{"id":{"repo_id":"vt","oai_identifier":"oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/53902"},"canonical_url":"https://search.dev.ndltd.org/etd/vt/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/53902","repository":{"repo_id":"vt","name":"Virginia Tech","base_url":"https://vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request"},"display":{"title":"An analysis of close seam interaction problems in the Appalachian coal fields","abstract":"Mining into strata disturbed by previous mining operations either above or below may sometimes result in severe strata control problems. These interaction problems, associated with most multiple-seam mining operations, are very common in the Appalachian coal region and are the subject of this dissertation. On the basis of both theoretical and empirical analyses, using statistical analysis, numerical modeling, and photoelastic modeling methods in conjunction with the analysis of numerous case studies, a comprehensive, integrated model has been constructed and represented by a computer program called \"MSEAM”. Using this comprehensive model, possible interaction problems under certain geological and mining conditions can be first predicted based on rules determined either empirically or statistically. Then, detailed analyses using different interaction mechanisms -- pillar load transfer, arching effect, upper seam subsidence, inner- burden bending, and innerburden shearing -- can further determine the area or degree of possible interaction in both under- and over-mining situations. Special geologic and mining factors controlling interaction are also summarized by indices for an independent interaction prediction. This integrated model has been validated by back·analysis of several case studies. Full descriptions of multivariate statistical analysis, photoelastic modeling technique, quantization of various interaction mechanisms, and development of the comprehensive model are included.","abstract_html":"Mining into strata disturbed by previous mining operations either above or below may sometimes result in severe strata control problems. These interaction problems, associated with most multiple-seam mining operations, are very common in the Appalachian coal region and are the subject of this dissertation. On the basis of both theoretical and empirical analyses, using statistical analysis, numerical modeling, and photoelastic modeling methods in conjunction with the analysis of numerous case studies, a comprehensive, integrated model has been constructed and represented by a computer program called &quot;MSEAM”. Using this comprehensive model, possible interaction problems under certain geological and mining conditions can be first predicted based on rules determined either empirically or statistically. Then, detailed analyses using different interaction mechanisms -- pillar load transfer, arching effect, upper seam subsidence, inner- burden bending, and innerburden shearing -- can further determine the area or degree of possible interaction in both under- and over-mining situations. Special geologic and mining factors controlling interaction are also summarized by indices for an independent interaction prediction. This integrated model has been validated by back·analysis of several case studies. Full descriptions of multivariate statistical analysis, photoelastic modeling technique, quantization of various interaction mechanisms, and development of the comprehensive model are included.","abstract_has_math":false,"creators":["Wu, Wei"],"institution":"Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University","degree_name":"Ph. D.","degree_level":"doctoral","degree_discipline":"Mining and Minerals Engineering","degree_department":"Mining and Minerals Engineering","school":null,"contributors":[],"advisors":[],"committee_chairs":["Haycocks, Christopher"],"committee_members":["Karmis, Michael","Lucas, Richard J.","Faulkner, Gavin J.","Holzer, Siegfried M."],"year":1987,"date_issued":"1987","date_published":"1987","updated_at":"2026-07-22T22:20:40Z","subjects":[],"languages":["en_US"],"rights":["In Copyright"],"rights_urls":["http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/"],"identifier_entries":[]},"links":{"outbound_url":"http://hdl.handle.net/10919/53902","outbound_label":"Handle","outbound_source":"dc:identifier.uri"},"metadata_groups":[{"id":"people","label":"People","entries":[{"key":"dc:contributor.committeechair","label":"Committee Chair","values":["Haycocks, Christopher"]},{"key":"dc:contributor.committeemember","label":"Committee Member","values":["Karmis, Michael","Lucas, Richard J.","Faulkner, Gavin J.","Holzer, Siegfried M."]},{"key":"dc:contributor.department","label":"Department","values":["Mining and Minerals Engineering"]},{"key":"dc:creator","label":"Author","values":["Wu, Wei"]}]},{"id":"academic_context","label":"Academic Context","entries":[{"key":"dc:date.accessioned","label":"Dc Date Accessioned","values":["2015-06-29T22:07:05Z"]},{"key":"dc:date.available","label":"Dc Date Available","values":["2015-06-29T22:07:05Z"]},{"key":"dc:date.issued","label":"Date","values":["1987"]},{"key":"dc:publisher","label":"Institution","values":["Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University"]},{"key":"dc:type","label":"Dc Type","values":["Dissertation"]},{"key":"dc:type.dcmitype","label":"Dc Type Dcmitype","values":["Text"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_discipline","label":"Discipline","values":["Mining and Minerals Engineering"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_level","label":"Degree Level","values":["doctoral"]},{"key":"thesis:degree_name","label":"Degree Name","values":["Ph. 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These interaction problems, associated with most multiple-seam mining operations, are very common in the Appalachian coal region and are the subject of this dissertation. On the basis of both theoretical and empirical analyses, using statistical analysis, numerical modeling, and photoelastic modeling methods in conjunction with the analysis of numerous case studies, a comprehensive, integrated model has been constructed and represented by a computer program called \"MSEAM”. Using this comprehensive model, possible interaction problems under certain geological and mining conditions can be first predicted based on rules determined either empirically or statistically. Then, detailed analyses using different interaction mechanisms -- pillar load transfer, arching effect, upper seam subsidence, inner- burden bending, and innerburden shearing -- can further determine the area or degree of possible interaction in both under- and over-mining situations. Special geologic and mining factors controlling interaction are also summarized by indices for an independent interaction prediction. This integrated model has been validated by back·analysis of several case studies. Full descriptions of multivariate statistical analysis, photoelastic modeling technique, quantization of various interaction mechanisms, and development of the comprehensive model are included."]},{"key":"dc:description.degree","label":"Dc Description Degree","values":["Ph. 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