SUMMARY

Florin BACIU, Victor ARAD, Susana ARAD, Susana IANCU (APOSTU)

Ecological rehabilitation of Sfântu Gheorghe and Bodoş open pits 2
Doru CIOCLEA, Constantin LUPU, Ion TOTH, Ion GHERGHE, Cornel BOANTĂ
New technology implemented in the settling of complex ventilation networks 7
Florin G. FAUR
Developing a new methodology for calculating reliability marks for environmental factors (water) 11
Carmen Georgeta FLOREA, Adrian Alexandru DRESCHER, Vlad Alexandru FLOREA
Determination of possibilities of the active lateral earth pressure on abutment walls of enlarged
roadways 17
Dumitru IACOB
Technical aspects of the distribution joints from E.M.C. Jilţ 22
Dacian Paul MARIAN, Ilie ONICA, Eugen COZMA
Sensibility analysis of the subsidence parameters at the variation of the main geo-mining factors 28
Alin Cosmin SMEU
Achievements and future solutions on reintroducing in the economic circuit of waste dumps
and degraded terains by open pits from oltenia 35

Vasile ZAMFIR, Horia VÎRGOLICI, Olimpiu STOICUŢA

The positional synthesis of the slider-crank mechanism 43

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2

ECOLOGICAL REHABILITATION OF SFÂNTU GHEORGHE AND BODOŞ

OPEN PITS

Florin BACIU*, Victor ARAD**, Susana ARAD***, Susana IANCU (APOSTU)****

mainly due to the poor quality coal exploited

Abstract: Exploitation of mineral resources in production stopped at the end of April 2004. The
quarries, lead major changes in surface and total volume of the stripping is 16 millions m3 and
consequently a major impact for the the exploited production is 2.000.000 tones of
population. In some cases the stability of soil lignite which was used to produce electricity and
or construction may have catastrophic effects. heat homes.
Thus rehabilitation of land affected and reduce Ecological rehabilitation of the areas affected
or eliminate the effects of pollution are major by lignite exploitation from Bodoş and Sfantu
problems in the closure of mining activity. For Gheorghe open pits aims to re-establish the
this purpose it is necessary to achieve ecosystems structurally and functionally as well as
ecological rehabilitation measures for the to ensure the abiotic and biotic resources necessary
for sustainable development.
affected areas. Present research is a summary
of a comprehensive study related to mine Geology of the area
closure activity in the SNC Ploiesti.
Key words: coal, quarries, mine closure, Baraolt post-tectonic sedimentary basin has a
stability, environmental rehabilitation relatively complicated geology because of the basin
building-up geo-tectonic processes and further coal
Introduction carrying strata driven processes as well as specific
deposition processes that generated coal layers
National Coal Society S.A. Ploiesti was set up storage. The mining area is located in the southern
by reorganization of Autonomous Administration extremity of Barsa depression, formations
of Coal Ploiesti which was abolished in 1997. consisting of molasses deposits with Pliocene-
Today eight mine exploitations situated in eight Pleistocene coals which are on top of Cretaceous
districts are part of it and it ensures the power coal flysch deposits.
necessary for the thermo-electric power stations The deposit is composed of ten variable
from Bacău, Braşov, Zalău and Oradea. thickness and extension coal layers determined by
At the moment most of the underground deposition conditions and Cretaceous bedding
exploitations are closed, except from Jugur sector configuration.
from Câmpulung area, Argeş County. Aninoasa, The proper coal-bearing complex is
Argeş County, Racos from Covasna county open characterized by an interchange of grey sands,
pits and Filipeşti and Ceptura from Prahova county sometimes andesite, yellowish grits, tufaceous
open pits are also part of the exploitation. clays, coal-bearing clays, purple or green-blue clays
As far as the environmental impact is and coals. Within the subsystem, the three coal
concerned, the most productive coal-wise lignite layers are composed of multiple layers, being solid
open pits through time were the two subunits in only rarely. Only layers I and III have economical
Covasna County, Sfântu Gheorghe and Bodoş open value. This subunit is from the Late Pontian age.
pits. Layer III is the layer with the maximum growth in
Mining objectives closure and ecological the basin, being 2-8.6 m thick and it is situated 8-
reconstruction of the exploitation affected areas 130m deep in the roof of layer I [3].
activity is one of the most complex activities after
mining and exploitation of mineral resources [1]. The impact caused by the exploitation
Bodoş and Sfântul Gheorghe open pits were surface
lignite exploitation units, being set up in 1987. Bodoş open pit abolishment does not have a
Because of the economical inefficiency major socio-economic impact because the majority
____________________________________ of the staff has been redistributed to Racoş-Sud
*Director SNC Ploieşti open pit, an open pit that is productive.
**Prof.eng.Ph.D University of Petroşani
*** Assoc.prof.eng Ph.D University of Petroşani
**** Ph.D student Universitatea din Petroşani

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

 3

By abolishing Bodoş and Sfântu Gheorghe

open pits it has been achieved:
¾ Disposal of the noise in the area produced by
typical machinery in the open pit and on the
road leading to it that crosses Bodoş village.
¾ Disposal of the dust in the air produced in the
open pits, waste dumps and on the road
¾ Disposal of solid suspensions from the streams
next to the open pits and the waste-dumps
¾ Re-establishment of the natural aspect of the
areas affected by open pits and waste-dumps
and improvement of the surface soil, Fig.1. The impact on the soil
Re-establishment of the natural aspect will take
into consideration the wooded areas before opening The impact on the soil in the area is manifested
the quarries as well as the mainly hay tamed areas by physical pollution with coal dust and sterile as
Coal exploitation in the open pits has produced well as by erosion and landslides which leads to
and will produce an impact caused by used decreased fertility of the surrounding areas.
industrial and domestic water evacuated from the It can be concluded that the main and auxiliary
open pit, an impact produced by water management activities carried out in the open pits have had a
and an impact produced by dewatering produced major negative impact on the environment as a
water evacuated from the open pit. whole, changing the relations between
Transporting coal on the exploitation road and environmental components on a 300 ha area almost
on the public road has affected the infrastructure of completely.
the public road, damaging the bridge over Baraolt
brook, damaging the guard ditches, the public road, Ecological rehabilitation of Bodoş and Sfantu
dust suspensions air infestation and damaging over Gheorghe open pits
80 ha of land which will be subject to modelling
and greening. Abolishment and economic restructuring of
Lignite exploitation in the open pits affects the lignite exploitation is one of the present subjects of
qualities of environmental factor air by dust, smoke the Romanian mining industry which tries to
and gas emissions. comply with the EU requirements.
Sources of dust emissions are coal deposits, The restructuring process began after the ‘90s,
deposits of waste rock from the damp, excavation when the World Bank demanded, being actively
areas, access roads from the waste-dumps and the involved in this economic field [2].
open pits as well as the slopes and open pits After 1989 the energy sector has been intensely
terraces, open pits affected by climatic factors and supported by the state through a big budgetary
uncovered by vegetation. Air pollution in these effort, the state spending large amounts of money
areas is a physical one. through grants, transfers and capital allowances.
Auto-ignition of coal from the open pit slopes Unfortunately, budgetary funds were insufficient
or deposits emits fumes and pollutants that are and because of keeping energetic coal selling price
spreading into the atmosphere. The impact of coal low there were registered operating losses at most
mining activities on the soil and subsoil is both of the mines [1].
qualitative and quantitative. The area covered in this paper is situated
Quantitative impact on the ground translates within the area of Baraolt city, from Bodoş village
into open pit, external waste-dump, utilities, land border and the plots to be wooded before
with permanent or temporary productive, expropriation have been taken by the former
agricultural or sylvan circuit removal employment, Baraolt forestry-Covasna forestry department.
fig 1. Technical-economic indicators are presented in
Another form of manifestation of the impact is Table 1 [3].
the change of the terrain features in the natural area
which has objectified through other forms of Table 1 Technical-economic indicators
terrain. Qualitative impact is manifested by Indicator Value
destroying the natural geo - lithology of the land up Total area under study St = 16,61 ha
to more than 150 m deep due to stripping work for Actual area to be forested Se = 16,61 ha
coal extraction. Hedge against grazing LG = 2650 m
Time of deployment T = 7 years

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

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The aims of the works are: The already existing waste-dump need
¾ Reseating forested vegetation on the former backfilling works – excavation, fertilization and
open pit waste-dumps grassing. The excess rock is the material necessary
¾ Improving climatic conditions for remodelling the area occupied by the open pit.
¾ Restoring ecological balance in the area by Together with reshaping the sterile waste-dump an
restoring the biodiversity 80 m long supporting wall will be built on the
¾ Improving the local and general landscape. eastern slope of the waste-dump.
The areas covered by the mining exploitation The channels following the roads will be
perimeter as well as those surrounding them that resized according to the maximum flow of the rain
bear the “imprint” of exploitation in the open pit waters and will be clad with concrete tiles. Their
and that don’t require remodelling will undergo total length will be 14.000 m, fig. 2 [4].
rehabilitation and greening so that they can reach
agricultural yield at the level they had before being
affected.

Bodoş open pit ecological rehabilitation works [3]

Production in the open pit ended in late April

2004 due to economic inefficiency, the main factor
being the poor quality coal exploited; at the time of
the closure, Bodoş open pit had debts of
45.057.973.544 lei.
Fig.2. Channels collection
Once production stopped, all machines and
facilities in the open pit were removed and
Reconstruction of the public road on the
redeployed to Căpeni Colliery.
section which was used by Căpeni Colliery to
The technical project on closing and cleaning
transport coal from the open pit and machines and
Bodoş open pit has been achieved through a
materials to the open pit throughout the active
number of works to ensure safety and stability of
period, the total length of the road sector being
the area and at the same time greening of the area,
7,5km.
restoring the areas occupied by the open pit and its
As a result of the intensive lignite exploitation
external waste-dump to the agricultural and forestry
and transport on the initial bridge, it collapsed
chain [5].
therefore needing repetitive constructive
Within the project a barrier lake was built,
interventions which failed to achieve their aim.
three spaces in the open pit were decommissioned,
In the same location but oriented perpendicular
rehabilitating the access road that had served
on Baraolt stream a bridge has been built, taking
exclusively the open pit as well as the LEA power
into account: the opening of the stream in the
line that had supplied machines in the open pit.
established location, 20 m; the daily and annually
Stopping activity in the open pit coincided with
flow of vehicles; gauge of vehicles; maximum
stopping discharging water from its floor.
tonnage of the biggest vehicle; fig. 3.
The lake that will store the waters will be
north-east and south-west oriented. The barrier lake
will be 295 m long at the water gloss level and will
be 30 m wide at the bottom of it. The slope angle of
the walls will be 12 degree.
Rock material resulting from excavation was
necessary remodelling surface. To ensure stability,
20m wide of the west side of the shaped area as
well as the 370m length will be covered with
acacia. Reshaping the surface runs at the same time
as the geometrization of the external waste-dump,
the embankment and reshaping material used for
this is the excess of earth from the waste-dump. Fig.3. Sight on bridge
The reshaped surfaces of the open pit and the
waste-dump will be wooded, which will re- Baraolt riverbed rehabilitation will consist of:
establish the slopes and wooded areas destroyed by dredging riverbeds, changing Baraolt river course
lignite exploitation. where the old bridge used to be. The total costs of

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

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environmental rehabilitation of Bodoş open pit are leveling and compacting at a compacting level of
14.206.391.90 lei. 95%.
The lake is filled with water from Crişului
Closing and ecological activity on Sfantu Valley and a water intake will be made on Crişului
Gheorghe open pit [4] Valley and an adduction which will supply the
future lake at a 5m 3/h rate. The discharge channel
Ecological activity of the open pit requires is underground, made of 1,400 mm diameter pre-
maintaining the ecosystems formed by stressed concrete pipes on the lake- Crişului Valley
accumulations of water from Porumbele waste- route on a 1,047m distance.
dump area with flora and fauna and using the A technological road will be built to ensure lake
affected areas as place of leisure. maintenance and supervision after putting it into
Partially filling of the former open pit and operation.
building a leisure lake of 27 ha are part of the Grassing and foresting the slopes means laying
project objectives. Partially discarding of topsoil extracted from the topsoil waste-dumps, 30
Porumbele waste-dump is made by transporting a cm thick, on the open pit slopes from the level
volume of 6.170.000 m3 of sterile in the open pit. representing the future water gloss at a level of
Arranging and greening of the open pit involve +560 to the open pit frame at a level of +570.
three steps: step I: geometrization of open pit floor; Arranging the southern flank will consist of
step II: lake formation; step III: slope grassing and surface reconfiguration so as not to carry large
foresting. Geometrization of the open pit floor amounts of mining mass from Porumbele waste-
involves entrapping and conducting all water dump but to reshape the southern flank slope by
inflows, groundwater and surface water towards a rock dislocation from the external side of the open
central sump hole which will supply the lake, fig. 4. pit and filling the gaps at the edge of the slope.
The excavation volume needed to bring the
slope to a 90° angle from level +570 to level+ 560
is 249.903 m3 and the filling volume is 393.875
m3. The difference will be brought from the
Porumbele Valley topsoil waste-dump.
An perimetric access road will be built at the
southern border of the open pit on private lands,
being 5m wide and having 5 m wide safety pillar to
allow access to earthmoving machines, needed to
arrange the southern flank and to store fertile soil
and for owners to access the play areas, fig. 5 [4].

