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By Axel Preusse

To detect improper deformations of a roof bolted roadway in order to reduce inner mine damages in the most early stage and to initiate suitable countermeasures if necessary, several different measurement systems were used for monitoring a roadway's stability on the hardcoal mine "Auguste Victoria" (DSK AG). In this paper the different convergence measurement procedures are described and their respective results are introduced. Subsequently the results of the single measurement methods and procedures are correlated with each other.

Jan 1, 2000

By Ben Mirabile, Alan Campoli, Rodney Poland

"The majority of U.S. underground coal mines use some form of cable bolt as supplemental support to a primary roof bolting system. Many coal operators employ the high load capacity of non-tensioned cable bolts, cable roof trusses, or solid bar trusses in an attempt to suspend the primary bolted horizon to overlying strata. However, in cases where many discontinuities exist in the roof strata or where pre-existing fractures are present, these passive supplemental support systems often cannot adequately control roof deflection. This paper examines the application of tensioned cable systems to minimize roof deflection in very laminated and fractured strata. Three underground case studies are presented to demonstrate the application of tensioned cable bolts. The first case study involves the rehabilitation of a longwall head gate in the Eagle Seam with highly laminated and fractured sandstone. The second case study examines the recovery of a longwall face in the Alma Seam. The final case study addresses rehabilitation of a longwall head gate in the Pittsburgh No. 8 Seam that was developed in a sandstone channel margin area and subjected to horizontal stress concentration.INTRODUCTIONDuring the previous decade, Jennmar Corporation has recognized coal operators' increasing interest in tensioned cable bolts. The majority of these tensioned cable bolt systems have been applied in adverse roof conditions including broken ground, high horizontal stress areas, and highly laminated roof strata. In most cases, qualitative data on roof conditions after application of tensioned cable bolt support indicate successful implementation of these systems. The qualitative evidence suggests that the combination of high load' capacity and applied tension provides superior supplemental roof support in adverse roof conditions. This research aims to quantify the effects of applied tension to cable bolts. This paper will review the types and installation of tensioned cable bolt systems, present initial laboratory test data, discuss successful case studies, and propose an instrumentation system for quantification of tensioned cable bolt performance."

Jan 1, 2010

By J. M. Girard

Ground control problems at surface mining operations can occur for a variety of reasons. Stress, gravity loading, rock strength, geology, pore pressure, weather effects, underground workings, and many other factors contribute to slope instabilities that range from small rock falls to massive slides of material. While some of these failures can he predicted or controlled by preventive measures, each year many completely unexpected failures occur. Current methods for monitoring generally involve measuring displacements at a few, selected points in and around the suspected area of instability. While most of the displacements along these points will be in a downslope direction, freeze-thaw cycles of water-filled joints, horizontal stresses or pressure, buoyancy in saturated soils, human measurement errors, or other situations can produce deformation in almost any direction, even without any instability in the slope. Determination of which, if any of the observed movements represents a potential hazard is essential.

Jan 1, 1998

By Marc T. Filigenzi

Two of the major ground control safety issues confronting underground mine operations today are shaft pillar stability and the failure of rock around active mine openings. Failure of a mine shaft can lead to the entrapment of workers. Failure of rock around active underground mine openings can lead to roof falls, which in turn can result in worker injuries and fatalities. Finite-element analysis has proven to he a reliable method for predicting stresses and displacements around underground mine openings. However, this is a complex and time consuming technique and is not used as often as it could be in mine planning. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate one technique developed at the Spokane Research Center that allows the user to create a finite-element model of a two-dimensional section of an underground mine in a relatively straightforward manner. This model is then used to calculate stresses, displacements, and safety factors around mine openings. With this information, mine planners can evaluate the stability of mine openings as well as the stability of pillars and mine shafts. This analysis will help develop mining sequences and layouts that minimize stresses in that section of the mine. This, in turn, should minimize the occurrence of shaft failure, roof falls, and other hazards associated with underground mining.

