The Proposal of Predicting Formation of Sinkholes with an Exemplary Application
P. STRZALKOWSKI
Faculty of Mining and Geology Silesian University of Technology, Akademicka 2, Gliwice, 44-100 Poland
Keywords: выработки, обрушение пород, провалы, метод прогноза, практическое применение метода, tunnels, rock fall, sinkhole, prediction method, application
Abstract
Numerous abandoned workings, mostly tunnel ones, are present in post shallow mining areas. With time, timber roof supports have been degraded and lost their bearing capacity, while excavations lost stability. The loss of stability of an excavation and its failure is often a cause of sinkholes formation at the surface, sometimes even many years after mining activities were discontinued. Such instances pose a threat to buildings and their users-to public safety. A prediction saying that the probability of sinkhole formation is greater than 0 and smaller than 1 is ambiguous and does not allow making right decisions about the use of land. Therefore, it seems advisable to provide a simple algorithm that would allow to deterministically calculate whether a sinkhole is to be formed or not. This paper presents a method of predicting the probability of sinkhole formation based on Salustowicz’s theory as well as its practical application using a computer program. It should be borne in mind, however, that there are other factors influencing the probability of sinkholes formation, which cannot be taken into account in a mathematical model. These factors include non-mining phenomena, such as suffosion, load imposed on land, vibrations caused by movement of heavy-duty vehicles and other.
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