Longwall gate road roof instability and methods of control in the lower Kittanning coalbed of central Pennsylvania
This report presents the results of a cooperative study between BethEnergy Mines Inc., Edensburg, PA, a central Pennsylvania coal mining company, and the US Bureau of Mines to investigate longwall development entry roof instability. In-mine mapping of geologic and deformational features was conducted to reveal the major ground control problems encountered during gate road development. In addition, mining-induced pillar load monitoring was used to indicate development loading on variously dimensioned gate road pillars and to determine if pillar yielding occurred. Finally, visual observations of a variety of roof control methods were used to determine the most effective support elements for controlling cutter roof failure. The goal of this cooperative research effort was to determine the roof instabilities affecting longwall gate entry development and evaluate the effectiveness of yield pillars and innovative bolting schemes for reducing roof instability in a coal mine subject to high horizontal stress ([sigma][sub H]). The results desired included improved roof stability, increased rate of advance, and safer working conditions.
- OSTI ID:
- 6417677
- Journal Information:
- Information Circular - United States, Bureau of Mines; (United States), Vol. 9331; ISSN 0096-1914
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
LONGWALL MINING
STRATA CONTROL
ROOF BOLTS
DESIGN
ROOFS
STABILIZATION
SUPPORT PILLARS
GROUND SUBSIDENCE
GROUND UPLIFT
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
TOPOLOGICAL MAPPING
US BUREAU OF MINES
EQUIPMENT
MAPPING
MINING
MINING EQUIPMENT
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
TRANSFORMATIONS
UNDERGROUND MINING
US DOI
US ORGANIZATIONS
012031* - Coal
Lignite
& Peat- Underground Mining- Strata Mechanics & Control- (1987-)