Fig.4. Open pit aspects

These works consisted of entrapping the brooks

in the western, north-western and southern areas by
executing artesian bore in order to allow the
geometrization of the open pit floor and backfill
and water storage to shape the future lake.
Earthmoving and geometrization works of the
open pit will be performed, followed by its backfill
by arranging the final slopes of the future lake and
its surroundings.
The works consisted of open pit floor backfill Fig.5. The road for perimetric access
up to the established level for the bottom of the lake
set for 550m and the slopes by transporting material The sterile waste-dump will fuel with mining
from Porumbele waste-dump, spreading and mass the difference of material necessary to build
tamping it at 95 tamping level [6]. the southern and south-eastern flanks.
The open pit slopes are designed at an angle of The difference of sterile which will not be
maximum 9° in order to ensure their stability. needed for this reconstruction but will remain
Backfilling of the floor and the slopes is made by inside the waste-dump will be spread evenly on the
depositing material in layers of 30 cm with their south-western versant of Porumbele Valley. After
the geometrization of the Porumbele waste-dump,

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

6

the surface will be covered with topsoil from the mining in Bodoş and Sfantu Gheorghe open pits on
topsoil deposit and after that it will be sowed, the area, economic, social and environmental
continuing work at the now running waste-dump. factors, existing circumstances, in order to integrate
After rearrangement, a 455,750 m2 surface will relevant elements in the sustainable circuit of area
be replaced in the economic chain. 67,900 m2 of development all the measures in the project will be
the surface will be covered with saplings. applied and will be adapted where there are
Rearrangement of the southern flank was designed inconsistencies.
to run on a 269,783 m2 surface. After being In order to eliminate lignite exploitation
arranged and covered with vegetal soil, 50,272 m2 effects, prevent water storage and landslides, the
will be issued to be used by the old owners. areas affected by the open pit and the waste-dump
Next, for a 209,711 m2 surface, greening will be reshaped.
operations are set to run over three years. These Destination of areas after reshaping and
operations will consist of fertilization of the land, cleaning: 18,064 m2 for the barrier lake; the
sowing perennial grass and Orchard saplings. forested areas after reshaping make 79,673 m2, the
Total costs of Sfantu Gheorghe open pit access road to the remodelled and cleaned areas of
rehabilitation is 72,442,471.93 lei [6]. the open pit make 1,725 m2.
On a 355,957m2 surface the former open pit as
Conclusions well as large eastern and western reshaped areas
will be grassed.
In accordance with the Environmental Law,
when the open pits stop functioning there have been References
identified the following effects of the impact on the
environment: 1. Arad, S., Arad, V., Nistor, C., Baciu, Fl., Nita, A.
The decisive impact has been on the ground by Predicting ground mouvments in post mining activity
completely modifying the ground morphology of from Romania, Proc. of 5 th Conf. On Environment and
the entire 106.6473 ha area. Besides direct Mineral Processing, Part II, VSB TU Ostrava, pp. .59-
67, ISBN 978-80-248-2388-1, Ostrava, Czech Republic,
influences soil has been affected by the emergence
2011
of phenomena of material flow in the slopes with a
modified balance by stripping and mining activities. 2. Arad, S., Arad, V., Chindriş, Gh.
Sterile deposits in the waste-dump have been Geotehnica mediului, Ed. Polidava Deva, ISBN 973-
made within parameters which gave a temporary 99458-0-5, 232 pg., 2000
stability. 3. Baciu, Fl.
Failing to follow the waste-dumping Impactul asupra mediului a exploatărilor subterane şi la
parameters has led to downstream sterile material zi aparţinând S.N.C. Ploieşti, Raport de cercetare, Univ.
spills in certain areas. din Petrosani, 2010
If in the exploitation area the vegetation was
completely destroyed, in the surrounding area 4. Baciu, Fl.
Cercetări privind stabilitatea structurilor de suprafaţă:
vegetation and fauna have been affected to a
taluzuri, halde, versanţi din zonele miniere aparţinând
smaller extent by deposits of sediment, and as for S.N.C. Ploieşti, Raport de cercetare, Univ. din Petrosani,
the fauna by anthropical impact. Raport de cercetare, Univ. din Petrosani,2010
Emergence and development of the
exploitation has led to social-economic changes in 5. ***
the area, which require a coherent professional Proiect tehnic de inchidere si ecologizare a Carierei
reorientation programme once the exploitation Bodos, EM Capeni, 2007
activity has stopped, which consists of
redistributing staff to Racoş Sud open pit. 6. ***
As a result of thorough research on the analysis Proiect tehnic de inchidere si ecologizare Cariera Sf.
Gheorghe, Halda Porumbele, 2009.
area in terms of geographical location, impact of

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

 7

NEW TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTED IN THE SETTLING OF COMPLEX

VENTILATION NETWORKS
Doru CIOCLEA*, Constantin LUPU*, Ion TOTH*, Ion GHERGHE*, Cornel BOANTĂ*

For providing the best possible occupational - diminish the heat emitted inside mine workings,
health and safety conditions for the staff both due to human activities and to thermal gradient.
working in potential explosive and/or toxic A good ventilation of each mine working
atmospheres, there are used special ventilation involves the best possible repartition of air flows
installations. along each branch of the ventilation network [4]. In
this spirit it is necessary to settle the ventilation
For the case of underground operations, this network of each mine. An example of complex
aspect is quite complex because the ventilation ventilation network is the one belonging to Paroşeni
network covers tens of kilometers. Also, the mine.
mining network is in a continuous change and
consequently, the distribution of air flows Analysis of the ventilation network belonging to
along each branch is quite difficult to be made. Paroşeni mine and measurements carried out in
The settlement of ventilation networks with situ
the help of classical methods needs a lot of
time and is difficult to be implemented; The general ventilation of Paroşeni mine is of
nevertheless the use of new methods, for ex. of the upward type, under the influence of the
new expert software, represents an accessible depression s created by the main ventilation station
no. 18 VOD 30.
option. At Paroşeni, coal is extracted through four
In order to settle the ventilation network workings:
related to Paroşeni mine, there has been used a - face working panel 4, bed 3, block VI level 300;
Canadian expert software called CANVENT; - face working panel 24, bed 3, block V level 250;
as a result, there was settled both the basic - working with short face (pillar), bed 3, block V
network and there were simulated certain level 250;
possible technical conditions that involved - working with short face, panel 3 bed 3, block V
major changes regarding the distribution of air level 250.
flows. According to the annual project for general
This paper presents both the specific ventilation for the second, third and forth trimesters
that takes into consideration the structure of the
elements regarding the settlement of the
ventilation network, the dispersion of the working
ventilation network and the above said faces in operation, as well the operation of the main
simulations ventilation station no. 18 VOD 30, there have been
devised three main ventilation circuits:
General notes - the ventilation circuit of the level 250;
- the ventilation circuit of the level 300;
The mine network necessary for the mining of - the ventilation circuit of the level 360.
useful mineral substances displays a high In order to find out the real values of the
complexity, different shapes and cross-sectional aerodynamic parameters specific to the mine
areas and can reach tens of kilometres in length. workings that are part of the mine ventilation
For getting the best possible working conditions network, there have been carried out measurements
in underground, it is necessary to provide the of the air flows and of the depressions.
primary protection, i.e. suitable ventilation [3] . The The whole ventilation network includes 171
purpose of this ventilation is to: junctions (knots) and 216 branches [2].
- provide the concentration in oxygen necessary
for the personnel currently working underground; Settling the ventilation network of Paroşeni
- dilute the explosive and/or toxic gases existing mine
in the mine network;
____________________________________ For providing the best solution available for
*Ph.D eng. INCD INSEMEX Petroşani such a complex ventilation network, we have used

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

8

the Hardy-Cross method for successive • The 2D or 3D drawing of the ventilation

approximation. This method represents the grounds network;
of expert software CANVENT designed in Canada • Settling the ventilation network. Both the
[1]. 3D – CANVENT is a Window type application direction and the optimum distribution of the air
and it has been designed to support the planning, flows along each branch are being identified in this
design and analyze the mine ventilation systems. 3D stage (Fig. 3).
– CANVENT represents a mixture between a
friendly use of graphic representations and the
capability to design 3D networks that makes
possible to visualize the ventilation network in a 2D
system (X–Y, X–Z, Y–Z) and/or 3D system
(X–Y–Z).
This software helped us to provide the solution
for the ventilation network as well an optimization
of the air flow distribution within the ventilation
branches.
Settling the ventilation network of Paroşeni
mine made necessary to run several stages:
Fig. 3.
• Marking the junctions of the ventilation
network on the spatial diagram;
Modeling / simulations in the general ventilation
• Determining the geodesic coordinates of the
network of Paroseni mine made with the help of
identified junctions and inputting the geodesic
3D CANVENT software
coordinates of junctions and the existing branches
into the database of the software (see Fig. 1).
With the view to evaluating the future changes
that may come up in the mine general ventilation
network in relation to the distribution of the air
flows [2], both from the point of view of their size
and direction, the locations of the structures for the
control and drive of air flows, as well the types of
mine ventilation structures, there have been settled,
in full agreement with the department for
occupational health and safety at Paroseni mine, the
following simulations:
Simulation no. 1 – Settling the ventilation
Fig.1. Table with knots
network with the change of the route used to
• The carrying out of measurements in situ; discharge the poisonous air on the new inclined
these measurements include: plane Panel 4/3/VI level 300, implicitly of the
- measurements of the aerodynamic related ventilation structures.
parameters of mine workings; Simulation no. 2 – Settling the ventilation with
- measurements of the geometrical parameters the opening of a group comprising 3 air doors at the
of mine workings; level 250, at the base of the ventilation rise 250 –
- measurements of the physical parameters of 360.
the air; Simulation no. 3 – Settling the ventilation with
• Calculation of aerodynamic strength specific to the opening of a group comprising 3 air doors at the
each branch and the inputting the values of basis of the behind shaft 360 – 575.
parameters specific to the ventilation network into Simulation no. 4 – Settling the ventilation with
database (see Fig. 2); the opening of a group comprising 3 air doors at the
connecting gallery no. 4, between the west
longitudinal way level 250 and the conjugated
ventilation longitudinal way level 250.
There follows the presentation of results gained
after performing two of the above-said simulations
Fig.2. Table with branches (i.e. simulation no. 1 and simulation no. 4).

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

 9

Simulation no. 1 – Settling the ventilation network Simulation no. 4 – Settling the ventilation with the
with the change of the route used to discharge the opening of a group comprising 3 air doors at the
poisonous air on the new inclined plane Panel connecting gallery no. 4, between the west
4/3/VI level 300, implicitly of the related longitudinal way level 250 and the conjugated
ventilation structures ventilation longitudinal way level 250

There have resulted the following aspects after Simulations no. 4 relied on the simulation no. 1
the simulation no. 1 (Fig. 4): and it comprised a removal of the air doors located
on the connecting gallery no. 4 between the
longitudinal way W level 250 and the conjugated
ventilation longitudinal way level 250, branch 48-55
(Fig. 5).
There have resulted the following aspects after the
simulation no. 4:
– The distribution of the air flows in the ventilation
network of Paroşeni mine didn't change significantly
for the ventilation circuit panel 1/3/V level 250; there
were moderate changes for the face panel 4/3/VI,
where the air flow rate diminished from
12.61 m3/s to 10.89 m3/s and for the face panel
2/3/V where the flow rate diminished from 19.02
m3/s to 17.2 m3/s. The distribution of air flows
Fig. 4. changed significantly for the ventilation circuits
panel 1/3/III level 250, where the air flow rate
– There has been a significant change in the diminished from 13.57 m3/s to 4.47 m3/s;
distribution of the air flows inside the ventilation – A diminution of the annual costs related to air
network of Paroşeni mine, especially within the conveyance along the blind shaft (branch 156-159)
mining area related to the block VI; subsequently, with 2.72% from 387,019 lei to 376,492 lei;
the flow rate diminished from12.61 m3/s to 1.29 – An increase of the annual costs related to air
m3/s at the face no. 4/3/VI; conveyance along the air way W that connects to
– As a result of settling the ventilation network the blind shaft level 360 (branch 100-155) with
(after the location of 5 ventilation structures), there 10.48%, from 3,168 lei to 3,500 lei;
resulted a distribution of the air flows almost – A diminution of the annual costs related to air
similar to the distribution of air flows at the basic conveyance along the air way that connects to the
model, except the flow rate gained at the face panel blind shaft level 425 (branch 154-156) with 26.3%,
4/3/VI where it diminished from 12.6 m3/s to 10.97 from 562 lei to 414 lei;
m3/s; – There has been registered a diminution with
– A diminution of the annual costs related to air 2.51%, from 95,519 lei to 93,120 lei for the
conveyance along the blind shaft (branch 156-159) ventilation canal of the main ventilation station no.
with 3.82% from 387,019 lei to 372,219 lei; 18 VOD 3.0 (branch 159-160);
– An increase of the annual costs related to air – There has been registered a diminution of the
conveyance along the air way W that connects to annual costs related to air conveyance with 0,25%,
the blind shaft level 360 (branch 100-155) with from 1,118,298 lei to 1,115,557 lei for the whole
7.73%, from 3,168 lei to 3,413 lei, main ventilation station no. 18 VOD 3.0.
– A diminution of the annual costs related to air
conveyance along the air way that connects to the
blind shaft level 425 (branch 154-156) with
24.91%, from 562 lei to 422 lei;
– There has been registered a diminution with
3.53%, from 95,519 lei to 92,150 lei for the
ventilation canal of the main ventilation station no.
18 VOD 3.0 (branch 159-160);
– There has been registered a diminution of the
annual costs related to air conveyance with 0.35%,
from 1,118,298 lei to 1,114,401 lei for the whole
main ventilation station no. 18 VOD 3.0.
Fig. 5.

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10

Conclusions • For each simulation, there has been determined

the operating mode of the two fans at the main
• For modeling the ventilation network of ventilation station no. 18 VOD 3.0; these
Paroşeni mine, there has been used the iterative simulations have also allowed to evaluate the
method of successive approximations; the whole ventilation capabilities of the mine for each
software for settling the ventilation networks (3D - situation apart.
CANVENT) relies on this method.
• The elements necessary to run the software References
(i.e. the inputs) are gained after monitoring the
ventilation process. 1. Canvent
• Based on the current ventilation network, there Mining and Minerals Sciences Laboratories
have been determined the simulations of possible Underground Mine Environment and Ventilaţion,
situations. Manual de utilizare – program 3D –CANVENT -2K
• The simulations have underlined both the
2. Cioclea D. ş.a.
important part played by the group of air doors and Diminuarea riscurilor generate de atmosfere explozive
their influence over the distribution of air flows at prin utilizarea tehnicii de evaluare în timp real a
each branch. reţelelor de ventilaţie în vederea protecţiei factorului
• Each simulations intended to acquire the uman, Studiu INCD-INSEMEX 2008
necessary flow rates in accordance with the Annual
ventilation project, measured at faces of the main 3. I. Matei, G. Băbuţ
ventilation circuits and at the main ventilation Ingineria mediului şi ventilaţia în subteran, Editura
station. It has to be stipulated the type of control Tehnică Bucureşti – 2000
and/or regulating structures, as well their locations
4. x x x
in order to be able to reach the desired distribution.
Environmental Enginering in South African Mines, The
Mine Ventilaţion Society of South Africa -1989

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 11

DEVELOPING A NEW METHODOLOGY FOR CALCULATING

RELIABILITY MARKS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS (WATER)

