Integrated real-time roof monitoring

Abstract

CSIRO has recently developed a real-time roof monitoring system for underground coal mines and successfully tried the system in gate roads at Ulan Mine. The system integrated displacement monitoring, stress monitoring and seismic monitoring in one package. It included GEL multianchor extensometers, vibrating wire uniaxial stress meters, ESG seismic monitoring system with microseismic sensors and high-frequency AE sensors. The monitoring system automated and the data can be automatically collected by a central computer located in an underground nonhazardous area. The data are then transferred to the surface via an optical fiber cable. The real-time data were accessed at any location with an Internet connection. The trials of the system in two tailgates at Ulan Mine demonstrate that the system is effective for monitoring the behavior and stability of roadways during longwall mining. The continuous roof displacement/stress data show clear precursors of roof falls. The seismic data (event count and locations) provide insights into the roof failure process during roof fall.