Mining Publication: Ground Failures in Coal Mines with Weak Roof
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Original creation date: January 2010
Coal miners who work and travel under supported roof expect to be protected from rock falls. However, rock fall accidents and injuries continue to occur in coal mines that have been supported according to the roof control plan. Experience at coal mines with large numbers of falls indicates that many have weak roof. Control of this roof may require additional ground control measures. An understanding of the geologic and stress conditions which lead to roof falls is necessary to assess the risk of failure and to design roof reinforcement to improve stability. Six common roof fall types, with attached field examples, are described. Roof support practices for each fall type are also described.
Authors: GM Molinda, C Mark
Peer Reviewed Journal Article - January 2010
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20037348
Electron J Geotech Eng 2010 Jan; 15(F):547-588
See Also
- Development and Application of the Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR)
- Diagnosing and Controlling Moisture-Sensitive Roof in Coal Mines
- Geologic Hazards and Roof Stability in Coal Mines
- The Introduction of Roof Bolting to U.S. Underground Coal Mines (1948-1960): A Cautionary Tale
- Optimizing Secondary Roof Support with the NIOSH Support Technology Optimization Program (STOP)
- Overview of Coal Mine Ground Control Issues in the Illinois Basin
- Performance Characteristics for Welded Wire Screen Used for Surface Control in Underground Coal Mines
- Preventing Falls of Ground in Coal Mines With Exceptionally Low-Strength Roof: Two Case Studies
- Roof Screening: Best Practices and Roof Bolting Machines
- Support Design Procedures for Difficult Ground Conditions
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program