zhunnan coalfield.
coalfield. The
The coal coal
seam dipseam
angle dip angle
is 13~22 is 13~22°,
◦ , with with
of
an average an◦ . average
of 19 The
column
column chart
chart of rock
of rock stratastrata is shown
is shown in Figurein
1. Figure 1.

Figure
Figure 1. Comprehensive
1. Comprehensive column
column chart of chart
strata. of strata.
 Among these, the coal seams studied in descending order from shallo
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6294 3 of 15
No. 4, No. 5, and No. 9. As shown in Figure 2, the No. 4 and No. 5 coal seam
degree of coalescence, with an average coal thickness of 7.08 m, a simple st
relatively
Among stable
these, thecoal
coal seam. The roof
seams studied lithology
in descending is dominated
order from shallow to by siltstone,
deep are an
No. 4, No. 5, and No. 9. As shown in Figure 2, the No. 4 and
siltstone. The No. 9 coal seam is 16.6 m away from the No. 5 coal seam and i No. 5 coal seams have a high
degree of coalescence, with an average coal thickness of 7.08 m, a simple structure and a
5.6 m, the
relatively floor
stable and
coal roof
seam. Theareroofsiltstone,
lithology isthe thickness
dominated of the and
by siltstone, whole coalisis stabl
the floor
to a stable
siltstone. The coal
No. 9 bed group,
coal seam and
is 16.6 there
m away fromis the
noNo. single
5 coalsuper-thick hard sandston
seam and its thickness is
5.6 m, the floor and roof are siltstone, the thickness of the
upper part. However, due to the existence of several groups of mixed sand whole coal is stable and belongs
to a stable coal bed group, and there is no single super-thick hard sandstone layer in the
the
upper suspended
part. However, roof
due may be easily
to the existence formed
of several in the
groups mining
of mixed process
sandstone ofthe
groups, the pane
stress
suspended concentration,
roof may be easily elastic
formed accumulation
in the mining process and abnormal
of the pressure
panel, resulting in stressbehavio
panel of the buried depth of the No. 9 coal seam is 342~378 m. The ofinclined
concentration, elastic accumulation and abnormal pressure behavior. The 11903 panel
the buried depth of the No. 9 coal seam is 342~378 m. The inclined length is 130 m and the
m
topand
is thethe top is
residual the
coal residual
pillar of the No. coal
4–5pillar
coal seamof thewithNo. 4–5ofcoal
a width 18 m.seam with a widt
The pressure
pressure
frame accident frame accident
that occurred in that occurred
this panel occurred induring
this panel
mining.occurred during mining

Figure
Figure 2. 2. Location
Location diagram
diagram of coal
of coal seam and seam
panel. and panel. (Different colors are used to dist
types and for aesthetic purposes)
When mining in the lower panel, stress redistribution of the overlying strata will be
caused. When the mining reaches the stress concentration area below the coal pillar, the
When
influence mining
of this in the
disturbance willlower
destroypanel,
the coalstress redistribution
pillar and of theofoverlying
lead to the instability the
caused. Whenresulting
overlying strata, the mining
in a morereaches
extensivethe stress
range concentration
of overlying rock movement.area below the c
As shown in Figure 3, the basic roof above the coal pillar breaks to form a hinged
influence of this disturbance will destroy the coal pillar and lead to the ins
structure composed of three key blocks, A, B, and C, which support the weight of the
overlying strata,
upper strata and resulting
maintains overallin a more
stability extensive
when range ofThe
it is in equilibrium. overlying
stability ofrock
key move
block As shown in Figure 3, the basic roof above the coal pillar breaks to f
B needs to meet specific mechanical conditions: when the friction force between
key blocks A and B is greater than the shear force between them, the slip motion will
structure composed of three key blocks, A, B, and C, which support the
not occur between them and key block B will not lose stability; and when the positive
upper
pressurestrata
between and
key maintains
blocks A andoverall stability
B is greater than the when it is in
compressive equilibrium.
strength of the key The s
block B needsinstability
block, rotational to meetwillspecific
also notmechanical
occur betweenconditions:
them. When the when
lower the friction
coal seam is force
mined, the subsidence of the coal pillar increases the force between key blocks A and B,
blocks A and B is greater than the shear force between them, the slip motion
and when key block B meets the mechanical conditions of instability, rotary subsidence
between
movement them anddrives
occurs and key the
block B willand
movement notcollapse
lose stability;
of the upper and when
strata. The the
stresspositive
tween key blocks
is then transmitted A and Bthrough
downwards is greater than
the coal theresulting
pillar, compressive strength
in deformation of the ke
of the
support frame and other disasters in the lower panel.
tional instability will also not occur between them. When the lower coal se
the subsidence of the coal pillar increases the force between key blocks A and
key block B meets the mechanical conditions of instability, rotary subsiden
occurs and drives the movement and collapse of the upper strata. The stress
mitted downwards through the coal pillar, resulting in deformation of the s
and other disasters in the lower panel.
 Sustainability2023,
Sustainability 15, x6294
2023,15, FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 15 4 of 1

Figure3.3.Schematic
Figure Schematic diagram
diagram of coal
of the the coal and structure
and rock rock structure in inclined
in gently gently inclined multi-seam
multi-seam mining. mining.

