Application of CSAMT method in fine exploration of karst collapse columns in coal mines: a case study of Shanxi Province, China

Abstract

Karst collapse columns are prone to cause severe water surges during mining activities, resulting in many casualties and property losses. In order to assess the impact of karst collapse columns on the excavation of the No. 3 coal seam of coal industry in Shanxi, this study used the Controlled Source Audio Geodetic Electromagnetic Method (CSAMT) to investigate the structural characteristics and hydrogeological conditions of two undisclosed karst collapse columns. It then scientifically evaluated the hydraulic conductivity hazards of the karst collapse columns. According to the line-view resistivity cross-section, the X1 karst collapse column mainly developed the Rockfill segment and slurry section, there is the possibility of sudden water. The DX17 karst collapse column presents relatively high resistivity electrically, the overall water-bearing performance is poor, and there is no sudden water hazard for mining and digging. The study results are of guiding significance to the water control work of traversing downhole and exposing karst collapse columns in the Ordovician high-bearing pressure water production workings.