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Jan 1, 1909

By R. E. Collins, Paul B. Crawford

Potentiometric model studies have been made of ertically fractured reservoirs. All fractures originated at he well and extended into the reservoir for various distances. Studies were made to determine the areal sweep efficiencies for line-drive patterns. The areal sweep efficiency for the unfractured system studied war 70.6 per cent. It was found that if the vertical fracture war paralIel with the direction of flood, the areal sweep efficiency may be considerably reduced, approaching zero in some instances. If the fracture was at right angles to the direction of flood, the areal sweep efficiency may be greater than that for the unfractured system. The sweep efficiency depends on the length and orientation of the fracture and direction of the flood. It is concluded that considerable effort should be made to determine the nature and direction of fractures before initiating a flooding program. Such information is required if the maximum sweep efficiency is to be obtained and channeling is to be reduced to a minimum. INTRODUCTION The recent development and application of fracturing techniques to petroleum reservoirs has served to focus considerable attention on the effect such fractures may have on secondary oil recoveries. The opinion has been expressed that fracturing may not alter appreciably the water flooding possibilities. Others have thought that channeling may occur and that the creation of fractures may serve to substantially reduce the possibilities of conducting a successful water flood in the reservoir The purpose of this study was to obtain quantitative estimates of the effect of vertical fractures on the areal sweep efficiencies of line-drive flooding patterns. In presenting this work on vertical fractures, it is not to be inferred that the present fracturing techniques result in producing a vertical fracture. The types of fracture which are created are not known with certainty in every case. Some are believed to be horizontal, others inclined along bedding planes, and some data indicate vertical fracturing. Each fracture will probably exert a different influence on the sweep efficiency of the secondary recovery program; consequently each fractured well should perhaps be considered as a separate problem, requiring a careful analysis. Preliminary work on the effect of fractures on producing capacity of a well indicated that for practical purposes many fractures may be treated as having a nearly infinite permeability This assumption appears to be valid in some instances where the permeability of the fracture is only 10 or 100 times greater than the permeability of the matrix. It is known to depend on the type, orientation and length of the fracture. In realization that fractures of only 0.01 in. width have calculated permeabilities near 5,000 darcys, it is believed that many fractures may be considered as of near infinite permeability without incurring serious error. Primarily for this reason this study was made with fracture analogs of very great permeability compared to the matrix. FRACTURED SYSTEM ANALOG The pattern sweep efficiencies reported here were obtained with the aid of a potentiometric model. The application of this type model for solving reservoir problems has been described in the literature.1,2,3 The electrolyte reservoir was 20 in. wide by 30 in. long by approximately % in. deep. The liquid depth was constant, which corresponded to a constant permeability-feet product from the injection to the production well. The electrolyte reservoir was built to correspond to a unit in the line-drive pattern shown in Fig. 1. This figure shows part of an infinite array of wells having alternate rows of fractured and unfractured wells. The area within the dashed rectangle shows the area generally studied in the model. In using the model to represent a fractured system, a thin strip of copper was soldered to the well or wells and the length and orientation of the strip was made to conform to the vertical fracture under consideration.

