Coal Mine Roof Rating

Sunday, October 14, 2012

 2 Coal Mine Roof Rating

Table of Contents
Foreword 0

Part I CMRR 7
1 Overview ............................................................................................................................... 7
2 Applications.......................................................................................................................... 7
3 Program Interface
........... ........................................................................................................................ 10

Part II The File Menu 13

1 Creating New
............
Files.............................................................................................................. 13
2 Opening Existing
...................
Files........................................................................................................ 13
3 Saving Files......................................................................................................................... 14
4 Saving Files...........................................................
under Different Names (Save As)................................................................... 14
5 Setting Up the
.................
Printer ......................................................................................................... 15
6 ...
Printing Files....................................................................................................................... 15
7 Print Preview
......................................................................................................................... 15
8 Brow sing Text
..............
Files ............................................................................................................ 16
9 .............. ............................................................................................................ 16
Exiting the Program

Part III The Edit Menu 18

1 Project Description
............. ............................................................................................................. 18
2 Project Input.......................
Parameters ............................................................................................................ 18
3 ................
Custom Rock Library .......................................................................................................... 19
4 The Main Input
................
Form ................................................................................................................... 20
5 ..................
The Unit Acce ss Form ........................................................................................................ 23
6 Plot Roof Layers
......... .......................................................................................................................... 24
7 Results Window..................................................................................................................
........ 24

Part IV The Import/Export Menu 27

1 Import from .................
AutoCAD ......................................................................................................... 27
2 Export to AutoCAD
............. ...................................................................................................................... 28

Part V The Utilities Menu 30

1 Settings ............................................................................................................................. ...... 30
CMRR.INI .......................................................................................................................................................... 32
2 Options ............................................................................................................................. ...... 33
3 Plot Color Options
............ .............................................................................................................. 35
4 Unit Conversions
.......... ................................................................................................................ 35
5 .......
File Conversion................................................................................................................... 36
 Contents 3

Part VI The Help Menu 38

1 About CMRR.. ....................................................................................................................... 38
2 Program Updates
.......... ................................................................................................................ 38
3 References.......................................................................................................................... 39
4 HelpButton.......................................................................................................................... 43

Part VII List of Figures 46

1 Figure 1 ............................................................................................................................. ...... 47
2 Figure 2 ................................................................................................................... ................ 47
3 Figure 3 - Options
........... ............................................................................................................... 48
4 Figure 3 - Metric
......................
Version..................................................................................................... 48
5 ........................
Figure 3 - Engli sh Version................................................................................................... 49
6 Figure 3 - Metric
.........................................................
Version - Landscape Format .................................................................... 50
7 Figure 3 - English
............................................................
Version - Landscape Format ....................................................................... 51
8 Figure 4 ............................................................................................................................. ...... 52
9 Figure 5 ................................................................................................................... ................ 52
10 Figure 6 ............................................................................................................................. ...... 53
11 Figure 7 ............................................................................................................................. ...... 54
12 Figure 8 ................................................................................................................... ................ 54
13 Figure 9 ............................................................................................................................. ...... 55
14 Figure 10 ................................................................................................................................... 56
15 Figure 11 ............................................................................................................................. ...... 57
16 Figure 12 ............................................................... .................................................................... 58
17 Figure 13 ............................................................................................................................. ...... 58
18 Figure 14 ..................................... .............................................................................................. 59
19 Figure 15 ............................................................................................................................. ...... 60
20 Figure 16 ................................................................................................................................... 61
21 Figure 17 ............................................................................................................................. ...... 62
22 Figure 18 ................................................................................................................... ................ 63
23 Figure 19 ............................................................................................................................. ...... 64
24 Figure 20 ................................................................................................................................... 64
25 Figure 21 ............................................................................................................................. ...... 65
26 Figure 22 ............................................................... .................................................................... 65

Part VIII List of Tables 68

1 Table 1 ............................................................................................................................. ...... 68
2 Table 2 ................................................................................................................... ................ 69
3 Table 3 ............................................................................................................................. ...... 69
4 Table 4 ................................................................................................................................... 69

3
 4 Coal Mine Roof Rating

5 Table 5 ................................................................................................................................ 69

Part IX Background Information 71

1 CMRR (Brief.......................
De scription).................................................................................................... 71
2 .......................
Rock Mass Cla ssification.................................................................................................... 72
3 Ground Control
....... ................................................................................................................... 74
4 Bedding .............................................................................................................................. 74
5 Strong Bed.......................................................................................................................... 74
6 Slickensides...............................................
and Other Discontinuities .................................................................................... 75
7 .................................
Uniaxial Compressi ve Strength .......................................................................................... 76
8 Faults and Other
.....................................
Linear Features .............................................................................................. 76
9 Unit Rating for
.......................................................
Underground Exposure Data ...................................................................... 76
10 ....................
Ball Peen Hammer Test....................................................................................................... 78
11 Strength Rating...................................................................................................................
....... 78
12 Chi sel Test .......................................................................................................................... 78
13 Shear Strength
.....................................................................................
of Discontinuities (Cohe sion and Roughne ss) .......................................... 79
14 Discontinuity.................................................................
Intensity (Spacing and Persistence) .................................................................. 79
15 ........................................
Multiple Discontinuity Adjustments .................................................................................... 80
16 Unit Rating for
..............................
DrillCore Data ............................................................................................. 80
17 Point Load Testing
.......................
(PLT) ............................................................................................................ 82
18 RQD ............................................................................................................................. ...... 83
19 Fracture Spacing
.......... ......................................................................................................................... 83
20 Immersion Test
....... ............................................................................................................................ 84
21 .................................
Moisture Sensitivity Deduction .................................................................................................. 85
22 ....................
Strong Bed Adjustment....................................................................................................... 85
23 ................... ............................................................................................................. ...
Surcharge Adjustment 86
24 Unit Contacts
........................
Adjustment ................................................................................................... 86
25 Ground Water
.........................
Adjustment .......................................................................................................... 87
26 .... ............................................................................................................................. ..
Ferm Number 87
27 .................
Slake Durability Tests ......................................................................................................... 88

Part X Data Collection and Classification 90

1 Data Collection
.........................................................
and Classification - Overview .................................................................... 90
2 Data Collection and Classification - Unconfined Compressive
Strength .............................................................................................................................. 91
3 ................................................................................
Data Collection and Classification - Di scontinuity Intensity ............................................... 92
4 Data Collection and Classification - Shear Strength of
......s.................................................................................................................... 93
Di scontinuitie
5 Data Collection and Classification - Moisture Sensitivity
Deduction ........................................................................................................................... 94
 Contents 5

6 Data Collection
.................................................................................
and Classification - Strong Bed Adjustment.............................................. 95
7 Data Collection
..........................................................................
and Classification - Other Adjustments ......................................................... 95

Index 97

5
Part

I
 CMRR 7

1 CMRR
Overview
Rock Mass Classification
Ground Control
Data Collection and Classification
Applications
References
Program Interface

About CMRR

Help File Updated: Sunday, October 14, 2012

1.1 Overview
The Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR) was developed 10 years ago to fill the gap
between geologic characterization and engineering design. It combines many years
of geologic studies in underground coal mines with worldwide experience with rock
mass classification systems. Like other classification systems, the CMRR begins
with the premise that the structural competence of mine roof rock is determined
primarily by the discontinuities that weaken the rock fabric. However, the CMRR
specifically designed for bedded coal measure rock. Since its introduction, the
CMRR has been incorporated into many aspects of mine planning, including
longwall pillar design, roof support selection, feasibility studies, extended cut
evaluation, and others. It has also become truly international, with involvement in
mine designs and funded research projects in South Africa, Canada, and Australia.

