STRATA CONTROL MONITORING ― AN IMPORTANT TOOL FOR IMPROVING SAFETY IN COAL MINES

摘要

Mining is an hazardous industry and underground coal mining, in particular, is most dangerous. This occupation is prone to high death rate and injury rate. Jt is because of the reason that by its very nature of continuous struggle against the forces of nature. Ground movement is an important aspect affecting the safety and productivity in underground mining operations. Experience and data have revealed that on an average, 140 fatal accidents and 575 serious accidents are reported every year from coal mines in India, of which, 60 - 70% fatal accidents occur belowground. Out of the underground fatal accidents, about 60% of accidents are due to fall of roof and sides. Recent trend shows that about 36% accidents had occurred due to ground movement. This data highlights the proportions of ground control problems in belowground coal mines. To minimise the accidents due to strata control problems, initial steps have been put forward by coal mining1 industry by introducing roof bolting in the green roof area (FER) in 1980'a. But due to poor installation techniques and inferior consumables and lacfc of understanding of the bolting system, still the accidents are taking place at an alarming pace. Strata control monitoring is an essential feature of any supporting system for assessing the effectiveness of the support system. This monitoring can be varied to suit particular needs - either simple, regular visual examination or very sophisticated monitoring using the latest measuring techniques can be applied. General model of a roadway support management system consists of design, implementation, monitoring and review of the system. Recognition of the effect of in-situ stress on strata behavior Is fundamental to the success of roof. bolting and stability of roadways in advanced countries. This paper deals with various techniques of strata control monitoring, which helps in designing better support system for improving safety of underground coal mines.