Florin G. FAUR*

Abstract: This paper proposes developing a Presentation of overall pollution index method
new methodology for calculating the reliability
marks given to environmental factors (used in Thus this method considers that the aim of
the procedure of environmental impact assessing the impact of human activities on the
environment and the evolution of the phenomenon
assessment through global index) which takes
of pollution requires a comprehensive assessment
into account issues such as toxicity of of environmental pollution at a time.
pollutants, the probability that they reach Such an assessment would allow a mapping on
dangerous concentrations in environmental a regional - macro-regional level in terms of
compartments, etc. The paper should be environmental quality status.
regarded as a proposal and it should be noted In general, it is considered possible to
that the calculation refers only to reliability appreciate the environmental quality of an area and
marks for water. at a time by:
Air quality;
Keywords: impact assessment, reliability Water quality;
marks, indicating parameters, weighting Soil quality;
State of flora and fauna of the area;
factors.
The health of the population in the area;
Landscape.
Introduction
Each of these factors is characterized by
representative quality indicators for assessing
One of the most important environmental
pollution and for which there are established
protection activities is to evaluate the impact of
acceptable limits (MAC). Depending on the
human activities on the environment. This activity
enrollment in the normal range reliability marks
is particularly important in Romania, currently
(RM) are given.
regulated by Government Decision 1213 of
Ideal state is represented by a regular
06.09.2006 (with amendments and subsequent
geometric figure that circumscribed circle radius
additions, replaces GD 918 from 2002 which in
passing through the polygon vertices are divided
turn replaced the Order 125 of 1996) and
into ten units of reliability, counting from the center
establishes the overall procedure for environmental
of the circle.
impact assessment.
By joining points from location expressing the
Although environmental impact assessment is
true state values, an irregular geometric figure is
a legally regulated activity for 15 years, a common
obtained with a smaller area, which is submitted to
feature of normative acts mentioned above is the
the regular geometric figure representing the ideal
lack of establishing a (some) ways to perform this
status.
assessment.
The global pollution (impact) index of an
In the absence of such published methods, in
ecosystem (IPG) results from the ratio of the
Romania, are used a range of methods taken from
surface representing the ideal state (Si) and the
Western Europe and the U.S. (impact matrix,
surface representing the real condition (Sr):
impact networks, thematic maps, checklists, etc.).
IPG = Si / Sr
This methods can sometimes be difficult to
When there are no changes in environmental
understand (especially if we consider public
quality, so when there is no pollution, this index is
participation in the evaluation of environmental
equal to 1.
impact) or can be used wrongly.
Conventionally a scale from 1 to 6, for overall
But there is a method, often used nationally to
pollution index, was established as follows:
assess the impact, which is more accessible and
IPG = 1 - natural environment unaffected by
understandable to the general public, namely the
human activities;
method for assessing the overall pollution (impact)
1 <IPG <2 - environment affected by human
index.
activities within reasonable limits;
____________________________________
* Ph.D eng. University of Petroşani

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2 <IPG <3 - environment affected by human Looking at this procedure, especially in terms
activities causing discomfort for life forms; of the relationship between quality parameters of
3 <IPG <4 - environment affected by human the environmental factors (water) and human health
activities causing disorders for life forms; is easy to understand why it is considered a
4 <IPG <6 - environment severely affected by disadvantage of the method. It is clear that in terms
human activities, dangerous for life forms; of action of pollutants on human health, of flora
IPG> 6 - degraded environment, inappropriate and fauna, of their toxicity, the possibility that a
for life forms [1]. pollutant is present in an environmental
The method can be used in any of the phases of compartment at a concentration considered to be
a project, environmental quality assessment before dangerous to the health, of flow regime and the
starting a anthropogenic project, environmental possibilities for self-cleaning, are different and for
quality assessment during the implementation of an these grounds requires a weighting of reliability
anthropogenic project, environmental quality marks, in view of those above.
evaluation after a anthropogenic project is put into Below is presented a way of achieving this
practice, environmental quality assessing after the weighting factor for water (surface water),
decommissioning of an anthropogenic project, mentioning that for establishing the weighting
environmental quality assessment after the factors an urban area typology was especially
rehabilitation of the area of interest and to evaluate considered.
the environment at a time and identify and quantify
of pollution sources (in an area of interest) and Identifying the weighting factors for surface
evaluating environmental quality in crisis situations water quality parameter
(earthquakes, landslides, hurricanes, tornadoes,
cyclones, drought, etc.). [2] Weighting factors assigned values (taking into
account the criteria outlined above) are presented in
The necessity for weighting the reliability marks Tables 1, 2 and 3.
Radioactivity on the existing rules establish the
One of the disadvantages of the method is that following benchmarks: for drinking water
the establishment of the reliability marks for maximum annual effective dose 0,1 mSv/year, 0,1
environmental factors, as a method of calculating, Bq/dm3 alpha activity, beta activity Bq/dm3 1,0, and
is considered the arithmetic mean of the reliability for beta activity of natural waters three benchmark
marks awarded for each quality parameter 2,0 Bq/dm3 - threshold of attention, 5,0 Bq/dm3 -
describing the environmental factor in question. In warning threshold, 20,0 Bq/dm3 - alarm threshold.
other words it is considered that each parameter Whatever type of water (fresh, flowing, natural lake
involved in determining the final reliability mark in or reservoir) the weighting factor assigned is 10.
terms of importance is equally.

Table 1. Indicators for the eutrophication process

Category of natural lake or reservoir (MAC in conformity with Order
Crt. Measuring unit 1146/2002)
Parameter
no. (MU)
Ultraoligotrophic Oligotrophic Mesotrophic Eutrophic Hypertrophic

P total /N
0,005- 0,01- 0,03-
mineral total
1 Nutrients 0,005/0,200 0,01/0,2- 0,03/0,4- 0,1/0,65- >0,1/1,5
mg/dm3/mg/dm
3 0,4 0,65 1,5

Biomass of
2 mg/dm3 0-1 1-3 3-5 5 - 10 over 10
phytoplankton

mg/dm3
(annual
Chlorophyll 8-25/25-
3 average/maxim <1/<2,5 <2,5/<8 2,5-8/8-25 27-75/>75
„a” 75
um annual
average)
Dissolved
4 oxygen % over 70 over 70 10 - 70 under 10 under 10
saturation

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It is believed that all indicating parameters of

the degree of eutrophication have the same NB f =
∑ NB ; i = 1,4 ;
i

weighting factors and then the final reliability mark i

is calculate by the arithmetic average of the
reliability marks awarded for each parameter, Where: NBf - the final reliability mark, NBi - the
namely: reliability mark given for each parameter.

Table 2. Sediments (fraction <63 μm)

Weighting factors (regardless
Crt.
Parameter MU MAC cf. Ord. 1146/2002 of the flow regime or type of
no..
lake)
1 Arsenic mg/kg 17 7
2 Cadmium mg/kg 3,5 8
3 Chromium mg/kg 90 6
4 Copper mg/kg 200 5
5 Lead mg/kg 90 6
6 Mercury mg/kg 0,5 10
7 Zinc mg/kg 300 3
8 Benz(a)pyren mg/kg 750 2
9 Lindane mg/kg 1,4 8
10 PCB - s mg/kg 280 4
PCB – Polychlorinated biphenyls

Reliability mark calculation:

∑ (NB ⋅ f )
∑ (NB ⋅ f )
G G
NBF =
NBF =
i i
∑f G
∑f i

Where: NBF - the final reliability mark for

Where: NBf - final reliability mark, NBi - environmental factor of water, NBG - reliability
reliability mark given for each parameter, fi - the mark determined for each group of parameters
weighting factor of each parameter. separately, fG - weighting factor of each group.
For determining the weighting factors were
For physical-chemical indicators (Table 3) taken into account the effects of each pollutant (or
calculating the final reliability mark involves two group of pollutants) on aquatic ecosystems (flora
stages: and fauna regardless of their place in the food
chain), the possibilities of water use (especially for
I. Calculate the reliability mark for each group of drinking water, for food and other sensitive uses
indicators of water quality parameters as: that require strict quality conditions) and the
toxicological data (direct and indirect influence on

NBG =
∑ (NB ⋅ f )
i i
human health).
When for determining water quality analysis
∑f i are performed on the parameters contained in one
group then the final reliability mark for water will
Where: NBG - reliability mark determined for be equal to the mark of reliability obtained for
each group of indicators, NBi - reliability mark group in question.
given for each parameter, fi - the weighting factor If only one parameter is determined from a
of each parameter. group, then its assigned weighting factor is equal to
the weighting factor of the respective group.
II. The final reliability mark for the environmental Weighting factors have values between 1 and
factor of water is carried by the formula: 10 (1 a very low importance and 10 the utmost
importance).

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Table 3. Physico-chemical indicators for surface water quality

MAC Weighting
Weighting
Used waters cf. GD factor
Category of quality cf. Ord. 1146/2002 factor Group
Crt. 352/2005 (laminar
Group Parameter MU (turbulent weighting
no. flow
NTPA NTPA flow factor
I II III IV V regime
001 002 regime)
and lakes)
1 Temperature ºC nn nn nn nn nn 35 40 3 5
Physical pH 6,5-8,5
2 pH units 6,5-8,5 6,5-8,5 6 6 4
indicators (9)
3
3 Suspensions mg/dm nn nn nn nn nn 35 (60) 350 3 3
4 DO mgO2/dm3 7 6 5 4 <4 nn nn 8 9
5 BCO5 mgO2/dm3 3 5 10 25 >25 25 300 6 8
Oxygen regime 8
6 CCO - Mn mgO2/dm3 5 10 20 50 >50 nn nn 6 8

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

7 CCO - Cr mgO2/dm3 10 25 50 125 >125 125 500 6 8
8 NH4- mg/dm3 <0,2 0,2 0,3 0,6 >1,5 2 (3) 30 6 8
9 NO2- mg/dm3 0,01 0,06 0,12 0,3 >0,3 1 (2) nn 9 9
10 NO3- mg/dm3 1 3 6 15 >15 25 (37) nn 4 6
11 Nutrients N total mg/dm3 1,5 4 8 20 >20 10 (15) nn 4 6 6
12 PO4-3 mg/dm3 0,05 0,1 0,2 0,5 >0,5 nn nn 7 8
13 P total mg/dm3 0,1 0,2 0,4 1 >1 1 (2) 5 6 8
14 Chlorophill „a” mg/dm3 0,025 0,05 0,1 0,25 >0,25 nn nn 7 8
Residue filtred at
15 mg/dm3 bkg 500 1000 1300 >1300 2000 nn 6 6
105ºC
3
16 Na+ mg/dm bkg 50 100 200 >300 nn nn 4 5
17 Ca+2 mg/dm3 75 150 200 300 >300 300 nn 3 4
General ions,
18 Mg+2 mg/dm3 bkg 25 50 100 >100 100 nn 3 4 5
salinity
19 Fe total mg/dm3 bkg 0,1 0,3 1 >1 5 nn 5 7
20 Mn total mg/dm3 bkg 0,05 0,1 0,3 >0,3 1 2 6 7
21 Cl- (chlorides) mg/dm3 bkg 100 250 300 >300 500 nn 5 6
22 SO4-2 mg/dm3 80 150 250 300 >300 600 600 4 5
23 Zn+2 μg/dm3 bkg 5 10 25 >25 nn nn 4 5
24 Cu+2 μg/dm3 bkg 2 4 8 >8 nn nn 6 6
25 Cr total μg/dm3 bkg 2 4 10 >10 nn nn 6 6
26 Pb+2 μg/dm3 bkg 1 2 5 >5 nn nn 5 6
Metals 7
27 Cd+2 μg/dm3 bkg 0,1 0,2 0,5 >0,5 nn nn 8 9
28 Hg+2 μg/dm3 bkg 0,1 0,15 0,3 >0,3 nn nn 9 9
29 Ni+2 μg/dm3 bkg 1 2 5 >5 nn nn 4 5

Dissolved fraction
30 As μg/dm3 bkg 1 2 5 >5 nn nn 5 6
 Continuation
31 Zn+2 μg/dm3 bkg 100 200 500 >500 500 1000 4 6
32 Cu+2 μg/dm3 bkg 20 40 100 >100 100 200 5 6
33 Cr total μg/dm3 bkg 50 100 250 >250 1000 1500 5 6
34 Pb+2 μg/dm3 bkg 5 10 25 >25 200 500 6 7
Metals 8
35 Cd+2 μg/dm3 bkg 1 2 5 >5 200 300 7 8
36 Hg+2 μg/dm3 bkg 0,1 0,2 0,5 >0,5 50 nn 8 9
37 Ni+2 μg/dm3 bkg 50 100 250 >250 500 1000 5 6

Total concentration
38 As μg/dm3 bkg 5 10 25 >25 100 nn 6 7
39 Phenols μg/dm3 fond 1 20 50 250 300 30000 7 8
40 Detergents μg/dm3 fond 500 750 1000 >1000 500 25000 5 7
41 AOX μg/dm3 10 50 100 250 >250 nn nn 6 8
Petroleum
42 μg/dm3 bkg 100 200 500 >500 5000 nn 6 8
Hydrocarbons
3
43 Organic Lindane μg/dm 0,05 0,1 0,2 0,5 >0,5 nn nn 9 9
10
44 substances DDT μg/dm3 0,001 0,01 0,02 0,05 >0,05 nn nn 10 10
45 Atrazine μg/dm3 0,02 0,1 0,2 0,05 >0,05 nn nn 9 9
46 Triclormethane μg/dm3 0,02 0,6 1,2 1,8 >1,8 nn nn 9 9
47 Tetraclormethane μg/dm3 0,02 1 2 5 >5 nn nn 8 9
48 Trichlorethane μg/dm3 0,02 1 2 5 >5 nn nn 8 9
49 Tetrachlorethane μg/dm3 0,02 1 2 5 >5 nn nn 8 9
Saprodic index 1,81- 2,31- 2,71-
50 Biological and <1,8 >3,2 nn nn 5 6
MZB 2,3 2,7 3,2
microbiological 8
51 Total coliforms colonies/100ml 500 10000 nn nn nn nn nn 6 6
indicators
52 Fecal coliforms colonies/100ml 100 2000 nn nn nn nn nn 8 10
53 CN μg/dm3 nn nn nn nn nn 100 1000 8 10
54 S-2, HS- μg/dm3 nn nn nn nn nn 500 1000 6 8
55 SO3-2 μg/dm3 nn nn nn nn nn 1100 2000 7 8
56 Cl2 (residual) μg/dm3 nn nn nn nn nn 200 500 4 6
57 Other Cr+6 μg/dm3 nn nn nn nn nn 100 200 6 7
7
58 indicators Co+2 μg/dm3 nn nn nn nn nn 1000 nn 5 6
59 Se+2 μg/dm3 nn nn nn nn nn 100 nn 6 7
60 Mo+2 μg/dm3 nn nn nn nn nn 100 nn 6 7
61 Ag+2 μg/dm3 nn nn nn nn nn 100 nn 5 6
62 Al+3 μg/dm3 nn nn nn nn nn 5000 nn 5 7
() – valid values for Danube river, nn – not - normed, DO – dissolved oxygen, AOX – organochlorine substances, bkg – background.