See also: Data Collection and Classification, Background Information, Applications

1.2 Applications
Description:

During the past 10 years the CMRR has been used extensively in the U.S. Figure
12 shows the current data base, containing 264 observations from more than 200
mines. The figure reveals some very important regional trends. Weak roof
predominates in the northern Appalachian and Illinois Basin coalfields, which are
also areas where roof falls tend to occur more frequently (Pappas and Mark, 2003).
Central Appalachian mines have a wide range of CMRR values, but the typical roof
8 Coal Mine Roof Rating

is of moderate strength. Utah mines tend to have the most competent roof in the
U.S.

A number of mine planning design tools that are based on the CMRR are discussed
below.

Analysis of Longwall Pillar Stability (ALPS)

The first, and perhaps the best known, application of the CMRR is the ALPS pillar
design method (Mark et al, 1994a). A large database of longwall case histories was
collected from throughout the US, and subjected to statistical analysis. The results
showed that when the roof was strong (CMRR>65), longwall chain pillars with an
ALPS Stability Factor (SF) as low as 0.7 could provide satisfactory tailgate
conditions (Figure 13). On the other hand, when the roof was weak (CMRR<45), the
ALPS SF might need to be as high as 1.3. ALPS has been the standard technique
employed to size pillars for most US longwalls for many years.

Longwall Tailgate Design (Australia)

ALPS was the starting point for an Australian Coal Industry Research Project
(ACARP) whose goal was to develop an Australian chain pillar design methodology (
Colwell et al., 1999). The project aimed to calibrate ALPS for the different
geotechnical and mine layouts used in Australia. Ultimately, case history data were
collected from 60% of Australian longwall mines.

The study found strong relationships between the CMRR, the tailgate SF, and the
installed level of primary support. Design equations were developed that reflected
these trends. The final product, called the Analysis of Longwall Tailgate
Serviceability (ALTS), was implemented in a computer program and has become
widely used in Australia.

Stability of Extended Cuts

Place changing is the standard development method in the U.S. The traditional 20 ft
(6 m) cut length was determined by the distance from the cutting head to the
operator's compartment. With the advent of remote control continuous miners,
"extended cuts" up to 40 ft (12 m) long have become common. However, many
mines with extended cut permits only take them when conditions allow. Where the
roof is competent, extended cuts are routine. At the other extreme, when the roof is
very poor, miners may not be able to complete a traditional 20 ft (6 m) cut before the
roof collapses.

To help predict when conditions might be suitable for extended cuts, a study was
conducted at 36 mines throughout the U.S. The study found that when the CMRR
was greater than 55, extended cuts were nearly always routine, but when the CMRR
was less than 37, they were almost never taken (Mark, 1999a). The data also
showed that extended cuts were less likely to be feasible as the roof span or the
depth of cover increased (Figure 14).

Roof Bolt Selection

 CMRR 9

To help develop scientific guidelines for selecting roof bolt systems, NIOSH
conducted a study of roof fall rates at 37 U.S. mines (Mark et al., 2001; Molinda et
al., 2000). The study evaluated five different roof bolt variables, including length,
tension, grout length, capacity, and pattern. Roof spans and the CMRR were also
measured. Performance was measured in terms of the number of roof falls that
occurred per 10,000 ft of drivage.

The study found that the depth of cover (which correlates with stress) and the roof
quality (measured by the Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR)) were the most important
parameters in determining roof bolting requirements. Intersection span was also
critical. The study's findings led to guidelines that can be used to select the proper
span, bolt lengths, and bolt capacity based on the CMRR. The results have been
implemented into a computer program called Analysis of Roof Bolt Systems (ARBS).

Multiple Seam Mining

Interactions with previous mining in underlying or overlying seams are a major cause
of ground instability in the U.S. A statistical analysis of a data base of more than 360
case histories found that the CMRR was highly significant in predicting the outcome
of a multi seam interaction. Other significant variables include the pillar SF, the total
pillar stress, whether the previous seam was above or below, and what type of pillar
structure is present in the previous seam.

The statistical analysis became the foundation for the AMSS software package. The
output from AMSS is the "critical interburdern thickness" that is necessary to avoid
interactions. AMSS indicates that, all else being equal, a CMRR = 45 roof requires
approximately 15 m more interburden than a CMRR = 65 roof.

Longwall Mining through Open Entries and Recovery Rooms

Unusual circumstances may require that a longwall retreat into or through a
previously driven room. The operation is usually completed successfully, but there
have been a number of spectacular failures. To help determine what factors
contribute to such failures, an international data base of 131 case histories was
compiled (Oyler et al., 1998).

The study found that the CMRR and the density of standing support were the two
most important parameters in predicting severe weighting-type failures. These
failures only occurred when the CMRR was less than 55, and when the support
density was less than 75 psi (0.5 MPa). When the CMRR was 40 or less, all the
successful cases employed a standing support density of at least 150 psi (1.0 MPa).

Roof Fall Evaluations (South Africa)

The CMRR featured prominently in an important research project sponsored by the
Safety in Mine Research Advisory Committee (SIMRAC) and other leading industry,
labor, and government organizations in South Africa. The goal of the project was to
investigate the causes of fatal roof failures in South African coal mines. A team of
recognized experts visited a broad spectrum of mines and collected data at 182 roof
fall sites. The study found that roof falls were more likely where the roof was less
 10 Coal Mine Roof Rating

competent in terms of the CMRR. Another finding was that the CMRR correlated
well with roadway widths. Based on data presented by Mark (1999b) (see Figure 15)
, the study also concluded "in South African coal mines, less support is used for
comparable roof conditions than either the USA or Australia. This supports previous
conclusions that in South African coal mines, the density of supports needs to be
increased" (van der Merwe, 2001).

Another SIMRAC study found the CMRR easy to use and robust enough to
adequately describe the roof conditions at most South African collieries (Butcher,
2001). It took less than four hours for a trained geologist to become competent with
the method. The results seemed more reasonable than those obtained from the
RMR, which tended to overrate ground conditions by at least one class (20 points)
due to its lack of sensitivity to the characteristics of bedded strata. Some
improvements were suggested for the CMRR, including adjustments for joint
orientation, blasting, and horizontal stress.

Baseline Comparison of Ground Conditions (Canada)

The underground coal industry of Canada is small and geographically dispersed. To
assist the mines in maintaining world-class safety standards, CANMET established
the Underground Coal Mine Safety Research Consortium. One of the Consortium's
first projects was aimed at establishing a "best practice" baseline for conducting
geological and geomechanical assessments and applying the findings to
geotechnical design.

The CMRR was found to be particularly valuable in the assessment (Forgeron et al.,
2001). It allowed the Canadian underground mines to be compared with each other
and with international benchmarks. Based on the CMRR, many ground control
safety technologies developed in the U.S. were found to have direct application to
the Canadian mines.

