| Abstract: | This paper discusses rock engineering criteria suggested for the design of mine openings on the basis of in-situ stress regime and rock discontinuity conditions. The criteria are based on documented experience for underground civil works in the U.S. and abroad. The relevance of the criteria is demonstrated by reference to selected coal mine examples in Utah and West Virginia. Field instrumentation suitable for the measurement of in-situ stress and for monitoring mine response to stress and rock discontinuity conditions is also discussed from experience at deep, underground coal mines in Colorado, Utah, and West Virginia. Instrumentation for in-situ stress includes the hydraulic fracturing techniques and the overcoring technique; for mine response, instrumentation includes electric, vibrating wire stressmeters in pillars and rock extensometers in mine roofs. |
