New Updates for NIOSH Coal Mine Ground Control Software

The NIOSH suite of coal mine ground control software 

addresses nearly every aspect of coal mine ground control 

planning, including geologic characterization, mine layout, pillar 

design, and support selection. Mine planners who use the software have access to the knowledge gained during years of 

NIOSH research—packaged in a simple, easy-to-use format. 

Several of these software packages have recently been updated 

and improved. 

 Analysis of Roof Bolt Systems (ARBS) (Figure 1) helps 

select the proper roof bolt system design from the immense 

variety of available bolt types and patterns. It was developed 

from statistical analysis of extensive bolt performance and roof 

fall data. New features in Version 2 include— 

 • The capability to analyze roof bolt systems that use two 

types of bolts; and 

 • A roof support cost module that estimates the total installed cost of different patterns, considering the costs of 

consumables, labor, maintenance, and other factors. 

 The Support Technology Optimization Program (STOP)

(Figure 2) can be used to make judgments regarding which 

secondary support system will be the most effective in a particular mine condition and to evaluate the advantages or disadvantages of alternative support systems. Version 3.0 includes 

additional improvements: 

 • Supports with large load-shedding following yielding 

can be designed based on the peak loading capability as 

well as the residual loading capability; 

 • Seven new support systems have been added to the 

program; and 

 • Easier access to photo gallery has been provided. 

 The Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR) replaces complicated geologic information with a simple numerical rating that 

mine planners can use in many ground control applications. The 

CMRR can be readily integrated into a geologic exploration 

program, and the software package is capable of generating an 

AutoCAD CMRR "layer." Version 1.2 contains— 

 • The complete CMRR database with more than 250 

ratings obtained from 70 different U.S. coal seams; and 

 • An all-new "Help" file that clearly explains all aspects 

of the program. 

Analysis of Horizontal Stress in Mining (AHSM) can 

help find the optimum mine layouts for control of horizontal 

stress. It can be used to analyze both development and longwall 

retreat designs, and it shows how the stress condition varies 

as the entry, crosscut, and panel orientations are changed. 

Version 2 features— 

 • Improved graphics that enable the user to observe the 

effect of design changes without adjusting the display 

on the computer screen; and 

 • Resource files containing information on stress mapping, advance-and-relieve mining, stress measurements 

in U.S. coal mines, and other topics. 

No. 517 April 2006 

 Figure 1.—The Analysis of Roof Bolt Systems (ARBS) 

helps select the proper roof bolt type and pattern. 
 For more information, contact Christopher Mark, 

Ph.D. (412–386–6522; CMark@cdc.gov), or Thomas M. 

Barczak, Ph.D. (412–386–6557; TBarczak@cdc.gov), at 

the NIOSH Pittsburgh Research Laboratory. 

To obtain free copies of ARBS, STOP, CMRR, and AHSM, 

along with other NIOSH ground control software, visit the 

NIOSH Ground Control topic page at: www.cdc.gov/niosh/ 

mining/topics/groundcontrol/groundcontrol.htm. You may 

also contact Kim Mitchell at 412–386–6552, e-mail: 

KAMitchell@cdc.gov. Or you may complete the order 

form below, detach, and mail to: Kim Mitchell, NIOSH 

Pittsburgh Research Laboratory, Cochrans Mill Rd., P.O. 

Box 18070, Pittsburgh, PA 15236–0070, or fax to 412–

386–6891. 

To receive other information about occupational safety and 

health topics, call 1–800–35–NIOSH (1–800–356–4674), 

or visit the NIOSH Website at www.cdc.gov/niosh

Mention of any company name or product does not 

constitute endorsement by the National Institute for 

Occupational Safety and Health.

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2006–129 

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G Please send me free copies of ARBS, STOP, CMRR, and AHSM, along with other NIOSH ground control software. 

Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Title _____________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Organization ______________________________________________________________________________________ 

Address __________________________________________________________________________________________ 

City _____________________________________ State ____________________ Zip Code ____________________ 

Country __________________________________________________________________________________________ 

e-mail: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 

 Figure 2.—The Support Technology Optimization Program 

(STOP) can be used to compare alternative secondary support systems.