A classification system for excavation of surface coal measures

Abstract

A classification system based on the relevant rock mass and material properties of the ground and their influence on excavation equipment performance is described. An excavation rating system is proposed utilizing some rock mass and material properties which influence excavation performances; namely, uniaxial compressive strength, hardness, discontinuity spacing, degree of weathering and seismic wave velocity. The work was carried out in operating Turkish surface lignite mines. It is suggested that this system, which is supported by 284 different case studies, can be used for rapid determination of the excavation class, together with the type of equipment to be used. © 1990 Elsevier Science Publishers B.V.