Apparatus for Testing Impact Resistant Lagging
A testing apparatus includes a frame having a top end and a bottom end, a weight block movable between the top end and the bottom end, a guide member supported by the frame and receiving the weight block, and a protection mechanism having a stopper and an actuator. The stopper being operatively connected to the actuator and movable between an extended position and a retracted position with the stopper being configured to restrict the movement of the weight block when in the extended position.
This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/714,139, filed Feb. 26, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/156,168, filed Feb. 27, 2009. The disclosures of each of the applications mentioned above is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to underground mining and, more particularly, to an apparatus for testing lagging panels for roof control at underground openings.
2. Description of Related Art
Certain areas of underground openings are susceptible to a roof fall, i.e., falling rock, which presents a danger to mine personnel. Typically, when an underground opening has experienced a roof fall, the rock debris is removed from the area and the area of the roof fall is bolted and backfilled to reduce the risk of further rock fall. The process of bolting and backfilling the area of the roof that experienced roof fall, however, is a time consuming process that requires the mine to stop production. In addition, backfill material is costly and backfilling the large roof fall area can become prohibitively expensive. Accordingly, there is a need for a simple and reliable system to protect personnel and moving vehicles from falling rock.
Furthermore, there are currently no design guidelines and methodologies for lagging panels available that have been well-established to meet engineering needs in the underground mining industry. The design of lagging panels in the mining industry is generally based on trial-and-error and field experiences. Therefore, a practical and reliable lagging panel design methodology is needed which takes into account the impact loads the panel may be subjected to from the falling rock.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn one embodiment, a steel set assembly includes a first pair of legs and a second pair of legs with the first pair of legs being spaced from and positioned opposite the second pair of legs. The assembly also includes first and second beams and a panel secured to the first and second beams. The first beam is secured to one leg of the first pair of legs and one leg of the second pair of legs and the second beam is secured to the other leg of the first pair of legs and the other leg of the second pair of legs. The panel includes a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, a block having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a pad positioned between the top surface of the base and the bottom surface of the block with the block being secured to the base.
The base may define a plurality of raised portions and a receiving portion, where the receiving portion has a substantially planar surface and each raised portion extends from the substantially planar surface. The block may be positioned in the receiving portion. The panel may further include an insert positioned adjacent the bottom surface of the base with the insert conforming to the bottom surface of the base. The block may be a wood crib and the top surface of the block may define a plurality of grooves. The block may also include a core and an outer shell. The core may be wood and the outer shell may be plastic. The assembly may further include a plurality of clips secured to the bottom surface of the base with the clips securing the panel to the first and second beams. The assembly may also further include an insert positioned between the bottom surface of the base and at least one of the first and second beams.
In a further embodiment, a panel includes a base having a top surface and a bottom surface, a block having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a pad positioned between the top surface of the base and the bottom surface of the block with the block being secured to base.
The base may define a plurality of raised portions and a receiving portion with each raised portion extending from the top surface of the base and the receiving portion being defined between the raised portions. The block may be positioned in the receiving portion. The panel may further include an insert positioned adjacent the bottom surface of the base with the insert conforming to the bottom surface of the base. The block may be a wood crib and the top surface of the block may define a plurality of grooves. The panel may also further include a clip secured to the bottom surface of the base and an insert secured to the bottom surface of the base and positioned adjacent to the clip. A fastener may extend through the block, the pad, the base, and the clip.
In another embodiment, a testing apparatus includes a frame having a top end and a bottom end, a weight block movable between the top end and the bottom end, a guide member supported by the frame and receiving the weight block, and a protection mechanism having a stopper and an actuator. The stopper is operatively connected to the actuator and movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The stopper is configured to restrict the movement of the weight block when in the extended position.
The testing apparatus may further include a movable pin having a first position and a second position. The movable pin is received within a slot defined in the frame. The stopper may be pivotally connected to the frame via a pivot and may define a cam surface for receiving the movable pin. The actuator may be connected to the movable pin. The stopper may be in the retracted position when the movable pin is in the first position and the stopper may be in the extended position when the movable pin is in the second position. The testing apparatus may further include a base positioned adjacent the bottom end of the frame and a load cell positioned on the base.
For the purposes of the description hereinafter, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variation step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific information illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention.
Referring to
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The impact block 65 includes a top surface 66 and a bottom surface 67 and is positioned in the receiving space 58 with the cushion pad 78 positioned between the top surface 62 of the base 54 and the bottom surface 67 of the impact block 65. The top surface 66 of the impact block 65 includes a grooved surface 68 to provide yieldability against impact, although the top surface 66 may also be smooth or include other surface configurations. The impact block 65 may be wooden, such as a wood crib, although other suitable materials may be used for the impact block 65. In particular, the material of the impact block 65 should having sufficient strength and ductility to withstand an impact from falling rock. As shown more clearly in
Referring again to
Referring to
During use of the testing apparatus 110, a testing sample, such as the impact resistant lagging panel 50 discussed above, is positioned on the base 115 so that the lagging panel 50 spans across the base 115. The span of the base 115 is designed to simulate the span between adjacent beams 14 of the arch set assembly 10 discussed above. The distance allows a determination of the actual impact forces the arch set assembly 10 will receive through the lagging panels 50. The dynamic load cells 175 are positioned between the lagging panel 50 and the base 115 of the testing apparatus 110. In particular, as shown more clearly in
Referring again to
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In a further embodiment, a method of designing an impact resistant lagging panel is disclosed. The method includes: a) estimating the size of falling rock and roof fall height; b) applying impulse-momentum theory based on values obtained in step a) to obtain an impact load value; and c) designing a lagging panel based on the impact load value. The method may also include the step of fabricating a lagging panel based on the design obtained in step c).