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15
16

Example to highlight the importance of study requires more complex analysis, to determine the
concentration of as many elements and substances
To show how the reliability mark is influenced present in water.
for the environmental factor water when the Although the decrease of the reliability mark is
weighting factors are applied to calculation was of only 0,13 respectively 0,27 if we would analyze
considered following example (data from Table 4 more parameters the decrease could be a much
represents a real case): more significant, and if we apply similar
methodologies for the other environmental factors
Table 4. Water quality analysis (soil, air, flora and fauna, landscape), and taking
Average into account the method of calculation of the global
Crt. pollution index (ratio of surface area of the ideal
Parameter MU determined RM
no. state and surface area of actual state - which in this
values
case would decrease), its value could be changed
1 pH unit pH 6,71 10 significantly (for instance from a value between 1
2 Diss. O2 mg/dm3 8,61 8 and 2 - environment affected by human activities
3 NH4+ mg/dm3 0,34 9 within reasonable limits to a value between 2 and 3
4 NO2- mg/dm3 0,04 7 - environment affected by human activities causing
5 HS- mg/dm3 0,02 9 discomfort for life forms).
6 Fe mg/dm3 0,11 9 This method can also be seen as one of finesse,
7 CCO-Mn mg/dm3 38,14 4 being able to identify in detail those very values of
8 Cl- mg/dm3 14,29 9 global pollution index located at the boundary
9 Ca mg/dm3 25,83 9 between two categories of environment (as they
10 Mg mg/dm3 6,03 9 were defined conventionally)

If we calculate the reliability mark for this case References:

based on the arithmetic average a 8,3 value is
achieved. 1. Dumitrescu, I., Lazăr, M.
If we apply the methodology of calculation of Human Impact on the Environment (in romanian),
Universitas Publishing House, Petrosani, 2006.
the reliability mark presented, by using weighting
factors, for turbulent flow regime is obtained a 2. Florea Ad.
value of 8,17 and for laminar flow regime and lakes Environmental Monitoring (in romanian), Petrosani,
a value of 8,03 is obtained. course support, 2005.

Conclusions 3. ***
Order 1146/2002 of 10.12.2002 published in Official
The decrease of the reliability mark for groups Gazette no. 197 of 27.03.2003.
in which several parameters were analyzed leads to
a sensitive decrease in the final reliability mark. So 4. ***
GD 352/2005 of 21.04.2005, published in Official
we can say that to characterize water quality based
Gazette no. 398 din 11.05.2005.
on the importance of the analyzed parameters

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 17

DETERMINATION OF POSSIBILITIES OF THE ACTIVE LATERAL

EARTH PRESSURE ON ABUTMENT WALLS OF ENLARGED ROADWAYS

Carmen Georgeta FLOREA*, Adrian Alexandru DRESCHER*, Vlad Alexandru FLOREA*

Roads are often the object of modernisation The geotechnical resistance characteristics of
works, especially widening works. Therefore, these materials (dusty sand mixed with cement and
where the slope needs reinforcements, the sandy clay comprising rock fragments) are mainly
determination of a redesign of abutment walls given by fine cohesive earth in their composition,
being the ones to give their geological behaviour to
is compulsory.
water. Therefore, the design solution was made
starting from the resistance characteristics of the
Keywords: reinforcement, slope, abutment soil which had been indirectly established through
wall, lateral active pressure. parametric determinations, considering at first the
physical characteristics of the material and STAS
Introduction 3300/1-85 recommendations.
Considering, both the nature and configuration
Slope reinforcement works of roadways imply of the terrain, with slopes of approximately 40°, the
the design of works in order to support them. stability and conditions for ensuring it necessary for
The common practice is to stabilise the slope excavations required by the concrete abutment wall,
with backfill or embankment concrete wall were imposed.
comprising the following operations: The determination of the stability to sliding has
1. Creating the charging platform; been made using the Bishop method.
2. Digging and supporting the embankment; Verifying the stability to sliding implied as well
3. Foundation execution; the determination of resistance characteristics of the
4. Elevation execution; soil and establishing them by a parametric
5. Back drainage execution; determination. The static and pseudostatic
The concrete reinforcement works for the determination was made for the seismic
construction of backfilling and embankment walls acceleration a = 0.08g, (the configuration of the
need to be correlated both with the necessities ground being that preceding the execution of
required by the improvement of geometric elements reinforcement works), the purpose of which is to
of the trajectory as well as with the need of verify the resistance characteristics of the ground
eliminating the danger from unstable slope areas and establishing them using a parametric
and are executed where the centre of the designed determination.
road has moved either towards the surety or the The determination was made for the profile
slope and no other reinforcement works can be presented in figure 1 considering an unfavourable
made. Therefore, the area is geotechnically configuration of the ground. The minimum value of
analysed, highlighting the nature of the terrain. The this basic characteristic of the ground – cohesion –
paper analyses the possibility to design and considering the limit assurance of sliding stability,
execution of reinforcement works for the support of resulted in this step:
a right slope of a national road in Hunedoara c = 35 kPa
County the roadway of which needs to be widened. Classifying the soil in the studied area as soft
The high eclecticism of the material in the area, rocks characterised by resistance parameters
namely rock fragments in sandy mass, makes the mentioned above, implies the use of backfill slopes
establishment of resistance characteristics difficult as it is mentioned in the speciality literature, of a
through laboratory trials on unaffected samples, and 1:1 ratio for slopes of 5.0m. Due to terrain
with a representative characteristic of results. It is configuration, the excavation necessary for the
difficult to collect samples from such an unaffected abutment wall requires in its turn extra-excavation
material, and in the same time to ensure a towards he peak of the slope. Adopting the solution
corresponding scale factor in order to be able to using backfill slopes depends on their required
model the load behaviour of the clay-bearing sandy geometry; a total volume of extra-excavation of
rock fragments, (the dimension of the usual approximately 450 m3/ml with 3.0m berms between
samples are comparable to rock fragments). the backfillings. Adopting a backfill slope of 2:1,
____________________________________ and considering the temporary characteristic of the
* University of Petroşani excavation, the total volume would reduce to

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

18

approximately 300 m3/ml. Another thing remaining Determining the coefficients of active lateral earth
to be done, besides these excavation volumes, is the pressure ( ka )
wall emplacement. These excavations reach
somewhere around 10m while their supports in ka coefficients are used for the determination of
order to maintain traffic conditions in the area, earth’s pressure on the element of construction,
represent a great problem. considering the layers of the material placed behind
Therefore, the method of the wall on a certain the abutment wall.
segment will be completed with a support method The design of the wall is made on the layers of
made with anchored plates (for areas with large the drilling considering its inclination at an angle β
heights, over 4.0m). This kind of solution reduces = 3 °.
the volume of the excavation to approximately 26 ka =
sin 2 (q +j )
m3/ml and facilitates the execution, on steps, éć 2ů
sin(j + d ) ×sin(j - b ) ö÷ ú
sin 2 q ×sin(q - d ) ×ęęçç1 +
downward, with no important implications on ęëč sin(q - d ) ×sin(q + b ) ÷ ú
ř úű
ensuring the requirements of the traffic.
where: φ – is the internal friction angle of the
Designing an abutment wall ground
θ – the inclination angle of the bearing
Geotechnically speaking, on the studied place, surface of the foundation
an abutment wall in reinforced concrete will be δ – the inclination angle of the lateral earth
designed (Figure 1) which will meet the resistance pressure
and stability for such civil construction elements. Replacing them in relation (1) the values of
The steps taken for the determinations are the the coefficient of pressure will be obtained:
following: For layer S1 (Figure 2) :
1. Determining the active pressure (in Coulomb’s h1 = 1.70 m ;
hypothesis); where h1 is the height of layer 1
2. The determination of the resultants of the active θ1 = 90°;
pressures acting on the wall; φ1 = 17.60º;
3. Checking the abutment wall for: 1 1
δ1 = φ1 = ·17.60º = 5.87º
a) Stability to tilting; 3 3
b) Stability to sliding; β = 3°
c) Pressures on the bearing surface of the ka1 =
sin 2 (90ο + 17.6ο )
= 0.5259
foundation of the wall. ⎡⎛
sin 2 90ο ⋅ sin(90ο − 5.87ο ) ⋅ ⎢⎜1 + ⎟
2
sin(17.6ο + 5.87ο ) ⋅ sin(17.6ο − 3ο ) ⎞ ⎥
⎤
⎢⎜ sin(90ο − 5.87 ο ) ⋅ sin(90ο + 3ο ) ⎟⎠ ⎥
4. Determining the reinforcement of the abutment. ⎣⎝ ⎦
Form characteristics of the abutment wall for layer S2 (Figure 2):
correspond to those presented in Figure 1. h2 = 2.00 m ;
where h2 is the height of layer 2
θ2 = 90°;
φ2 = 18.20º;
1 1
δ2 = φ2 = ·18.20º = 6.07º
3 3
β = 3°
sin 2 (90ο + 18.2ο )
ka 2 = = 0.5135
⎡⎛ 2
⎤
sin(18.2ο + 6.07ο ) ⋅ sin(18.2ο − 3ο ) ⎞ ⎥
sin 90 ⋅ sin(90 − 6.07 ) ⋅ ⎢⎜1 +
2 ο ο ο
⎟
⎢⎜ sin(90ο − 6.07ο ) ⋅ sin(90ο + 3ο ) ⎟⎠ ⎥
⎣⎝ ⎦
for layer S3 (Figure 2)
h3 = 1.50 m;
where h2 is the height of layer 2
θ3 = 90°;
Figure 1 Abutment wall profile φ3 = 20.20º;
1 1
δ3 = φ3 = ·20.20º = 6.73º
H – Elevation height – 5.2 m 3 3
D – Foundation height – 1.0 m β = 3°
sin 2 (90ο + 20.2ο )
k a3 = = 0.4743
⎡⎛ 2
⎤
sin(20.2ο + 6.73ο ) ⋅ sin(20.2ο − 3ο ) ⎞ ⎥
sin 2 90ο ⋅ sin(90ο − 6.73ο ) ⋅ ⎢⎜1 + ⎟
⎢⎜ sin(90 − 6.73 ) ⋅ sin(90 + 3 ) ⎟⎠ ⎥
ο ο ο ο

⎣⎝ ⎦
for layer S´3 (Figure 2)

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

 19

h´3 = 0.306 m; For layer S2 (Figure 3):

´
where h 3 is the height of layer 3´ p 2 aB = γ 2 ⋅ he1 ⋅ ka 2 ⋅
sin θ 2
= 20.77 ⋅ 1.71 ⋅ 0.5135 ⋅
sin 90D
= 18.34kN / m 2
θ´3 = 85°; cos δ 2 cos6.07 D

φ´3 = 20.20º; he1 =

γ 1 ⋅ h1
⋅
sin θ 2
=
20.79 ⋅1.7
⋅
sin 90D
= 1.71m
γ 2 sin(θ 2 + β ) 20.77 sin(90D + 3D )
1 ´ 1
δ´3 = φ 3 = ·20.20º = 6.73º sin θ 2
p 2 aC = γ 2 ⋅ (he1 + h2 ) ⋅ ka 2 ⋅
3 3 cos δ 2
°
β=3 sin 90D
= 20.77 ⋅ (1.71 + 2) ⋅ 0.5135 ⋅ = 39.79kN / m 2
sin 2 (85ο + 20.2ο ) cos 6.07 D
ka′ 3 = = 0.5107
ο ο ο
⎡⎛
⎢
2
sin(20.2ο + 6.73ο ) ⋅ sin(20.2ο − 3ο ) ⎞ ⎥
⎤ For layer S3 (Figure 3):
sin 85 ⋅ sin(85 − 6.73 ) ⋅ ⎜1 +
2
⎟
⎢⎜ sin(85 ο
− 6.73ο
) ⋅ sin(85 ο
+ 3ο
) ⎟ ⎥ sin q 3
⎣⎝ ⎠ ⎦ p3 aC = g 3 ×he 2 ×ka 3 × =
´´
for layer S 3 ( Figure 2 ) cos d 3
h´´3 = 0,194 m ; 20 ×3,85 ×0, 4743×
sin 90D
= 36,78kN / m 2
where h´´3 is the height of layer 3´´ cos 6,73 D
θ´´3 = 90°; he 2 =
γ 1 ⋅ h1 + γ 2 ⋅ h2
⋅
sin θ 3
=
φ´´3 = 20.20º; γ3 sin(θ 3 + β )
20.79 ⋅ 1.7 + 20.77 ⋅ 2 sin 90D
1 ´´ 1 ⋅ = 3.85m
δ´´3 = φ 3 = ·20.20º = 6.73º 20 sin(90D + 3D )
3 3 sin θ 3
β = 3° p 3 aD = γ 3 ⋅ ( he 2 + h3 ) ⋅ ka 3 ⋅ =
cos δ 3
sin 2 (90ο + 20.2ο )
ka′′3 = = 0.4743 sin 90D
⎡⎛ ο ο ο ο ⎞ ⎤
2
20 ⋅ (3.85 + 1.5) ⋅ 0.4734 ⋅ = 48.23kN / m 2
sin(20.2 + 6.73 ) ⋅ sin(20.2 − 3 )
sin 90 ⋅ sin(90 − 6.73 ) ⋅ ⎢⎜1 +
2 ο ο ο
⎟ ⎥ cos 6.73 D
⎢⎜ sin(90ο − 6.73ο ) ⋅ sin(90ο + 3ο ) ⎟⎠ ⎥
⎣⎝ ⎦ For layer S´3 (Figure 3):
sin θ 3′
p′aD
3
= γ 3 ⋅ he′2 ⋅ ka′ 3 ⋅ =
cos δ 3′
sin 90D
20 ⋅ 5.35 ⋅ 0.5107 ⋅ = 55.02kN / m 2
cos 6.73 D
γ ⋅ h + γ 2 ⋅ h2 + γ 3 ⋅ h3 sin θ 3′
he′2 = 1 1 ⋅ =
γ 3′ sin(θ3′ + β )
20.79 ⋅ 1.7 + 20.77 ⋅ 2 + 20 ⋅ 1.5 sin 90D
⋅ = 5.35m
20 sin(90D + 3D )
sin θ3′
p′aE3 = γ 3 ⋅ (he′2 + h3′ ) ⋅ ka′ 3 ⋅ =
cos δ 3′
sin 90D
20 ⋅ (5.35 + 0.306) ⋅ 0.5107 ⋅ = 91.12kN / m 2
cos 6.73 D
Figure 2 Layer of materials acting on the abutment
For layer S´´3 (Figure 3):
wall (AB, BC, CD, DE, EF)
sin θ3′′
p′′aE3 = γ 3 ⋅ he′′2 ⋅ ka′′3 ⋅ =
cos δ 3′′
Establishing the distribution of the active lateral
earth pressure sin 90D
20 ⋅ 5.66 ⋅ 0.4743 ⋅ = 54.06kN / m 2
cos 6.73 D
γ 1 ⋅ h1 + γ 2 ⋅ h2 + γ 3 ⋅ h3 + γ 3′ ⋅ h3′ sin θ 3′′
The determination of the active lateral earth he′′2 = ⋅ =
γ3 sin(θ3′′+ β )
pressure resultants acting on the abutment wall
20.79 ⋅ 1.7 + 20.77 ⋅ 2 + 20 ⋅ 1.5 + 20 ⋅ 0.306 sin 90D
Establishing the active pressures (pa), as well as ⋅ = 5.66m
20 sin(90D + 3D )
the total active lateral push, (Pa) is made
sin θ 3′′
analytically. p′′aF3 = γ 3 ⋅ (he′′2 + h3′′) ⋅ ka′′3 ⋅ =
cos δ 3′′
a) Establishing the distribution of the active
pressure sin 90D
20 ⋅ (5.66 + 0.194) ⋅ 0.4743 ⋅ = 55.92kN / m 2
sin q cos 6.73 D
pa = g ×h ×ka ×
cos d
For layer S1 (Figure 3):
sin q1
p1aA = g 1 ×h0 ×ka1 × =0
cos d 1
sin θ1 sin 90D
p1aB = γ 1 ⋅ h1 ⋅ ka1 ⋅ = 20.79 ⋅ 1.7 ⋅ 0.5259 ⋅ = 18.68kN / m 2
cos δ 1 cos5.87D

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20

Analytic examination of the abutment wall

The analytic examination of the abutment wall

consists in the examination to tilting and sliding of
the wall.
The determination of the weights of the
abutment wall considering that γconcrete = 24.50
kN/m3 and it is made for a length of 1m.

