Study on Surface Movement and Deformation Patterns Induced by Sub- Village Rock Salt Solution Mining

Abstract To mitigate the risk of surface subsidence associated with solution mining of rock salt near residential areas, this study investigates a salt mine in Hubei Province, China. A combined methodology integrating numerical simulation, the probability integral method, and the vertical section method was employed to predict ground deformation and evaluate safety. The results indicate that multi-well mining induces slightly greater surface movement compared to single-well mining, with deformation gradually diminishing outward from the cavity center. Beyond 200 m from the cavity boundary, surface stability remains secure. Based on these findings, a protective pillar width of 205 m, including a 15 m safety buffer, is recommended to ensure the safety of nearby villages. This study provides practical guidance for subsidence prediction and protective pillar design in solution-mined salt formations.