Linear discontinuous deformations in the light of investigations performed with ERT method

Silesian University of Technology, Faculty of Mining and Geology, Gliwice, Poland

^* Corresponding author: katarzyna.szafulera@polsl.pl

Abstract

The article presents an example of using the electrical resistivity tomography method to assess the condition of shallow rock mass layers in the area of linear discontinuous deformations created in the past due to underground mining activity. The research concerned the mining area of one of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin mines, where intensive mining operations have been conducted for several decades. In the considered area, linear discontinuous deformations were created in the form of ground steps. Their location is related to characteristic layout of deposit accessing roadways and extraction fronts in several coal seams. The article analyzes the geological structure of the deposit and the state of deformation of the rock mass caused by mining operations. In order to evaluate the hitherto impacts, appropriate calculations of the extraction influence were performed, assuming different views on the summation of horizontal strain in long time intervals. The calculations were carried out using the theory of W.Budryk - S. Knothe. Theoretical considerations were supplemented with geophysical surveys performed with using electrical resistivity tomography. Obtained results of the near-surface layers ERT imaging in the form of resistivity profiles confirm the existence of rock loosening zones in the areas of discontinuous deformations occurrence.