Figure 3 Distribution of lateral pressures

b) Active pressure resultants determination
for layer S1 (Figure 3):
1 1
Pa1 = ⋅ γ 1 ⋅ h12 ⋅ ka1 = ⋅ 20.79 ⋅ 1.7 2 ⋅ 0.5259 = 15.8kN / m
2 2
For layer S2 (Figure 3):
1 2 ⋅ he1
Pa 2 = ⋅ γ 2 ⋅ h2 2 ⋅ ka 2 ⋅ (1 + )=
2 h2
1 2 ⋅ 1.71
⋅ 20 ⋅ 22 ⋅ 0.5135 ⋅ (1 + ) = 57.81kN / m
2 2
For layer S3 (Figure 3):
1 2 ⋅ he 2
Pa 3 = ⋅ γ 3 ⋅ h3 2 ⋅ ka 3 ⋅ (1 + )=
2 h3 Figure 4 Determining the centre of gravity
1 2 ⋅ 3.85 of the terrain
⋅ 20 ⋅ 1.52 ⋅ 0.4743 ⋅ (1 + ) = 65.45kN / m
2 1.5
ϕ 20, 2D G1 = A1 ⋅ 1 ⋅ γ b = 0.5 ⋅ 5.2 ⋅ 1 ⋅ 24.5 = 63.7kN
k F = tg 2 ⋅ (45D − ) = tg 2 ⋅ (45D − ) = 0.487
2 2 G2 = A2 ⋅ 1 ⋅ γ b = 0.5 ⋅ 1 ⋅ 1 ⋅ 24.5 = 12.25kN
G3 = A3 ⋅ 1 ⋅ γ b = 0.194 ⋅ 3.5 ⋅ 1 ⋅ 24.5 = 16.64kN
1 1
PF = ⋅ k F ⋅ γ 3 ⋅ D f 2 = ⋅ 0.487 ⋅ 20 ⋅ 12 = 4.87 kN / m 0.306 ⋅ 3.5
2 2 G4 = A4 ⋅ 1 ⋅ γ b = ⋅ 1 ⋅ 24.5 = 13.12kN
´ 2
For layer S 3 (Figure 3): Gt = At ⋅ 1 ⋅ γ = 0.5 ⋅ 0.5 ⋅ 1 ⋅ 20 = 5kN
1 2 ⋅ he′2
Pa′3 = ⋅ γ 3′ ⋅ h3′2 ⋅ ka′ 3 ⋅ (1 + )= G p1 = Ap1 ⋅ 1 ⋅ γ = 0.18 ⋅ 3.5 ⋅ 1 ⋅ 20 = 12.84kN
2 h3′
1 2 ⋅ 5.35 G p 2 = AP 2 ⋅ 1 ⋅ γ = 1.7 ⋅ 3.5 ⋅ 1 ⋅ 20.79 +
⋅ 20 ⋅ 0.3062 ⋅ 0.5107 ⋅ (1 + ) = 254.72kN / m
2 0.306 2 ⋅ 3.5 ⋅ 1 ⋅ 20.77 + 1.5 ⋅ 1 ⋅ 3.5 ⋅ 20 = 374.09kN
´´
For layer S 3 (Figure 3): G p 3 = Ap 3 ⋅ 1 ⋅ γ = 0.5 ⋅ 0.306 ⋅ 3.5 ⋅ 1 ⋅ 20 = 10.71kN
1 2 ⋅ he′′2
Pa′′3 = ⋅ γ 3′′ ⋅ h3′′2 ⋅ ka′′3 ⋅ (1 + )=
2 h3′′ Conclusions
1 2 ⋅ 5.66
⋅ 20 ⋅ 0.1942 ⋅ 0.4743 ⋅ (1 + ) = 10.59kN / m
2 0.194 a) The examination to tilt of the abutment wall is
c) Vertical and horizontal active pressure being made through the determination of the
protections mentioned proportion FSR of the stabilities and tilt
Pa1H = Pa1 ⋅ cos( β + δ1 ) = 15.8 ⋅ cos(3D + 5.87D ) = 15.61kN / m to an inferior point of the foundation of the wall.
Pa1V = Pa1 ⋅ sin( β + δ1 ) = 15.8 ⋅ sin(3D + 5.87D ) = 2.44kN / m M 5 = G1 ⋅ 0.75 + G2 ⋅ 0.5 + G3 ⋅ 2.75 + G4 ⋅ 2.27 + Gt ⋅ 0.25

Pa 2 H = Pa 2 ⋅ cos( β + δ 2 ) = 57.81 ⋅ cos(3D + 6.07D ) = 57.09kN / m +G p1 ⋅ 3.33 + G p 2 ⋅ 2.75 + G p 3 ⋅ 3.33 + PV a1 ⋅ 1 + PV a 2 ⋅ 1 + PV a 3 ⋅ 1

Pa 2V = Pa 2 ⋅ sin( β + δ 2 ) = 57.81 ⋅ sin(3D + 6.07D ) = 9.11kN / m + P′′aV3 ⋅ 3.33 + P′′aV3 ⋅ 4.5 = 63.7 ⋅ 0.75 + 12.25 ⋅ 0.5 + 16.64 ⋅ 2.75
Pa 3 H = Pa 3 ⋅ cos( β + δ 3 ) = 65.45 ⋅ cos(3D + 6.73D ) = 64.51kN / m +13.12 ⋅ 2.27 + 5 ⋅ 0.25 + 12.84 ⋅ 3.33 + 374.09 ⋅ 2.75 + 10.71 ⋅ 3.33
+2.44 + 9.11 + 11.06 + 43.05 ⋅ 3.33 + 1.79 ⋅ 4.5 = 1411.88kNm
Pa 3V = Pa 3 ⋅ sin( β + δ 3 ) = 65.45 ⋅ sin(3D + 6.73D ) = 11.06kN / m
M r = P H a1 ⋅ 4.07 + P H a 2 ⋅ 2.67 + P H a 3 ⋅ 1 + P′aH3 ⋅ 0.298 + P′′a 3H ⋅ 0.065
Pa′3 H = Pa′3 ⋅ cos( β + δ 3′ ) = 254.72 ⋅ cos(3D + 6.73D ) = 251.06kN / m
+ P H F ⋅ 0.67 = 15.61 ⋅ 4.07 + 57.09 ⋅ 2.67 + 64.51 ⋅ 1 + 251.06 ⋅ 0.298
Pa′3V = Pa′3 ⋅ sin( β + δ 3′ ) = 254.72 ⋅ sin(3D + 6.73D ) = 43.05kN / m
+10.44 ⋅ 0.065 + 4.83 ⋅ 0.67 = 359.2kNm
Pa′′3 H = Pa′′3 ⋅ cos( β + δ 3′′) = 10.59 ⋅ cos(3D + 6.73D ) = 10.44kN / m M 1411.88
FSR = stab = = 3.93〉1.5
Pa′′3V = Pa′′3 ⋅ sin( β + δ 3′′) = 10.59 ⋅ sin(3D + 6.73D ) = 1.79kN / m M rast 359.2
PF H = PF ⋅ cos( β + δ 3 ) = 4.87 ⋅ cos(0D + 6.73D ) = 4.83kN / m It results therefore that the wall does not tilt
PF = PF ⋅ sin( β + δ 3 ) = 4.87 ⋅ sin(0 + 6.73 ) = 0.57 kN / m
V D D under the action of the forces exerted by the earth.

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

 21

b) the examination to sliding of the wall is made determination, respectively 1,41, resulting therefore
through the determination of the mentioned ration that the abutment wall is examined to sliding.
Fsl of the sum of the vertical forces FV as well as the
horizontal ones FH (for sandy clay considering a References
coefficient f = (0.3 … 0.5) taken from STAS
3300/2-85, with the condition: 1. C 56-85
Fsl ≥ (1.1 … 1.5) Construction and installations works quality and
n H commissioning norms
∑ Fi = P H a1 + P H a 2 + P H a3 + P′aH3 + P′′a3H + P H F =
i =1
2. NE 012-99, partea A, aprobat de MLPAT cu ord.
15.61 + 57.09 + 64.51 + 51.06 + 10.44 + 4.83 = 203.54kN nr. 590N din 24.08.1999
n V
Practice code, part A approved for the execution of
∑ Fi = PV a1 + PV a 2 + PV a3 + P′aV3 + P′′aV3 + PV F + G1 + G2 + G3 + G4
i =1 MLPAT with concrete and reinforced concrete works
+Gt + G p1 + G p 2 + G p 3 = 2.44 + 9.11 + 11.06 + 43.05 + 1.79 + 0.57
+63.7 + 12.25 + 16.64 + 13.12 + 5 + 12.84 + 374.09 + 10.71 = 576.37 kN 3. STAS 6657/2-89
n V Concrete and reinforced concrete prefabricated and pre-
∑F i
576.37
compressed. Quality check rules and methods
Fsl = i =1
n
⋅f = ⋅ 0.5 = 1.41 ≥ 1.1
203.54
∑F i
H
4. Costescu, I., Lucaci, Gh.
i =1 Roads - Design Guide, Bucharest, 1993
The minimum value 1.1, imposed by
coefficient Fsl is the bellow the result of the

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

22

TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE DISTRIBUTION JOINTS

FROM E.M.C. JILŢ

Dumitru IACOB*

Abstract: If in recent decades the importance of ¾ carry out the upgrading and modernization
power coal has diminished in some Western programs;
countries, in Romania this mineral resource has ¾ adaptation of organizational structures to the
continued and will continue to play an requirements of production capacity levels.
important role both in the economic
Distribution joints
development of the country, as well as to
provide a basis for citizens life. Substantial The main tasks of the coal transport in the coal
participation of coal to support the economic pits consist of moving the power coal to storage and
activity in Romania is mainly carried out by its delivery points, and from there to power plants,
use as the main source of electricity using the rail transport, respectively Drăgoteşti-
production. Turceni on a distance of 38 km to the power plant
Keywords: distribution joints, lignite, flow scaffold.
sheet, belt conveyors. The 'junction' is defined as the chosen place,
outside the coal pit to which converge all the
Making an analysis of the current state of technology lines which transport the excavated
Romanian energy sector it is shown that the main mining mass from the coal pit and which ensure the
objective is to improve the energy efficiency due to distribution of tailings and coal to the storages.
optimal use of primary energy resources (coal, For choosing the location, it has been
natural gas, oil) to reduce energy dependency on considered the following criteria:
other countries. - to have a period of activity for at least 12 years;
While reducing the oil and gas reserves, the - to ensure the connection of all excavation process
role of indigenous coal and especially lignite has lines to the main road which goes to the inner
increased in the national energy balance. dumps and the coal storage;
Romania's lignite resources are estimated at - the junction can be used without disruption of coal
1.490 million tons, of which 445 million tones are pit activity.
exploited in the leased perimeters, and those The factors which influence the choice of
located in other perimeters which are not leased, are junction location are:
about 1.045 million tons, located in Oltenia mining - geometric shape of the exploitation perimeter;
basin. - the dump location;
Because of the growing role of lignite in - the location of coal deposits;
electricity production it is impose the superior - landforms adjacent to the perimeter;
capitalization of these reserves by adopting - the existence of social and industrial buildings
regulations to ensure rational and total exploitation that need to be protected.
(lossless) under conditions of maximum efficiency
both in terms of exploitation, transport and storage Analyses of distribution joints subsystem
at the beneficiary.
Considering these aspects, the lignite For the coal pits from Jilt mining basin, which
exploitation activity in the mining perimeters from in the first half of 2011 have made more than 3,500
Jilt basin is strictly controlled to ensure the needs of thousand tons of lignite, each coal pit has one
coal power plant Turceni, taking into account the distribution joint. Among the deficiencies noted in
increasing efficiency throughout the resource- their operation:
production-transport-consumption chain. - aging and obsolescence, because the main circuits
According to this, it has been established are very old (over 12 years old);
several main objectives of the development - there haven't been upgrades for mechanical part or
strategy: electrical part;
¾ adaptation of the technical potential of mining - the structure of distribution joints can affect the
units to the demands for coal; coal pits acticvity because the serial belt circuits on
____________________________________ transport flow, preparation and distribution;
*Eng. – Turceni Energy Complex