3. Establishment of Numerical Model

3. Establishment of Numerical Model
Numerical simulation software is a common research tool in the field of mining
Numerical
engineering simulation software
and geotechnical engineering. is aHowever,
common in research
the facetool in the field
of different of mining en
problems,
itgineering
is necessary andtogeotechnical engineering.
select the appropriate However,
simulation in theaccording
software face of different problems, it i
to the specific
necessary to
application select the
scenarios andappropriate
the mechanical simulation
principlessoftware according
of the software, to will
as this the specific
have an applica
tion scenarios
important impactand the accuracy
on the mechanical of theprinciples of the software,
final calculation as this
results [22,23]. will havemedia
Continuous an importan
mechanics analysis software such as FLAC is more suitable for simulating
impact on the accuracy of the final calculation results [22,23]. Continuous media mechan stress changes
and deformation
ics analysis in the such
software mining asprocess,
FLAC iswhile morediscrete
suitableelement software isstress
for simulating more changes
suitable and de
for studyingin
formation damage and fracture
the mining process, simulation on an engineering
while discrete scale [24].
element software is more suitable for stud
UDEC is a two-dimensional numerical simulation software based on the discrete ele-
ying damage and fracture simulation on an engineering scale [24].
ment method of discontinuous media. It regards the object as a collection of discontinuous
UDEC is a two-dimensional numerical simulation software based on the discrete el
blocks and discontinuous contact surfaces between the blocks. The macroscopic deforma-
tion andmethod
ement strength of discontinuous
behavior media.model
of the numerical It regards theon
depends object as a collection
the mechanical of discontinu
parameters
ous
of theblocks
block andandthe discontinuous
contact surface. contact
Because surfaces
the rock between
materialthe hasblocks. The macroscopic
the characteristics of de
formation
joints and strength
and cracks, behavior
UDEC is ideal of the numerical
for simulating model
and analyzing thedepends on thefractures
discontinuous mechanical pa
of the surrounding
rameters of the blockrockand
and the overlying rock movement
contact surface. Because caused
the rock bymaterial
underground min-
has the character
ing [25–27].
istics Some
of joints andscholars
cracks,have
UDEC alsoisused
idealitforto simulate
simulating theandmovement
analyzing of coal
the pillars
discontinuou
and overlying
fractures rocksurrounding
of the [28–31]. To study rocktheandfailure
the and instability
overlying rockcharacteristics
movement ofcaused coal andby under
rock during mining under the residual coal pillar, this paper ultimately uses UDEC as the
ground mining [25–27]. Some scholars have also used it to simulate the movement of coa
simulation software.
pillars and overlying rock [28–31]. To study the failure and instability characteristics o
In this simulation, the elastic constitutive model is used for blocks and the coulomb
slip model rock
coal and is used during miningAsunder
for contacts. shownthe residual
in Figure coaldeformation
4, the pillar, thisandpaper ultimately use
mechanical
UDEC asofthe
behaviors thesimulation
numerical modelsoftware.
depend on the micromechanical parameters of the trigon
In this simulation, the elastic
blocks. In the normal and tangential direction constitutive modelsurface,
of the contact is usedwhenfor blocks and force
the normal the coulomb
slip
or modeldirection
tangent is useddoes for contacts.
not exceed Astheshown
strength,in Figure 4, the deformation
the mechanical and mechanica
response behavior is
controlled
behaviorsbyofthe thenormal stiffness
numerical and tangent
model depend stiffness;
on thewhen the normal force
micromechanical or tangentialof the tri
parameters
force exceeds In
gon blocks. thethe
strength,
normal theand
contact surfacedirection
tangential demonstrates tensile
of the failure
contact or shear
surface, failure.
when the norma
Based on the geological conditions of the 11903 panel of the Baoping coal mine in
force or tangent direction does not exceed the strength, the mechanical response behavio
Xinjiang, a numerical calculation model of gently inclined multi-coal seam mining was
is controlled by the normal stiffness and tangent stiffness; when the normal force or tan
established, as shown in Figure 5.
gential
Theforce
size ofexceeds
the 2Dthe strength,
model is 254the contact
m wide × surface demonstrates
200 m high, and the totaltensile failure
number of or shea
failure.
blocks is 3074. For monitoring the damage and crack propagation of coal pillars, a total
of 128 triangular blocks with dimensions of 18 m × 7.08 m were generated in the coal
pillar area. Additionally, rectangular blocks and grid divisions were used in siltstone 1
and siltstone 2 to better study the movement of rock layers, stress distribution, and crack
development. The maximum edge length of the triangular block 1.5 m and the size of the
rectangular block is 6 m × 3 m; The upper coal seam was divided into rectangular blocks
 Sustainability 2023, 15, 6294 5 of 15

Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5

of 10 m × 3.04 m, except for the coal pillar area, while the lower coal seam was divided
into rectangular blocks of 5 m × 2.8 m, in order to make the coal seam excavation more
convenient. The left and right boundaries of the model are set with horizontal displacement
constraints, while the bottom boundary is set with vertical displacement constraints. At
Sustainability 2023, 15, x FOR PEER REVIEW
the top of the model, stress boundaries are set, and a vertically downward load of 6.25 MPa
is applied to simulate the pressure of overlying strata.

Figure 4. Structural model of the block contact surface.