Jan 1, 1955

By W. Allen

FOR the past six years gravity surveys have been used for underground prospecting in the copper mines at Bisbee, Ariz. The primary purpose of the surveys has been to reduce the diamond drilling and crosscutting necessary for exploration. Since many of the orebodies are small, and geologic control is not always apparent, any information that will direct the drilling and crosscutting is highly desirable. Because of extensive development and exploration work in the copper mines at Bisbee, it has been possible to cover more than 630,000 ft of crosscuts on 30 levels with the gravity surveys. In the process the gravity procedures have been refined to a high degree. Density Contrast: For a gravity survey to be successful, a sufficient density contrast must exist between the geologic feature sought and surrounding host rocks. Most mineralized areas will provide this contrast if fairly massive bodies are present. In the Bisbee area the entire sequence of formations, except for alluvium, appears to have specific gravities ranging from 2.65 to 2.70. These values have been determined by means of a large number of cut samples and diamond drill cores. As a further check, vertical gravity differences have been used where nonmineralized sections are known to occur.' The only known major gravity disturbances result from mineralization that has increased the density and the voids that have decreased density. The voids are caused by mining operations and by underground water movement that has developed several areas of caverns. Equipment: While not absolutely essential, a small rugged gravity meter, such as the Worden meter, is highly desirable. A tall tripod, about the height of a transit tripod, permits instrument set-ups in deep water and in locations where fallen timber and muck piles make it impossible to use a short tripod. An additional advantage of a tall tripod is that it places the meter in the center of the crosscut, reducing the error caused by the crosscut void. Size and weight are important, since the only satisfactory means of operating the meter underground is to carry it by hand. A backpack can be used in rare instances but is usually a hindrance because of the close station spacing. The operator's ability to move through tight clearances will improve survey coverage, as it is then possible to move through raises and caved areas and to pass mine cars and machinery with a minimum of trouble. Station Control: Gravity stations are normally located every 100 ft along the crosscuts, at each intersection, and in the face of all stub crosscuts. In areas of high gravity relief, or where small anomalies might be expected, stations may be located at 25 or 50-ft intervals. When possible, the stations should be offset to avoid effects of raises or other voids. The gravity stations on a level are tied to one or more base stations, which are usually located at the shaft or near the portal of an adit. The base stations may be part of a gravity control net that extends to each level in the mine as well as to the surface. Such a net extending throughout the potential area of the surveys is highly desirable, as it is then possible to compare all gravity stations on a uniform basis. The stations that are part of the base net should be carefully established by multiple readings and, if necessary, by a least squares adjustment of the loops. In some instances where levels do not have a shaft station, or where access may be blocked by caving, it may be necessary to establish secondary bases at the top and bottom of the raises that are between levels. Under fair conditions 70 to 90 gravity stations can be located and run in 6 hr by a two-man crew. The best field procedures depend on conditions. Reduction of Field Data: Most of the time required to produce a final gravity map is consumed in processing the data. Each meter reading must be corrected for a minimum of five factors that affect the gravity value in addition to the density contrast being sought. These factors are 1) instrumental drift, 2) station elevation, 3) topography, 4) latitude, and 5) regional gravity gradient. Mine openings, such as stopes and raises, will affect the value. However, it is seldom practical to make corrections for these voids. Usually a rotation is made on the field note on the station, and any

Jan 1, 1957

By HENRY JULLUM

THE ARGONAUT' mill stands at the crest and spreads down the western slope' of a hill, which incidentally covers the' outcrop of the Argonaut vein' at this point. The collar of the main shaft of the mine is situated on the eastern slope of the same hill 120 ft. below the highest ?point. The present mill, built in 1916, was designed to treat 250 tons per 24-hr. day. This capacity has not been attained recently owing to the inability of the mine to produce enough ore while extensive development and underground construction were under way. At present, however, the mine is more than able to take care of the mill requirements.

Jan 1, 1932

By J. P. Batcha, J. Robert Denny

Since 1964. Newmont Mining Corp. has been engaged in a systematic research and development of computer techniques for a variety of mine planning applications. The general objective of this effort has been twofold: first, to arrive at a viable near-optimum plan for mining a particular orebody and, second, to decrease the financial investment by reducing the man-hours required for mine planning. Three major phases in the evolution of Newmont's computer techniques for mine planning are discernible. In phase one, the computer's ability to duplicate manual drafting and contour mapping was developed. Obviously, all recognized geologic characteristics had to be included, and consequently the development of computer techniques for the proper incorporation of structure, stratigraphic trends, and other geological features was a significant aspect of phase one.

Jan 1, 1970

By H. H. Campbell

In the extending employment of open-hearth steel for structural purposes, it is a matter of prime importance that the test-piece shall represent with practical accuracy the characteristics of every portion of the heat from which it comes. In ordinary practice this homogeneity is assumed; but inasmuch as leading exponents of the revolving-hearth system have claimed that a reasonable uniformity could be obtained by their method alone, it may be pertinent to offer a few facts on the subject. The following heats made by the Pennsylvania Steel Company, for bridge-work, were tested by casting two four-inch ingots, one being taken during the first third and the other during the last third of the cast. Test-pieces obtained from these small ingots usually give results inferior to those obtained from larger sizes; but for purposes of cornparison they are equally conclusive. Many of the tests were made for experimental purposes within a few hours of the time of rolling, and before sufficient time had elapsed for the usual molecular redistribution necessary for the best results. All the tests were made on 3/4-inch rounds just as they left the rolls and without annealing; the results, therefore, are subject to the errors caused by variations in the diameter, and in the temperature at which the bar was finished. The tests from any one heat, however, were always nude as nearly as possible under the same conditions; and inasmuch as these data include the results of every heat so tested, and inasmuch as the errors could not by any chance always support any single theory, we may be certain that the unanimons testimony of the experiments indicates a valid conclusion.