Other Applications
Highwall mining can become uneconomic if the roof is so weak that it
collapses before the miner has been withdrawn from the hole. The CMRR has
been used to evaluate potential highwall mining reserves and identify
potentially unsuitable areas (Hoelle, 2003).
Tailgate support guidelines incorporating the CMRR have been included in
the STOP program (Barczak, 2000).
Input for numerical models have been derived from the CMRR (Karabin and
Evanto, 1999).

1.3 Program Interface

The File Menu
The Edit Menu
The Import/Export Menu
 CMRR 11

The Utilities Menu

The Help Menu
Part

II
 The File Menu 13

2 The File Menu

Description:

Use the File menu option to access various file management operations such as:

Creating New Files

Opening Existing Files
Saving Files
Saving Files under Different Names (Save As)
Setting up the Printer
Printing Files
Print Preview
Browsing Text Files
Exiting the Program

2.1 Creating New Files

Description:

Use the New option to erase the existing dataset (if any) from memory and create a
new (blank) dataset. All related entries are set to their initial values.

Notes:

The program will prompt you whether to save the current file to disk.

2.2 Opening Existing Files

Description:

Use the open option to load a file (dataset) from the disk into program memory.

To use Open:

Select the Open option from the File menu. The program displays a listing of
the available files in the current data directory.
Optionally, select a different drive or directory using the mouse or the cursor
control keys.
Select or enter a filename.
 14 Coal Mine Roof Rating

Notes:

If the file extension is omitted, the default extension will be appended.

If the current dataset is not saved, the program will prompt whether to save
changes or not before discarding the current dataset.

2.3 Saving Files

Description:

Use the Save option to save an existing file (dataset) to the drive or directory from
which it was originally loaded. Any changes that were made since the last time the
file was saved will be saved on the disk. The filename stays the same and the file
remains in memory.

To use Save:

Select the Save option from the File menu.

Notes:

If the file has never been saved using the Save As option, choosing Save
automatically displays the Save As dialogue box, which prompts for a filename
before saving it.

2.4 Saving Files under Different Names (Save As)

Description:

Use the Save As option to save a file and give it a new name.

To use Save As:

Select the Save As option from the File menu. The program displays a listing
of the available files in the current data directory.
Optionally, select a different drive or directory.
Select or enter a filename.

Notes:

If the file exists, the program will prompt whether to overwrite the existing file.
Use Save for a faster save operation.
 The File Menu 15

2.5 Setting Up the Printer

Description:

Use this option to select the Printer to use for printing output and graphics. This
printer becomes the Windows default printer.

To use this option:

Select the Printer from the drop-down list and click on OK.

2.6 Printing Files

Description:

Use the Print option to print the current dataset (file) from program memory to the
default windows printer. The default printer may be set using the Setting Up the
Printer menu option.

Notes:

The file is send directly to the printer, without preview. Use the Print Preview
option to preview the file and then send it to the printer.

2.7 Print Preview

Description:

The user may navigate through the Print Preview Window by using the vertical scroll
bar.

The text in the window can be send directly to the printer, or it can be copied to the
Windows clipboard for use in other applications.

Notes:

This operation does not send any control characters to the printer. All output is
ASCII text. The text prints in "Courier" or "Courier New" font in size 9. If these
fonts are not available to the printer, then printed text will appear in the default
printer font.
Each printed page is formatted with preset margins as follows:
 left margin = 1 inch
 top margin = 1 inch
 bottom margin = 1 inch
 right margin = variable
 16 Coal Mine Roof Rating

2.8 Browsing Text Files

Description:

Use the browse option to view a text (ASCII) file in a specified directory. No editing
is allowed during browsing.

Use the pattern field to specify a file pattern (i.e. *.txt). The file window will be reset
to conform to the specified pattern. The default pattern is *.CMR. More than one
patterns can be applied using “;” as delimiter (e.g. *.txt;*.dxf).

Use the Set Font command button to specify the type and size of font for the
displayed text. These settings are saved in the CMRR.INI file.

Use the cursor control keys to move within the browse window.

2.9 Exiting the Program

Description:

Use the Exit option when ready to exit this program and return to the original
environment. The program will prompt you to save the current file to disk, if not
already saved.
Part

III
 18 Coal Mine Roof Rating

3 The Edit Menu

Description:

Use the Edit menu option to access various parameter input/edit forms such as:

Project Description
Project Input Parameters

3.1 Project Description

Project Description includes the following fields:

Project Title:
This is an arbitrary 80 character description of the model being generated.

Project Description:
This is an arbitrary 300 character description of the model being generated. It is a
recommended to make this a fairly detailed description of the specifics of the input
file. This text may be a single line of characters or may contain "carriage return
characters".

Mine Name:
This is an arbitrary 80 character field for the Mine Name.

Seam Name:
This is an arbitrary 80 character description for the Seam Name.

Number of Locations at Mine Site:

The user can specify the number of locations where CMRR data will be generated
for the particular mine site. All the location data can be saved in a single file for
further processing,. A file can hold a maximum of 100 locations.

Current Units:
The user can also set the type of units that will be used in the current project. The
program is designed to use two different sets of units:
feet, in, psi
m, cm, MPa

3.2 Project Input Parameters

Options:
 The Edit Menu 19

The Main Input Form

The Unit Access Form

Description:

Location Management
The user can navigate through the various data sets for a particular mine using the
Current Location slide bar at the top of this form. The maximum number of
locations allowed is determined by the information entered under Project
Description.

CMRR
This is a calculated field. For more information, see CMRR (Brief Description). For a
more detailed analysis, see also Overview.

Unit Rating for Underground Exposure Data

Unit Rating for DrillCore Data

3.3 Custom Rock Library

Description:

As of version 2.0, the user can enter custom descriptions for Rock Types. This
option allows the user to manage custom rock type entries as follows:

Add Entry
A new entry can be typed in the Rock Type text box and then entered in the list. The
program checks for duplicates. If a duplicate entry is added, then the program
appended a unique ID number at the end of the text description.

Delete Entry
A selected entry can be deleted. However, when an CMR file is loaded, then no
entries can be deleted, even if they are not used by the CMR file.

Modify Entry
A selected entry can be modified. The text is copied in the "Rock Type" text box,
where the user can modify it and then the new text is added in the list. .

Input from Ferm List

This option allows the user to populate the library list with the Ferm entries available
in the CMRR program. The word "custom" is prepended to each entry.

Input from CMR File

This option allows the user to import just the library entries from an existing CMR
 20 Coal Mine Roof Rating

file.

Export to Library File

This option allows the user to export entries to a CML file (CMRR Library file). This
is a plain ascii file and can be copied along with a regular CMR file to another
computer, to implement the same custom CMRR rock library there.

Import from Library File

This option allows the user to import entries from a CML file (CMRR Library file).
The program checks for duplicate entries.

Notes:

Double click on an entry to set the color of the formation to be plotted under
Plot Roof Layers.

3.4 The Main Input Form

Description:

For each location the following data should be entered:

Corehole ID
This is an optional parameter. It is used to identify the current location.

