Roof Instability In Underground Mining

Observed roof instabilities can generally be related to excessive horizontal stresses or unfavorable geological structures that cause block fallout or beam failure of the bedded roof rocks.

Roof instability in underground mining.

In this region roof instability is. Roof falls in underground coal mines are a continuing source of trouble for mine operators. Fatalities and injuries are a prominent concern but lost time due to cleanup and disruption of mining operations presents an economic problem as well. Design and maintenance of adequate support systems is essential for ensuring ground stability and preventing roof falls.

Throughout mining history millions of miles of entry have provided exposure of every conceivable geologic roof hazard. Underground coal miner faces a continuing hazard from the fall of roof. The risk of injury caused by minor roof falls continues to increase in underground mining. Many geologic and geomechanical factors contribute to mine roof instability.

Roof fall is one of the greatest hazards facing underground coal miners. At the root of many injuries and fatalities are weak or defective roof strata. Gm molinda the u s. The geology geometry timing and frequency of roof falls can usually give some indication of the cause of failure.

In 2017 91 lost time injuries occurred due to roof fall in us underground coal mines. In spite of the room widths the roof is naturally stable in many mines. Coal beds mined in the illinois basin region are susceptible to roof falls. F rom the stud y of ground control problems it was found that roof failure is one of the p rominent problems covering almost 27 of the total accident occurs in underground coal mines kejrival.

An average of 1 160 falls were reported per year during the study period. This study examined 11 600 reportable noninjury roof falls that occurred from 1999 to 2008 in room and pillar operations in the bituminous coal sector. Falls of roof continue to be a major hazard in underground coal mining. Key findings include the following.

The geological structures most commonly mentioned in the roof fall narratives were slips laminated roof and draw rock. Although roof support systems have improved greatly roof falls continue to occur in bolted areas. Currently roof bolting is the primary means of supporting mine roof in room and pillar operations in the bituminous coal sector. Most ground control injuries result from small rock falls that occur in a supported area but do not.