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By Dongfeng Yun, Zhu Liu, Wendong Cheng, Zhendong Fan, Dongfang Wang, Yuanhao Zhang

"For the purpose of studying the strata behavior due to multislicing top coal caving longwall mining along-the-strike direction in steeply dipping extra thick coal seams, the shield support pressures of the upper and lower slices of Panel 37220 in Dongxia coal mine were monitored using the KJ513 dynamic monitoring system. The set up rooms adopted the ""horizontal line-arc segmentinclined line"" form and used different types of shield supports. The results showed that the strata pressure of upper slice Panel 37220- 1 changed slightly along the strike direction, while along the dip direction it exhibited strong to weak pressure from bottom to top. The first weighting interval oflower slice Panel 37220-2 was about 60.Sm, and the average periodic weighting interval were about 22.6m. The strata behavior of Panel 37330-2 exhibited a spatiotemporal characteristic in that periodic weighting occurred first in the middle-upper part, followed by the middle and upper parts, arc segment, and finally the lower part. During the periodic weighting, the weighting interval and intensity also exhibited strong space characteristics. The average dynamic load coefficient was 1.48 and the maximum lateral pressure of the side shield was 900Kn1000kN.INTRODUCTIONThe steeply dipping coal seams account for about 20% of proven reserves and 10% of output in China (Wu, et al, 2014). About 50% of coal mines in the western China have steeply dipping seams, and are mainly distributed in Sichuan, Gansu, and Chongqing. When the steeply dipping seam employs longwall mining along the strike direction is employed, the waste rocks fill the gob nonhomogeneously along the dip direction, the deformation and caving of surrounding rocks exhibit obvious asymmetry and spatio-temporal characteristics with particular and complex strata behavior. In recent years, many research on strata behavior due to multi-slicing top coal caving longwall mining along-the-strike direction in steeply dipping extra thick coal seams have been performed with significant results (Shi, 1999; Wu, Xie, and Ren, 2010; Wu, Xie, Wang, and Ren, 2010). However, there has been a complete lack of research on monitoring the strata behavior due to multi-slicing top coal caving longwall mining in steeply dipping extra thick coal seam. Therefore, the strata behavior of multi-slicing panels 37220-1 and 37220-2 was systematically investigated in this research."

Jan 1, 2016

By Collin Stewart

Bowie Resources, LLC (Bowie) has been using the Stability Mapping System (SMS) developed by Dr. Keith Heasley, West Virginia University, since 2005. Seven three-entry longwall gateroads, four longwall panels and a five-entry set of mains have been mined in two different seams in areas originally analyzed with the SMS. This paper compares predictions of mining conditions based on the SMS with actual mining conditions. Specific comparisons include longwall and continuous miner (CM) productivity, longwall tailgate response and support and CM roof bolting requirements. The paper also discusses current thoughts at Bowie on the use of different weighting factors for CM development, longwall face conditions and longwall tailgate support requirements.

Jan 1, 2007

By Marc Arl

Failures of the face and roof above longwall shields have caused days and sometimes weeks of lost production. A common recovery method for these failures has been to pump light weight cementitious grout into the roof and face cavity to stabilize the area This approach while effective is very time consuming and costly. Mines in several coal producing nations have over the past few years been applying phenolic foam grouts in these situations in lieu of cementitious materials. Phenolic foam is a two-component injection product intended for cavity filling, air and gas sealing and the consolidation of highly fractured strata. The properties of phenolic foam; rapid application, quick setting, high expansion rate, high compressive strength and excellent anti-static properties, produce a fast, safe and cost effective cavity filing solution. The product is also classified as fire resistant and so is also suitable for sealing off underground heatings and for aiding fire fighting operations in deep mines. This paper will discuss the application and use of phenolic foam in various underground coal mines in the world over the past few years.

