Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2008

Publication Details

This conference paper was originally published as Seedsman, R, The Limitations of the Observational Method for Roof Support and Subsidence Management in High Production Longwalls in Aziz, N (ed), Coal 2008: Coal Operators' Conference, University of Wollongong & the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2008, 67-74.

Abstract

Monitoring is an essential component of the observational method but it is not a substitute for geotechnical design. Roof extensometry is used extensively for managing ground control. It provides an additional and essential level of control for the management of safety but it should not be relied on to provide the necessary warning of interruptions to longwall extraction. Longwall extraction does not have the flexibility to allow for the modifications that are an essential part of the observational method. A more conservative initial design for ground control is required. A logical framework for such design is presented.

Share

COinS