Jan 1, 1997

By Jaco J. van Vuuren

Modikwa Platinum Mine, in the Eastern Bushveld of South Africa's Limpopo Province, is a new operation employing a hybrid mining method where mechanised methods are used for the main developments and the narrow, 60cm reef is conventionally stoped using a down-dip conventional mining method. Throughout the mine, the hanging wall immediately above the reef comprises 3 jointed and laminated layers of varying thickness, commonly known as the triplets, below a non-cohesive leuconorite parting plane. At North shaft, using pre-stressed standing support and mechanically anchored rockbolts, it was found difficult and hazardous to hold all three triplets in the hanging wall, however bringing them down caused a significant increase in dilution and therefore cost of mining. A novel solution was conceived whereby two of the triplets are kept up using short, stiff resin anchored rockbolts installed systematically within 0.5 m of the face. This resulted in both safety and productivity benefits. The rockbolts create a stable and safe hanging wall and allow the mine to extract UG2 reef more economically. New drilling equipment, developed locally from available drilling technology, can be operated from a safe position, and in situ tests and measurements are made to confirm effective support. The technology and underlying concepts were successfully tested in a trial stope prior to rolling out the new support system across all the stopes at North Shaft. This has involved an extensive training programme to ensure that the rockbolt system is installed correctly and that the conditions are appropriate for this technology. The paper describes the motivation behind the project, the underlying technology and its application to Modikwa, and the benefits now being realised.

Jan 1, 2004

By David A. Newman

Strength and physical property testing of coal is conducted regularly by the Arch Mineral Corporation as part of reserve exploration. Pillar design and mine layout are the primary applications for the coal strength data. Distinct differences in pillar behavior were observed during longwall mining at a mine in Southeastern Kentucky. Horizontal and vertical variation in both triaxial and uniaxial compressive strength was observed within the four (4) benches of the Harlan seam. Similarly, geographical variations in coal strength were noted across the Harlan seam reserve. During the past three decades substantial research efforts have been focused upon coal pillar behavior and the refinement of pillar design methodologies. Ironically, little attention was directed to integrating the variability of coal strength into pillar design. The authors examine, through the presentation of case history data, i) typical industrial practice with respect to establishing a database of coal strength for use in pillar design and stability analysis, ii) approaches in which the observed variation in strength in the Harlan seam is integrated into pillar design and stability analyses, and to iii) propose standards for coal cube testing

Jan 1, 1993

By A. W. Khair

This paper presents an analysis of ground movements recorded from longwall operations in the Northern Appalachian region in West Virginia. The site chosen for the investigation was selected due to varying heights of overburden and topography and was instrumented for both surface and subsurface measurements. The instrumentation areas consisted of two panels covering various sections with unique geologic and topographic features. Instrumentation included surveying monuments and shallow boreholes using an inclinometer for measuring horizontal strata displacements. Vertical strata deformation was monitored utilizing a unique design of the mechanical grouting method. Full length borehole profile extension was measured using Sondex displacement rings in the inclinometer installation. Subsurface displacements, i. e. caving zone, fractured zone, and highly deformed non-fractured zone were identified. The nature of surface disturbances with respect to varying geologic settings were compared, and an attempt was made to simulate final strata caving and bed separation using finite element analysis.

Jan 1, 1987

By Richard E. Thill

Two Cross-borehole systems were developed by the Bureau of Mines, one operating at a central frequency of 20 kHz for close-in spacing between boreholes (2-20m) and another operating at a dominant frequency between 1-2 kHz for more distant range (40-300+m) between boreholes. The systems are specially designed for the expected ranges and high resolution required in mining applications. Potential applications of the crosshole systems are presented for a variety of geophysical measurements related to underground mining problems.