Jan 1, 2005

By Lightfoot. Nicholas, Na Liu

"Mining in multi-seam workings has been undertaken for many years in the VK Remnant pillars above and/or below current working areas have an important influence on retreat gateroad conditions at five of the remaining six deep coal mines. These interaction effects need lo be predicted ahead of mining so that longwall panels can be positioned to minimize roadway damage and to identify areas where additional support should be installed early into competent strata when and where it is most effective.Currently, three-dimensional elastic stress analysis using MAP3D is undertaken to predict local vertical and horizontal stress magnitudes during gateroad development and in front of the face on retreat. The predicted stress fields are often used as input to FLAC for roadway modelling.Using Maltby Colliery in South Yorkshire as a case study, this paper illustrates the MAP3D approach, together with its current limitations and uncertainties. Possible future improvements in the analysis method are proposed and the authors would welcome comments on these, or suggestions for alternative approaches.MODELLING OF MULTl-SEAM LAYOUT & MULTI-SEAM INTERACTIONThe remaining large coal mines in the UK arc operating at depths of 800-1, 150 m (2,625-3,773 ft). Production panels are now mined on retreat after the accompanying single entry access roadways have been completed. These gateroads are typically supported with a system of steel rock bolts and cable in the roof and steel bolts and glass re in forced polymer (G RP) dowels in the sidewalls.In addition to new panels being mined in the vicinity of old goafed districts, a significant amount of extraction has usually already taken place in coal seams above and/or below the current working areas. This means that there is also interaction between the current workings and the remnants of the old workings in other seams. As a consequence of the mining methods employed, old workings can have a complex geometry compri ing collapsed and partially collapsed excavations intersper ed with small and large pillars of unmined coal. The unmined coal pillar act as stress concentrators that carry the overburden load while the mined out excavations create stress shadows of varying degrees depending on how much collap e and reconsolidat ion has occurred. This is illustrated by a simple elastic model as shown in Figure I."

Jan 1, 2010

By Pinnaduwa H. S. W. Kulatilake

A new formulation is given to conduct a probabilistic block theory analysis. A new computer code (BTAC) has been developed to perform both deterministic and probabilistic block theory analyses. The variability of the discontinuity orientation and shear strength is incorporated in the probabilistic block theory analysis. Discontinuity orientation is treated as a bivariate random variable including the correlation that exists between the dip angle and dip direction. BTAC code was applied to perform both deterministic and probabilistic block theory analyses for a part of an open pit mine in the U.S. Needed geological and geotechnical data for the analyses were obtained from field and laboratory investigations. The variability of the discontinuity orientations resulted in important differences between the probabilistic and deterministic block theory analyses results. The results confirmed that the design value selected for the Maximum Safe Slope Angle (MSSA) for a particular region in the open pit mine based on the deterministic block theory analysis can be on the unsafe side. In summary, the results showed clearly the superiority of probabilistic block theory analysis over the deterministic block theory analysis in obtaining additional important information with respect to designing rock slopes.

Jan 1, 2014

By Elizabeth Holley, Meriel Young, Gabriel Walton

"The coal mine roof rating (CMRR) was developed by Chris Mark and Greg Molinda to bridge the gap between geological variation in underground coal mines and engineering design. The CMRR accounts for the compressive strength of the immediate roof, the shear strength and intensity of any discontinuities present, and the moisture sensitivity of the immediate roof. The CMRR has been widely used and validated in Eastern US coal mines, but it has seen limited application in the Western US.This study focuses on roof behavior at a Western coal mine. Mine A shows significant lateral geological variation, along with localized faulting and a laterally extensive sandstone channel network. The CMRR is not used to predict roof instability at the mine.It is, therefore, hypothesized that there are other factors that are correlated with roof instability in underground coal mines that could potentially also be included in the CMRR.This hypothesis was tested by collecting 30 CMRR measurements at Mine A. At each measurement location, a binary record of the roof condition (stable or unstable) was made along with parameters, such as depth of cover, thought to also correlate with roof stability. A statistical analysis of the data was performed to determine the parameters in addition to those included in the CMRR, which can be correlated to roof stability.INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUNDRoof fall is one of the greatest hazards facing underground coal miners (Barczak et al., 2000). In 2017, 91 lost-time injuries occurred due to roof fall in US underground coal mines. A further 48 roof falls occurred with no lost days (MSHA, 2018).The coal mine roof rating (CMRR) classification was developed by Molinda and Mark (1994) to quantify the geological description of mine roof into a single value that could indicate mine roof stability and be used in engineering design. It is widely used in the Eastern US as an input for the analysis of longwall pillar stability (ALPS) in underground coal mines. It provides an excellent start; however, it is arguably not fully comprehensive, nor is it widely used in the Western US."