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

 23

- at the Jilț South coal pit, there is a decreasing in By the rehabilitation - modernization of the
the junction efficiency, five belts goes in and three conveyor belts is expected to improve the main
goes out for sterile, imposing the fourth output for operating parameters:
sterile into the interior dump. - increased hourly and annual productivity;
At present and in future (2025), the studies of - time reduction for functional disruption planned
increasing the extraction capacity lead to the need for revisions and repairs and incidental parking.
of increasing the transport capacity, storage, Upgrading and rehabilitation action for Jilț
loading and delivery of Jilț North coal pit for not North coal pit has been considered the
creating discrepancies in delivery of extracted modernization of one coal pit line and I + II dump
lignite production. line.
To establish the narrow places, measures and In the coal pit may find the following results:
actions to be taken to remove them, there is the - intensive index increased 1.4% due to increased of
necessity to optimize the technological flow at the hourly production capacity;
household of Jilț North coal pit. - increasing evolution of extensively used index by
To remove the narrow places, the works to the 4.4%;
Jilț North coal household has to be provided and the - upward change of general index of use, 1.8%.
amplification of the lines device before the station, In terms achieving the upgrade action, the
as well and a whole series of measures that will following specifications are necessary:
lead to better operation of existing plants and to - design and manufacturing documentation was
avoid disruptions due to the equipment failure in Romanian;
the flow. - the listed modernization are made by Romanian
Under the existing technological flow resulting companies;
of a coal pit, results that the technological - throughout the process of modernization, the local
equipment components are connected in series, part represented over 60% of the works.
leading to failures or disruption if a component fail
to work. Technical solutions for improving the activity of
Diagnostic and statistical analysis shows us the distribution joints
main mechanical and electrical faults in the parts of
Coal from the excavation benches, transported
the components located in the distribution joins.
on front bands is discharged on two-lane collector.
These are:
The existence of distribution points, equipped with
a) mechanical faults:
extensible strip ends, has the role to open the door
- destruction of barrel arbor;
to more efficient use of working time of machines,
- seizure of the reducer balls of the driver gear;
using, where appropriate, the transport availability
- weakening of fixing on the chassis of the driver
of the downstream circuits,because the possibilities
gear;
that exist, that any line front to use any line of
- low-reliability of some components which support
landfill or coal. This distribution method is applied
the carpet rubber;
successfully to Jilț North and Jilț South coal pit.
- higher weight of the driver gear;
In the distribution joint of Jilţ South go in five
- inefficient cleaning of the rubber carpet.
bands with extensible end and go out four, from
b) electrical faults:
which three go to the outer dump and one to the
- rotor strength for starting the main functions with
coal storage. The flow sheet is shown in figure 1.
frequent failures;
Into the distribution joint from Jilț North coal
- CAM 6 kW contacts type have a higher rate of
pit go in 3 conveyor belts, sterile-coal (T225, T224
failure;
and T241) and go out only one conveyor belt for
- electrical cable penetrations;
coal TMC1 and 3 for sterile (TMS2, TMS3 and
- faults in the main control panel and especially in
T240).
the emergency cord system.
It is necessary to maintain three lanes of sterile
Obtaining the performance comparable with
having considering the distribution of mining mass
those of the countries with a tradition in power coal
to the interior and outside dump. This conveyor belt
extraction from coal pits is possible by upgrading
system was designed and chosen so as to ensure
the present equipment and the technological lines.
evacuation of extracted mining mass (coal and
Rehabilitation program of the Jilț mining basin
sterile).
having as an objecting the coal requirements for
In the current exploitation conditions and
Turceni power plant, aimed mainly the Jilț South
operation of Jilț North coal pit is calculated for
coal pit, the main coal provider of power plant,
production transport for the current year and in the
especially in terms of raising the standard of the
future: 2020 ÷2025. The flow sheet is shown in
electrical components of dynamic commutation.
figure 2.

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

24

Figure 1. Flow sheet of Jilţ South coal pit - S.C. C.E.T. S.A

Figure 2. Flow sheet of Jilţ North coal pit - S.C. C.E.T. S.A

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 25

Since the belt conveyor of distribution joints of considered that the maximum angle diminishes to
the two coal pits are older than 12 years, it is 14° - 16°.
necessary to modernize them both on the To use conveyor belt at larger angles are used
mechanical and electrical-side. different solutions which can be divided into:
Modernization and rehabilitation measures ¾ increasing the adhesion coefficient between
aimed: the driving gears, return stations and layout transported material and rubber mat;
elements. From the diagnosis analyze the following ¾ increasing the down force of the material;
actions are required: ¾ usage of tall transverse walls or chicanes;
a) Mechanical part ¾ tube band etc.
Driving gear
- assembling the cylinder; These solutions allow the gradient increasing
- assembling the deflection cylinder; up to 25° - 90°, but in conditions of reducing the
- activation on cleaning belts; transport capacity. They can not be used in coal pits
- assembling the battery of intensive rakes; because the sterile rocks, mainly clay, are having a
- modifying the bracing system of the rubber rake; very high bond to rubber mat, making difficult their
- greasing the cylinders; cleaning.
- assembling the driving gear with 1 MAN band Qualities of conveyor belt should not be
and stopping it’s functions. worsened by sticking of the transported material on
Layout the "wet" surface of rubber mat, which can cause
- replacing the band sections of B1400 mm width fouling / clogged up the rubber rollers, requiring
with B2000 mm sections special measures of protection depending on the
- mounting the brackets for adjustment of upper material nature and the cleaning rate imposed.
roller; Therefore, belt conveyors will be also equipped
- sections with adjustable height of vertical sides in with drum cleaners, intensive cleaning devices and
connecting areas with the drive and return stations plough type.
- arrangement of special places for vulcanization Step key for upper and lower carrying rolls of
equipped with folding side sections with tripod for rubber mat from the conveyor belt will be chosen
mat; depending on the allowable load of rollers, so as the
Return station rubber mat arrow between two consecutive rolls
- mounting the carcase ploughs at the returning should be checked and not to exceed 0.5% ÷1.5% at
drums the higher branch and 2% ÷ 3% lower branch.
- mounting the roller bed with impact brackets for After determining the type of rubber mat
increasing the reliability; construction, according to the limit of strength and
- changing the fixing system of drilling iron rods connection type (hot vulcanization) the diameters
with improved quality for a quick replacement. driving drums, for back and drift are chosen, which
b) Electrical part are dependent on traction maximum force and the
- changing the control facility rubber mat thickness.
- resizing the electrical houses; The electrical wiring for driving and
- installation of capacitor banks for power factor automation ensure the functioning of the conveyor
improvement; belts in the centralized system of the technological
- complete dispatch of conveyors. line that works with the possibility of local control
For Jilț South coal pit it is necessary the fourth when running repairs and revisions. Experience
exit (band) for sterile to the internal dump. shows that any equipment is subject to restrictions
of the downstream / upstream equipment,
Technical solutions for improving the depending on its position.
maintenance of belt conveyors The belt conveyor being a link of the
technological chain has a blocking system for the
The bibliography shows that the maximum upstream and downstream equipments by the
slope that can be used by smooth rubber bands to automation scheme of technological line.
carry depends on how material is transported and For proper functioning of the conveyor belt,
the angle of lateral rollers. Thus, the maximum was intended to use a whole series of security
angle which can be used for upward transportation systems, which serve to prevent accidents, to
is 16° - 18° when the material is coarse grained protect the mining mass transport, to command and
and can reach up to 20° - 22° when the material is control the transport unit as a whole.
small and lean side rollers is 36°. When the The justification of these measures, the use of
material is transported downward, must be transducers to prevent accidents and limit the

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26

effects of possible technical accidents, is required Note:

by: - due to computation program, the transport
- the need to protect the conveyor belt; speed, ( 1,5; 3; 4,5 and 6 m/s).
- many possibilities of producing damages; - for a good function of program, the user must
- partialism of human observer's surveillance. respect the dimensions and the order of input data.
These security systems can perform the
following checks on the transport system / checks Conclusions
on the rubber mat:
- tensions; In this stage, Romanian economy is subject to
- centered movement; constraints created especially by the lack of capital
- slides / slips; investment and lack of working capital arising from
- security of longitudinal tearing. financial blockage.
The consequences of these major constraints
In order to determine the necessary power to are felt in slow steps to continue the modernization
belt conveyors from distribution joints, I propose to and rehabilitation of the lignite mining industry,
use the computer program for automatic important sector of the economy which requires
computation. funds from the state budget as grants and capital
User card: expenditure.
• File image: AEM – BSV. To provide a clear image of effects of possible
• Algorithmic language: BASIC modernization and rehabilitation would be
• Generalities: The program was design for necessary to follow the evolution of usage indices
automatic computation of power, necessary to of equipment and specific costs before and after
start a belt conveyor. By using this program it rehabilitation for a minimum of one year. It must be
will be solved the demands required in the emphasized the importance of tracking the effects
electromechanical field. of rehabilitation to assess more accurately the
• Input data: The program user will fill in the effectiveness of such action (rehabilitation -
following data: modernization) and to take relevant decisions on
the points and moments when is necessary to act for
Table 1 extending them widely.
Maximum After the analysis which has been performed
No Variable Measure
Specification variable
coding
dimensioning
unit and presented has resulted that during 2011-2025 to
1 Name Alphanumeric 7 character - deliver the planned production of lignite from Jilt
2 Length Digital (complete) 3 character m basin was necessary to modernize the distribution
3 Width Digital 3 character mm joints for improving the efficiency of activity.
Vertical Digital (real) After implementing the rehabilitation programs
4 6 character m
deviation Positive or negative
5 Discharge Digital (complete) 4 character m3/h
and in condition of sale can achieve better results
compared to the situation when working without
upgraded equipment.
• Output data: after starting the program, the
The results of modernization and rehabilitation
following data result:
actions of flow sheets from the coal pit have lead
Tabel 2 to:
Variable
Maximum
Measure - reducing the number of interventions / supervision
No Specification
coding
variable
unit staff by 5-10%;
dimensioning
Digital (one
- lower electricity costs, materials and spare parts
1 Power 4 character kW by 5-15%.
decimal place)
Therefore we can say that the actions of
• Editing: presentation of the main characteristics rehabilitation and modernization of flow sheets of
to identify the transporter and the estimated the two coal pits should continue with
parameters will be as table form in the number modernization measures of distribution joints, for
of copies requested by the user. smooth transport activities of sterile into the dumps
Edited data: and coal transport into the storage related to these.
- name of belt conveyor;
- lenght of belt conveyor, m;
- width of rubber mat, mm;
- vertical deviation, m;
- transportation discharge, m3/h;
- power of driving units, kW.

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

 27

References : 3. Iacob, D.
Deficienţe în sistemul de transport al carbunelui la
1. Borceanu, Gh., Petrescu,O. beneficiar, Referat de doctorat nr. 2, Universitatea
Noi direcţii de acţiune pentru modernizarea dotării din Petroşani, 2010
tehnice existente, îmbunătăţirea tehnologiilor de lucru şi
proiectări de noi utilaje destinate carierelor de lignit de 4. Jula, D., Dumitrescu, I.
mare capacitate din România, Revista Mine, Petrol şi Fiabilitatea sistemelor de transport, 2009
Gaze, nr. 11/1989
5. Nan, M.S., Jula, D.
2. Fodor, D., Rotunjanu, I. ş a . Capacitatea sistemelor de transport, Editura Universitas,
Tehnologii moderne de exploatare în carierele de lignit, Petroşani, 2000
Revista Mine, Petrol şi Gaze, nr.61/1979

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

28

SENSIBILITY ANALYSIS OF THE SUBSIDENCE PARAMETERS AT THE

VARIATION OF THE MAIN GEO-MINING FACTORS
Dacian Paul MARIAN*, Ilie ONICA**, Eugen COZMA**

In this paper, there are presented the results of a parameters at the variation of certain geo-mining
complex analysis, with finite element method factors, the 2D finite element modelling [4], [7], [8],
modelling, on the influence of the coal mining [9] was used, with the aid of the CESAR-LCPC
subsidence parameters at the variation of the software [12]. In this effect, was achieved the
following geo-mining factors: main geo-mechanical homogenous numerical models and in the centre of
features; mining depth; coal seam dip; mining goaf these was executed the mining voids that simulate
sizes; horizontal stress; the presence of the near the extracted volume of the coal seam with
mining space. longwall faces. In these models there were taken
into consideration two zones of the massive with
Keywords: coal seam, subsidence, horizontal different characteristics, specifically for the rocks
displacement, finite element method, geo- of the Jiu Valley coal basin [1], [11]: the first zone
mechanical characteristics, mining depth, involves the surrounding rocks of the roof and floor
horizontal stresses. of the coal seam and the second zone is attributed
to the coal seam.
Introduction The rock characteristics, considered as
homogenous and isotropic, taking into calculus the
The underground mining of the coal deposits elasto – plastically without hardening behaviour
by roof rock caving leads to the massive stress and hypothesis, are the following: apparent density;
strain change and implicitly to the ground surface Young modulus of elasticity, E; Poisson ratio, ν ;
deformation, where a subsidence basin is formed. compressive strength, σ c ; tensile strength, σ t ;
The main parameters of the subsidence basin are
cohesion , C; internal friction angle, ϕ (Tab. 1)
the subsidence and horizontal displacement [3], [5],
[6], [10]. To analyse the behaviour manner of these [1], [11].

