Investigation of subsidence events over inactive room-and-pillar mines - SME Transactions 2011

Subsidence events occurring above inactive room-and-pillar (R&P) mines, including abandoned mines or sealed portions of active mines, are classified as unplanned subsidence, because of their timing and distribution are unpredictable. When investigating such subsidence cases, many uncertainties exist and disputes often focused on whether the observed structural damages are caused by mine subsidence or other natural or artificial causes. However, solid evidence to identify the cause is often lacking. In order to conduct a complete and impartial investigation, thorough knowledge of subsidence theories and other ground control topics, as well as broad experience, are required.