Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Productivity optimisation in weak sedimentary formations for improved coal production and roof stability—an approach

  • Published:
Geotechnical & Geological Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Far-field peak particle velocity (PPV) measurements were made in the roof while blasting in coal development drivages at Tandsi Mine, Western Coalfields Limited, India. The roof was fragile at this mine and was posing constant support problems for mining, resulting in low productivity. The PPV measurements have been used to decipher the damage zone in the roof. The extent of damage obtained has been compared to establish the threshold limits for the damage zone. Conversely, the maximum charge per delay that can be exploded is calculated and a suitable blast design has been recommended for maintaining the roof stability and pull. A roof vibration predictor equation has been developed that shows a consistent trend indicating that it may have future use in a similar geo-mining setup. The blast pattern recommended has reduced the damage extent, though marginally, but helped in improving pull. Critical PPV for incipient rock damage in underground coal mine development drivages under fragile roof were computed. The PPV level for incipient crack growth was found to vary from 500 to 800 mm/s while for overbreak it varied from 800 to 1200 mm/s. It was also observed that the location of cut holes, charge concentration and firing sequence were found to be responsible for the difference in their damage potential.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bauer, A. (1978) Trends in drilling and blasting, Proceedings of 4th Conference on Explosives and Blasting Techniques, SEE, pp. 291–325.

  • Blair, D. and Minchinton, A. (1996) On the damage zone surrounding a single blasthole, Proceedings of 5th Intl.Symp osium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, FRAGBLAST-5, B. Mohanty (ed.), pp. 121–130.

  • CMRI (1997) Interim report on pull optimisation trials for increased roof stability at Tandsi Mine, WCL, Kanhan Area, India, Interim Report, Central Mining Research Institute, Dhanbad, India.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chakraborty, A. K., Murthy, V.M. S. R., Jhanwar, J.C., Jethwa, J. L. and Dhar, B.B. (1995) A study on higher pull in Mine No. 1 of Saoner Project, WCL, CMRI Project No. MT/COLLAB/N/1/95, Nagpur.

  • Edwards, A. J. and Northwood, T. D. (1960) Experimental studies of the effects of blasting on structures, The Engineer, 210, September, pp. 538–546.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holmberg, R. and Persson, P. A. (1978) Swedish approach to contour blasting, Proceedings of 4th Conference on Explosives and Blasting Techniques, SEE, New Orleans, LA, February 1-3, pp. 113–127.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holmberg, R. and Persson, P. (1979) Design of tunnel perimeter blast hole patterns to prevent rock damage, Proceedings of Tunnelling 79, Inst. of Mining and Metallurgy, London, UK, Jones, M. J. (ed.), March 12-16, pp. 280–283.

    Google Scholar 

  • Persson, P. A. (1996) The relationship between strain energy, rock damage, fragmentation, and throw in rock blasting, Proceedings of 5th Intl.S ymposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, FRAGBLAST-5, Mohanty, B. (ed.), pp. 113–121.

  • Langefors, U. and Kihlstrom, B. (1963) TheModern Techniques of Rock Blasting, JohnWiley and Sons Inc., New York, pp. 269–284.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meyer, T. and Dunn, P. G. (1996) Fragmentation and rockmass damage assessment - Sunburst excavator and drill and blast, North American Rock Mech.Symp osium, Rock Mechanics, Aubertin, Hassani and Mitri (eds), Balkema, Rotterdam, pp. 609–616.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rustan, L. N. (1985) Controlled blasting in hard intense jointed rock in tunnels, CIM Bulletin, Dec., pp. 63–68.

  • Venkateswarlu, V. and Raju, N. M. (1987) Support Design For Mine Roadways_A Geotechnical Approach, 13th World Mining Congress, Stockholm, Sweden.

  • Yang, R. L., Rocque, P., Katsabanis, P. and Bawden, W. F. (1993) Blast damage study by measurement of blast vibration and damage in the area adjacent to blast hole, Proceedings of 4th Intl.Sy mposium on Rock Fragmentation by Blasting, FRAGBLAST-4, Rossmanith, H. P. (ed.), Austria, pp. 137–144.

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mining Engineering, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad –, 826 004, India

    V. M. S. R. Murthy (Assistant Professor)

  2. Central Mining Research Institute, Barwa Road, Dhanbad –, 826 001, India

    Santosh Kumar Ray (Scientist)

Authors
  1. V. M. S. R. Murthy
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Santosh Kumar Ray
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Murthy, V.M.S.R., Ray, S.K. Productivity optimisation in weak sedimentary formations for improved coal production and roof stability—an approach. Geotechnical and Geological Engineering 20, 273–290 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016048509649

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016048509649

Search

Navigation