Jan 1, 2018

By Syd Peng

"As the International Conference on Ground Control in Mining (ICGCM) enters its 35th year in 2015, it is time to look back and identify the areas that need to be emphasized and to look forward to see what areas need to be researched in the future. In the past three decades, ground control has made a tremendous advancement, and many case studies published in the 36 volumes of proceedings have demonstrated its important role in the daily mining operations. However, there is still plenty of room for improvements. This paper discusses the research needs in 12 subject areas, including mine geology, rock property, zones of disturbance in overburden, computer modeling, underground stress measurements, research method, roof bolting, coal pillars, failures, subsidence, shield supports, and coal bumps.INTRODUCTIONThe International Conference on Ground Control in Mining (ICGCM) was founded in 1981. Since then, 1,546 papers have been published in the 36 conference proceedings, including the three surface subsidence workshops held in the 1981, 1986, and 1992. All types of topical areas regarding mining, from geotechnical core loggings in the exploration phase through backfilling after mining to finally spoil piles stability on the surface, have been addressed. A review of these papers, and other related literature as well, indicate that ground control has developed to become an inseparable part of mine design and a problem-solving tool for safe production.After 34 years, it is time to look back and identify the areas that need to be emphasized and to look forward to see what areas need to be researched in the future. There is no doubt that the conference series has achieved the goal for which it was originally designed: to provide an annual forum for the exchange of information among the researchers, government regulators, equipment manufacturers, consultants, service providers, and—above all—mine operators. There have been many papers addressing the application of ground control techniques for successful mine design and safe production, and, without these papers, many projects would have failed. In fact, the conference emphasis on application types of papers may have steered too far toward the application side. A review of the conference papers shows that papers have been leaning mostly toward the applied side, leaving most, if not all, fundamental issues behind in nearly every topical area. This paper addresses research needs in 12 topical areas: mine geology, rock property, zones of disturbance in overburden, computer modeling, underground stress measurements, research method, roof bolting, coal pillars, failures, subsidence, shield supports, and coal bumps."

Jan 1, 2015

By Ihsan Berk Tulu, Keith A. Heasley, Chris Mark

"The Analysis of Retreat l\.fining Pillar Stability (ARJ\1PS) and the Lal\.fodel programs have been used successfully in the U.S. for designing safe pillar recovery operations for many years. However, the recent Crandall Canyon l\.fine collapse showed that further research is required to improve the pillar design for recovery under deep cover. To this end, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the West Virginia University (WVU) l\.fining Engineering Department have been working together to improve both the ARJ\1PS and the Lal\.fodel programs.This paper compares and analyzes the overburden loads calculated by ARJ\1PS 2002, the new ARJ\1PS 2010, and the Lal\.fodel program with regard to the retreat pillar line, the gob, and the barrier pillars. The analysis shows a number of distinct differences between the ARJ\1PS and Lal\.fodel loading distributions. Ultimately, the programs, with their distinctive load distributions, are used to analyze a database of 52 deep cover pillar retreat case studies, and the ability of each program to discriminate between successful and unsuccessful retreat pillar plans is evaluated.INTRODUCTIONThe Analysis of Retreat l\.fining Pillar Stability (ARJ\.f PS) and the Lal\.fodel programs have been used successfully in the U.S. for designing safe pillar recovery operations for many years. However, the recent Crandall Canyon l\.fine collapse showed that further research is required to improve the pillar design for recovery under deep cover.Pillar recovery accounts for less than 10% of the coal produced from underground coal mines; however, in the period between 1989 and 1996, it accounted for more than 25% of all ground fatalities (l\.fark et al., 2003). In the past 15 years, the safety of retreat mining operations has greatly improved. l\.fark (2009) explains three steps promoted by l\1SHA and NIOSH for safer pillar recovery:1) Global stability through proper pillar design2) Local stability through proper roof support3) Worker safety through proper section managementThe ARJ\1PS and Lal\.fodel (Heasley, 1998) programs have been playing an important role in guiding mine operators in designing pillars to ensure the global stability of a retreat panel."

