Influence of Highwall Mining Progression on Web and Barrier Pillar Stability
Abstract
Highwall miners have been widely used to extract additional coal reserves from existing surface operations, particularly on contour operations in the Appalachian coalfields. Using a continuous miner cutting head, coal may be extracted from significant depths (such as 150 m), leaving behind an array of web and barrier pillars with the purpose of maintaining highwall stability. This method inherently involves elevated risks to both equipment and personnel due to proximity to and increased exposure time near highwalls. As a result, modern operations should actively design web and barrier pillars to maximize extraction while providing adequate stability. The ARMPS-HWM software, an empirical-based program created for the design of web and barrier pillars at highwall mining operations, is one such approach. The calculated stability factor is compared with empirically established guidelines produced from examining case histories. The ARMPS-HWM program is a handy tool for initial design, but understanding the site's structurally significant geologic features and geomechanical behavior is important and may potentially increase extraction. We created a two-dimensional numerical model using FLAC3D and calibrated it to ensure pillar strength, closely following the Mark-Bieniawski formula for a typical range of pillar geometries and overburden properties. The development of pillar stresses along a highwall panel was then numerically investigated as mining progressed, and the stress distribution between barrier pillars was found to be asymmetric, which can result in an over-design of the closeout web pillars if tributary area loading is assumed. Finally, the importance of adequate barrier pillar stability is highlighted.
Recommended Citation
K. A. Perry et al., "Influence of Highwall Mining Progression on Web and Barrier Pillar Stability," Mining Engineering, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 59 - 67, Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, Mar 2015.
Department(s)
Mining Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Barrier (equipment); Coal mining; Empirical analysis; Pillar; Site characterization; Software; Stability analysis; Stress analysis; Two-dimensional modeling; Appalachians
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
0026-5187
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2015 Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Mar 2015