Technology News

From the Bureau of Mines, United States Department of the Interior

Techndogy news describer tasted developrnsntsf r m Burmau of Minna prwrams. It is published +nBnmurage the
transfer of this informationto the minetala lndusuy and Its applimtlon in commercial p r d w . Msntlon af mmpeny
or praduM names is lor documentation only snd does nM imply O~dbrlpemBntof a specific firm or product
Bureau of Mlnes research i$ psffwmed and reported under mandate of the United States CongreaP. For a tres
wbscrlptlon b Technology N e w , wlte ta Mncs ol Tschndogy Transfer. Bureau of Mlnss, Y S 620t,
810 7th St, NW.. Washington, DC 202414001.

Design Practices for Multiple-Seam

Room-and-Pillar Mines
Objective
Provide room-and-pillar operators with practical information and guidelines concerning multiple-seam mine
design to reduce ground problems associated with the
interaction of adjacent working.

Background
Interactions of multiple-seam operations can cause
ground problems resulting from the transfer of stress,
strata displacement, and caving due to subsidence. Such
interactions are a common occurrence, resulting in loss of
coal reserves and incseased operating costs. Studies
estimate that 140 biion metric tons of coal, representing
MI percent of the rninablc reserves in the United Stateq
are subject to mdtiple-seam mining. In many instances,
mining sequence k based primarily on availability and
economics, with littIe rcgard for the effects mining would
have on coalbcds above and below the one being mined.
These practices could have strong implications for resource
conservation. For instance, West Virginia, Vugioia, and
Kenlucky have over 90 minable coalbeds, many of which
are dasszed as "low sulfur." Many coal analysts speculate
that the 1992 Clean Air Act and new compliance coal
standards may shift future mining to these reserves. But
without compctcnt design strategies, interactions between
vcrticaily adjacent operations w
ill increase the difticulty
and expense of mining.
Efiedve mine planning and design are essential for
avoiding ground problemsrelated lo multiple-seam mining.
To avoid higher mining costs, operators should focus on
adopting practices and procedurcs that prevent and control interactions in multiple seams. The U.S.Bureau of

Mines (USBM), in an effort to improve mine plan*

is
investigating multiple-seam room-and-pillar design and
development.

Approach
Factors that influence interactions between opcratiws
can be classified as either "geologic' or "mine de&d parameters. The geologic parameters include the depth, interburdcn thickness and physical characteristics, coalbed
thickness and physical characteristia, immediate rwf-andfloor stratigraphy, and in situ stress fields. The mine
dosign parameters indude the seam scqucna, pillar size
and strength, entry widths and roof spans. percent extraction, m i n i height, geometric layout of the workins support methods, and the h c delay between mining seams.
Optimization of mine design factors is the primary means
for controlling interactions between operations.
Of the design factors, three are considered primary
and have signifid influence in seam interaction. These
factors are very closely related and should be weighed
equally for effedve mine planning First,the sequence or
order in wbich the seams will be mined will determine
tbe type of interadion. Second, the design of pillars and
entries will determine the magu'tude of interaction. Third,
the geometric layout of the workings will determine the
Iocntion of interaction. Other parameters Gxed by the geologic environmen& such as depth and interburden thickness, will innuenre interaction magnitude and location and
must also be considered in the design process.
Empirical investigations involving case study documentation and analysis have constituted mast of the
USBM research and have provided important infomation in &e development of design procedures. +However,
computer-based numerical models are gaimng more

This document w a prepared by the U.S. Bureau ofMines. Neither the United Slalcs Government nor any person aning an behalf of the U ~ t e d
of the information contained in this documcnk orwarrants that such us?bt f~ from
States G c v m m e n t M u m e any liability resulting Imm thc
privately m e d rights.