Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2010

Publication Details

This conference paper was originally published as Canbulat, I, Roadway roof support design in critical areas at Anglo American Metallurgical Coal's underground operations, in Aziz, N (ed), 10th Underground Coal Operators' Conference, University of Wollongong & the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 2010, 50-72.

Abstract

In order to ensure the stability of roadways Anglo American Metallurgical Coal (AAMC) has developed an advanced roof support design methodology that integrates analytical, numerical and empirical modelling. This methodology currently is based on a deterministic approach (a single factor of safety against failure is calculated). However, an improved methodology, based on stochastic modelling technique, has also been developed and currently being evaluated. The main advantage of this methodology is that as the design is based on probability distributions of input parameters, the outcome is based on a distribution of factors of safety rather than a single factor of safety. Evaluation of factors of safety may also be used to determine the likelihood of failure which in turn may be utilised to determine and evaluate the associated risks quantitatively in decision making process. This methodology has been evaluated at Grasstree and Moranbah North Coal Mines in the designs of roof support in various critical areas and has been proven to be successful and a better way of determining the roof support requirements. A demonstration of application of this methodology from Moranbah North Mine, where the “world’s highest rated longwall” has recently been installed, is presented in this paper.

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