Jan 1, 1989

By Gregory M. Molinda

The U.S. Bureau of Mines has developed a rock mass classification system for coal mine roof control. The Coal Mine Roof Rating System (CMRR) evaluates the structural competence of mine roof using simple field tests and observations obtained from underground exposures in roof falls or overcasts. The basis of the WRR is a weighing system which converts descriptive geologic roof rock data to a numerical value, facilitating its use in engineering design. A full suite of data collection and hand calculation sheets accompanies the CHRR A data base is currently being collected from all major coal basins in the United States to validate the CMW. To date, CHRR values are available from 96 roof exposures in 59 coal mines representing these basins. The system can be used to help solve many practical ground control problems, including longwall gate road design, roof support selection, and decisions regarding extended cut length.

Jan 1, 1993

By Dennis R. Dolinar

A room and pillar coal operation in central Pennsylvania was experiencing roof cutters and long running roof falls caused by high horizontal stresses. The roof conditions created hazards for the miners, and caused several production panels to he abandoned prematurely. The mine requested assistance from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in applying the "advance and relieve" mining to reduce the affects of the horizontal stress during panel development. The "advance and relieve" plan that was developed called for removing a pillar on one side of the panel as it was being advanced, thus creating a cave. The caving then relieved a portion of the horizontal stress across the panel. Because the horizontal stress direction is key to the success of this method, stress mapping as well as mining experience was used to establish the direction of the horizontal stress. Subsequent field measurements provided an estimate of the stress magnitude. Three panels were mined using this technique, and good roof conditions were achieved in all these panels. Instrumentation was used to monitor the stress changes in the roof created by the cave. Stress relief of over 1.000 psi was measured 120 ft from the cave and to depths of 20 ft into the roof. The lateral extent of the stress relief zone across the panels appears to be about 400 to 500 ft. This case history has provided much insight into the practical application of the "advance and relieve" method discussed in this paper.

Jan 1, 2000

By Mohummad Akram

Statistical analysis of multi-seam mining case studies demonstrated that geologic structure and lithological type and sequencing were predominant factors in entry failures. Finite element analysis was used to evaluate the effects of stress field changes on entry instability under differing geologic conditions. Analysis showed the roof to be particularly vulnerable to shear with the location of the failure site changing to meet loading and geologic conditions. Effects of external support on roof stability were examined. Results were correlated with field data to determine stress levels at which failure could be expected to occur. Based on this research design, criteria were developed for roof stability evaluation under specified interactive loading conditions.

Jan 1, 1993

By Chris Mark

Pillar recovery continues to be a significant ground control hazard. During the past decade, 10 miners were killed during pillar extraction operations in southern West Virginia. Studies conducted during the past decade have identified a number of "risk factors" that can be used to evaluate pillar extraction plans: Cut sequence Final stump Timber or Mobile Roof Supports Roof bolting Intersection span Depth of cover Roof quality Age of workings For each of these factors, rock mechanics science suggests which alternative would be expected to be more risky. For example, numerical models were used to evaluate different cut sequences, and indicated that less roof convergence occurred with the outside lift method than with the Christmas tree in the particular environment simulated. For many of the risk factors, accident statistics confirm the science. One finding was that currently almost 70% of the retreat coal in southern WV is being mined with MRS. In contrast, timber supports were used in 70% of the past decade's pillaring fatalities. This paper discusses each of the risk factors in turn, presents the relevant accident statistics, and shows how the risk factors can be combined to estimate the overall hazard. It also addresses the use of pillar design to minimize the risk of global stability hazards including squeezes. massive collapses, and bumps.

Jan 1, 2002

By J. K. Whyatt

A comprehensive survey of mine seismicity and rock bursting during development of two sublevels at the Lucky Friday Mine, Mullan, ID, USA, was conducted to better define rock failure mechanisms and sources of ground control hazards. Survey data included rock burst damage reports, seismic event locations and magnitudes and, for the most energetic events, first-motion information. Several subsets of this database, including large seismic events, rock bursts, and microseismic activity near the face, were analyzed. Elements of the large-event and rock burst data sets were nearly independent. That is, there was no relationship between the risk posed by a seismic event and its energy, although such a relationship is well established for the mine as a whole. All data sets showed that certain geologic features appear to control the spatial distribution of events and the spatial distribution of rock burst risk. The data also suggest that. within the scope of this study, the greatest risk of injury occurs when a pocket of heightened rock burst risk is first encountered and that this risk is controlled when miners adapt their practices to these conditions. Recognition of the role of particular geologic features in the spatial distribution of rock burst hazards provides an opportunity for anticipating, rather than only reacting to, a changing level of rock burst hazard. However, much work will be required to make good on this promise.