Jan 1, 2010

By Gennaro Marino

Documented case histories are studied where data were found on the initial collapse of the overburden above the longwall panels. Under this scenario, the most controlled conditions exist for assessing the span capacity of the overburden (i.e., before failure the roof spans to fin coal abutments on two to all four sides). In an attempt to correlate theory to field observations, data are used on the overburden lithology, and the depth, width, and face advance of the panel, as well as, the subsidence conditions noted on the surface. The subsidence measured on the surface is used to determine when complete failure in the over- burden rock has occurred.

Jan 1, 1987

By Jamal Rostami, Asok Ray, Samer S. Saab Jr., Wenpeng Liu

Ground instability, such as roof or rib failures, is one of the most serious and frequent safety hazards that occur in underground mining, tunneling, and underground construction. The ground-related parameters and features of interest, in assessing roof or rib failures, are location, frequency, and orientation of the joints, voids, as well as rock-strength. These parameters are the main components of rock mass characterization that offers effective strategies for ground support, which, in turn, allow one to mitigate the risks related to ground instability. The main objective of this study is to determine the location of joints and classify rock-strengths by analyzing the drilling data recorded from an instrumented roof bolter while drilling for rock bolt installation during the operational cycle. For this purpose, computer programs based on updated pattern recognition algorithms were developed for joint-detection and classification of rock types to offer an estimated strength. This paper briefly introduces ongoing research on joint detection, especially for joints with an aperture less than 0.125in (3.175mm), by employing an instrumented roof bolter in controlled environments. To improve the capability and precision of joint detection programs in detecting the joints from the drilling data and reducing the number of false alarms, many laboratory tests with various simulated joints and rock-strengths were carried out at a J.H. Fletcher & Co. facility. This paper reviews testing procedures, data analysis, updated algorithms used for joint detection, and discusses the latest round of testing in samples with simulated joints at various angles along the borehole.

Jan 1, 2017

By Yongjie Yang

Experimental study on the strength and deformation characteristics of coal under cyclic loading provides guidance for designing coal pillar which is subjected to repeated mining influence during mining. This paper studies the strength, deformation and fatigue process of No.3 coal from Xinhe Colliery under cyclic loading by the MTS815.03 servo-controlled rock mechanics test system. The results indicate that coal is more susceptible to fatigue damage than other hard rocks. Under uniaxial cyclic loading, the fatigue failure ?threshold value? of coal is smaller than 78% of its uniaxial strength, and there is also some fatigue damage when cyclic loading and unloading experiment is carried out below the fatigue failure ?threshold value?. Axial deformation can be divided into three stages: Initial deformation, steady-state deformation and accelerating deformation. Transverse deformation can be divided into two stages: Stable deformation and accelerating deformation. When the transverse deformation begins to increase rapidly and the deformation recovers only slightly upon unloading, it?s a precursor to failure of coal. Under cyclic loading, fatigue failure develops through a process of compaction, strain hardening, and strain softening.

Jan 1, 2006

By Bruce K. Hebblewhite

This paper provides an overview of the international ?state of the art? with respect to underground coal mining methods used in seams of thickness greater than 4.5 m, through a review of a selection of high performing thick seam mining operations around the world?both Single Pass Longwall (SPL) and Longwall Top Coal Caving (LTCC). The paper discusses the recent operational experiences from these selected faces, together with the ground control issues faced, and identifies some of the major, inherent geotechnical factors that can influence the mining method selection, design criteria, and ultimate performance, from both an operational and safety perspective. It is clear that both of these methods are developing quickly? not only from an operational and equipment perspective, but also from the understanding of critical geotechnical criteria. There is an increasing role for both methods in thick seam environments, although the higher SPL faces will only be successful in the near to mid-term under benign geotechnical environments. Regardless of the method, a thorough understanding of the critical geotechnical factors is a key to successful implementation of either method.