Table 1 Geo-mechanical characteristics values of the rocks of the two distinct areas of finite elements models
Rock characteristic Symbol UM Rocks Coal
Apparent density ρa kg/m3 2663 1450
Young modulus of
E kN/m2 5 035 000 1 035 000
elasticity
Poisson ratio ν - 0,19 0,13
2
Cohesion C kN/m 6 130 1 300
Internal friction angle ϕ o
55 50

Sensibility analysis of the physical and table 1). It’s mentioned that the same sensibility
mechanical characteristics analysis could be achieved taken as parameter the
apparent specific weight.
Apparent density influence By consequence of the calculus made on these
In view to study the influence level of the apparent models it was found that the subsidence and
density of the rocks on the behaviour of finite horizontal displacement increase linearly at the
element models, from the point of view of the main same time with the apparent density increase
parameters of the subsidence, the average value of (Fig.1), which demonstrates the pronounced
the rocks density will be multiplied by a coefficient sensitivity of the model at the rock density variation
K (K=1; 1.3; 1.5; 1.7; 2) [7], [9], keeping the other (and implicitly of the apparent specific weight) [2]:
parameters constant (at the value presented in the
____________________________________ Wmax = 0.0585 ⋅ ρ − 9.5178 , R2 = 0.9999 (1)
*Ph.D eng. University of Petroşani U max = 0.0211 ⋅ ρ − 4.1921 , R2 = 0.9998 (2)
** Prof.eng. Ph.D University of Petroşani
U min = −0.0166 ⋅ ρ + 0.3737 ,R2 = 0.9999 (3)

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

 29

600
350 W max = 7,423*108*E -1,000
W max = 0,0585*ρ - 9,5178

Maximum subsidence - W max (mm)

R2 = 1,000
Maximum subsidence - W max (mm)

R2 = 0,9999 500
300

400
250
300

200
200

150
100

100 0
2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500 0 1000000 2000000 3000000 4000000 5000000 6000000
Apparent density - ρ (kg/m 3) Elasticity modulus - E (kN/m 2)

a) a)
150 U max = 2,639*108*E -1
200
U max = 0,0211*ρ - 4,1921 R2 = 1,000
R2 = 0,9998
Horizontal displacem ent - U (m m )

150

Horizontal displacem ent - U (m m )

100
100

50 50

0
0 1000000 2000000 3000000 4000000 5000000 6000000
-50
2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 5500
-100
-50
U min = 85,602*ln(E ) - 1357,8
U min = -0,0166*ρ + 0,3737 -150
R2 = 0,969
R2 = 0,9999
-100 -200
Apparent density - ρ (kg/m 3) Elasticity modulus - E (kN/m 2)

b) b)
Fig.1. Apparent density influence on the: Fig.2. Elasticity modulus influence on the:
a) maximum subsidence; a) maximum subsidence;
b) maximum / minimum horizontal displacement b) max / min horizontal displacement

Elasticity modulus influence Poisson ratio influence

The study of the rocks elasticity modulus The model behaviour at the Poisson ration
influence [1], [11] on the development of the main variation [1], [11] was obtained multiplying this
subsidence parameters was made by reducing the parameter by a coefficient K (K=0.5; 1; 1.5; 2) and
value of this main parameter that characterises the keeping the other parameters constant at the values
elastically behaviour of rocks with a coefficient K shown in Table 1.
(K=1; 0.7; 0.5; 0.3) [7], [9], keeping the other After analysis, it was concluded that the
parameters unchanged, in conformity with the subsidence parameters (subsidence and
values from Table 1. displacement) have very little sensitivity at the
In analysis of the obtained results from the Poisson ratio increase (Fig.3) [2]:
finite element models it was concluded that the
subsidence and horizontal displacement increases Wmax = −91.368 ⋅ν + 164,2 , R2=0.999 (7)
significantly with the elasticity modulus decrease
(Fig.2), which shows a very large impact of the U max = −15.053 ⋅ν + 55,15 , R2=0.969 (8)
elasticity modulus on the model behaviour. The U min = 48.316 ⋅ν − 52,6 , R2=0.989 (9)
variation of the main subsidence parameters
depending on the rocks elasticity modulus is
shown in the following relations [2]:

1
Wmax = 7.423 ⋅ 108 ⋅ , R2=1.0 (4)
E
1
U max = 2.639 ⋅ 108 ⋅ , R2=1.0 (5)
E
U min= 85.602 ⋅ ln E − 1357.8 ,R2=0.969 (6)

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

30

W max = -91,368*ν + 164,2 152

160
R2 = 0,9997
W max = 188,66*C -0,0281
Maximum subsidence - W max (mm)

Maximum subsidence - W max (mm)

155 151
R2 = 0,9274
150
150
149
145
148
140
147
135
146

130 145

125 144
0,000 0,050 0,100 0,150 0,200 0,250 0,300 0,350 0,400 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 11000 12000 13000
Poisson ratio - ν Cohesion - C (kN/m 2)

a) a)
60 55

U max = 70,06*C -0,0326

Horizontal displacement - Umax (mm)

Horizontal displacement - U (mm)

54
40 R2 = 0,911
U max = -15,053*ν + 55,15
2
R = 0,9939 54
20
53
0
0,000 0,050 0,100 0,150 0,200 0,250 0,300 0,350 0,400 53

-20
52
U min = 48,316*ν - 52,5
R2 = 0,9896
-40 52

51
-60
Poisson ratio - ν 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 10000 11000 12000 13000
Cohesion - C (kN/m 2)

b) b)
Fig.3. Poisson ratio influence on the: Fig.4. Poisson ratio influence on the:
a) maximum subsidence; a) maximum subsidence;
b) maximum / minimum horizontal displacement b) maximum horizontal displacement

Influence of the internal friction angle

Cohesion influence
The study of the behaviour of the subsidence
To analyse the models subsidence behaviour and horizontal displacement of the ground surface
in function of the rocks cohesion [1], [11] the in function of the variation of the rocks internal
cohesion will be multiplied by a coefficient K friction angle [1], [11] was made by successively
(K=0.5; 1; 1.5; 2) and keeping the other parameters reducing the internal friction angle by a coefficient
constant. K (K=1; 0.7; 0.5; 0.3), keeping the other
After calculus on these finite element parameters constant (Table 1).
models, results that the subsidence and horizontal After analysis, it was observed that the
displacement decreases slowly with the cohesion subsidence parameters decrease very little with
increase (Fig.4). Therefore, it could be concluded increase of the internal friction angle (Fig.5),
that the variations of the cohesion influences the following the laws [2]:
model very little, in conformity with the following
correlations [2]: 1
Wmax = 209.25 ⋅ , R2=0.8664 (12)
0.0927
1 ϕ
Wmax = 188.66 ⋅ ,R2=0.927 (10)
C 0.0281 1
U max = 73.749 ⋅ , R2=0.8612 (13)
0.0897
1 ϕ
U max = 70.06 ⋅ ,R2=0.911 (11)
0.0328
C
This leads to the conclusion that variations
of the internal friction angle influence the main
subsidence parameters in little measure.

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

 31

1200
165 W max = 289464*H -1,2216
W max = 209,25*ϕ -0,0927
R2 = 0,9945
Maximum subsidence - W max (mm)

R2 = 0,8664 1000

M aximum subsidence - W max (mm)

160

800

155
600

150
400

145 200

140 0
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Internal friction angle - ϕ (o ) Mining depth - H (m)

a) a)
350
59
U max = 98247*H -1,2478
U max = 73,749*ϕ -0,0897 300

Maximum horizontal displacement

Horizontal displacement - Umax (mm)

58 R2 = 0,9923
R2 = 0,8612
57 250

56 200

U max (mm)
55 150

54
100
53
50
52
0
51 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
Mining depth - H (m)
Internal friction angle - ϕ (ο)

b) b)
Fig.5. Internal friction angle influence on the: Fig. 6. Mining depth influence on the:
a) maximum subsidence; a) maximum subsidence;
b) maximum horizontal displacement b) maximum horizontal displacement

Sensibility analysis at the mining depth The influence of the mining depth is
variation explained by the increase of the vertical stresses
(vertical and horizontal) developed in the rock
The behaviour of the model at the mining massive with the depth increase, being directly
depth variation (or the thickness of the roof rocks proportional.
strata) was studied using several finite element
models, for which the mining goaf was situated Sensibility analysis at the mining height
successively at various depths (H=100; 120; 150; variation
200; 300; 500; 600m).
In this case two massive zones with different At this point, it was made an analysis of the
characteristics were taken into consideration: first behaviour of the finite element models at the
zone involves the surrounding rocks of the mined mining height variation (or coal seam thickness).
coal seam and the second zone is specific of the In this end, there were made several calculus
coal seam. variants where the coal seam was mined in the
The rocks’ characteristics of these two zones, inclined slices with a height equal to 2.5m; the
considered homogenous and isotropic, in the Mohr successive cases of the modelling being for 1 slice,
– Coulomb elasto-plastic behaviour are presented 2, 3 and 4 simultaneous mining slices (respectively,
in Table 1. for a mining height of: 2.5m; 5.0m; 7.5m and
The models results show that the subsidence 10.0m).
and the displacement very much increase with the From the calculus on these models, it was
mining depth decrease, especially at the depth less observed that the subsidence and the displacement
then H=200m (Fig.6) [2]: increase logarithmically with the increase of the
slices number or with increase of the mining height
1 (Fig.7). This demonstrates the great influence of
Wmax = 289464 ⋅ , R2 = 0.9945 (14)
1.2216 the mining height on the main parameters of the
H
subsidence basin [2]:
1
U max = 98247 ⋅ , R2 = 0.9923 (15)
1.2478
H

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

32

300
The representation of the subsidence basins
W max = 41,568*ln(m ) + 193,89
290 2
R = 0,9997 in according with the coal seam dip is made in
Maximum subsidence - W max (mm)

280
Figure 9 and the horizontal displacement curves in
270
Figure 10.
260
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100
250 0

240 20

40
230
60

Subsidence - W (mm)
220
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 80

Mining height - m (m)

100

a) 120

140
95 α =0
U max = 12,364*ln(m ) + 66,847 160 α =5
93
Maximum horizontal displacement

2
R = 0,9985 α = 10
180 α = 15
91
α = 20
200 α = 25
89
Distance - D o (m) α = 30
Umax (mm)

Fig. 9. Subsidence basins in function of the coal

87

85

83
seam dip variation
81
70
79
60
77 50
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
40

Horizontal displacement - U (mm)

Mining height - m (m)
30

b) 20

10

Fig. 7. Mining height influence on the: 0

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100

a) maximum subsidence; -10

-20

b) maximum horizontal displacement

α =0
-30 α =5
-40 α = 10
α = 15
-50 α = 20

Wmax = 41.568 ⋅ ln m + 193.89 ,R2=0.9997 (16) -60

α = 25
Distance - D o (m) α = 30

Fig. 10. Horizontal displacements in function of

U max = 12.364 ⋅ ln m + 66.847 ,R2=0.9985 (17) the coal seam dip variation

Sensibility analysis at the coal seam dip Sensibility analysis at the horizontal stresses
variation variation
The behaviour manner of the models (from
the point of view of subsidence and horizontal The sensibility analysis of the models at the
displacement) in function of the dip coal seam horizontal stresses was made proceeding at
variation was analysed in the conditions of the successive calculus, on several models, with
angles of : α = 0o; 5o; 10o; 15o; 20o; 25o; 30o; variable geostatic loadings, taking into
resulting 7 new models with different geometry. consideration two regions with different
After the analysis of the finite element characteristics (Table 1).
models results, it could be observed that the To analyse the model behaviour at the
maximum subsidence decreases with coal seam dip horizontal stresses (horizontal thrust) variation,
increase (Fig.8) and the subsidence basin is ν
σh = ⋅ σ v = k ox ⋅ σ v , developed in rock
increasingly asymmetrical (Fig.9). 1 −ν
200
massive, the vertical stresses were considered
195
constant and equal to σ v = γ ⋅ H = 7989 KN/m2
Maximum subsidence - Wmax (mm)

190 and the parameter Kox (the horizontal thrust

185
coefficient) having different values (Kox = 0.2; 0.4;
180
0.6; 0.8; 1; 1.5; 2). Thus results 7 different variants
175
of the loadings of the finite element models.
After calculus, it was observed that the
170
maximum subsidence and the horizontal
displacement reduce linearly with increase of the
165

160
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
horizontal stresses (Fig.11). It is worth mentioning
Seam dip - α ( )
o
that, in these conditions, the subsidence basin is
Fig. 8. Coal seam dip influence on the maximum larger for the important stresses (Fig.12).
subsidence

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

 33

270
Constant vertical stresses (7989 kN/m2) Ground surface deformation in the case of the
W max = -0,0055*σ h + 270,92 underground mining of the two near coal seams
Maximum subsidence - Wmax (mm)

260 2
R = 0,9999
250

240

230
The influence of the two near coal seams on
220
the ground surface stability was made by a general
210 „ model, which: the coal seams are horizontal and
200
symmetrically superposed, the goafs having the
same sizes and the distance between them is of
190

180
100m (Fig.14).
1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

9000

10000

11000

12000

13000

14000

15000

16000
Horizontal stresses - σ h (kN/m )
2

a)
Constant vertical stresses (78292 kN/m2)
90
U max = -0,0013*σ h + 89,238
2
85
R = 0,9995
Horizontal displacement

80
Umax (mm)

75

70

65
1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

8000

9000

10000

11000

12000

13000

14000

15000

16000

Horizontal stresses - σ h (kN/m )

2
Fig. 14. Finite element model in the case of two
b) near coal seam
Fig. 11. Horizontal stresses influence on the: For this end three numerical models of
a) maximum subsidence; calculus were generated: a model with these two
b) maximum horizontal displacement coal seams in mining stage and other two models
with every coal seam in independent mining stage.
By consequence, the variation of these
The results of the calculus were synthesized
parameters is done by the following relations [2]:
in the Figures 15 and 16. In Figure 15 the
Wmax = −0,0055 ⋅ σ h + 270,92 ,R2=0,9999 (18) subsidence is shown for these three computation
U max = −0,0013 ⋅ σ h + 89,238 ,R2=0,9995 (19) cases and in the Figure 16 the horizontal
The subsidence basins, related to the displacement.
horizontal stresses with the previous values, are 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200

represented graphically in Figure 12, and the 0

horizontal displacements in Figure 13. 50

-50
Subsidence - W (mm)

100
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
0

150
50
Subsidence - W (mm)

200
100

250
150

300
200 Kox = 0,2 Underground mining of the superior coal seam
Kox = 0,4
Kox = 0,6
350 Underground mining of the inferior coal seam
250
Kox = 0,8
Distance - D o (m) Underground mining of both coal seams
Kox = 1
300
Distance - D o (m)
Kox = 1,5
Kox = 2
Fig. 15. Subsidence basins representation in the
Fig. 12. Representation of the subsidence basins in case of two near coal seams mining
the case of the horizontal stresses variation 100

80
100

60
Horizontal displacement - U (mm)

80

40
Horizontal displacement - U (mm)

60

40 20
20 0
0 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
-20
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
-20
-40
-40 Kox = 0,2
Kox = 0,4 -60
-60 Kox = 0,6
Kox = 0,8
-80
-80
Kox = 1 Underground mining of the superior coal seam
-100 Underground mining of the inferior coal seam
-100 Kox = 1,5
Distance - D o (m) Kox = 2 Distance - D o (m) Underground mining of both coal seams

Fig. 13. Representation of the horizontal displacements Fig. 16. Horizontal displacement representation in
in the case of the horizontal stresses variation the case of two near coal seams mining