Jan 1, 1998

By Alexander Kattner

Surface fractures in urbanized areas show the risk potential of near-surface mining. This kind of mining subsidence damage occurs mainly in areas where hard coal was mined near the surface with very little overlying rock strata. In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), the mining authorities assess areas that are at risk for caveins by means of envelopes constructed according to Hollmann and Nürenberg (1972). Drafting abandoned underground structures depends on the assessment of historical documents such as mine plans, mine titles, and operation plans of prior mines in this area. A research and development project establishing a comprehensive Geo Information System (GIS) for hazard prevention was undertaken in cooperation with the mining authorities of NRW. It aims to display the areas endangered by abandoned, shallow underground mines for the purpose of hazard prevention. A tool was programmed using ArcGIS as a result of this project. It is used to digitize underground workings from preserved mine plans, calculate outcrop lines of coal seams and display hazardous areas. In the future, a database of shallow mine workings will be established. The tool will be used for a systematical mapping of shallow workings and assessment of endangered areas.

Jan 1, 2011

By M. Guana

Island Creek Corporation is predominately an underground mine operator deploying room-and-pillar and retreat longwall mining methods for extracting coal. Wide variations are encountered in overburden depth, stratigraphy, and insitu stress fields. This requires major adjustments in mine design among mines and occasionally within a mine. Simple rock mechanics principles are utilized in mine design to optimize safety and productivity. Physical observations and micro deformation monitoring of roadways are the primary techniques employed. Pillars and artificial support systems are the primary design elements modified. The specific case histories reviewed in this paper include narrow panels with high extraction for conventionally mined rooms, pillar sizing for longwall gate entries at great depths, and bolt type selection for difficult ground conditions.

Jan 1, 1988

By Christopher Phillips

In light of recent events in the mining industry, there has been an increasing demand for technology to detect underground voids and abandoned mine workings. This paper summarizes the use of geophysical methods for this application. Geophysical methods have been successfully employed in the detection of underground voids in several disciplines, including foundation analysis, road and infrastructure analysis, and darn analysis, but is not yet being widely employed by the mining industry. The principal reasons are that the combination of the complex geological setting of a mine, mine design, surface conditions, and improper choice of geophysical method often makes the task of locating abandoned mine workings with geophysics a frustrating, time consuming, and often unsuccessful venture. While there are several geophysical methods that have been demonstrated for the successful detection of abandoned mine workings, there is still no 'silver bullet' to solve the problem in every case. The choice of geophysical method to detect abandoned mine workings should be made on a site specific, and sometimes target specific, level. This paper reviews current methods, and introduces recently developed methods, for the detection of underground voids and abandoned mine workings.

Jan 1, 2003

By Chris Mark

Fully-grouted roof bolts comprise more than 80% of the primary roof supports used in U.S. coal mines. However, nearly 1,500 MSHA reportable, non-injury roof falls occur each year, and most of these are attributable to failure of the roof bolt system. Anchorage failure is one failure mechanism for fully-grouted bolts. As roof deformation works its way upward, the bolts can become heavily loaded near their upper ends, If the applied load exceeds the anchorage, the bolts will simply pull out. Research dating back 30 yrs indicates that this type of anchorage failure is most likely when the roof rock is weak, just where roof support is most critical. In soft shale or coal roof, the small amount of data available in the literature indicates that 20-30 in of resin anchorage may be required to achieve the full capacity of the bolt. In other words, the "full resistance zone" of a 60 in bolt may actually be just 30-40 in. Despite its potential importance, there is no widely accepted anchorage test for fully grouted bolts. Standard pull tests have sometimes been employed, but they provide no information on the anchorage near the top of the bolt. An alternative, first described more than 25 yrs ago in the U.S., is the short-encapsulation pull test (SEPT). With this test, the bolt is installed with only a short (1 ft or less) tube of resin. In recent years variations of this test have become international standards. This paper describes recent studies using short encapsulation pull tests in the U.S. Tests were conducted in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Safety Research Coal Mine at Bruceton and at underground mines in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The study found that the SEPT can be used to make a simple evaluation of resin bolt anchorage. Suggested procedures for conducting SEPT are included. The study also confirmed that poor anchorage can be an issue, particularly where the roof rock is very weak. Some simple techniques for improving anchorage, and thereby the effectiveness of fully grouted bolts, are discussed.