Based on the geological conditions of the 11903 panel of the Baoping coal min
Xinjiang, a numerical calculation model of gently inclined multi-coal seam mining
established,
Figure
Figure 4. 4. as shown
Structural
Structural of in
model
model theFigure
of 5. surface.
thecontact
block block contact surface.

Based on the geological conditions of the 11903 panel of the Baoping coal
Xinjiang, a numerical calculation model of gently inclined multi-coal seam min
established, as shown in Figure 5.

Figure5. 5.
Figure Numerical
Numerical model
model diagram
diagram of UDEC.
of UDEC.

The size of the 2D model is 254 m wide × 200 m high, and the total number of b
is 3074. For monitoring the damage and crack propagation of coal pillars, a total o
triangular blocks with dimensions of 18 m × 7.08 m were generated in the coal pillar
Additionally,
Figure rectangular
5. Numerical blocks and
model diagram grid divisions were used in siltstone 1 and silts
of UDEC.
2 to better study the movement of rock layers, stress distribution, and crack developm
The maximum
The size ofedge length
the 2D of the
model triangular
is 254 m wideblock
× 200 1.5 m andand
m high, thethe
sizetotal
of the rectang
number o
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6294 6 of 15

After setting the model’s initial conditions, the model is first run to the equilibrium
state to simulate the original stress state. Then, the formation of the 4–5 coal seam goaf
is simulated by deleting blocks, which form the residual coal pillars. After reaching
stability, the excavation of the ninth coal panel 11,903 is simulated. This process is divided
into multiple steps, from the high side to the low side. At the initial stage, the mining
step distance was 10 m. After advancing 30 m, the mining face approached the area of
residual coal pillars. To better observe changes in the coal column and its surrounding rock
formations, the distance advanced by each step is reduced to 5 m. The model is run to the
equilibrium state after each excavation step.
Due to the significant differences between the mechanical parameters, such as Young’s
modulus and compressive strength obtained from mechanical tests and the actual rock
mass, considering the influence of the discontinuity of the actual rock mass on the rock
mechanics parameters, RQD values for each rock layer are used as a measure. Based on the
research results of Zhang L et al. [32]. and Singh M et al. [33], Formula (1)

Em
= 100.0186RQD−1.91 (1)
Er

where Em and Er are the elastic model of the rock mass and intact rock, respectively, and
RQD is a quality index for rocks, was used to establish the relationship between RQD and
the ratio of Em /Er , and Formula (2)

Em q
 
σcm
= (2)
σc Er

where σcm and σc are the compressive strength of intact rock and rock mass, respectively,
and q is taken as 0.63, was used to calculate the compressive strength of the rock mass,
where the tensile strength σtm of the coal–rock mass was taken as 0.1 times the compres-
sive strength σcm . Based on the RQD data measured on-site, the estimated mechanical
parameters are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Physical and mechanical property parameters of coal and rock mass.

The Rock Properties Properties of Rock Mass

RQD
Lithology Er /(GPa) σ c /(GPa) Em /(GPa) σ cm /(GPa) σ tm /(GPa)
Siltstone 1 7.84 16.4 85.36 7.56 12.47 1.25
Siltstone 2 7.42 19.1 90.43 19.47 18.10 1.81
Siltstone 3 8.64 21.9 92.62 15.93 30.70 3.07
Coal 1.71 13.23 82.19 0.71 7.61 0.76

The block model used in the simulation is an elastic model, and the contact surface
uses the Mohr–Coulomb sliding model. After calibrating the macroscopic parameters, it is
necessary to calibrate the microscopic parameters of the UDEC model blocks and contacts
based on the mechanical parameters in Table 1, rather than directly assigning the obtained
rock mass physical parameters.
A series of simulated uniaxial compression tests will be conducted here, as shown
in Figure 6. The initial parameters of the block and contact should be assumed, and the
peak stress obtained from the compression test will be compared with the compressive
strength of the rock mass in Table 1. The micro parameters will be continuously adjusted
based on the results until the calculation matches the macroscopic rock parameters, which
will be considered the completion of calibration. The results of the verified microscopic
parameters from numerical simulations are shown in Table 2.
 The Lithology ρ K G kn ks Cj φj σtj
(kg·m−3) (GPa) (GPa) (GPa) (GPa) (MPa) (°) (MPa)
Siltstone 1 2338 2.4 1.5 62.9 25.2 2.1 36.1 1.03
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Siltstone 2 2512 2.82 1.77 75.9 30.2 2.5 38.2 1.37
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Siltstone 3 2557 3.61 2.26 80.3 34.9 2.9 39.5 1.67
Coal 1280 0.35 0.31 15 4.6 1.8 27 0.76
Table 2. Microscopic parameters of the model after checking.

Block Parameters Joint Parameters

The Lithology ρ K G kn ks Cj φj σtj
(kg·m−3) (GPa) (GPa) (GPa) (GPa) (MPa) (°) (MPa)
Siltstone 1 2338 2.4 1.5 62.9 25.2 2.1 36.1 1.03
Siltstone 2 2512 2.82 1.77 75.9 30.2 2.5 38.2 1.37
Siltstone 3 2557 3.61 2.26 80.3 34.9 2.9 39.5 1.67
Coal 1280 0.35 0.31 15 4.6 1.8 27 0.76

Figure6.6.Simulated
Figure Simulateduniaxial
uniaxialcompressive
compressivetest
testand
andresults.
results.