Jan 1, 1886

By G. W. Land, A. F. Duzy

There have been some problems associated with hot coal, defined as oxidizing coal heating toward ignition temperature, in shipments from the US to overseas markets. This paper will provide, first, a brief review, together with a selective bibliography. Second, a thorough discussion of coal oxidation is covered. Third, potential effects of storage are presented and, lastly, methods are suggested for the safe storage and bulk transfer of coal. The scope includes coal storage for power plants.

Jan 1, 1986

By C. F. Quest, T. S. Washburn

The steel industry has a definite need in its tonnage mills for a formula relating expected tensile strength to the analysis of the steel. The McWilliam-Barnes1 and other less comprehensive formulas are used for this purpose, but these formulas were designed for an analysis range that does not include the medium manganese and silicon-bearing steels. This type of steel is being produced to meet the demand for tensile strength slightly higher than that of ordinary structural steel but not high enough to justify expensive alloy steels. The purpose of this paper is to present a somewhat more comprehensive formula based on data accumulated over a number of years by the Inland Steel Co., and to discuss the method followed in obtaining a formula to fit the data. The resultant formula admittedly is still weak in some respects, but for the expanded analysis range appears to be an improvement over the other formulas. It is hoped that with the collection of more data and possible collaboration with other mills studying this problem it will be possible to work out a more nearly perfect formula. Several publications have been issued on this subject. In some, the equation type of relation was evolved while others made a combination of tables and an equation. The latter include work by Campbel12,3 and Webster.4,5 Campbell classified the steels as acid and basic and applied a different formula to each. For basic steels, he used the equation: Teosile etrength = 41500 + 770C + 1000P + yMn [1 y was a variable depending on the carbon and manganese content of the steel and was listed in tables. Webster investigated acid Bessemer steel and developed the equation: Tensile strength = 38000 + 800C + xTP+ yMn [2]

Jan 1, 1940

By C. F. Quest, T. S. Washburn

The steel industry has a definite need in its tonnage mills for a formula relating expected tensile strength to the analysis of the steel. The McWilliam-Barnes1 and other less comprehensive formulas are used for this purpose, but these formulas were designed for an analysis range that does not include the medium manganese and silicon-bearing steels. This type of steel is being produced to meet the demand for tensile strength slightly higher than that of ordinary structural steel but not high enough to justify expensive alloy steels. The purpose of this paper is to present a somewhat more comprehensive formula based on data accumulated over a number of years by the Inland Steel Co., and to discuss the method followed in obtaining a formula to fit the data. The resultant formula admittedly is still weak in some respects, but for the expanded analysis range appears to be an improvement over the other formulas. It is hoped that with the collection of more data and possible collaboration with other mills studying this problem it will be possible to work out a more nearly perfect formula. Several publications have been issued on this subject. In some, the equation type of relation was evolved while others made a combination of tables and an equation. The latter include work by Campbel12,3 and Webster.4,5 Campbell classified the steels as acid and basic and applied a different formula to each. For basic steels, he used the equation: Teosile etrength = 41500 + 770C + 1000P + yMn [1 y was a variable depending on the carbon and manganese content of the steel and was listed in tables. Webster investigated acid Bessemer steel and developed the equation: Tensile strength = 38000 + 800C + xTP+ yMn [2]

Jan 1, 1940

By B. D. Cullity

INTRODUCTION THIS investigation of bismuth-selenium alloys was made in an attempt to find a suitable material for use in thermoelectric generators. These devices are simply thermocouple circuits designed for the efficient production of electrical energy from thermal energy, which may in turn be derived directly from solar radiation or from the combustion of fuels. The requirements of a material for use in a thermoelectric generator are obviously quite different from those of a material used in a temperature-measuring thermocouple. Naturally, for power generating purposes, the thermoelectric power (voltage produced per degree difference in temperature between the junctions) must be as high as possible. Furthermore, in order to obtain reasonably high power outputs, the materials used in the generator must have an electrical conductivity which is as high as possible. Finally, in order to minimize heat lost by conduction to the cold junction, the thermal conductivity must be as low as possible. The relation between these several factors and the efficiency of conversion of thermal into electrical energy-the thermoelectric efficiency-has been discussed by Telkes1 in a recent review of the subject. She gives the thermoelectric efficiency as: [ ] For many materials, some of the desired properties (for example, high electrical and low thermal conductivity) are almost mutually exclusive; the problem thus becomes one of finding a material which has the optimum combination of properties. BISMUTH-SELENIUM ALLOYS Work on the equilibrium diagram of the bismuth-selenium alloys has been reviewed by Hanson,2 who gives the diagram reproduced in Fig I. There are two intermediate phases in this system, BiSe and Bi2Se3. The existence of an alpha and beta modification of BiSe has not been demonstrated satisfactorily and the writer found no evidence of it in the present work. BiSe and Bi2Se3 have, like bismuth, a rhombohedral crystal