Jan 1, 2013

By Richard R. Wilding

The United States Coal Mining Indus- try had the opportunity to greatly improve their roof control techniques during the nineteen seventies by the use of fully grouted resin roof bolts. This new tool was first approved for underground coal mines by M.S.H.A. ten years ago and during the next decade has been perfected to meet many problems previously thought to be unsolveable. The initial approved cartridge was very similar to the ones used in Europe in the nineteen sixties and since then has undergone a great deal of modification for our mines. These refinements in cartridge construction have been obtained by the close cooperation of resin manufacturers with mining personnel in perfecting pro- ducts customized to particular needs. This type of continuing program naturally necessitates a responsibility upon the resin anchor manufacturer to maintain a competant technical department. These roof control technicians by constant exposure to many of the most demanding underground problems, have developed through the years into leaders in successful applications. Today, Celtite has over twenty technically trained underground technicians with an accumulation of over one hundred years experience in resin anchors. Our documented technical reports are in excess of five thousand, involving over six hundred mines representing every major coal mining area in most mineable seams. This department has been the implement used to work with our research and development people in perfecting a continual line of improved resin anchors. This program has been a significant factor in leading the resin anchor industry into a position where approximately one third of the 1980 under- ground coal production used the fully grouted system. However, as gratifying as this accomplishment is, our experience has lead us to believe that there is an additional demand for a roof control system capable of combining the mechanical bolts ability to apply tension with resins proven superiority in anchoring. A significant number mines visited during the last decade had problems that we believed could be better answered by applying tension rather than the fully grouted approach. In most in- stances, their current mechanical installations were doing an adequate job until anchor slippage occured. Fully grouted systems solved this bleed-off problem. However, an acceptable number of falls still occured. In these some- what unique areas which we believe may amount to as much as fifteen percent of the total bolt installations, the need for improved anchors was a necessity. In developing this program we listed the ultimate requirements necessary for both the bolt and the anchor. These are for the bolt: A. Have one end manufactured so it can be grouted to the mine roof with polyester resin, obtaining a variable length from 12" to 36". B. Have a mechanism which allows the operator to tension the roof from zero to 10,000 psi. This mechanism should indicate if the roof is in compression and the bolt in tension. C. Have a mechanism which allows the operator to thoroughly mix the resin. D. The head of the bolt should not extend below the roof line any more than a normal mechanical bolt. E. Not require any extra tools for installation. F. Be bendable for use in low seam coal. G. Be durable and inexpensive. The ultimate point anchor resin should have the following characteristics: A. Have a mix and gel cycle which would compete with a mechanical bolt for speed of installation. B. Have a pull out strength in excess of a normal 5/8" mechanical bolt.

Jan 1, 1981

By Rusty Mchenry, Craig Dickerson, Robin L. Oldham

"It has been proven that longwall faces can be moved safely and efficiently. However, abutment pressures and poor ground control conditions can halt operations and be hazardous to coal miners. Recently at a mine in Southwestern Pennsylvania, roof material collapsed above shields that created two large voids and caused major challenges for shield recovery. A unique, engineering solution was developed that utilized a modified concrete material to fill the voids, creating stability in the affected area. The many phases of this project included the construction phase, void pumping, cutting out, and bolting of the concrete material. This project eliminated the hazards associated with bolting the recovery face and removing shields in adverse conditions, making it possible for the mine operator to safely complete the longwall move.INTRODUCTIONFrequently in the mining process, especially during the recovery phase, voids above the longwall supports have occurred. These voids are simply roof cavities caused by falling rock strata above the longwall face. Most often, this condition slows down or halts mining operations and creates hazardous work conditions for coal miners. Numerous methods of supporting void areas on longwall faces have been attempted and utilized throughout the mining industry since the advent of the longwall mining system. These methods have utilized many different materials and processes and have included the installation of steel or wooden beams, crib blocks, and various types of roof bolts. However, these methods can be dangerous due to exposure of personnel to the mine voids, falling roof material, and the necessity to handle large amounts of heavy support materials.This paper describes a unique case study in Southwestern Pennsylvania where longwall recovery methods, through two void fills, were successfully completed, eliminating exposure of coal miners to the rock voids above. At the start of this endeavor, normal recovery operations were halted, and hazardous conditions became a concern when the voids were encountered. However, in the interest of safety, the decision was made to try a unique method to completely fill the void from the bottom of the coal seam to the top of the void with a cementitious material and then mine through it. This is in contrast to traditional methods where beams and support materials are used to stabilize the area above and in front of the mine shields, which can expose miners to the void above."