Table Microscopic
2. Analysis
4. The ofparameters of the Process
the Instability model after checking.
of Coal Rock during Mining under Residual
Coal Pillars in a Gently Dipping Seam
Block Parameters Joint Parameters
The It is necessary to analyze the changes in cracks, stress, and displacement during the
ρ K G k ks Cj ϕj σ tj
Lithology mining process to understandn the mechanism of coal–rock instability during mining un-
(kg·m−3 ) (GPa) (GPa) (GPa) (GPa) (MPa) (◦ ) (MPa)
der residual coal pillars. According to the sequence of simulated experiments, the upper
Siltstone 1 2338 2.4 seam panel
coal 1.5is first excavated
62.9 and run 25.2 2.1
to the equilibrium state to36.1 1.03 coal
form a residual
Siltstone 2 2512 2.82 1.77 75.9 30.2 2.5 38.2 1.37
pillar. Then the lower coal seam panel is removed from the high side to the low side.
Siltstone 3 2557 3.61 6. Simulated
Figure 2.26 uniaxial compressive
80.3 test34.9
and results. 2.9 39.5 1.67
Coal 1280 0.35 In the early 0.31stage of excavation,
15 the development
4.6 of cracks, stress,
1.8 27 and displacement
0.76
in the coal pillars and surrounding rock mass is relatively small until it approaches the
4. The Analysis of the Instability Process of Coal Rock during Mining under Residual
stress concentration zone under the residual coal pillar, where significant changes begin
4.Coal Pillars in aofGently Dipping Process
Seam of Coal Rock during Mining under Residual
toThe
occurAnalysis the Instability
in all indicators. The process continues until the coal pillar area is excavated and
Coal Pillars in a
It is necessary Gently Dipping
to analyze Seam
the model is re-balanced, withthean changes
advancing in cracks,
distancestress,
rangingandfrom
displacement
50 m to 110 during
m. Thethe
It
mining is necessary
process to to analyze
understand the
the changes
mechanism in cracks,
of stress,
coal–rock and displacement
instability
changes in the cracks, stresses, and displacements in the model during this process are during during
mining the
un-
mining process
der residual
shown to7.
coal
in Figure understand the mechanism
pillars. According of coal–rock
to the sequence instability
of simulated during mining
experiments, theunder
upper
residual
coal seam coal pillars.
panel According
is first excavated to the
andsequence
run to theofequilibrium
simulated experiments,
state to formthe upper coal
a residual coal
seam
pillar.panel
Thenisthefirst excavated
lower and run
coal seam panel to is
the equilibrium
removed fromstate to form
the high sidea to residual
the lowcoal
side.pillar.
Then theIn thelower
earlycoal seam
stage of panel is removed
excavation, from the high
the development of side to the
cracks, lowand
stress, side.
displacement
in the coal pillars and surrounding rock mass is relatively small until itdisplacement
In the early stage of excavation, the development of cracks, stress, and approaches the in
the coalconcentration
stress pillars and surrounding
zone underrock the mass
residual is relatively small
coal pillar, untilsignificant
where it approaches the stress
changes begin
concentration
to occur in allzone under the
indicators. Theresidual
process coal pillar, until
continues wherethe significant
coal pillar changes
area is begin to occur
excavated and
inthe
allmodel
indicators. The process continues until the coal pillar area is
is re-balanced, with an advancing distance ranging from 50 m to 110 m. The excavated and the model
ischanges
re-balanced,
in thewith an advancing
cracks, stresses, anddistance ranging from
displacements 50 m
in the to 110during
model m. Thethis changes
processin the
are
cracks, stresses,
shown in Figure 7. and displacements in the model during this process are shown in Figure 7.

Figure 7. Cont.
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Figure
Figure 7.Figure 7. Modelphase
Model7.advance advance phase change diagram.
Model advancechange
phase diagram.
change diagram.

Tounderstand
To understand
To understand the the
the stress stress
changes
stress in changes
thein
changes lower incoal
the lowertheseam
lower
coal coal
during
seam seam
the
during theduring
excavation the
pro-excavation
excavation process, pro
cess, measuring
measuring
cess, measuring lineswere
lines lines
were were
placed
placed placed
in front
front of in
ofthe front of the
theexcavation
excavation faceexcavation
faceto to
record theface
record to record
vertical
the stressesthe
vertical in vertica
stressesthe coalcoal
in the
stressesmass at different
in mass
the coal mass distances.
at different TheThe
atdistances.
different results are shown
results
distances. are
Theshownin Figure
results are8.shown
in Figure 8. in Figure 8.

Figure 8. The vertical stress distribution map in front of the propulsion.

