Effects of moisture variations and overburden on subsidence

Elifrits, C. D. ; Aughenbaugh, N. B.
Organization: Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration
Pages: 5
Publication Date: Jan 1, 1987
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Laboratory tests of samples of fine- grained, argellaceous rocks, commonly referred to as shales, have shown that various changes in their moisture content can be correlated with loss of strength. This reaction to a change of in situ conditions at abandoned mine sites when combined with the field relationships at locations where the predominant overburden material is fine-grained, argellaceous, and fractured provides a predictive tool for engineers dealing with subsidence problems. Such a tool should enable engineers to recognize areas that are prone to be affected by surface disturbing subsidence features.
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