Review of Current Coal Rib Control Practices

Abstract

The instability of coal ribs in underground mines continues to result in the injuries and fatalities of mine workers. The proper estimation and evaluation of primary and secondary support for coal ribs is still a challenging problem in the field of ground control science and requires further research and study. Although mining operations have various support design criteria and support methodologies for strata control, most rib support designs are still based on experience and local practices. This review study is intended to summarize the currently applied practices for rib support and control in various countries and mining conditions. Firstly, critical parameters that control the amount and type of required rib support are considered and evaluated. The study revealed that among these parameters that control the stability of coal ribs, mining depth, rib height, cleat orientation/condition, and coal strength are the most significant parameters. Secondly, current rib support application methods were also summarized. Similar to rock mass classification systems, some studies proposed a rib control rating system for practical estimation of the current rib condition and to estimate primary support requirements. These studies are classified and summarized into two groups (categorical and empirical) based on the required inputs and methodologies. Empirically based coal rib rating systems were closely examined, and the usefulness and intuitive aspects of each rating system were compared. This comprehensive literature review demonstrates that the Australian rating system, Analysis and Design of Rib Support (ADRS), and the new U.S. rating system, Coal Pillar Rib Rating (CPRR), are highly applicable for their regions.

Department(s)

Mining Engineering

Comments

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Grant None

Keywords and Phrases

Adrs; Coal Rib; Cprr; Ground Control; Rib Control Techniques; Rib Support

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

2467-9674; 2096-2754

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2023 KEAI Publishing, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Apr 2023

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