Figure8.8.The
The vertical stress distribution
map map in of
front
the of the propulsion.
understandvertical
ToFigure stress
the stress distribution
changes in front
and internal crack propulsion.
development of the coal pillars
during the excavation process, Fish language was used to monitor the vertical stresses on
To understand the stress changes and internal crack development of the coal pillar
during the excavation process, Fish language was used to monitor the vertical stresses on
 Sustainability
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To understand the stress changes and internal crack development of the coal pillars
the coal
during thepillars and process,
excavation the number of different
Fish language was types
used toof cracks.the
monitor The damage
vertical parameter,
stresses on D
been
the coalproposed,
pillars and according
the number to Gao [27]:
of different types of cracks. The damage parameter, D, has
been proposed, according to Gao [27]:
NS +NT N
N + NT NC
D=N
×100%= ×100%
D= S ×100% = NC
×100% (3)
NC NC
where NS is the number of shear cracks, Nt is the number of tensile cracks, Nc is the
where
number NS is
ofthe number
joints, N isofthe
shear cracks,
total Nt is the
number number and
of cracks, of tensile
D is cracks, NC is the
the damage total
parameter us
number of joints, N is the total number of cracks, and D is the damage parameter used in
this study to characterize the degree of damage to the coal pillars. The monitoring re
this study to characterize the degree of damage to the coal pillars. The monitoring results
ofstress
of stress and
and damage
damage raterate oncoal
on the thepillars
coal pillars arein
are shown shown
Figurein Figure 9, corresponding
9, corresponding to the t
spatiotemporal
spatiotemporal range
range fromfrom
50 m 50 m to
to 110 m.110 m.

Figure9. 9.
Figure Coal
Coal pillar
pillar stress
stress and damage
and damage rate change
rate change diagram.diagram.

At a distance of 50 m, compared with before the excavation, the overall model showed
At a distance of 50 m, compared with before the excavation, the overall m
little change in cracks, stress distribution, and displacement. The entire process after that
showed
can littleinto
be divided change in cracks,
three stages: stress
the first stagedistribution,
from 50 to 65 m, andthedisplacement.
second stage from The65 entire
to pro
after that can be divided into
95 m, and the third stage from 95 to 110 m. three stages: the first stage from 50 to 65 m, the second s
from In65
theto 95stage,
first m, and theexcavation
as the third stage from gradually
position 95 to 110approaches
m. the stress radiation
area ofIn thethe
coal pillar floor, the displacement of the surrounding
first stage, as the excavation position gradually approaches rock mass is not significant,
the stress radia
and the development of cracks is relatively slow. However, the
area of the coal pillar floor, the displacement of the surrounding rock mass is not sig coal pillar is significantly
disturbed, with a damage rate increasing to 46.9%. Shear cracks begin to develop from
cant, and the development of cracks is relatively slow. However, the coal pillar is sig
both sides and gradually cover the entire coal pillar area, while the stress changes inside
cantly
the disturbed,
coal pillar with asmall.
are relatively damage rate increasing
In addition, the verticalto 46.9%.
stress Shear
in front cracks
of the begin to dev
excavation
from
face both sides
gradually and from
increases gradually
15.8 MPa cover
to 59.9theMPa, entire
andcoal pillar
the stress area, while
gradually the stress cha
concentrates
inside the
towards coal pillarface.
the excavation areAt relatively
the end ofsmall.this stage,In addition,
the interlayertherocks
vertical
beginstress in front o
to break,
and there are signs of linkage between the coal pillar and the
excavation face gradually increases from 15.8 MPa to 59.9 MPa, and the stress grad interlayer rocks. The failure
mode of the coaltowards
concentrates pillar alsothe switches from shear
excavation face. failure to tensile
At the end of failure.
this stage, the interlayer r
During the second stage, as the panel advances through the area under the coal pillar,
begin to break, and there are signs of linkage between
the period of greatest change in the model occurs. Cracks in the coal pillar and surrounding
the coal pillar and the inter
rocks.
rock massThe failure
rapidly modemainly
develop, of the incoalthepillar
form of also switches
tensile failure.from sheardistribution
The stress failure to tensile
in fai
the coalDuring
pillar andthesurrounding
second stage, rockasmass
the panel
changes advances through
dramatically, with thethestress
areain under the coal p
the coal
the period
pillar rapidly of greatesttochange
decreasing 5.25 MPa inandthethemodeldamage occurs. Cracks in
rate increasing the coal pillar
significantly and surro
to 82.4%.
Iting
canrock
be seen
mass thatrapidly
the coal develop,
pillar undergoes
mainly instability
in the form and loses its bearing
of tensile capacity
failure. The during
stress distribu
this stage. Meanwhile, the vertical stress on the coal ahead of the advancing face initially
in the coal pillar and surrounding rock mass changes dramatically, with the stress in
increases sharply, reaching a peak value of 94.0 MPa when the face advances to 80 m, and
coal pillar rapidly decreasing to 5.25 MPa and the damage rate increasing significant
then quickly decreases to 41.4 MPa at the end of this stage. The stress concentration zone
82.4%.
shifts fromIt can be seen
the coal pillarthat
to thethe coal
coal pillar
area in frontundergoes instability
of the advancing face and losesgradually
and then its bearing cap
during this
decrease. stage. Meanwhile,
In addition, the boundarythe coalvertical
pillars in stress on the
the upper coal coal
seamahead
showof the advancing
increased
stress.
initiallyOverall,
increasesthe interlayer
sharply,rock mass bends
reaching a peak and subsides,
value andMPa
of 94.0 the coal
when pillar
thebegins
face advanc
to
80 m, and then quickly decreases to 41.4 MPa at the end of this stage. Thealso
move downward from the left side. The overlying rock mass of the coal pillar stress con
tration zone shifts from the coal pillar to the coal area in front of the advancing face
then gradually decrease. In addition, the boundary coal pillars in the upper coal s
show increased stress. Overall, the interlayer rock mass bends and subsides, and the
pillar begins to move downward from the left side. The overlying rock mass of the
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6294 10 of 15

