Current and future UK practice for the permanent support of shaft excavations

Summary Mining development work in the UK is primarily concerned with the coal industry. Sedimentary rocks of the sandstone, marl and limestone types and coal measures are the predominant strata through which new shafts or existing shaft deepenings penetrate. The paper discusses hydrogeological information, the loadings imposed on shaft linings in such strata and outlines design philosophy. Design formulae are quoted and design practice is reviewed with reference to the current UK Codes of Practice for concrete construction.Included in the overall shaft lining design concept should be a consideration of the installation factors. Construction aspects and the influence of strata water control measures are therefore discussed in relation to recent advances using high-strength concrete and water pressure relief. New concepts in shaft lining design are also proposed and commented upon. Finally, the significant features of shaft lining design and construction are emphasized.