Optimization of Powered Roof Support Selection in Underground Coal Mining: An Enhanced Fuzzy Soft Set-Based Model
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17794/rgn.2026.5.3Keywords:
Powered roof support, Fuzzy soft set, Underground miningAbstract
Powered roof supports, which are one of the most important pieces of equipment in longwall mining, are required to be selected with the highest level of accuracy, as they play a critical role in terms of cost during the selection process and safety and productivity during the production process. In many cases, these selections are made based on previously experienced field conditions and engineering judgment. However, when the parameters affecting the selection process of powered roof supports are evaluated in detail, it is seen that there are many different parameters influencing this selection, and that each parameter affects the decision in different ways and with different weights. Therefore, it is observed that determining the most suitable powered roof support not only based on experience but also through a detailed scientific evaluation of these parameters minimizes the probability of error.
In this study, the parameters affecting powered roof support selection are evaluated using a mathematically developed model based on fuzzy logic. The parameter with the most significant impact on the selection is identified, and a selection is made among 10 possible powered roof support alternatives. In the developed model, Frequency Fuzzy Soft Set (FFSS) and Recurrent Fuzzy Soft Set (RFSS) methods are applied both separately and jointly. The proposed model is applied to the Ömerler Underground Coal Mine. According to the results obtained, it is found that the threshold value of α = 0.8 provides a balanced solution between safety and flexibility. Based on these results, it is concluded that the developed mathematical model can be used reliably in multi-criteria decision-making problems.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Mustafa Emre Yetkin, Nazan Polat
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