The Yushenfu mining area has special hosting conditions, and the high-intensity coal mining is likely to cause surface cracks and negative impacts on the ecological environment. To accurately predict the location and depth of surface cracks, this paper proposed a prediction method that uses horizontal deformation as the key parameter, incorporating the stress-deformation characteristics of the loose layer. In this paper, the Yushenfu mining area was selected as the study area, the prediction formula of horizontal deformation was optimized and the Active Phase of the subsidence process was classified into two stages. A mechanical model of the wedge-shaped loose layer was established, combining this with the mechanical properties of the surface loose layer in Yushenfu mining area, a prediction method for the location and depth of surface crack was provided. Using the 112201 working face as a case study, the influence of seasonal rainfall on soil strength properties was considered. The results demonstrate that the optimized horizontal deformation formula has better performance compared with traditional calculations, and the accuracy of the method was verified and validated through on-site observations. The research provides an effective approach for predicting the location and depth of mining-induced surface cracks in the Yushenfu mining area.

The behavior of center columns in shallow-buried underground subway station structures resembles that of high-rise buildings. In both cases, these columns experience significant vertical loads during earthquake events and are susceptible to brittle failure due to inadequate deformation capacity. In this study, the design concept of split columns, commonly employed in high-rise structures, is adapted for application in a two-story, two-span subway station. Initially, a comparative analysis was conducted using quasi-static pushover analysis to assess the horizontal deformation characteristics of traditional and split columns under high axial loads. Subsequently, a comprehensive quasi-static pushover analysis model encompassing the soil-structure interaction was formulated. This model was employed to investigate differences in seismic performance between traditional and innovative underground structures, considering internal forces, deformation capacity, and plastic damage of crucial elements. The analysis results demonstrate that the incorporation of split columns in a two-story, two-span subway station enhances the overall seismic performance of the structure. This enhancement arises from the fact that split columns mitigate excessive shear forces while effectively utilizing their vertical support and horizontal deformation capacities.