Optimisation of selected parameters of the shield support base dedicated for the condition of a weak floor

In longwall coal exploitation, problems with the proper functioning of the powered shield support often occur. In many cases, it results from the insufficient load-bearing capacity of the ground (floor) and the inability to achieve the set or yield pressure of the shield support. The improper functioning of the shield support may also result from its construction and the lack of optimisation to work effectively on a weak mine floor. This paper presents an attempt to optimise the operating conditions of the base of two-legged shield support based on the field observations and results of the PFC3D numerical calculation. In the framework of the numerical calculations, the impact of the width of the base and the location of the hydraulic legs on the working conditions of shield support on a weak floor were analysed.