Depth to the Roof Line

The depth to the top of the seam (roof line) in the current units (ft or m) should be
entered. Entering or changing this field results in two different behaviors depending
on the setting of the Use Depth to Calculate Unit Thicknesses option:
If this option is enabled (elevation mode), then when changing the Roof Line
elevation, the program will check the new elevation against existing elevations:
if the new elevation is below the elevation of the lowest Unit, then the
thickness of this unit will be increased accordingly
if the new elevation is between Unit elevations, then the appropriate unit
elevation will be modified and the Units below will be disabled. (This way
the original unit thickness is preserved for these units.)
if the new elevation is higher than the highest Unit, then all units will be
disabled.
If this option is disabled (thickness mode), then when changing the Roof Line
elevation, the program will modify the unit elevations for all units, assuming that
the bottom of the lowest unit constitutes the roof line.

Easting
This is an optional parameter. It is used when CMRR data is exported on to a mine
map.
 The Edit Menu 21

Northing
This is an optional parameter. It is used when CMRR data is exported on to a mine
map.

Type of Data
There are two possible data types:
Underground exposure, and
Drill core.
This information is vital since it determines the type of Unit Rating that will be
used.

Notes:
Underground exposure can be checked if the data was collected from a roof
fall, overcast, or highwall.
Drill core can be selected if drill core information is available from actual core,
drillers logs, E-logs, or stratascope data.
Once unit information is entered, then the data type is locked for the particular
location in the data set. To unlock the data type, the user should clear all
information at the current location.

Number of Units
The total number of units (i.e. roof layers) at the particular location should be
entered. These should cover the bolted interval up to a maximum of 8. Units are
the building blocks of the CMRR and are defined as roof rock members with distinct
structural characteristics (Figure 3).

Note:
First the user must decide on the height of the bolted interval as determined by
the length of roof bolt. Within that interval, the roof must be divided into Units
and for each Unit the program will calculate a Unit Rating. A single unit may
include more than one rock types if all have similar structural characteristics
(i.e. strength). Hence, to determine the number of Units in the roof, divide the
strata into Units of equivalent structural strength. Sometimes the ragged edge
of a roof fall show brows, which can aid in grouping rocks of equal strength.
Rock members in the roof generally correspond to Units but not always. For
example, interbedded sandstones and shales, (“stackrock”) might be treated
as a single Unit if they have similar geotechnical properties. Many times these
are minor changes and can be lumped into larger Units if you take a step back
from the core and look at its overall character. Usually there are 1-3 individual
Units comprising a roof, but the program can accommodate up to 5 Units.
Units must be at least 6 inches thick, because it is assumed that thinner Units
are unlikely to significantly affect the overall structural competence of the
bolted interval.

Bolt Length
The length of the bolts used at this particular location should be entered. The bolt
22 Coal Mine Roof Rating

length identifies the rock thickness used in the calculation of CMRR.

Use Depth to Calculate Unit Thicknesses

When this option is enabled, the user will be prompted to enter depth from the
top for each unit. The thickness of each roof unit will then be back-calculated
from unit elevation data. (This option allows drillcore data to be entered
directly into the CMRR program.)
When the option is disabled, the user will be prompted to enter the thickness
of each roof unit. The elevation of each roof unit will then be back-calculated
from unit thickness data.
See also: Depth to the Roof Line

Unit Description
Use Ferm Library: When this option is enabled, the user can only using the
rock definitions provided by the Ferm Rock Library (this is the default setting
and the only setting applicable to the original version of CMRR).
Use Custom Rock Library: When this option is enabled, the user may use
rock descriptions from a custom rock library that can be maintained by the
program. See Custom Rock Library for more details.
Enter Text Description: When this option is enabled, the user can enter
simple text in the rock description field. This setting does not ensure uniform
representation of rock strata in the same or different locations even within the
same CMR file. In addition this option does not allow setting the plot colors for
different rock formations. No warning will be issued if the description field is
left blank.

Groundwater Conditions
The appropriate groundwater conditions should be selected from the drop down
combo box. For more details, see Groundwater Adjustment.

Surcharge Conditions
The appropriate surcharge conditions should be selected from the drop down
combo box.
For more details, see Surcharge Adjustment.

General Notes:
If the Auto Calculate CMRR upon Return from Unit Editor option is checked in
the CMRR Options form, then the program will automatically calculate CMRR
when changes that affect CMRR are implemented. Otherwise, calculation is
manual and can be done by clicking on the Calc CMRR command button. It is
strongly advised to use the Auto Calculate feature.
Click on the Plot Roof Layers command button to plot a roof cross section on
the screen. For more details, see Plot Roof Layers.
 The Edit Menu 23

3.5 The Unit Access Form

Description:

This is a dynamic form comprising of a number of rows. Each row corresponds to a

Unit, up to the maximum number of Units selected in the Main Input Form, For
each unit the following general information should be supplied.

Thickness of the Unit

The thickness of each unit in the current units (ft or m) should be entered.
Alternatively this value is automatically calculated if the option Use Depth to
Calculate Unit Thicknesses is enabled.

Rock Type
The appropriate rock type for each unit should be selected. A selection of rock
types, also identified by their Ferm Number, are provided in the pull-down combo
box. Click on the Picture command button next to each entry to see a picture of
the formation (if available). Additional description of the formation may be entered
in the form available for each unit.

Custom Rock Type

When the Use Custom Rock Library check box is checked, then the user is
presented with an alternate set of Rock Descriptions. These rock descriptions can
be managed through the Rock Library menu option. See also Custom Rock Library.
When a Custom Rock Library is used, then Rock Pictures are not available.

Depth to the top of the Unit

Automatically calculated if the depth to the top of the coal seam is available.
Alternatively this value should be entered if the option Use Depth to Calculate Unit
Thicknesses is enabled.

Unit Rating
This field is automatically calculated (or updated) each time the user leaves a unit
form.

Unit Status
This check box can be used to disable a unit from CMRR calculations.

Detailed Information for Each Unit

To enter detailed information the user should click on the Unit command button to
the left of each row. Depending on the type of data that was requested in the main
input form, the program will branch to the forms for:

Unit Rating for Underground Exposure Data

Unit Rating for DrillCore Data
 24 Coal Mine Roof Rating

3.6 Plot Roof Layers

Description:

This form allows viewing and printing of the layer information and bolt layout for a
particular location. Additional information includes the Mine Name and Coal Seam
Name as well as the overall CMRR value for the location. The user can specify the
type and size of fonts used for viewing and/or printing.

Notes:

The colors of the different rock strata depicted in this plot are defined either
through the Plot Color Options Option for Ferm Rocks or under the Custom
Rock Library menu for custom rock definitions.
A coloring scheme can not be assigned to Rock definitions that are entered as
simple text.

3.7 Results Window

Description:

The text is organized in pages. By default, the user views the first output page,
which is usually the second page. The first page is reserved for printing the input
data.

The user may navigate through the text of a single page using the vertical scroll bar
and the arrow keys. No editing is allowed.

Text can be selected (block select) and copied to the clipboard using Ctrl-C. Use
Ctrl-A to select all text in a page.

In addition, use the command buttons below for additional output navigation and/or
printing operations:

Previous Page: Display the previous page of output (if any).

Next Page: Display the previous page of output (if any).

View Plot: Display a plot of the geometry of the mining plan with options to display
dimensions or pillar properties.

Print Page: Print current page to any Windows printer.

Print All: Print all pages to any Windows printer.

Copy Page: Copy current page to the clipboard.