The size of the falling rock and the roof fall height may be estimated based upon an evaluation of rock strata and roof condition. The condition of the rock strata may be determined based on core samples previously taken, as well as information known to mine operators through experience of operating in a particular area. For instance, if the immediate roof is known to be thinly laminated, the rocks from a secondary roof fall will generally be small in size. The size of falling rock and roof fall height may also be estimated based on previous roof falls in the area.
Once the size and height of the falling rock is estimated, the impulse-momentum theory may be applied. The impulse-momentum theory is described by the following equations:
PΔt=M(Vf−Vi) (Equation 1)
M=(w)×(t)×(s)×(γ) (Equation 2)
Vi=√2gH (Equation 3)
P is the impact load;
Δt is the duration of impact;
M is the mass;
w is the width of the falling rock;
t is the thickness of the falling rock;
s is the unit length of the rock layer (s=1);
γ is the average density of fractured rock (assuming 120 lb/ft3 or other appropriate value);
Vi is the velocity of the falling rock before impact;
H is the falling height;
g is the gravitational acceleration; and
Vf is the velocity of falling rock after impact (assuming 0).
The size of the falling rock, i.e., the width (w) and thickness (t), is obtained from the estimation in the previous step. The falling height (H) is also obtained from the estimation in the previous step. Thus, the mass (M) and the velocity of the falling rock before impact (Vi) can be calculated using Equations 2 and 3. Although the average density of the fractured rock (γ) was assumed to be 120 lb/ft3, other appropriate values may be used. The duration of the impact (Δt) is dependent on the properties of the lagging panel 50 being impacted. For instance, the ductility of the impact block 65 and the amount and type of cushioning used in the lagging panel 50 will affect the duration of the impact (Δt). The duration of the impact (Δt) for a particular lagging panel arrangement may be determined through laboratory testing, which will be discussed below in more detail. Because the rest of the values are now known, the impact load (P) may then be determined using Equation 1. Based upon the impact load (P) value, a lagging panel 50 may be designed to withstand the impact from falling rock.
The method may further include the step of performing finite element computer modeling to determine the dynamic impact support capacity of a particular lagging panel 50. The impact resistant lagging panel 50, which was discussed above, was modeled to determine the dynamic impact support capacity assuming the lagging panel 50 is supported over a 4 foot span by W8×31 beams on both ends. The vertical deformation and safety factor distribution of the impact resistant lagging panel 50 at the given impact load (P) are determined from the computer model. More specifically, with 68 kips of impact load (P) at the mid-span, the supported beam develops less than 0.16″ deflection at the mid-span, and material yielding initiates at the outmost fiber at the bottom of the V-deck panel and at the top of the wood cribs. Since the lagging panel 50 deflects within the serviceability range (typically 1/360 span) and the yielding zone does not propagate thru the impact blocks 65, it can be concluded that the lagging panel 50 has adequate strength to sustain 68 kips of dynamic impact load (P). If the design of the lagging panel 50 is determined to be insufficient from the computer modeling, the design of the panel 50 may be modified by altering the size of the components, selecting alternative materials, or making other suitable changes to the design to ensure the panel can sustain the estimated impact loads. The design process may be repeated to select a design that has a suitable dynamic impact support capacity. Accordingly, finite element computer modeling may be used to design a lagging panel 50 to withstand the impact load (P) determined using Equation 1.
The peak impact load (P) and the duration of the impact may be determined by conducting a test using the testing apparatus 110 shown in
Based on the laboratory testing and finite element analysis of the lagging panel 50, a maximum impact load the panel can sustain without failure is determined. Referring to
The above invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obvious modifications, combinations and alterations will occur to others upon reading the preceding detailed description. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive.
Claims
1. A testing apparatus comprising:
- a frame having a top end and a bottom end;
- a weight block movable between the top end and the bottom end;
- a guide member supported by the frame and receiving the weight block; and
- a protection mechanism having a stopper and an actuator, the stopper being operatively connected to the actuator and movable between an extended position and a retracted position, the stopper being configured to restrict the movement of the weight block when in the extended position.
2. The testing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a movable pin having a first position and a second position, the movable pin being received within a slot defined in the frame, the stopper being pivotally connected to the frame via a pivot and defining a cam surface for receiving the movable pin, wherein the actuator is connected to the movable pin with the stopper in the retracted position when the movable pin is in the first position and the stopper in the extended position when the movable pin is in the second position.
3. The testing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a base positioned adjacent the bottom end of the frame and a load cell positioned on the base.
4. The testing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the frame comprises spaced-apart legs secured to the base and a top member connecting the spaced-apart legs to each other.
5. The testing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the guide member comprises first and second guide members positioned between the spaced-apart legs of the frame and extending from the top end to the bottom end of the frame.
6. The testing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guide member comprises a shaft received by a portion of the weight block, the weight block moveable along the shaft.
7. The testing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a safety protection wall surrounding the frame.
8. The testing apparatus of claim 7, wherein the safety protection wall comprises a door, the door comprising a sensor to determine an open and closed position of the door.
9. The testing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pulley and a winch, the pulley and winch configured to raise the weight block.
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 17, 2015
Publication Date: Jun 23, 2016
Inventors: Kevin Jinrong Ma (Cheswick, PA), John C. Stankus (Canonsburg, PA), Robert McGinnis (Butler, PA), Dakota Faulkner (New Kensington, PA), Demrey Brandon (Pittsburgh, PA), John Feyrer (Pittsburgh, PA)
Application Number: 14/972,210