Unraveling time-dependent roof stability dynamics in Iran's coal mines through laboratory-based rock displacement testing.

Roof stability is a critical concern in coal mines, as the potential for roof collapse poses a significant risk to miners' safety and productivity. Roof stability is heavily influenced by the time-dependent properties of the rock mass above the workings. This study uses rock displacement testing to examine the effect of time-dependent properties on roof stability and resistance reduction in coal mines in Iran.