undergoes large-scale movement. The movement process from the interlayer rock mass
to the coal pillar and then to the overlying rock mass is relatively fast, which is a warning
signal that strong mining pressure will occur in the lower panel.
In the third stage, the advancing face gradually moves away from the area under the
coal pillar, and the rate of decrease in stress on the coal pillar slows down and gradually
stabilizes. The development of cracks in the coal pillar almost stops, and the damage rate
increases slowly. At the end of this stage, the stress and damage rate of the coal pillar is
1.32 MPa and 84.1%, respectively. Meanwhile, the stress in front of the advancing face
gradually decreases and becomes stable, ultimately reaching 9.5 MPa. During this stage, the
coal pillar and the overlying rock mass continue to subside together with the interlayer rock
mass until they completely collapse. Afterward, the range of movement of the overlying
rock mass gradually ceases to expand.
During the advancement of the entire panel, as the coal seam below the coal pillar
is gradually mined, the intervening rock layers bend and subside under the influence of
the concentrated stress transmitted through the coal pillar. The coal pillar also moves
downward under the action of overlying strata stress and undergoes failure and instability
in this process. The concentrated internal stress transfers downward to the surrounding
rock of the panel, while the collapse of the coal pillar and overlying strata occurs, and the
scope of collapse gradually expands. The intervening rock layer, coal pillar, and overlying
strata move together until the intervening rock layer reaches the bottom. At this time, the
stress concentration around the panel gradually decreases, and the range of overlying strata
movement no longer expands, eventually reaching a stable state. The simulation results
of the movement process in the coal seam have been compared with the findings of other
scholars based on laboratory experiments, numerical simulations, and field monitoring
data [18–20]. This provides evidence supporting the reliability of our simulation.

5. Analysis of Influence Factors of Coal and Rock Instability in Gently Inclined

Close-Distance Coal Seam
Based on the research status and the previous study, the width-to-height ratio of the
residual coal pillar, the thickness of the interlayer rock mass, and the thickness of the
lower coal seam were selected as the research objects. An orthogonal simulation test was
designed, in which the residual coal pillar’s width-to-height ratio (w/hm ) was set as the
variable. In contrast, the thickness of the lower coal seam (hd ) and the thickness ratio of the
interlayer rock mass to the residual coal pillar floor (hj /w) were used as variables.
In the case of constant coal pillar height and interlayer rock mass thickness, different
coal pillar widths and lower coal seam thicknesses were set to control the size of the two
variables. Specifically, the coal pillar height was set at 7 m, based on geological conditions,
while the width was set at 10 m, 14 m, 18 m, and 22 m. The interlayer rock mass thickness
was set at 16.6 m according to the actual field situation, while the lower coal seam thickness
was set at 2.4 m, 3.3 m, 4.2 m, and 5.6 m. There are a total of 16 schemes, and the excavation
process sequence of the model is consistent for each scheme. Cracks, stress cloud maps, and
displacement cloud maps were extracted according to the stages described in the previous
section, and the legends used are the same as in the previous section.
Based on the conclusion in the previous section, the end of the second stage (at a
distance of 95 m) is the node at which the model enters a stable phase during the excavation
process. The coalescence of the cracks on coal pillar overlying rock at the end of the second
stage was taken as an indicator to differentiate between the results of each scheme. A
coordinate system was established to represent the results, as shown in Figure 10. The red
area indicates that the cracks have coalesced, while the green area means that they have
not yet coalesced.
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ww
22
22

18
18

14
14

10
10

2.4 3.3 4.2 5.6 h

2.4 3.3 4.2 5.6 hdd
Figure 10.
Figure Illustration of
Illustrationof
10.Illustration simulation
ofsimulation test
simulationtest results.
testresults.
results.
Figure 10.

