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Mining Publication: Analysis of the Current Rib Support Practices and Techniques in U.S. Coal Mines
Keywords: Rib sloughage Support design and selection
Original creation date: January 2016
Authors: KM Mohamed, MM Murphy, HE Lawson, TM Klemetti
Peer Reviewed Journal Article - January 2016
Go to Web Page
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20047325
Int J Min Sci Technol 2016 Jan; 26(1):77-87
Design of rib support systems in U.S. coal mines is based primarily on local practices and experience. A better understanding of current rib support practices in U.S. coal mines is crucial for developing a sound engineering rib support design tool. The objective of this paper is to analyze the current practices of rib control in U.S. coal mines. Twenty underground coal mines were studied representing various coal basins, coal seams, geology, loading conditions, and rib control strategies. The key findings are: (1) any rib design guideline or tool should take into account external rib support as well as internal bolting; (2) rib bolts on their own cannot contain rib spall, especially in soft ribs subjected to significant load—external rib control devices such as mesh are required in such cases to contain rib sloughing; (3) the majority of the studied mines follow the overburden depth and entry height thresholds recommended by the Program Information Bulletin 11-29 issued by the Mine Safety and Health Administration; (4) potential rib instability occurred when certain geological features prevailed—these include draw slate and/or bone coal near the rib/roof line, claystone partings, and soft coal bench overlain by rock strata; (5) 47% of the studied rib spall was classified as blocky—this could indicate a high potential of rib hazards; and (6) rib injury rates of the studied mines for the last three years emphasize the need for more rib control management for mines operating at overburden depths between 152.4 m and 304.8 m.
Cover image for Analysis of the Current Rib Support Practices and Techniques in U.S. Coal MinesPeer Reviewed Journal Article - January 2016
Go to Web Page
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20047325
Int J Min Sci Technol 2016 Jan; 26(1):77-87
See Also
Diagnosing and Controlling Moisture-Sensitive Roof in Coal Mines
Effect of the Dip and Excavation Orientation on Roof Stability in Moderately Dipping Stone Mine Workings
Optimizing Secondary Roof Support with the NIOSH Support Technology Optimization Program (STOP)
Overview of Coal Mine Ground Control Issues in the Illinois Basin
Pillar and Roof Span Design Guidelines for Underground Stone Mines
Preventing Falls of Ground in Coal Mines With Exceptionally Low-Strength Roof: Two Case Studies
Pumpable Roof Supports: Developing Design Criteria by Measurement of the Ground Reaction Curve
Technology News 482 - Ground Support Safety Training Video
Tests of Fibre-Reinforced Shotcrete at the Chief Joseph Mine, Butte, Montana
Updating the NIOSH Support Technology Optimization Program (STOP) With New Support Technologies and Additional Design Features
Page last reviewed: March 7, 2017
Page last updated: March 7, 2017
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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