Jan 1, 2002

By Daniel S. Mazzei

This paper will be a general discussion of surface flooding considerations as they affect mining facilities site selection, based primarily on experience with several such problems with which MSHA's Bruceton Technical Support staff has been involved. The detailed analytical procedures used in arriving at engineering solutions of these problems will not he presented here; the emphasis is on drawing attention to this additional aspect of mine design which hitherto has been largely overlooked due to insufficient awareness, information and criteria. The paper's purpose is to stimulate thought and offer guidance concerning the selection of sites for mining facilities in light of the potential for flooding problems caused by surface waters. Flooding by surface waters, would generally not be a serious consideration in areas of relatively low topographical relief, i.e. flat lands, although there are exceptions to this rule, for example, in Western areas where flash flooding is a major concern. Therefore, this discussion will mainly apply to areas where the severity of surface flooding would be amplified by the topography-large, well defined watersheds of considerable relief, i.e. mountainous areas. In these regions, steep valley walls cause any rainfall to flow quickly into the relatively narrow valley bottoms. These valley bottoms provide little flow area during storm conditions, so deep and rapidly flowing streams result.

Jan 1, 1982

By Yingxin Zhou

Data from these field studies and previous case study data have been combined to define ultra-dose seam mining environments and relate them to observed failure conditions. A rating system for ultra-close multi- seam design has been developed and field studies have verified the applicability of the design criteria according to geologic structures, lithology and spatial data. This rating system has been combined with design and depth considerations to create a protocol for quantitatively predicting potential damage in ultra-dose seam mining conditions. A brief discussion of the characteristics of ultra-dose seam mining and its related failure mechanisms is also presented

Jan 1, 1990

By Hamid Maleki

This study presents a historic overview of the role of mobile roof support (MRS) technologies in improving stability and worker safety and presents the results of recent field evaluations of the MRS load rate monitoring device and other remote deformation-monitoring techniques. Field studies were implemented at two sites in cooperation among researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Maleki Technologies, Inc., and J. H. Fletcher & Co. The objective of the field programs were to (l) study the interaction between MRS's and coal mine strata and (2) develop and test suitable monitoring systems for assessing roof and pillar stability. An MRS consists of a roof canopy, four hydraulic cylinders, a caving shield canopy, and associated electromechanical systems mounted on crawler tracks. The machines are controlled by radio from a remote location and operate on self-contained power units. Typically, MRS's have capacities of 5,340 and 7,120 kN (600 and 800 tons). In comparison to posts, an MRS is capable of maintaining the yield load after significant amounts of roof-floor deformation. Because the mining cycle is accelerated, MRS's help reduce the potential for time-dependent roof falls. MRS performance has been monitored in the laboratory under controlled static loading conditions and in the field under deep, two-scam mining conditions. Laboratory studies have quantified support capacity and system stiffness as a function of machine height. Field investigations have focused on determination of optimum operating conditions and development of warning systems that indicate excessive load on the machine and/or impending roof-pillar stability problems. Analyses of field data show that roof instabilities are influenced by (1) pillar failure, (2) pillar yielding, (3) mine seismicity, (4) geologic structures, and (5) panel layout designs and mining practice. Pillar yielding and failure (unloading) and seismicity can be conveniently monitored by the load rate monitoring device, but for consistent detection of roof falls, additional deformation measurements directly within the cuts ate needed.

Jan 1, 2001