Based on the distribution

distributionof of the
ofthe experimental
the experimental results,
experimentalresults,
results,ititit can
canbe be seen
beseenseenthatthatboth
boththe
the
Based on the distribution can that both the
thickness of the lower
lower coal
coal seam
seam andand the
the width
width of
of the
the coal
coal pillar
pillar significantly
significantlyimpact impactthethe
thickness of the lower coal seam and the width of the coal pillar significantly impact the
degree of coalescence of cracks on both sides. When h ≤ 3.3 (h /h ≥
of coalescence of cracks on both sides. When hd ≤ 3.3 (hj /hd ≥ 5) or w ≥ 18 m
d j d 5) or w ≥ 18 m (w/h m ≥
degree of coalescence of cracks on both sides. When hd ≤ 3.3 (hj/hd ≥ 5) or w ≥ 18 m (w/hm ≥
2.57), the
(w/h cracksthe
≥ 2.57), oncracks
both sides do not
on both coalesce,
sides do not and whenand
coalesce, 4.2 m h(h
hd ≥when /hd4.2
d jj≥ ≤ 4)mand
(h /hw ≤≤144)
2.57), mthe cracks on both sides do not coalesce, and when hd ≥ 4.2 m (h /hd ≤ 4) andj wd ≤ 14
m (w/h
and ≤ 2),
w ≤m 14 m the
(w/hcracks
m ≤ 2),coalesce.
the cracksIn practical
coalesce. scenarios,
In practicalthe ratio of interlayer
scenarios, the ratio ofrock mass
interlayer
m (w/hm ≤ 2), the cracks coalesce. In practical scenarios, the ratio of interlayer rock mass
thickness
rock mass to lower coal
thickness seamcoal
to lower thickness can be determined
seam thickness to consider
can be determined the width
to consider theof the
width
thickness to lower coal seam thickness can be determined to consider the width of the
upper
of coal seam
the upper coal coal
seampillar
coal to ensure
pillar safetysafety
to ensure during the excavation
during the excavation of theof lower panel.panel.
the lower
upper coal seam coal pillar to ensure safety during the excavation of the lower panel.
To study the mechanism by which which thethe thickness
thickness of of the
the lower
lower coal coal seam
seamaffects
affectsthe
the
To study the mechanism by which the thickness of the lower coal seam affects the
model, the results
results at
at the
the end
end of
of the
the second
second stage
stage (95
(95 m)
m) for
for different
different thicknesses
thicknessesof ofthe
the
model, the results at the end of the second stage (95 m) for different thicknesses of the
lower coal seam were were selected
selected for
for the
the same
same 1414 m
m width
width ofof the
the coalcoal pillar.
pillar. A Acomparison
comparison
lower coal seam were selected for the same 14 m width of the coal pillar. A comparison
was made between cracks and displacements,
displacements, as as shown
shown in in Figure
Figure 11. 11.
was made between cracks and displacements, as shown in Figure 11.

(a) hd = 2.4 m (b) hd = 3.3 m

(a) hd = 2.4 m (b) hd = 3.3 m

(c) hd = 4.2 m (d) hd = 5.6 m

(c) hd = 4.2 m (d) hd = 5.6 m
Figure 11.
Figure 11. Simulation
Simulation test
test results
results of
of different
different lower
lower coal
coal seam
seam thickness
thickness models.
models.
Figure 11. Simulation test results of different lower coal seam thickness models.
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At
Atthetheend
endofofthethesecond
secondstage,
stage,thetheadvancing
advancingface facehas hasmoved
movedaway awayfrom from the
theposition
position
under
under the right side of of the
the coal
coalpillar.
pillar.TheThedisplacement
displacementofofcoal coalpillars
pillarsand and their
their surround-
surrounding
ing
rocksrocks is directly
is directly proportional
proportional to theto the thickness
thickness of theof the
lower lower
coalcoal
seam.seam.
When Whenthe the thick-
thickness
ness
of theof lower
the lower
coalcoal
seam seam reaches
reaches 4.34.3
m,m, thethe rocklayer
rock layerdirectly
directlyabove
abovethe the coal
coal pillar also
also
shows apparent
shows apparent cracks.
cracks. Eventually,
Eventually, the the cracks
cracks on on both
both sides
sides ofof the
the goaf
goaf will merge. After After
comparativeanalysis,
comparative analysis,the themain
mainimpact
impactof of the
the thickness
thickness of of the
the lower
lower coal
coal seam
seam lies
lies in
in the
the
displacement of the
displacement the coal
coal pillar
pillar and
and interlayer
interlayer rockrock mass
mass whenwhen the the area
area under
under thethe coal
coalpillar
pillar
is excavated
is excavated and and thethe coal
coal pillar
pillar and
and interlayer
interlayer rock mass move to the bottom. According According
to the
to the theory
theory inin Section
Section 2, 2, as
as the
the coal
coal pillar
pillar supports
supports aa largelarge range
range of of overlying
overlying rock rock mass
mass
above it, the
above thesubsidence
subsidenceofofthe coal
the coalpillar willwill
pillar cause the rotation
cause the rotationand movement
and movement of the of
upper
the
structure. The more subsidence there is of the coal pillar, the greater
upper structure. The more subsidence there is of the coal pillar, the greater the displace- the displacement and
rangeand
ment of movement of the overlying
range of movement of the rock mass above
overlying rock mass it. When
abovethe it.amount
When the of subsidence
amount of
subsidence reaches a certain level, the cracks on both sides of the coal pillar’s rock
reaches a certain level, the cracks on both sides of the coal pillar’s overlying mass
overlying
coalesce
rock massinto a larger
coalesce arch-shaped
into crack zone.crack zone.
a larger arch-shaped
Previous studies
Previous studies havehave shown
shown the the influence
influence of of the
the thickness
thickness of of the
the lower
lower coal
coal seam
seam on on
the movement of the coal and rock when the coal pillar has
the movement of the coal and rock when the coal pillar has a specific thickness. Models a specific thickness. Models
with different
with different widths
widths of of the
the coal
coal pillar
pillar were
were selected
selected to to investigate
investigate the the mechanism
mechanism of of the
the
residual coal pillar width, with the thickness of the lower coal seam set at 4.2 m and set set
residual coal pillar width, with the thickness of the lower coal seam set at 4.2 m and as
as the
the research
research object.
object. Figure
Figure 1212 compares
compares the theoperating
operatingresults resultsofofdifferent
differentmodels
modelsat at the
the
end of
end of the
the second
second stage
stage (95(95 m),
m), and
and the
the changes
changes in in the
the vertical
vertical stresses
stresses and and damage
damage levels
levels
of the coal pillars in the model during the second stage (65–95
of the coal pillars in the model during the second stage (65–95 m) were monitored using m) were monitored using
Fish language.
Fish language.