 The Edit Menu 25

Copy All: Copy all pages to the clipboard (pages separated by carriage return
characters).
Part

IV
 The Import/Export Menu 27

4 The Import/Export Menu

Description:

Use this menu option to

Import from AutoCAD: This option imports CMRR location points into the
program
Export to AutoCAD: This option exports CMRR locations, CMRR values and
optionally location labels to each point.
Export to ASCII: This option exports CMRR locations, CMRR values and other
data per location to ASCII files. The user can set the appropriate exporting
options

Notes:
Both options require that AutoCAD 2000 or higher is installed in the computer
running the CMRR program. All input and output to AutoCAD files is handled
through Visual Basic for Applications code.
If the CMRR program exits ungracefully or is killed by the user, an AutoCAD
program image (although not visible) may still be in memory taking up memory
and user resources. Use the task manager to kill that instance of AutoCAD (if it
is still running).

4.1 Import from AutoCAD

Description:

Use this option to import CMRR location points into the program. CMRR or other
descriptive information can not be imported through this procedure. To facilitate
importing, the CMRR location points should be stored in the AutoCAD drawing file in
a separate layer as AutoCAD points.

Step 1: Type a filename or Select a file user the Browse command button.

Step 2: Select the layer containing the CMRR location points.

Step 3: Check the "Append Locations" check box if appending points to an existing
file.

Step 4: Initiate the import procedure by clicking the "Import" command button. When
the procedure is completed, the program will display the number of points imported.

Notes:
If the "Append Locations" check box is checked, then the program will import
points and append them to the existing points. However, the "Import"
 28 Coal Mine Roof Rating

procedure can not overwrite existing location information. To ensure that the
CMRR file contains only imported points, the user should start a new CMRR file
prior to importing points.
To append point locations to an existing CMRR file, then open the file, select
the "Import" procedure and ensure that the Append Locations" check box is
checked.
If CMRR location points are defined on multiple layers, then the user can only
import points from a single layer at a time. To keep all such points in the same
file, the use should check the "Append Locations" option. Note that the "import"
procedure will import ALL points in a layer. It is not a good practise to store
CMRR points on multiple layers.
The "Import" procedure will only import X,Y,Z coordinates of point entities. It will
not import CMRR data since such data are not stored in AutoCAD files.

4.2 Export to AutoCAD

Description:

Use this option to export CMRR location points to an existing AutoCAD drawing file.
Such information is stored as AutoCAD points in the AutoCAD drawing file.

Optionally export CMRR location IDs for each location to the same file but on a
separate layer. This information is stored as Text in the AutoCAD drawing file.

Step 1: Type a filename or Select a file user the Browse command button.

Step 2: Select whether to export to existing layers or new layers in the specified
AutoCAD file.

Step 3a: If the option to export to existing layers was selected, then the user should
select the appropriate layers using the drop down combo boxes in the form.

Step 3b: If the option to export to new layers was selected, then the user should
specify the layer names using the text boxes provided in the form.

Step 4: In both cases the user can select to export the location IDs as text in the
AutoCAD file. Appropriate layer names should be specified.

Step 5: Click on the export command button to start exporting. When the procedure
is completed, the file will be saved and closed.
Part

V
 30 Coal Mine Roof Rating

5 The Utilities Menu

Settings
Options
Unit Conversions
File Conversion

Clear History Window

This option clears the history (activity) window.

Close/Restore History Window

This option closes or restores the history (activity) window according to the current
window status.

Copy History Window

This option copies the contents of the history window to the clipboard. You can then
paste them to any text handling program for further processing.

5.1 Settings
Description:

This form is used to define a number of default parameters and settings for the
CMRR program:

Default Units:
This setting controls the default units for a new or blank project file by configuring
the Units field in the Project Description form. Upon entering and accepting project
input parameters, the default setting in the Project Description form cannot be
changed. This setting is saved in the CMRR.INI file.

Default File Extension for Input Files:

This setting is the default 3-letter extension used in the Open and Save dialog
boxes in the File Menu. This setting is saved in the CMRR.INI file.

Data Path:
This setting is the default path used in the Open and Save dialog boxes in the File
Menu. This setting is saved in the CMRR.INI file.

Show Disclaimer:
This parameter controls whether the disclaimer message will be displayed when
loading the CMRR program. This setting is saved in the CMRR.INI file.

Maximize Main Menu Window:

 The Utilities Menu 31

This parameter controls whether the main menu window will be maximized when
loading the CMRR program. This setting is saved in the CMRR.INI file.

Keep Recently Filelist:

This parameter controls whether the program will keep the four (4) recently
accessed data files (opened or saved) as menu items in the File Menu. This setting
is saved in the CMRR.INI file.

Reminder of Annual Updates:

This parameter controls whether the program will display a warning that a year has
elapsed since the last update of the program. The update date is internally stored
and it is not related to the install date. Annual updates ensure that any bugs that
have been discovered are fixed regularly. This setting is saved in the CMRR.INI file.

Display Command History Window:

This parameter controls whether the program will display recently executed
commands (and their resulting actions). This setting is saved in the CMRR.INI file.

Maximum Characters in Command History Window:

Maximum number of characters displayed in the command history window, before it
is cleared. This setting is enabled only if the Display Command History Window
option is enabled. This setting is saved in the CMRR.INI file.

History Font:
This button sets the type and size of font used in the command history window. This
setting is enabled only if the Display Command History Window option is enabled.
This setting is saved in the CMRR.INI file.

Enable Toolbar:
This settings controls whether the program will display a toolbar under the main
menu options or not. The toolbar is not editable. This setting is saved in the
CMRR.INI file.

Short Names in Filelist:

This parameter controls whether the program will display the filenames in the
recently accessed list in a short or long format (i.e. including the whole path). This
setting is saved in the CMRR.INI file.

Load Last Input File:

When this setting is enabled, the program will automatically load the most recently
saved datafile (i.e. the top in the recently accessed files). This setting is saved in
the CMRR.INI file.

Copy Example Files:

When this setting is enabled, the program will automatically copy all example files
from the "Program Files" directory to the user home directory (i.e.
MyDocuments/MyNIOSH). This procedure runs upon every program invocation
 32 Coal Mine Roof Rating

unless disabled. The modified files will not be overridden, but missing files will be
replaced. This setting is saved in the CMRR.INI file.

External ASCII Viewer:

This option allows the user to specify the external ASCII viewer/editor that will be
used when displaying ASCII data. The default setting in this option is to use the
Notepad editor. This setting is saved in the CMRR.INI file.

5.1.1 CMRR.INI
Description:

This file is automatically created by the CMRR program the first time it is executed.It
should reside in the default document directory for this program, i.e. in the
MyNIOSH subdirectory of the My Documents directory in the computer where the
program is installed (\My Documents\MyNIOSH\). Note that in a network
environment the My documents directory may reside on a different hard drive. The
INI file contains entries such as the ones shown below (the sequence and
parameter values may be different in the actual file):

[Settings]
DefaultUnits=0
DisplayActionWin=1
MaxDisplaySize=300
KeepFileNames=1
ShowDisclaim=0
DataPath=C:\CMRR\
FileExtension=CMR

[FileMenu]
MaxLastFiles=4
LastFile1=C:\CMRR\S1.CMR
LastFile2=C:\CMRR\S2.CMR
LastFile3=C:\CMRR\S3.CMR
LastFile4=C:\CMRR\S4.CMR

[TextBrowse]
BrowseFontName=Courier New
BrowseFontSize=10
BrowseFontBold=0
BrowseFontItalic=0

Notes:

If this file is deleted, it will be automatically reconstructed the next time the
program is executed but the various settings will default to their original values.
 The Utilities Menu 33

5.2 Options
Description:

This form is used to define a number of default parameters and settings for the
CMRR program:

Edit Menu Options

Default Information Type
This option sets the default information type that will automatically be set, if a new
project is started.

