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It is now widely accepted that horizontal stress is present nearly everywhere underground. Often it is more severe than the vertical stress. It is a major cause of roof control problems in underground mines.
Horizontal stress is generally more intense in some directions than others, so its effects can be minimized with proper entry orientation. AHSM contains two modules to improve mine layouts for control of horizontal stress. For development, the user specifies the orientations of the entries, the crosscuts, and the maximum horizontal stress. Angled crosscuts may be used, and the angles may be different for the right- and left-hand crosscuts. If site-specific stress measurements are not available, a drop-down menu allows the user to select from a menu of regional stress orientations. AHSM then shows the how the stress condition would vary as the entry and crosscut orientations are changed.
The second module is for longwall mining. Severe stress concentrations can make headgate conditions hazardous when the entries are improperly oriented. AHSM shows whether a particular longwall orientation and sequence of panel recovery places the headgate corner in a stress concentration or in stress relief. AHSM also estimates the magnitude of the stress concentration.
Related Products:
- Ground Control Software Toolbar - Analysis Software