Jan 1, 2015

By John A. Rusnak

"This paper discusses the variation of coal strength based on the megascopic coal lithotypes for Central Appalachian high-volatile A coal beds. The composition of coal beds is complex and variable, depending on the depositional environment associated with original plant material, inflow of clastic material, and water level fluctuations in the original swamp/mire environment. Thus, different types of coal and sediment are formed within each coal bed. These differences in coal composition were first classified by Marie Stopes, a paleobotanist, in 1919. The classic coal megascopic lithotypes are vitrain, clarain, and durain, which correspond to bright, bright banded, and dull coal, respectively. Stopes also identified that the lithotype fusain, which is mineral charcoal, has no inherent strength and can act as a plane of discontinuity. In this study, two other coal-bed lithologies are also considered—bone and carbonaceous shale. This makes for a comprehensive suite of coal-bed stratigraphic components apart from rock partings. A total of 1,000 uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and 440 indirect tensile strength (ITS) tests were conducted on cores from southern West Virginia that were specifically logged and described using the megascopic coal lithotype nomenclature. Statistical analysis is presented showing the results for each lithotype group with mechanical properties correlated to the lithotype. Previous studies have analyzed the mechanical breakage properties associated with coal lithotypes, which correlate well with these results. However, coal rank does appear to be a contributing factor, and this study is confined to only high-volatile A bituminous rank. Application of these results would be well suited to a rock mass classification system to address coal pillar rib stability. This would allow for rib support design and implementation to consider relative coal strength by visual observation of the seam stratigraphy through ongoing observations within a mine. Changes in seam composition can be readily identified, allowing the adjustment in rib support design. Another application would be for the determination of numerical modeling inputs based on detailed seam stratigraphy. However, these results, even with the standard strength reduction criteria, may not be applicable to currently accepted empirical coal pillar design procedures."

Jan 1, 2017

By Andre Cezar Zingano

"The empirical approach for pillar design assumes that geological conditions should be perfect, such as horizontal seams, and that pillar strength and behavior will only depend on the coal seam strength and the vertical pressure caused by the overburden thickness on the coal seam; this vertical pressure is based on the tributary area. Empirical methods do not consider the effect of the interface between the roof and pillar or the floor and pillar.The effect of the interface shear strength on final coal pillar strength has been studied since the 1960s. However, few case studies have been generated from that, especially in shallow underground coal mining (less than 100 meters). This case study involves a mining section at the 101 coal mine in the Santa Catarina state of Brazil, which is experiencing pillar rib spalling and yielding because of a 1-to 2-cm-thick clay layer at the area of contact between the coal seam and immediate roof. The depth of the coal seam is 60 m on average and 2.3 m in height. This particular section also has 12-14% (7-8°) of seam inclination. The pillar size varies from l lxll to 13xl2m; thus, the safety factor (SF) based on the ARMPS approach is more than 1.5. The objective of this paper is to determine the cause of the pillar yielding and study the effect of the clay layer at the interface between the roof and pillar, including the inclination of the coal seam. This study conducted empirical and numerical models (2D and 3D) to understand the effect of the thin clay layer. The conclusion is that the clay layer affected the strength of the interface between roof and pillar, causing rib spalling and reducing the pillar strength.INTRODUCTIONPillar stability and deformation depends on the coal seam strength and vertical pressure caused by the overburden thickness on the coal seam, and this vertical pressure is based on the tributary area. The effect of the interface shear strength on the final coal pillar strength has been studied since the 1960s. However, few case studies have been generated from that, especially in shallow underground coal mining (less than 100 m). This interface could be represented by a thin clay layer or an abrupt contact between the coal seam and a rigid sandstone layer of the immediate roof. These two interface conditions are found in the coal mines of Brazil, and the effect of the interface shear strength could increase when the seam's inclination is higher."

Jan 1, 2016

By Abdolreza (Reza) Osouli

Determining the roof stability condition of underground coal mines in the Illinois Basin is sometimes very challenging. The roof stability of Illinois mines are mostly affected by two types of shales: Anna Shale and Energy Shale. These layers are sometimes weak in parallel bedding when subjected to horizontal stresses. The roof rocks in the Illinois Basin are are typically more moisture sensitive than the other coal fields. In this study the geotechnical properties of some of the shale units as well as limestone layers will be presented. The geotechnical properties of roof rocks consist of moisture content, unconfined compressive strength, slake durability, indirect tensile strength, and point load tests (Axial and Diametral). The correlation of indirect tensile strength versus diametral point load strength as well as unconfined compressive strength versus axial point load test are explored and discussed. These correlations will help in identifying the roof mass index and planning appropriate roof control measures. This study also evaluates the application of CMRR rock mass index for an Illinois coal mine.