Load the Input Form on File Open

If this option is enabled, the input project parameters form will be automatically
loaded in the following situations:
File - New is selected.
File - Open is selected and a file is loaded.
An existing file is loaded from the recent file list.

Auto Calculate CMRR upon changes in the Editor

If this option is enabled, then the program will automatically calculated the CMRR
file whenever a parameter that affects its calculation is modified. If this option is not
enabled, then a command button will appear at the main input form to allow manual
CMRR calculations.

Auto Calculate CMRR upon entering the Editor

If this option is enabled, then the program will automatically re-calculate the CMRR
value when accessing the parameter form. This is useful when loading CMR files
created under version 1.x. CMRR will be automatically recalculated to one decimal
place that will overwrite the stored value of CMRR (rounded to the nearest integer).
When accessing CMRR version 2.x files, this option should not be enabled.

Show Color Codes in Custom Rock Library

Color codes are stored in the custom rock library. If this option is enabled, then the
user can view the color code assigned to a rock formation. This option is disabled
by default.

Default value for Roof Bolt Length (English)

The user can enter the default roof bolt length to be used when creating data on a
new location. The pre-programmed default value is 6 ft.

Default value for Roof Bolt Length (Metric)

The user can enter the default roof bolt length to be used when creating data on a
new location. The pre-programmed default value is 1.8 m.

Default value for RQD

The user can enter the default for the RQD measured at a particular area. This
34 Coal Mine Roof Rating

value will appear as the default value when a new project is started.

Default value for Depth to Top of Seam (English/Metric)

The user can enter the default for the Depth to the Top of the seam to be used
when creating data on a new location.

Ground Water Adjustment

The user can enter the default for Ground Water Adjustment to be used when
creating data on a new location.

Create a File Association

Use this option to create an association between the program executable and the
extension of the project files. Thus, double-clicking on a project file, will invoke the
CMRR program.

General Options
Print Module Version Information
If this option is enabled, then whenever the input data are printed, a three-line
header is prepended with the program version, filename, etc.

Plot Ground Water Adjusted or Regular Rating Values

This option determines the CMRR value that will be printed when the roof strata
information is plotted.

Moisture Adjustment Deductions

This option determines whether the CMRR value will be calculated using large or
small moisture adjustment deductions.

Export Options
These are the default options for the ASCII export function. All of these options may
be changed after loading the export form. However, if the user exports to a
particular application, setting the default options will always ensure proper
exporting.

Export Options for Numeric Data

Comma Delimited
Space Delimited
Tab Delimited

Export Options for String Data

Double Quoted Strings
Single Quoted Strings
Plain Strings

Export Data Fields

Location Coordinates
 The Utilities Menu 35

CMRR Value per Location

Adjusted CMRR Value per Location
Location Description
Depth to the Top of the Seam
Type of Data (Drillcore or Underground)
Number of Units
Bolt Length
Ground Water Adjustment
Surcharge Adjustment

5.3 Plot Color Options

Description:

This option allows the user to set the colors for each formation in the Ferm Library.
A collection of default colors is also provided.

To Set the Colors:

Doubleclick on an entry and the color dialog box will appear. Select a color
and click ok.
Click on OK to save the color selection in the CMRR.INI file where all the
default settings are kept.

5.4 Unit Conversions

Description:

This utility can be used to convert between English and metric units for 4 types of
units:

Pressure
Conversion between psi (pounds per square inch), Pa (Pascals) and MPa
(MegaPascals) is supported.

Length
Conversion between feet, inches, meters and centimeters is supported.

Stress (Pressure) Gradient

Conversion between psi/ft (psi per foot), psi/in (psi per inch), MPa/m (MegaPascal
per meter) and Pa/m (Pascal per meter) is supported.

Load Gradient
Conversion between lbs/ft (pounds per foot), lbs/in (pounds per inch), kN/m
(kiloNewton per meter) and MN/m (MegaNewton per meter) is supported.
 36 Coal Mine Roof Rating

Notes:

1 Pa = 1 Newton per square meter

1 psi = 1 pound per square inch

5.5 File Conversion

Description:

This utility can be used to convert the current file to a different set of units. If the file
is in English units, then it can only be converted to metric and vice versa.

Notes:

The current file should already be saved before accessing the conversion
option.
The current file is then substituted with the converted file.
A prefix is added to the name of the converted file.
Part

VI
 38 Coal Mine Roof Rating

6 The Help Menu

Use the Help menu option to access various Help options, the Disclaimer screen, as
well as information regarding the current version of the program.

Disclaimer of Liability Clause:

This OMSHR/NIOSH developed software is provided 'AS IS' without warranty of any
kind including express or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a
particular purpose. By acceptance and use of this software, which is conveyed to
the user without consideration by NIOSH, the user expressly waives any and all
claims for damage and/or suits for personal injury or property damage resulting from
any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, or damages for
loss of profits, revenue, data or property use, incurred by the user or any third party,
whether in an action in contract or tort, arising from access to, or use of, this
software in whole or in part.

No further development or upgrades for this software are planned. Any questions
concerning this product can be directed to the Office of Mine Safety and Health
Research email box at ([email protected]).

See also: About CMRR

6.1 About CMRR

The "Coal Mine Roof Rating" (CMRR) program was originally created by Dr. Chris
Mark and Greg Molinda of the US Bureau of Mines, now NIOSH.

This Windows release version (version 1.0) was created by Dr. Zach Agioutantis
and Dr. Michael Karmis at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
(Virginia Tech) in Blacksburg, VA, USA, under contract to NIOSH. The technical
project officers were Dr. Chris Mark and Greg Molinda.

Version 1.1 was released in September 2002. Minor updates have been released
since then. Version 1.2 was released in December 2004. Version 2.0 was released
in the summer of 2007.

The help and support of Dr. Chris Mark is greatly appreciated.

6.2 Program Updates

No further development or upgrades for this software are planned. However, minor
updates may be issued periodically. This program is automatically set to remind the
user to check the program web site for an updated version a calendar year after
each revision. If an update exists, the user may manually download the setup file
and install the new version.
 The Help Menu 39

6.3 References
Barczak, T.M., 2000. Optimizing secondary roof support with the NIOSH support
technology optimization program (STOP). Paper in Proceedings: New Technology
for Coal Mine Roof Support, NIOSH IC 9453, pp. 151-164.

Barton, N.R., R. Lien and J. Lunde, 1974. Engineering classification of rock masses
for the design of tunnel support rock mechanics, vol. 6, pp. 189-236.

Beerkircher, M.D., 1994. Monterey coal companys longwall project. Proc. IL Mining
Institute, Collinsville, IL, pp. 85-93.

Bieniawski, Z.T., 1973. Engineering classification of jointed rock masses.

Transaction of the South African Institution of Civil Engineers, vol. 15, No. 12, pp.
335-344.

Bieniawski, Z.T., 1988. Rock mass classification as a design aid in tunnelling.

Tunnels and Tunnelling, pp. 19-23.

