THE CASE FOR CONTINUING COAL MINING SUBSIDENCE RESEARCH

摘要

The National Coal Board collected and analysed subsidence data, which resulted in the publication of the subsidence Engineers' Handbook. This provided a very rational to approach to subsidence prediction based on national average values, using the three basic for prediction of width, depth and seam thickness. The book became accepted worldwide as the definitive predictive model.For many years British Waterways have recorded subsidence; very large differences between predicted and actual have been found, including an increase in magnitude of up to 700 percent more, with duration lasting for several years, whilst modern subjacent workings were found to cause spectacular results. The paper demonstrates that a holistic approach to subsidence prediction needs to be practised, that as taking the mining dimensions into account, three other main considerations appear to be multi-seam working, multi-panel working and the nature of the cover rocks. The conclusions are that further research should be undertaken, which could, cost effectively, unlock reserves in sensitive areas.