Jan 1, 2014

By Hamid Maleki

The U.S. Bureau of Mines implemented a monitoring program in a western U.S. coal mine for the evaluation of both conventional and alternative support systems. The conventional support consisted of 2.5-m-long vertical bolts installed in an 5.5-m-wide entry. The alternative system consisted of 2.5- and 3-m vertical and inclined bolts installed at a higher density during widening of a cut from 3.6 to 5.5 m. Roof deformation, roof stress, rib deformation, and bolt loads were monitored during the 2-month test period. In addition, roof failure patterns and lithology were characterized within the six-entry main test section. Results were analyzed using roof deformation and failure profiles, roof stress profiles. bolt loading and bending moment diagrams, and numerical models. The mechanics of roof deformation, failure, and support reaction in three zones in the mine roof were characterized. Significant improvements were shown in roof stability in the section using the alternative system. Results are encouraging and indicate the effectiveness of alternative support systems and excavation techniques for limiting inelastic deformation of roof in highly stressed underground mines.

Jan 1, 1994

By Darin Cotton, Tim Burgess, Tim Martin

"As the leading US supplier of roof control drills, J. H. Fletcher and Company® has encountered an extensive set of roof strata challenges and has overcome various drilling issues by varying machine parameters and working with customers and tool manufacturers to develop solutions. Every mine wants to drill and install roof bolts as fast as possible with maximum safety at the lowest possible installation cost for their conditions. In most circumstances, the intuitive method of higher speeds and pressures can actually have a detrimental effect on the roof drill safety and performance.This paper will outline recent tests carried out at several different coal mines in the Eastern United States. The tests focused on optimizing the drilling parameters of feed pressure, feed rate, rotation speed, and drill torque.The drill feed, rotation speed, and rotation torque, as well as the type of bit selected, have a definite impact on the performance of the roof drill including drilling speed, safety, and tool life. The drilling process can be improved while also improving operator safety and reducing bolt installation costs by maintaining the appropriate roof drill settings for the specific strata conditions.The advantages of improving the drilling process includes increased bit life, increased drill steel life, reduced hanging drill steels, reduced clogging of the vacuum system, decreased whipping drill steel potential, reduced noise generation, and increased cutting size which reduces fine dust generation and dust collection system servicing.INTRODUCTIONIn recent times, the economic pressures that coal producers are facing have created an increased emphasis on controlling operating costs. Several coal operators have pointed out their dissatisfaction with low bit life, and there is a renewed interest in improving tool life and machine performance as part of an overall cost control strategy. Operators are looking for ways to reduce tooling cost, maintenance costs, and drill downtime without decreasing drill performance. This renewed interest in reducing operating costs, along with the ongoing desire to improve safety, created a perfect environment to take a fresh look at the existing fleet of machines to see what could be accomplished. The goal was to take a practical approach to reviewing machine parameters to determine what changes could be made. The emphasis was on changes that would be feasible to roll out to an entire fleet of machines in a short period of time with minimal capital expenditure. The thought process was that significant improvements could be made by simply tuning up the machine parameters to provide a more efficient and safer bolting process."

Jan 1, 2015

By Zhanjing Yu

Longwall ground behavior in the Illinois Coal Basin was studied in the past (1, 2, 3). Most of the past studies, however, were concentrated on either surface subsidence or underground structural behavior. In this study, both surface and in-mine ground behaviors are considered, which include: 1) stress and deformation characteristics in the chain pillars; 2) roof and floor deformations; 3) surface subsidence characteristics, including time effect; 4) relationship between the surface subsidence and underground strata behavior; and 5) the ultimate hearing capacity underneath the chain pillars. Field measurements and tests were conducted and the data were analyzed using both analytical and statistical methods. The findings in this study can he used by mine operators in the Illinois Coal Basin for longwall ground control planning and design.

Jan 1, 1994