Coalbrook Disaster Flashcards
When did coalbrook occur
21 January 1960
How many lives were lost
437
What was the role of the dolerite seam at coalbrook
It acted as a sort of reinforcement concrete beam within the ground strata.
What was a key precursor to the accident
the drastic increase in production
What was reduced between the first, second and third sections
1st section started as expected
2nd section reduced centers and barriers
3rd section further reduced barriers and increased heights
What was the only consistent between the 3 sections
bord widths
What was the failure mechinism of the collapse
major pillar collapse in a domino effect where there was a dynamic large scale pillar collapse row after row.
What prevented the propogation in the south
the influence of barrier pillars
what prevented the propagation in the north
the reduced span frowm the unmined coal an the presence of the dolerite sill that may of bridged the span
What is the impact of barrier pillars
they provide regional stiffness and load bearing capacity, essentially compartmentalising the mine operations to generate stability
What was the mining system used in coalbrook at the time of the accident
unmechanised first workings bord and pillar
What parameters contributed to the disaster
pillar width, barrier pillar width, and pillar height
When and where was the disaster and how many people were killed
1960 in south africa 437 people