Bieniawski, Z.T., 1989. Engineering rock mass classifications. Wiley, NY, 251 p.

Buddery, P.S. and D.C. Oldroyd, 1992. Development of a roof and floor
classification applicable to collieries. Paper 35 in Proc. Eurock '92 Conference
(Thomas Telford, London, pub.), pp. 197-202.

Butcher, R.J., 2001. Application of the coal mine roof rating system in South African
collieries. In Peng SS, Mark C, eds. Proceedings of the 20th International
Conference on Ground Control in Mining, Morgantown, WV, pp. 317-321.

Colwell, M., R. Frith and C. Mark, 1999. Calibration of the analysis of longwall pillar
stability (ALPS) for Australian conditions. Paper in the Proceedings of the 18th
International Conference on Ground Control in Mining, Morgantown, WV, pp.
282-290.

Damberger, H.H., W.J. Nelson and H.F. Krausse, 1980. Effect of geology on roof
stability in room-and-pillar mines in the Herrin (no. 6) coal of Illinois. In Proc. 1st
Conf. Ground Control Problems in the Illinois Coal Basin, Univ. of Southern Illinois,
Carbondale, IL, pp. 14-32.

Deere, D.U. and R.P. Miller, 1966. Engineering classification and index properties
for intact rock. Technical Report No. AFWL-TR-65-116, Air Force Weapons
Laboratory.

DeMarco, M.J., 1984. Yielding pillar gateroad design considerations for longwall
mining. Paper in New Technology for Longwall Ground Control: Proceedings of the
USBM Technology Transfer Seminar, USBM SP 94-01, pp. 19-36.
40 Coal Mine Roof Rating

Ealy, D.L., R.D. Mazurak and E.L. Langrand, 1979. A geological approach for
predicting unstable roof and floor conditions in advance of mining. Mining Congress
Journal, pp. 7-23.

Ferm, J.C., R.A. Melton, G.D. Cummins, F. Mather, L. McKenna, C. Muir and G.E.
Norris, 1978. A study of roof falls in underground mines on the Pocahontas #3
seam southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia. USBM Contract
H0230028, Dept. of Geology University of South Carolina.

Ferm, J.C. and G.C. Smith, 1981. A guide to cored rocks in the Pittsburgh basin.
Dept. of Geology, Univ. of KY, Lexington, and the Univ. of SC, Columbia, 109 p.

Forgeron, S., C. Mark and D.J. Forrester, 2001. Standardization of geological and
geomechanical assessment at underground coal mines in Canada. CIM Bulletin, pp.
83-90.

Hoek, E., 1977. Rock mechanics laboratory testing in the context of a consulting
engineering organization. Intl. J. Rock Mech. and Mng. Sci., vol. 22, pp. 93-101.

Grau, R.H. III and E.R. Bauer, 1997. Ground control worker safety during extended
cut mining. Proc. 16th Intl. Conference on Ground Control in Mining, Morgantown,
WV, pp. 283-288.

Harwood, C., M. Karmis, C. Haycocks and J. Lu, 1996. Optimizing secondary

tailgate support selection. Proc. 15th Intl. Conf. on Ground Control in Mining,
Golden, CO, pp. 469-476.

Hoelle, J., 2003. Analysis of unsupported roof spans for highwall mining at Moura
coal mine. Proceedings COAL 2003, 4th Australasian Coal Operators Conference,
Wollongong, Australia, pp. 50-62.

Hylbert, D.K., 1978. The classification, evaluation, and projection of coal mine roof
rocks. Mining Engineering, vol. 30, no. 12, pp. 1667-1676.

International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) Commission on Testing Methods,

1985. Suggested method for determining the point load strength (revised version).
Intl. J. Rock Mech. and Mng. Sci., vol. 22, pp. 51-60.

International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM), 1982. Suggested methods for
rock characterization, testing, and monitoring, Pergamon Press, London, 1982.

Kane, W.F., 1985. Geologic and geotechnical controls on the stability of coal mine
entries. Ph.D. thesis, Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, VA, 303 p.

Karabin, G.J. and M.A. Evanto, 1999. Experience with the boundary element
method of numerical modeling to resolve complex ground control problems. Paper
in Proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Coal Pillar Mechanics and
 The Help Menu 41

Design, NIOSH IC 9448, pp. 89-114.

Karmis, M. and W. Kane, 1984. An analysis of the geomechanical factors

influencing coal mine roof stability in Appalachia. Second International Conference
on Stability in Underground Mining, Lexington, KY, pp. 311-328.

Kester, W.M. and Y.P. Chugh, 1980. Premining investigations and their use in
planning ground control in the Illinois coal basin. Proceedings of the 1st Conference
Ground Control Problems in the Illinois Coal Basin, pp. 33-43.

Lattila, J.W., J.J. van Wijk, E. Wevell and D. Neal, 2002. Evaluation of the impact
splitting technique used for predicting geotechnical conditions in underground coal
mines. Proceedings SANIRE 2002 Symposium, South African National Institute of
Rock Engineering, 11 p.

Mark, C., 1999a. Application of the coal mine roof rating (CMRR) to extended cuts.
Mining Engineering, pp. 52-56.

Mark, C., 1999b. Ground control in South African coal mines-A U.S. perspective.
Paper in the Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Ground Control in
Mining, Morgantown, WV, pp. 186-193.

Mark C, Barczak TM, 2000. Fundamentals of Coal Mine Roof Support. Paper in
New Technology for Coal Mine Roof Support, Proceedings of the NIOSH Open
Industry Briefing, NIOSH IC 9453, pp. 23-42.

Mark, C., F.E. Chase and G.M. Molinda, 1994a. Design of longwall gate entry
systems using roof classification. Paper in New Technology for Longwall Ground
Control: Proceedings of the USBM Technology Transfer Seminar, USBM SP 94-01,
pp. 5-18.

Mark, C., G.M. Molinda and D.R. Dolinar, 2001. Analysis of roof bolt systems
(ARBS). Paper in the Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Ground
Control in Mining, Morgantown, WV, pp. 218-225.

Mark, C., G.M. Molinda, A.P. Schissler and W.J. Wuest, 1994b. Evaluating roof
control in underground coal mines using the coal mine roof rating. Paper in the
Proceedings of the 13th Conference on Ground Control in Mining, Morgantown,
WV, pp. 252-260.

Mark, C. and G.M. Molinda, 1996. Rating coal mine roof strength from exploratory
drill core. In: Ozdemir L, Hanna K, Haramy KY, Peng S, eds. Proceedings of the
15th International Conference on Ground Control in Mining, Morgantown, WV, pp.
415-428.

Mark, C. and T.P. Mucho, 1994. Longwall mine design for control of horizontal
stress. Paper in Proceedings of the Mine Technology Transfer Seminar. Pittsburgh,
42 Coal Mine Roof Rating

PA: U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Mines (USBM) Publication No.
01-94, pp. 53-76.

Marshall, S., 1984. Composite geologic and linear mapping for defining safe, high
productivity mining in the Appalachian coal fields. Fifteenth Annual Institute of Coal
Mining, Health, Safety, and Research, Blacksburg, VA, 10 p.

Martin, E.M., F. Carr and G. Hendon, 1988. Strata control advances at Jim Walter
Resources. 7th International Conference on Ground Control in Mining, Morgantown,
WV, pp. 66-75.

