Mining Publication: Computer Simulation of Ground Behaviour and Rock Bolt Interaction at Emerald Mine
Original creation date: August 2004
A collaborative project between RAG Emerald Mine, NIOSH, and SCT Operations was conducted to investigate ground behaviour, reinforcement performance, and stress redistribution in a coal mine entry subjected to a severe horizontal stress concentration. Field measurements indicated that the stresses applied to the study site nearly doubled during longwall mining, resulting in roof deformations extending to a height of 4.8 m (16 ft) above the entry. This paper focuses on the computer simulation that was undertaken to provide more insight into the roof behaviour and rock bolt interaction during mining. The model's input rock properties were derived from extensive laboratory testing, and the model itself simulated a broad range of failure mechanisms. The effects of different bolt patterns on roadway behaviour were evaluated. Comparison between the model results and the field measurements indicated that that the model effectively simulated the critical elements of the actual roadway's behaviour. With the confidence gained, the model was used as a baseline for additional simulations that evaluated the expected performance of alternative roof support systems. The study will also provide a benchmark data set for future applications of numerical modelling to U.S. coal underground mining.
Authors: WJ Gale, C Mark, DC Oyler, J Chen
Conference Paper - August 2004
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20025347
In: Peng SS, Mark C, Finfinger GL, Tadolini SC, Heasley KA, Khair AW, eds. Proc 23rd Intl Conf on Ground Control in Mining, Morgantown, WV, August 3-5, 2004. Morgantown, WV: West Virginia University; :27-34
See Also
- Drill Monitor With Strata Strength Classification in Near-Real Time
- The Effect of Standing Support Stiffness on Primary and Secondary Bolting Systems
- Field Observations and Numerical Studies of Horizontal Stress Effects on Roof Stability in U.S. Limestone Mines
- Field Observations and Numerical Studies of Horizontal Stress Effects on Roof Stability in U.S. Limestone Mines
- Horizontal Stress and Longwall Headgate Ground Control
- Initial Stability Study of Large Openings for the National Underground Science Laboratory at the Homestake Mine, Lead, SD
- Roof Monitoring in Limestone - Experience with the Roof Monitoring Safety System (RMSS)
- Technology News 504 - NIOSH Releases New AHSEM and ARBS Software Programs to Improve Ground Control
- Twenty-four Conferences; More than One-hundred and Seventy Papers; Understanding Roof Bolt Selection and Design Still Remains Priceless
- Variation of Horizontal Stresses and Strains in Mines in Bedded Deposits in the Eastern and Midwestern United States
- Page last reviewed: 9/21/2012
- Page last updated: 9/21/2012
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program