Coal Mine Ground Control

by Syd S. Peng

This book includes 14 chapters. It begins with the introduction of U.S. coal mining methods in chapter I. Rock properties and in-situ stresses are described in chapter two. The geological conditions that form the rock strata and their anomalies as well as the geophysical methods employed to detect the anomalies are illustrated in chapter three. Chapter four contains an exhaustive list of topics on roof bolts and roof bolting systems going back to their first introduction in the late 1940s. Chapter five covers the evolution of pillar design from 1876 to present, emphasizing the various elements affecting pillar strength and their methods of design, with information highlighted on the pros and cons of each method.

Chapter six is devoted to explaining the myths of high horizontal stresses that have been commonly blamed for most roof control problems in recent years. Chapter seven is longwall mining. It contains all the elements of the subjects that I experienced in my research and consulting career. Factors affecting and mine plan designs for multiple seam mining are addressed in Chapter eight. Chapter nine deals with bumps and covers the occurrence, factors affecting, mechanisms, and control of bumps. Entry stability problems including roof and rib falls and floor heaves and their control and supporting methods are addressed in chapter ten.

Chapter eleven illustrates the theories and methods of various types of underground and surface instrumentation. The various types of material models used in computer modelings and model calibration and case examples are included in chapter twelve. Surface subsidence is addressed in chapter thirteen which covers characteristics, factors, affecting, survey, prediction, and damage assessment and mitigation of surface subsidence. Highwall stability the only subject related to surface mining is covered in chapter fourteen.

750 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1978