Milici, R.C., T.M. Gathright, B.W. Miller and M.R. Gwin, 1982. Geologic factors
related to coal mine roof falls in Wise County, Virginia. Appalachian Regional
Commission Contract No. CO-7232-80-I-302-0206, 103 p.

Moebs, N.N. and J.C. Ferm, 1982. The relation of geology to mine roof conditions
in the Pocahontas No.3 coalbed. USBM IC 8864, 8 p.

Moebs, N.N. and R.M. Stateham, 1985. The diagnosis and reduction of mine roof
failure. Coal Mining.

Molinda, G. and C. Mark, 1994. The coal mine roof rating (CMRR)-A practical rock
mass classification for coal mines. USBM IC 9387, 83 p.

Molinda G.M. and C. Mark, 1996. Testing the Strength of Coal Mine Roof Rocks.
USBM IC 9444, 36 pSS.

Molinda, G.M., 2003. Geologic hazards and roof stability in coal mines. NIOSH IC
9466, 33 p.

Molinda, G.M., C. Mark and D.R. Dolinar, 2000. Assessing coal mine roof stability
through roof fall analysis. In Mark, C., D.R. Dolinar and R. Tuchman, eds. New
Technology for Coal Mine Roof Support, Proceedings of the NIOSH Open Industry
Briefing, pp. 53-72.

Newman, D.A. and Z.T. Bieniawski, 1986. Modified version of the geomechanics
classification for entry design in underground coal mines. Transactions, Society of
Mining Engineering AIME, vol. 280, pp. 2134-2138.

Oyler, D.C., R. Frith, D.R. Dolinar and C. Mark, 1998. International experience with
longwall mining into pre-driven rooms. Proceedings, 17th International Conference
on Ground Control in Mining, Morgantown, WV, pp. 44-53.

Pappas D., Mark C., 1993. Load-Deformation Properties of Coal Mine Gob
Materials. USBM RI 9458, 39 p.

Priest, S.D. and J.A. Hudson, 1976. Discontinuity spacings in rock. Intl. J. Rock
 The Help Menu 43

Mech. Mng. Sci., Vol 13, pp. 135-148.

Rusnak, J. and C. Mark, 2000. Using the point load test to determine the uniaxial
compressive strength of coal measure rock. In Peng SS, Mark C, eds.,
Proceedings, 19th International Conference on Ground Control in Mining,
Morgantown, WV, pp. 362-371.

Schaffer, J.F., 1985. Roof fall prediction at an Illinois underground mine.

Proceedings, 2nd Conference on Ground Control Problems in the Illinois Coal
Basin, Southern Illinois University, pp. 55-63.

Sickler, R.A., 1986. Engineering classification of shales. Proceedings, Conference

on Ground Control in Mining, Morgantown, WV, pp. 221-233.

Sinha, A. and V. Venkateswarlu, 1986. Geomechanics classification for support

selection in Indian coal mines - case studies. Proceedings, 5th International
Congress of the International Association of Engineering Geology. vol. 1, 1986, pp.
159-164.

Stingelin, R.W., J.R. Kern and S.L. Morgan, 1979. Premining identification of
hazards associated with coal mine roof measures. USBM Contract #JO177038,
HRB-Singer, Inc. State College, PA, 216 p.

Van der Merwe, J.N., 2001. In situ investigation into the causes of falls of roof in
South African collieries. In Peng, S.S. and C. Mark, eds. Proceedings, 20th
International Conference on Ground Control in Mining, Morgantown, WV, pp.
105-118.

Venkateswarlu, V., A.K. Ghose and N.M. Raju, 1989. Rock-mass classification for
design of roof supports - a statistical evaluation of parameters. Mining Science and
Technology, 8, Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., Amsterdam - Printed in the
Netherlands, pp. 97-107.

Williamson, D.A., 1984. Unified rock classification system. Bulletin of the

Association of Engineering Geologists, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 345-354.

Wuest, W., M.J. DeMarco and C. Mark, 1996. Review of applications of the coal
mine roof rating (CMRR) for ground control planning and operations. Mining
Engineering, pp. 49-55.

Zhou, Y., C. Haycocks and W. Wu, 1988. Geomechanics classifications for multiple
seam mining. SME Annual Meeting, January 25-28, Phoenix, AR, 10 p.

6.4 HelpButton
Position the cursor on any item on the form and press F1 for context sensitive
help.
44 Coal Mine Roof Rating
Part

VII
 46 Coal Mine Roof Rating

7 List of Figures
Figure 1: Effect of water on a moisture sensitive shale.
Figure 2: Flow Chart for the CMRR.
Figure 3: Underground data sheet for the CMRR.
Figure 4: Diametral and Axial Point Load Test.
Figure 5: Relationship between Axial PLT and UCS tests for shale (Rusnak and
Mark, 2000).
Figure 6: CMRR rating scale for Axial Point Load or UCS tests: a) Metric Units, b)
English Units.
Figure 7: Comparison between UCS and Ball Peen Tests.
Figure 8: CMRR rating scale for Fracture Spacing or RQD.
Figure 9: CMRR rating scale for Diametral Point Load tests: a) Metric Units, b)
English Units.
Figure 10: Data Sheet for the Immersion Test.
Figure 11: Comparison of the Slake Durability and Immersion Tests.
Figure 12: The CMRR Data Base.
Figure 13: Relationship between the CMRR and the ALPS SF.
Figure 14: Relationship between the CMRR and the feasibility of Extended Cuts.
Figure 15: Relationship between the CMRR and Roof Bolt density in the US,
Australia and South Africa.
Figure 16: Rock Quality Designation (RQD) for core.
Figure 17: Highwall Divided into Structural Units.
Figure 18: Scale for comparing Ball Peen Hammer indentation to the Compressive
Strength of the rock.
Figure 19: Bedding Strength is estimated by the Chisel Test.
Figure 20: Point Load Test.
Figure 21: Roughness scale for discontinuity.
Figure 22: Specimens shape requirements for (a) the diametral test, (b) the axial
test, (c) the block test, and (d) the irregular lump tests.
 List of Figures 47

7.1 Figure 1

Effect of water on a moisture sensitive shale

7.2 Figure 2

Flow Chart for the CMRR

 48 Coal Mine Roof Rating

7.3 Figure 3 - Options

Underground data sheet for the CMRR. This figure is rotated so it will print in
landscape mode without changing the printer default paper orientation. Select
appropriate link below. Also, the underground data sheet may be printed through
the "resource files" option of the Help menu of the CMRR program.

Figure 3 - Metric Version

Figure 3 - English Version
Figure 3 - Metric Version - Landscape Format
Figure 3 - English Version - Landscape Format

7.4 Figure 3 - Metric Version

 List of Figures 49

7.5 Figure 3 - English Version

 50 Coal Mine Roof Rating

7.6 Figure 3 - Metric Version - Landscape Format

 List of Figures 51

7.7 Figure 3 - English Version - Landscape Format

 52 Coal Mine Roof Rating

7.8 Figure 4

Diametral and Axial Point Load Test

7.9 Figure 5

Relationship between Axial PLT and UCS tests for shale (Rusnak and Mark, 2000)
 List of Figures 53

7.10 Figure 6

CMRR rating scale for Axial Point Load or UCS tests: a) Metric Units

CMRR rating scale for Axial Point Load or UCS tests: b) English Units

ructural 62