Jan 1, 1948

By J. W. Halley

Copper has frequently been recommended as an alloying element for steel and the precipitation-hardening of steels containing from 1 to 2 per cent copper has been studied by a number of investigators. The straight copper steels, however, have not been used extensively and little advantage has been taken of the precipitation-hardening of complex steels containing appreciable amounts of copper. It is difficult to produce a satisfactory surface on the straight copper steels and undoubtedly this has discouraged their use. During recent years a number of steels containing enough copper to make them susceptible to precipitation-hardening have been put on the market. These steels belong to the group usually referred to as "low-alloy high-tensile " steels. They were designed for use in the " hot-rolled" condition; transportation equipment and large structures that cannot be readily heat-treated have been their chief application. Little emphasis has been placed on the possibility of strengthening those containing substantial amounts of copper by precipitation-hardening. The present investigation was undertaken to determine the precipitation-hardening characteristic of one of the "low-alloy steels." Previous Work The first complete study of the effect of time and temperature on the precipitation-hardening of plain copper steels was made by Nehll in 1930. At about the same time Bucholtz and Koster2 studied copper-chromium steels but did not determine the relation between time and temperature to produce maximum hardening. Later, Smith and Palmer3 determined the rate of hardening at various temperatures for two I per cent copper steels containing different amounts of carbon. Their tests indicated that the higher carbon content decreased the rate of hardening. They made tests on many steels containing other alloying elements in addition to copper, but did not determine the time-temperature relationship for maximum hardening for any of the complex steels. Norton,4 in studying the limit of solid solubility of copper in iron, determined the time for maximum hardening of a 2.06 per cent Cu iron

Jan 1, 1940

By Percival Roberts

IT may seem necessary to offer an apology for presenting for consideration a process which is conspicuous by its absence in the literature of the Institute, and which may be thought by some to belong to the past in metallurgy, and to have been already superseded. But the large capital invested in puddling calls for a careful consideration of the question whether the time has certainly arrived when the puddling furnace must be replaced by the converter and open-hearth furnace. May there not still be a place for puddled iron alongside of molten iron and steel, and is not the improvement of the puddling process itself worthy the attention of engineers equally with the Bessemer and open-hearth processes? The changes involved in the conversion of pig iron into wrought iron are well understood and need only be briefly alluded to. The patent of Henry Cort bears the date of 1784. Since that time the improvements in the process have mainly consisted in the replacement of sand by iron bottoms by Samuel Baldwyn Rogers in 1818, and the still more recent substitution of iron oxide for the refractory materials used for the rides and bridge of the hearth, which distinguishes the wet or boiling process from the dry or paddling process. Chemically, the process consists in the removal of the metalloids from the pig iron, a result effected mainly by the iron oxide. Silicon is first oxidized, then the phosphorus, and finally the carbon. The silicic and phosphoric acids produced pass into the cinder and the carbonic oxide burns as it escapes from the bath of metal. It is interesting in this connection to note the effect of temperature on the removal of the phosphorus from the iron. As is well known, no phosphorus is eliminated under the oxidizing influences prevailing in the Bessemer converter, while from 70 to 80 per cent. is removed in puddling. But we find, if in working cold short irons