(a) w = 10 m (b) w = 14 m

(c) w = 18 m (d) w = 22 m
Figure
Figure 12.
12. Simulation
Simulation test
test results
results of
of residual
residual coal
coal pillar
pillar model
model with
with different
different widths.
widths.

Compared with the

Compared with thefour
fourmodels
modelsininthe
the above
above figure,
figure, thethe overall
overall degree
degree of develop-
of development
ment
of overlying rock fractures is lower in cases where the coal pillar width is largerlarger
of overlying rock fractures is lower in cases where the coal pillar width is than
than when
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6294 13 of 15

it is smaller. In addition, the subsidence of the coal pillar and surrounding rocks is always
smaller when the coal pillar width is larger. When the coal pillar width is 14 m and 10 m,
the overlying rock fractures on both sides of the coal pillar have coalesced. At this point,
the damage rate of the coal pillar increases, and the internal stress decreases significantly.
Because the wider residual coal pillars are disturbed by the mining below for a longer time,
their growth in damage rate is also greater. On the other hand, due to the high degree
of stress concentration in coal pillars with smaller widths, their stress drops more under
disturbance. At the end of the stage, both the 14 m and 10 m coal pillars have reached the
bottom of the interlayer rock mass below them, while the interlayer rock mass under the
18 m and 22 m coal pillars has not yet been reached. This is because the subsidence of the
coal pillar is related to the excavation degree of the coal seam below it, and wider coal
pillars require a larger range of coal seam excavation for complete subsidence. Therefore, at
the same advancing distance, wider coal pillars and their lower interlayer rock mass have
a smaller degree of subsidence, and the degree of movement of the overlying rock mass
above the coal pillars is also lower.
In summary, the two main factors affecting the instability of coal–rock movement are
the thickness of the underlying coal seam and the width of the coal pillar. These factors
primarily influence the amount of subsidence in the intervening rock layer and coal pillar.
The former controls the maximum subsidence value, while the latter controls the duration
of subsidence. Based on the monitoring data of coal pillar subsidence in the model, when
the subsidence reaches 2.9 m, the fractured zones of the overlying strata coalesce above
the coal pillar, causing a large-scale collapse of the overlying strata and forming a single
arch shape.

6. Conclusions
Concerning a gently dipping coal seam group, this paper provides a comprehensive
analysis of the process of mining at a close distance under a residual coal pillar from
various perspectives using UDEC. Additionally, by conducting orthogonal experiments,
it investigates the impact of coal pillar size and lower coal seam thickness on coal–rock
instability. The obtained key conclusions are summarized as follows:
(1) An analysis was conducted on the stress conditions of key rock blocks above the
residual coal pillar and the overall structure of the coal pillar and its surrounding
rock mass. It was concluded that the disturbance caused by the excavation of the
lower coal seam resulted in the failure of the residual coal pillar and the instability of
the overlying rock structure, ultimately leading to mining pressure accidents in the
lower panel.
(2) The mining process beneath residual coal pillars in gently inclined coal seams was
simulated using UDEC software. It was found that the movement of coal and rock can
be divided into three stages, with the advancing distance of 65 m and 95 m serving as
the boundaries. The damage level of the coal pillar mainly changes during the second
stage, while it tends to be stable during the first and third stages. The stress of the
surrounding rock mass of the coal pillar gradually shifts forward to the lower panel
with the failure of the coal pillar and then transfers to the boundary coal pillars. The
movement of coal pillars becomes violent as of the second stage, and develops slowly
toward stability in the third stage; during this stage, coalescence occurs between
the fractures on both sides of the coal pillars, leading to a large-scale collapse of the
overlying strata.
(3) An orthogonal simulation experiment was conducted with the width of the residual
coal pillar and the thickness of the lower coal seam as variables; the results indicate
that when hd ≥ 4.2 m (hj /hd ≤ 4) and w ≤ 14 m (w/hm ≤ 2), the subsidence will reach
or exceed 2.9 m, and the fractures in the overlying strata on both sides of the residual
coal pillars will coalesce. The thickness of the lower coal seam directly affects the
maximum value of the interval rock layer and the coal pillar subsidence. In contrast,
the coal pillar’s width directly affects the time of subsidence.
Sustainability 2023, 15, 6294 14 of 15

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, C.Z. and J.Z.; methodology, M.C.; software, J.Z.; vali-
dation, C.Z., J.Z. and M.C.; formal analysis, J.Z.; investigation, F.B.; resources, C.Z.; data curation,
Z.Z.; writing—original draft preparation, J.Z.; writing—review and editing, C.Z.; visualization, F.B.;
supervision, M.C.; project administration, Z.Z.; funding acquisition, J.Z. All authors have read and
agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: The research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (52004145)
and the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (ZR2020QE119).
Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable.
Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable.
Data Availability Statement: The data used to support the finding of this study are available from
the corresponding author upon request.
Acknowledgments: All authors thank the reviewers for their valuable comments.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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