Two new barrier pillar design methods for longwall mining

Abstract

The current barrier pillar design criteria in longwall mining are described with the aim at developing new design criteria for barrier pillars. Two analytical approaches have been developed and are presented. The results are compared with the in situ data obtained from monitoring the performance of 26 gateroads (coalface access tunnels) in mines of the Cape Breton Coalfield. Finally, the results of these approaches are compared with existing barrier pillar design criteria in longwall mining.