Jan 1, 1880

By J. W. Halley

Copper has frequently been recommended as an alloying element for steel and the precipitation-hardening of steels containing from 1 to 2 per cent copper has been studied by a number of investigators. The straight copper steels, however, have not been used extensively and little advantage has been taken of the precipitation-hardening of complex steels containing appreciable amounts of copper. It is difficult to produce a satisfactory surface on the straight copper steels and undoubtedly this has discouraged their use. During recent years a number of steels containing enough copper to make them susceptible to precipitation-hardening have been put on the market. These steels belong to the group usually referred to as "low-alloy high-tensile " steels. They were designed for use in the " hot-rolled" condition; transportation equipment and large structures that cannot be readily heat-treated have been their chief application. Little emphasis has been placed on the possibility of strengthening those containing substantial amounts of copper by precipitation-hardening. The present investigation was undertaken to determine the precipitation-hardening characteristic of one of the "low-alloy steels." Previous Work The first complete study of the effect of time and temperature on the precipitation-hardening of plain copper steels was made by Nehll in 1930. At about the same time Bucholtz and Koster2 studied copper-chromium steels but did not determine the relation between time and temperature to produce maximum hardening. Later, Smith and Palmer3 determined the rate of hardening at various temperatures for two I per cent copper steels containing different amounts of carbon. Their tests indicated that the higher carbon content decreased the rate of hardening. They made tests on many steels containing other alloying elements in addition to copper, but did not determine the time-temperature relationship for maximum hardening for any of the complex steels. Norton,4 in studying the limit of solid solubility of copper in iron, determined the time for maximum hardening of a 2.06 per cent Cu iron

Jan 1, 1940

By J. H. Frye, D. L. McElroy, E. E. Stansbury

The rates of growth of pearlite in high-purity Fe-C alloys have been measured as a function of the transformation temperature. These and other data have been correlated in terms of a derived rate equation. Activation energies for the growth were found to be 24,200 cal per mol of austenite for the 0.78 pct C alloy and 27,600 cal per mol for the 0.93 pct C alloy. Theoretical implications are discussed. AN excellent review of the the theoretical and experimental studies on the mechanism and kinetics of the eutectoid reaction has been presented recently by Mehl and Dube.' They have pointed out that these investigations have followed two lines of approach: 1—experimental studies and derivations of expressions for the overall transformation characteristics, and 2—derivation of expressions for the nucleation and growth rates in terms of fundamental processes. Investigations of the latter type have been concerned for the most part with the nature of the growth at the austenite-pearlite interface in plain carbon and alloy eutectoid steels. They discuss two theories of the rate of growth of pearlite from aus-tenite—those of Brandt and of Zener. Both derive rate equations which are based on the assumption that carbon diffusion is the controlling mechanism. Mehl and Dube,' Zener,2 and Brandts. " have attempted to calculate growth rates by use of these equations together with thermodynamic and diffusion data. The results are encouraging, but agreement is not so good as to constitute verification of the theories. Furthermore, it Is not clear how these equations are to be used to study the effect of alloying elements which apparently exert little influence on carbon diffusion, but markedly decrease growth rates. It is not clear whether or not the addition to iron of an alloying element which does not diffuse during transformation can alter the rate of growth of body-centered from face-centered cubic iron. That it can greatly decrease the overall transformation rate has

Jan 1, 1954

By V. M. Frey

IN 1936 the foreman at one of the oldest limestone quarries in northern Virginia discovered the remains of three old well-drill holes that contained dynamite. As consulting engineer for the property, I was then called upon to devise a method for removing the explosive. As no exact formula for the handling of unexploded dynamite exists, the proper steps for removing it must always be dictated by local conditions. A description of the procedure in this case may, therefore, be of interest to others faced with a similar problem.

Jan 1, 1939

(Under this heading will be published notes sent to the Secretary of the Institute by members or other persons.) Mine and mill accountant for Mexico. Knowledge of Spanish desirable. Salary $150 to $200 gold per month with living quarters. No. 60. Master mechanic familiar with mine and cyanide plant machinery for Mexico; $200 gold per month and living quarters. No. 61. Electro-metallurgist for production of ferro-alloys, salary $200 to $400 depending on experience. No. 62. Man familiar with ferro-tungsten products of electric furnaces to draw up specifications for machine tools, to watch these tools in service and revise specifications accordingly. Salary $150 to $200 per month. No. 63. Engineers under 35 years of age for placer mining work in Belgian Congo; $1,500 to $1,700 plus traveling and living expenses, two years' contract. No. 67.

