Siting of prison complex above abandoned underground coal mine

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1998 · Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1090-0241(1998)124:10(954)· OSTI ID:659148

Marino, G G ^[1]

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1. Marino Engineering Associates, Inc., Urbana, IL (United States)

This paper discusses in detail the process undertaken to mitigate the effects of any future mine subsidence on prison structures proposed above old abandoned underground workings. The site for a proposed prison complex purchased by the state of Indiana was located in west-central Indiana and was undermined by an old abandoned room and pillar mine. Based on a study of the mine map and subsurface verification of the extent of mining it was determined that all prison buildings and important structures could be placed above solid coal to the north. However, one masonry building was located within the potential draw zone of mine works that still contained significant mine voids. Based on empirical data the subsidence potential was estimated and the building was designed accordingly to be mine subsidence resistant. It was decided that a phase 2 prison complex should be constructed adjacent to and just south of the phase 1 complex. This complex would be directly above the underground workings. Subsequently, an extensive subsurface investigation program was undertaken to (1) ascertain whether or not mine areas where buildings would be located were already collapsed and thus only nominal, if any, subsidence could occur in the future and (2) verify the presence of solid coal areas within the mine as indicated on the mine map. Based on all the site information gathered subsidence profiles were developed from an empirical database of subsidence events in the Illinois coal basin. As a result of this work many structures on the site required no or nominal subsidence considerations. However, for others that could be affected potentially by future subsidence movement preliminary subsidence resistant designs were completed using the expected level of potential subsidence movement.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 659148
• Journal Information: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering, Journal Name: Journal of Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 124; ISSN 1090-0241; ISSN JGGEFK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
ABANDONED SHAFTS
DESIGN
GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
GROUND SUBSIDENCE
INDIANA
MITIGATION
ROOM AND PILLAR MINING
SITE SELECTION