Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link Skip directly to A-Z link


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People
Search
            ×
                        Mining
                        Mining
                            NIOSH
                            All CDC
                    Submit
                For a full list of topics:A-Z Index
                Advanced Search
            Advanced Search


The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)


Section Navigation
			
			CDC Home





Mining Product: Pillar and Roof Span Design Guidelines for Underground Stone Mines
Keywords: Stone mining Support design and selection
Original creation date: May 2011
Authors: GS Esterhuizen, DR Dolinar, JL Ellenberger, LJ Prosser
Information Circular - May 2011
Download PDF Document (6.30 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20039529
Pittsburgh, PA: U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2011-171, IC 9526, 2011 May; :1-64
Underground stone mines in the United States use the room-and-pillar method of mining in generally flat-lying bedded formations. Pillar and roof span stability are two essential prerequisites for safe working conditions in room-and-pillar mines. Unstable pillars can result in rock sloughing from the pillar and can lead to the collapse of the roof if one or more pillars should fail. In addition, the roof span between pillars must be stable to provide safe access to the working areas. Falls of ground from the roof and pillar ribs account for about 15% of all lost working days in underground stone mines [MSHA 2009]. In the past, pillar and roof span dimensions were largely based on experience at nearby mines, developed through trial and error or designed on a case-by-case basis by rock engineering specialists. This document presents the results of research conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in cooperation with participating underground stone mines to develop generally applicable guidelines for designing stable pillars and roof spans in stone mines.
Image of publication Pillar and Roof Span Design Guidelines for Underground Stone MinesInformation Circular - May 2011
Download PDF Document (6.30 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20039529
Pittsburgh, PA: U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2011-171, IC 9526, 2011 May; :1-64
See Also
A Computer Software Program that Estimates Air Quantity Requirements in Large Opening Stone Mines
Controlling Roof Beam Failures From High Horizontal Stresses in Underground Stone Mines
Effect of the Dip and Excavation Orientation on Roof Stability in Moderately Dipping Stone Mine Workings
Effects of Weak Bands on Pillar Stability in Stone Mines: Field Observations and Numerical Model Assessment
Investigation of Pillar-Roof Contact Failure in Northern Appalachian Stone Mine Workings
Pillar Design
Pillar Stability Issues Based on a Survey of Pillar Performance in Underground Limestone Mines
Pillar Strength and Design Methodology for Stone Mines
Preventing Injuries Caused by Unrecognized Stone Mine Roof Beam Failures With a Pro-Active Roof Control Plan
Roof Span Design for Underground Stone Mines
Roof Stability Issues in Underground Limestone Mines in the United States
Page last reviewed: September 20, 2012
Page last updated: September 20, 2012
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
Facebook
        Twitter
        LinkedIn
        Syndicate Mining
        Site BrowserSafety and Health TopicsData & StatisticsMethodologyMine DisastersMSHA Data FilesMine & Mineworker ChartsTools & PublicationsTools You Can UsePublicationsNews & ArticlesResearch ProgramNORA Mining CouncilStrategic PlanMining Program, 2019-2023Miner Health Program, 2020-2030ProjectsContractsFunding OpportunitiesMining LinksAbout UsContact NIOSH MiningEmploymentFacilitiesHistoryVisitor Information NIOSH Homepage
 NIOSH A-Z
Workplace Safety & Health Topics
Publications and Products
Programs


About CDC
					Contact Us
					800-232-4636
 Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Pinterest Snapchat
 CONTACT CDC
				Contact Us
							Call 800-232-4636
							Email Us
			ABOUT CDC
				About CDC
							Jobs
							Funding
			POLICIES
				Accessibility
							External Links
							Privacy
							Policies
							No Fear Act
							FOIA
							OIG
							Nondiscrimination
							Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			CONNECT WITH US
				Facebook
								Twitter
								Instagram
								LinkedIn
							Youtube
								Pinterest
								Snapchat
								Email
			LANGUAGES
				Español
							繁體中文
							Tiếng Việt
							한국어
							Tagalog
							Русский
							العربية
							Kreyòl Ayisyen
							Français
							Polski
							Português
							Italiano
							Deutsch
							日本語
							فارسی
							English


U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
			Accessibility
			External Links
			Privacy
			Policies
			No Fear Act
			FOIA
			Nondiscrimination
			OIG
			Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			USA.gov


Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy Close
 Links with this icon  indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
				Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
				You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
				CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Website Disclaimers
 Cancel Continue