NIOSH Mining Software


ALPS - Analysis of Longwall Pillar Stability

Version: 5.2.06  (02-11-2008)

See also: NIOSH mining products
Type: Analysis Software
Version: 5.2.06  (02-11-2008)
Operating System: Windows® (all versions)
Audience: Mine operators
Installation Notes: The download file is a self-extracting executable which will automatically run a setup program.
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EXE
7.97 MB

ALPS (Analysis of Longwall Pillar Stability) is software for designing pillars for longwall mines. The ALPS method, which is embodied in the program, consists of three basic steps:

  1. Estimating the loading that will be applied to the pillars during all the phases of longwall mining
  2. Estimating the load-bearing capacity of the longwall pillar system, and
  3. Calculating "stability factors" (SF) by comparing the load to the load-bearing capacity

Since its development, the ALPS method has been verified by back-analysis of more than 100 actual mining case histories. This version of the software includes the Mark Bieniawski pillar strength formula, which more accurately represent the strength of rectangular pillars, and more flexibility in longwall layout by allowing angled crosscuts and varied crosscut spacing.

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Page last updated: October 1, 2008
Page last reviewed: September 30, 2008
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Mining Division