Destabilization and energy characteristics of coal pillar in roadway driving along gob based on rockburst risk assessment

Roadway driving along adjacent goafs is an effective method to develop the recovery rate of coal resources. However, rock burst triggered by dynamic destabilization of coal pillars poses a serious threat to safe and efficient mining, thereby significantly restricting the sustainable development of coal mines. In this study, from the perspectives of energy accumulation and dissipation, a mathematical model of coal pillars is established and the energy equilibrium relationship of the mechanical system is analysed. The rock burst mechanism of coal pillars in gob-side entry is obtained based on a fold catastrophe mathematical model. Results indicate that the rock burst triggered by the instability is a destabilization phenomenon. If the stiffness factor of the mechanical system is less than 1 and the external force is enough to lead coal pillars to the peak stress point, then rock burst disaster occurs. The engineering analysis and numerical simulation are conducted to study the rock burst in the gob-side entry that occurred in Xin'an coal mine. Stress release caused by mining can reduce the risk of rock burst to a certain extent. The amount of elastic energy released is 6.4512 × 10⁷ J, which is close to the observation data and verifies the correctness and rationality of the research method. The research result provides a theoretical basis and technical guidance for rock burst prevention and control in roadway driving along adjacent goafs.