The multifractal structure of shale pores significantly affects the occurrence of fluids and the permeability of shale reservoirs. However, there are few studies on the multifractal characteristics of shale pores that distinguish between organic and inorganic pores. In this study, we obtained the pore size distribution (PSD) of organic and inorganic shale pores separately by using a new NMR-based method and conducted a multifractal analysis of the structure of organic and inorganic shale pores based on PSD. We then investigated the geological significance of the multifractal characteristics of organic and inorganic shale pores using two multifractal characteristic parameters. The results showed that the structures of both organic and inorganic pores have multifractal characteristics. Inorganic pores have stronger heterogeneity and poorer connectivity compared to organic pores. The multifractal characteristics of inorganic pores significantly affect shale permeability and irreducible water saturation. Greater heterogeneity in the inorganic pore structure results in lower shale permeability and higher irreducible water saturation. Meanwhile, better connectivity leads to higher shale permeability and lower irreducible water saturation. The multifractal characteristics of organic pores significantly affect the shale adsorption capacity and have a weak impact on irreducible water saturation. Greater heterogeneity in the organic pore structure results in the shale having stronger adsorption capacity and higher irreducible water saturation The results also indicate that the multifractal characteristic parameters of inorganic pores can be regarded as an index for estimating the irreducible water saturation and flowback rate of fracturing fluid, and the multifractal characteristic parameters of organic pores can be regarded as an index for evaluating the quality of shale reservoirs.

The focus of this paper is the thick soft rock mass roof of the track roadway in the No. 3606 panel of the Chaili Coal Mine. Due to its substantial thickness, the soft rock mass roof of the roadway is susceptible to damage and deformation during the mining process. In order to preserve the integrity of the roadway roof, a full anchor cable support scheme is proposed after studying the mechanism of bolt-anchor cable support. The supporting parameters and feasibility of the scheme were determined through support experience and numerical simulation analyses in the field. Moreover, on-site monitoring and data analysis were conducted, revealing that the anchor cables and anchor bolts played a stable role in supporting the roadway. The displacement of the roadway’s roof and floor was minimal, as was the displacement of the two ribs. The overall deformation of the roadway was minor. Practice demonstrated that the full anchor cable support method was effective in supporting the immediate roof of thick soft rock.

To investigate the overburden movement and the side abutment pressure distribution concerning the variation in deep mines with varying coal seam thickness, this study focused on the No. 72 mining area of Tianchen Coal Mine and obtained the following results: Variations in coal seam thickness within a stope lead to increased immediate roof thickness. When the coal seam thickness is 8 m, the maximum immediate roof thickness reaches 18 m. The roof is composed of a “Combined short cantilever-Voussoir beam” structure. Displacement curves of overburden in coal seam thickness-varying stopes exhibit asymmetry, with the overburden closer to the coal seam being more asymmetric. After post-goaf stabilization, the peak side abutment pressure decreases with increasing coal seam thickness and shifts deeper into the coal wall. Concurrently, the ultimate equilibrium area width expands. With an increase in coal seam thickness from 4 m to 8 m, the peak side abutment pressures decreased from 44.98 MPa to 41.04 MPa. The peak position shifted from a distance of 9 m from the coal wall to 14 m, while the stress-relaxation area expanded from 3 m to 5 m. This research provides essential insights for safe and efficient mining in similar conditions.