Mining Publication: Explosion Evaluation of Mine Ventilation Stoppings

NIOSH and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) conducted joint research to evaluate explosion blast effects on mine ventilation stoppings at the NIOSH Lake Lynn Experimental Mine (LLEM). After mine explosion accidents, MSHA conducts investigations to determine the cause(s) as a means to mitigate or eliminate future occurrences. As part of these postexplosion investigations, the condition of underground stoppings, including the debris from damaged stoppings, is documented as evidence of the strength and direction of the explosion forces. The LLEM data showed that a total pressure of 52 kPa (7.6 psi) destroyed the solid-concrete-block stopping, ~36 kPa (~5.2 psi) destroyed the hollow-core concrete-block stopping, and 9 kPa (1.3 psi) destroyed the steel panel stopping. These results will assist investigators in determining the explosion forces that destroy or damage stoppings during actual coal mine explosions.