Effects of abandoned multiple-seam workings on a longwall in Virginia
In order to reduce waste and improve resource conservation, mine planning, and development, the U.S. Bureau of Mines is investigating multiple-seam interactions associated with longwall mining. Longwall gate entry and panel stability have been influenced by previous mining in coalbeds above and below a mine in Virginia that operates in the Lower Banner Coalbed. Directly superjacent, approximately 115 ft, the Upper Banner Coalbed has been partially worked by room-and-pillar mining. Directly subjacent, approximately 730 ft, the Tiller Coalbed has been worked by partial room-and-pillar retreat mining. The study mine has experienced problems during development of gate entries in areas of overmining and undermining. It is anticipated that stress fields associated with adjacent mining may further affect gate-entry stability and face advancement during the extraction of the longwall panel. To assess overmining and undermining effects on ground stability, the Bureau gathered geotechnical information at the site. Headgate entries and pillars were instrumented and monitored to study loading behavior as the longwall face approached and passed potential problem areas. Measurements indicate that although increases in average pillar pressure were greater than predicted values, previous mining in adjacent coalbeds had little effect on headgate stability.
- Research Organization:
- Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh, PA (USA). Pittsburgh Research Center
- OSTI ID:
- 5279442
- Report Number(s):
- PB-90-104266/XAB; BUMINES-RI--9247
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
012030* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Underground Mining-- (1987-)
COAL DEPOSITS
COAL MINES
COAL MINING
COAL SEAMS
EFFICIENCY
FEDERAL REGION III
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
INTERACTIONS
LONGWALL MINING
MECHANICS
MINERAL RESOURCES
MINES
MINING
NORTH AMERICA
RESOURCES
ROCK MECHANICS
STABILITY
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
UNDERGROUND MINING
USA
VIRGINIA