Geology applied to study of coal mine bumps and mining methods at Sunnyside, Utah

Open-File Report 64-122
By:  and 

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Abstract

Coal mine bumps are a serious hazard to life and property in the mines of east-central Utah. Research into geologic factors associated with these bumps indicates that the bumps are spatially and genetically related to structural and stratigraphic features. Some bumps are directly related to stress accumulation along faults, either from natural causes or as a result of mining. Frictional properties of bedding planes between coal and roof rock, and between some rock units within the roof, directly affect the deformation of coal ribs, and hence the incidence of bumps. These frictional properties are related to the lithology of the roof rocks as well as to the sedimentary structures within the rocks. Commonly a sequence consisting of 1- 3 ft of carbonaceous siltstone, about 2- 3 ft of rider coal, and several feet of massive siltstone or sandstone overlies the main seam. The sequence causes difficult roof conditions in the mines, difficult mining conditions, and directly or indirectly many bumps.

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Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Geology applied to study of coal mine bumps and mining methods at Sunnyside, Utah
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 64-122
DOI 10.3133/ofr64122
Year Published 1964
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description 8 p.
Country United States
State Utah
City Sunnyside
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