Construction and experimental verification of wave velocity model for source location in goaf overlying rock strata

The geological structure of the goaf overlying rock is complex, a consequence of coal mining that has modified the original stratified structure of the sedimentary strata. To enhance the accuracy of microseismic source location in such intricate geological formations, a wave velocity model for the “three zones” goaf was constructed based on natural divisions within the strata using Snell's law and assuming a homogeneous medium. The model took into account the effects of rock deformation and fracture development, enabling the derivation of formulas for microseismic wave propagation path and travel time calculation. Additionally, the concept of equivalent wave velocity was defined. An indoor simulation test using similar materials was conducted to establish a geological model of the goaf. By comparing the errors between the theoretical and measured values of equivalent wave velocity, assessing the locating effects before and after implementing the wave velocity model of the goaf, and verifying the feasibility of the model, it was demonstrated that establishing a wave velocity model based on the characteristics of the strata structure was crucial for improving the accuracy of the microseismic source location. Notably, as the propagation path of microseismic waves in the goaf increased, the equivalent wave velocity decreased. The wave velocity structure in the goaf exhibited nonuniformity, with the relative error between the theoretical and measured values of equivalent wave velocity being limited to 10 %. The incorporation of this established wave velocity model into the location method resulted in a substantial 58.57 % increase in locating accuracy.