Jan 2, 1916

By M. S. Burton, H. H. Kranzlein, G. V. Smith

The influence of up to 2 at. pct of Ni and Pt on the yield strength of mono- and polycrystalline high-purity iron has been evaluated at temperatures from + 25° to -196°C. Current theories of solid -solution strengthening fail to explain the experimental observations. The temperature dependence of yield stress was found to be less in the alloys than that in high-purity iron. The room-temperature yield stress increased with alloy content, but at —78°C the yield strength first decreased with increasing a1loy content. AS a result of many studies, a number of theories have been proposed for solid-solution strengthening. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate these theories, as applied to the solid-solution strengthening observed in Fe-Ni and Fe-Pt alloys. Of various theories of solid-solution strengthening, those of Cottrell,1,2 Fisher,3 Suzuki,4 and Mott and Nabarro5 are most prominent, and have been discussed widely in the literature.'-' Of the recent concepts of solid-solution hardening the work of Fleischer9 is notable. Each of these models has been applied to particular alloy systems with some success, but in general none has proved generally applicable. In many of the previous studies to assess the effects of alloy additions in ferrous systems, lack of adequate control of the purity and grain size of the materials has obscured strengthening effects, so that few comprehensive data relating composition, temperature, and change of lattice parameter have been determined. In the present investigation an attempt was made to obtain data which would be meaningful in evaluating the theories of strengthening. Materials of high purity were used to minimize extraneous impurity effects, and both single crystals and polycrystalline materials were studied to evaluate the effect of grain boundaries. Nickel and platinum were chosen as alloy additions, because both belong to the same chemical group and have the same crystal structure and valence, with markedly different atomic diameters. It appeared that some conclusions regarding atomic size effect on strengthening might be made. MATERIALS AND PROCEDURES Fe-Ni and Fe-Pt alloys containing 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 at. pct alloy additions were prepared from high-purity materials. The iron was supplied by the American Iron and Steel Institute from a stock of 99.98 pct zone-refined iron prepared by Battelle Memorial Institute. The minimum purity of the nickel and platinum used for alloying was 99.98 and 99.999 pct, respectively. Alloys were prepared by levitation melting, cast into cylindrical copper molds, and cooled, all under a partial pressure (0.3 atm) of purified helium. Samples were 0.375 in. in diameter and weighed 20 to 25 g. Chemical analyses of the alloys are given in Table I. A sample of unalloyed iron also was cast as a control specimen.

Jan 1, 1965

The Institute's stock of Volumes XXXI, LI, and LII has become much reduced by sales: If members have copies of these volumes which they can spare, the price of $3 per volume will be paid for them, if in good condition. If desired, a copy of the Index for Volumes XXXVI to LV will he given for one of these volumes of the Transactions and one dollar additional. For two volumes of the Transactions, a copy of the Index will be sent and the balance will be credited to the payment of clues.

Jan 12, 1918

By A. F. Peterson

MUCH has been said and written about the engineer shortage. The mining branch in engineering has lagged during the past several decades. I can think of two institutions, formerly prominent in that field, that have discontinued this department and another that has branched from a purely mining school into various forms of engineering. Conversely, I do not recall any institutions that have added mining to their curricula. I believe that this action is in direct response to the demands of incoming students. But I also believe that while there is a specific demand for civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers in the highly complicated mining operations of today, our need for mining engineers capable of assuming top responsibility for mining operations is unchanged.

Jan 3, 1957

By D. D. Bolstad, S. M. Dar, T. W. Smelser, H. C. Pettibone

The use of roof bolt supports has reduced the number of fatal and nonfatal roof fall accidents in coal mines. Roof fall accidents, however, still occur far too frequently. Roof bolting plans are based almost entirely on trial and error, which inevitably leads to underdesign or overdesign with regard to bolt length, spacing, tension, and bolt type for the specific conditions. Underdesign poses safety problems, and overdesign leads to unnecessary costs. Guidelines are needed to select and design optimum roof-bolt plans that will maximize safety and minimize cost. Despite the use of 100 million roof bolts per year, the theory of roof bolting remains underdeveloped. Underground tests designed to provide this knowledge have been only partially successful owing to the many uncontrollable geologic variables present in underground mining situations. The Bureau of Mines believes that the best approach is to conduct a laboratory model study in correlation with finite-element analysis (FEA) and field verification, where these variables can be tightly controlled and measured. A physical model allows precise performance measurement of different bolt types as a function of a wide range of precisely measured parameters. Although the model being used is idealized and limited in size, it serves as a reliable basis for confirming the mechanism of rock reinforcement by bolting and the accuracy of the computer FEA approach to modeling mining problems.

Jan 1, 1984