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Assessing Longwall Gateroad Ground Response and Support Alternatives

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Abstract

Ground falls in longwall gateroad entries remain a concern in modern longwall operations. The gateroads are subject to changing horizontal and vertical ground stress induced by longwall extraction. These stress changes can result in failure of the strata around an entry leading to large deformations of the entry roof, floor, and ribs. The gateroad support systems are required to control the failed strata while maintaining safe access to the longwall face and unimpeded ventilation. This paper presents research that was conducted to better understand the stability issues in gateroad excavations and to develop procedures for evaluating support and layout alternatives for longwall gateroads. Using the results of a field-monitoring program and numerical model analysis of case histories, a conceptual model of gateroad support needs was developed. The conceptual model formed the basis for developing a set of equations that can be used to estimate likely roof sag and support loading for given roof geology and longwall-induced loading conditions. The developed equations were used to compare predicted gateroad stability to field study results, showing satisfactory agreement. The calculation procedures are used to demonstrate their application in assessing support alternatives at a case study mine. It is concluded that the developed analysis procedures provide realistic assessments of likely ground stability and can be used to evaluate alternative gateroad support systems at operating longwall mines.

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Acknowledgements

The research was conducted as part of the research program of the Pittsburgh Mining Research Division of NIOSH. The authors wish to thank the mine staff at collaborating longwall operations for providing access to their mines and assisting with monitoring activities and providing feedback on analysis of the outcomes. This research would not have been possible without the expertise of the NIOSH technicians and support staff who prepared instruments, conducted installations, and maintained the instruments in the harsh mining environment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Gabriel S. Esterhuizen, Ted Klemetti, Morgan M. Sears, Peter Zhang, Mark van Dyke & Heather Dougherty

  2. West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA

    I. Berk Tulu

Authors
  1. Gabriel S. Esterhuizen
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  2. Ted Klemetti
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  3. Morgan M. Sears
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  4. Peter Zhang
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  5. Mark van Dyke
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  6. Heather Dougherty
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  7. I. Berk Tulu
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Correspondence to Gabriel S. Esterhuizen.

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The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mention of any company or product does not constitute endorsement by NIOSH.

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Esterhuizen, G.S., Klemetti, T., Sears, M.M. et al. Assessing Longwall Gateroad Ground Response and Support Alternatives. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 38, 1739–1759 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-021-00430-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-021-00430-x

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