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

34

Analysing the variation of these two important impact on the deformation parameters
subsidence parameters it is obvious that the than the other coal seam situated at depth.
simultaneous mining of two coal seams has a more
pronounced influence on the ground surface References
deformation; and the mining of the coal seam
closer to the surface has a more important impact 1. Hirean, C.
on the deformation parameters (subsidence and Rocks Mechanics (in Romanian), Didactical and
displacement) than the other coal seam situated at Pedagogical Publishing House, Bucharest, 1981, 322 p.
depth. 2. Marian, D.P.
We note that the presented situation is a Surface Stability Analysis as Effect of Underground
general one, very simplified; in reality, the Mining of the Coal Seams with Gentle and Medium Dip
displacement and the ground surface deformation, from the Jiu Valley Coal Basin, Ph.D Thesis, University
of Petroşani, 2011, 173p.
in the case of two or more near coal seams depend
3. Oncioiu, G., Onica, I.
on several factors such as: the goaf sizes, coal Ground Deformation in the Case of Underground
seams dip, mining method, roof control procedure, Mining of Thick and Dip Coal Seams in Jiu Valley
distance between coal seams, position of the mined Basin (Romania), Proceedings of 18th International
space, etc. Conference on Ground Control in Mining, 3-5 August,
1999, Morgantown, WV, USA, pp.330-336.
Conclusions 4. Onica, I.
Introduction in the Numerical Methods Used in the
In view to analyse the sensibility of the main Mining Excavations Stability Analysis (in Romanian),
parameters of the subsidence basins (subsidence Universitas Publishing House, Petroşani, 2001, 156 p.
5. Onica, I.
and horizontal displacement) at the variation of the
Environmental Mining Impact (in Romanian),
geo-mining factors several 2D finite element Universitas Publishing House, Petroşani, 2001, pp.173-
models were made, in elasto-plasticity behaviour 198.
hypothesis, arriving at the following conclusions: 6. Onica, I., Cozma, E., Goldan, T.
1) the apparent density or specific weight, Land Degradation Under the Underground Mining
by their contribution at the stress and strain state Influence (in Romanian), AGIR Revue, year XI, 2006,
development, explain the pronounced sensibility no.3, pp.14-27.
of the subsidence and displacement at the variation 7. Onica, I., Cozma, E., Marian, D.P.
of this parameter; Ground Surface Deformation Using the Finite Element
2) the subsidence and the displacement Method, in Conditions of the Longwall Mining of The
Coal Seam No. 3 - Livezeni Mine, Revista Minelor,
increase significantly with the elasticity modulus
2011, pp. 24-33.
decrease; 8. Onica, I., Cozma, E., Marian, D.P.
3) the subsidence parameters are much less Ground Surface Deformation as Effect of Longwall
sensitive to the variation of the Poisson rate, Mining of the Coal Seam No. 3 of the Livezeni Mine,
cohesion and internal frictional angle; Proceedings of the 22nd International Mining Congress
4) the subsidence and displacement very and Exhibition of Turkey, May 11-13, 2011, Ankara,
much increase with the mining depth decrease, Turkey.
especially for the mining depth under 200m; 9. Onica, I., Cozma, E., Marian, D.P.
5) the subsidence and displacement increase Analysis of the Ground Surface Subsidence in the Jiu
logarithmically with the increase of the number of Vally Coal Basin by Using the Finite Element Method,
Proceedings of 11th International Multidisciplinary
mined slices or mining height;
Scientific Geo-Conference & EXPO SGEM 2011,
6) the maximum subsidence decreases with Modern Management of Mine Producing, Geology and
coal seam dip increase and the subsidence basin is Environmental Protection, Albena, Bulgaria,
increasingly asymmetrically; 19.06.2011- 25.06.2011.
7) the maximum subsidence and the 10. Singh, M. M.
horizontal displacement reduces linearly with Mine Subsidence (Chapter 10.6), in SME Mining
increase of the horizontal stresses; in these Engineering Handbook, SME, 1992, pp. 938-971
conditions, the subsidence basin is larger for the 11. Todorescu, A.
important stresses; Rocks Properties (in Romanian), Technical Publishing
8) the simultaneous mining of two coal House, Bucharest, 1984, 676 p.
12. ***
seams has a more pronounced influence on the
CESAR-LCPC, CLEO 2D - Reference manual, V 4.0.
ground surface deformation; and the mining of the
coal seam closer to the surface has a more

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

 35

ACHIEVEMENTS AND FUTURE SOLUTIONS ON REINTRODUCING IN

THE ECONOMIC CIRCUIT OF WASTE DUMPS AND DEGRADED
TERAINS BY OPEN PITS FROM OLTENIA
Cosmin Alin SMEU*

Abstract: The problem of reintroducing in the from the circuit for mining needs. Unproductive
economic circuit the land affected by open pit land could exist in the mining area or other areas of
mining have to be followed since the design the country where mining activity is not carried out,
phase because it has a marked influence on the but there were terrains requiring accommodation.
Open pit mining, unlike the underground
quarry’s limits, coefficient of stripping, and
mining, is given options for improving the
finally, the costs of extraction. Therefore, to environment, particularly through development and
determine the final contour of a quarry must be optimal integration of waste dumps in the area’s
taken into account the interdependence characteristic landscape, then a suitable and
between dimensions required for mining effective recultivation of land on these dumps.
operations and the value of land expropriated, Among the many reasons that support the need
geometric parameters of the quarry and for remodeling and rehabilitation of land affected
agrochemical characteristics of the surrounding by human activities include:
and covering rocks. - eliminating the risk of sliding the positive relief
This paper proposes a brief overview of forms, occurred in an area by external storage of
current achievements in reintroducing in the waste dumps;
- eliminate the negative visual impact of areas with
economic circuit of areas degraded by
lunar aspect;
quarrying activities in the basin Oltenia and - the need for reintegration of degraded lands in the
identify solutions to meet the future needs of circuit of production and/or ecological of the
national and obligations incumbent on regions where they are, leading to regeneration of
Romania after EU accession and the signing of their economic potential;
numerous international environmental treaties. - improving environmental quality;
- reduction of slopes and with it, reducing the
Keywords: reintroducing in the economic intensity of erosion phenomena and accelerate the
circuit, waste dumps, quarries, degraded land, installation of vegetation;
energy plants. - possibility to create new storage spaces for
various types of waste in the pits remaining gaps
Introduction [3].
Degraded lands and waste dumps restoration is
Given that the tasks ahead for reuse degraded based on the fundamental principles of ecological
terrains by mining activities are very large and restoration, namely:
growing, especially in the mining basins of Oltenia, - the principle of globality or interdependency;
where open pit mining prevailed and which - the principle of ambiental autonomy;
continues today, there must not be spared any effort - the principle of transparency and democracy;
to achieve high-quality work and achieve in this - the principle of compliance with the population;
way, the maximum economic effect for reusing - the principle of economic efficiency;
degraded lands in each variant. - the principle of minimum size and reversibility;
- the principle of respect for tradition. [4]
The need and advantages of reintroducing
degraded lands in the economic circuit Characterization of Oltenia region

The entire mining activity carried out from the The climate is temperate continental type with
beginning in Oltenia considered the legislative Mediterranean influences, with an average
provisions on advance planning of unproductive temperature of 10.3° C and an average annual
land in equivalent surface with the area removed precipitation of 753 mm, wind regime greatly
____________________________________ influenced by the proximity of mountains and hills,
*Ph.D student eng. University of Petroşani the deforestation in the area, diversion of
watercourses, the emergence of temporary or

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

36

permanent artificial lakes and ponds, creating over 78% and 3.841 ha of forest, belonging especialy to
time mutations in the microclimate in the mining the mining basin Rovinari.
basins of Oltenia. Area occupied structure is as follows: 49%
The soils present in the region of Oltenia, fall respectively 8.144 ha is arable land, 22%
in the class of low to high potential and they are respectively 3.841 ha of forest. It is noted that about
selectively extracted and stored in warehouses 4.560 ha or 42% of the area occupied by mining
before starting the actual extraction of overburden have been a natural pastures and hay fields,
and lignite. Waste extracted and deposited in categories of use that provides low and unstable
dumps, which has a moderate phosphorus content, production. Also throughout the duration of the
moderate to high content in potassium and high pH, mining activities were affected 362 ha (2.1%)
was shown to be suitable for restoring land made orchards and 125 ha (0.07%) living hybrid culture
available after mining activities are stoped. with a great diversity of native species and
Because the chemical properties of waste varieties.
materials fro the overburden is deposited in dumps, As utilities, 68% of the total land pased in the
there was a rapid reinstallation of spontaneous administration and heritage of SNLO Tg. Jiu, was
vegetation on dumps surfaces released of designed for excavation work fronts and waste
technological tasks. dumps, and only 32% for related activities, such as
The first research on reintroducing in the adjustments of watercourses, railways, electricity
economic circuitc of land degraded by mining in networks, roads, construction of a social nature,
the Oltenia region began in 1968 and in 1972 was plants, etc. (example: for Jiu river regulation and
founded the first specialized unit area for construction of an artificial lake at Rovinari, were
redevelopment and recultivation with annual and required surfaces amounted to 1,000 ha). [1]
multi-annual agricultural, forest, vine and different Generally soils affected by mining activity
tree species of degraded lands by mining and their differs depending on geological and
reintroduction in the production circuit. geomorphological conditions, their productive
Studies undertaken since 1968 and the results potential is low to medium, so that they fall in
obtained led to a successful approach on land reliability classes ranging from second to fifth.
restoration activities. In the mining activity the soil factor
disappeared even if largely the arable horizon has
Achievements on reintroducing in the economic been selectively exploited for later uses.
circuit of waste dumps and degraded lands Materials deposited in waste dumps are very
heterogeneous in terms of physical and
Starting from the requirements of full and chemicalcomposition, are generally devoid of
efficient use of land and taking into account the biological activity and are extremely diverse in
fundamental principles of ecological restoration terms of mineralogical (sands, gravels, clays, marls)
specialists in the mining units, together with the which makes the potential for fertility small, they
territorial-administrative and representatives of fall in reliability classes fourth and fifth.
public decided the restoration of degraded lands
predominantly in agricultural and forestry puposes. Agricultural recultivation
Reintroduction in the economic circuit of
degraded lands by mining activity requires the Following investigations, on the exterior dump
redevelopment and modeling of areas and then their of Tismana quarry were made between 1981-1983
recultivation. viability experiments on four crops - wheat, corn,
Mining redevelopment and modeling are potatoes and clover - in terms of two types of
activities that require several steps and technology, clayey earth: yellow clay and blue clay, and during
namely the recovery and conservation of topsoil, 1984-1985 was made another batch of experimental
construction of waste dumps, dumps surface crops (four crops) on Cicani - Balta Unchiaşului
leveling, the improvement of the material stored in waste dump, which consists predominantly of
dumps, deposit the vegetal soil on the dumps yellow clays: corn, wheat, oats and clover.
leveled and improved surfaces. The experiments were placed in a 4 year
rotation, and sola with clover aimed and
General Information contributing to the enrichment of organic matter
and structure of land taken into cultivation. During
Throughout the period when the quarrys were 1993-1994 the experiments on Cicani waste dump
put into service in Oltenia, about 50 years, were were resumed, this time using six types of plants:
affected and permanently occupied 17.432 ha of potato, corn, oats, peas, barley and mash. [1, 5]
which 13.591 ha of agricultural land, respectively

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 37

Viticulture and fruit growing tree recultivation t/ha, Merlot with 11.7 t/ha and Italian Riesling with
a production of 10.1 t/ha. [1, 6]
Waste dumps from Rovinari Mining Basin
offers extremely favorable conditions for varieties Forest recultivation
of fruit trees in early adulthood or extraearly
adulthood. The results achieved by the Research In the domain of forest recultivation is
Station on Fruit Production Tg. Jiu on Cicani waste mentioned the afforestation done in the interior and
dump showed good behavior of apple and plum, at exterior waste dumps of Gârla open pit, which
the age of 12 - 13 years the average productions occupies an area of 125 hectares, the plantation of
obtained were of 24.9 t/ha, respectively 8.2 t / ha, pine in Tismana area who has 16 years of age and
cherry production was 4.1 t/ha, and for black cherry occupies an area of 32 ha of the external dump and
of 3.8 t / ha, for nuts the production was sporadic 8 ha on slopes of the guard channel on the northern
and hazel has been used successfully to stabilize side of the pit, and the forests in Rovinari -
slopes of the quarry and Gârla wast dump. Peşteana and Roşia de Jiu areas, which occupies 40
In terms of viticulture, vine plantations near hectares.
Cicani have shown that good results can be Table 1 contains the area reintroduced in the
achieved through proper preparation of land, which economic circuit up to 2010, and in Table 2 the
consists of basic and annual fertilization. Vine situation of the waste dumps from Oltenia and the
varieties grown in the Cicani – Gârla waste dumps areas occupied by them. [5, 6]
area achieved normal production of qualitatively
and quantitatively. Are noted Feteasca Royal 12.2

Table 1. Surfaces reintroduced in the economic circuit (2010)

Surface (ha)
No. Mining unit Total From wich
agriculture forest
E.M.C. Roşia 820,42 547,81 272,61
Cariera Roşia 460,64 309,23 151,41
Cariera Peşteana
1 99,50 57,30 42,20
Nord
Cariera Peşteana Sud 119,66 119,66 0,00
Cariera Urdari 140,62 61,62 79,00
E.M.C. Motru 676,44 466,91 209,53
2 Cariera Lupoaia 256,97 163,64 93,33
Cariera Rosiuta 419,47 303,27 116,20
E.M.C. Berbeşti 303,80 303,80 0,00
Cariera Berbeşti Vest 75,00 75,00 0,00
3
Cariera Panga 185,33 185,33 0,00
Cariera Olteţ 43,47 43,47 0,00
E.M. Mehedinţi 217,98 0,00 217,98
4
Cariera Husnicioara 217,98 0.00 21798
TOTAL S.N.L.O. 1963,25 1097,38 865,87

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 38

Table 2. External waste dumps from Oltenia and the surfaces occupied by them
Surface From wich Surface From wich Suprafaţă From wich
Crt.
Mining unit Exterior waste dump Provided in
no. Forest Agriculture Occupied Forest Agriculture To be occupied Forest Agriculture
SET* or PE**
Lupoiţa 69,14 32,15 36,99 69,14 32,15 36,99 0 0 0
Valea Mănăstirii 558,95 0 558,95 403,39 0 403,39 155,56 0 155,56
Steic (Lupoaia V-VI) 40,18 19,60 20,58 33,70 19,60 14,1 6,46 0 6,46
Valea Cerveniei 40,53 32,41 8,12 40,53 32,41 8,12 0 0 0
l. EMC Motru
Bujorăscu 130,27 73,11 57,16 91,06 33,90 57,16 39,21 33,90 5,31
Valea Rogoazelor 174,64 137,00 37,64 123,00 85,36 37,64 51,64 37,64 14,00
Valea Ştiucani 119,32 69,04 50,28 119,32 69,04 50,28 0 0 0
Potângu 64,02 0 64,02 64,02 0 64,02 0 0 0

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011

Total 1197,05 363,31 833,74 944,16 272,46 671,70 254,87 73,54 181,33
Peşteaua Sud 91,79 0 91,79 91,79 0 91,79 0 0 0
EMC
2. Peşteana Nord 195,67 0 195,67 192,30 0 192,30 3,37 0 3,37
Peşteana
Urdari 86,73 15,09 71,64 30,72 30,72 0 56,01 56.01 0
Total 374,19 15,09 359,10 314,81 30,72 284,09 59,38 56,01 3,37
EMC Jilţ Sud 660,73 193,48 467,25 344,00 42,00 302,00 326,73 42,00 284,73
3.
Jilţ J i lţ Nord 172,74 68,06 104,68 137,74 65,00 72,74 35,00 0 35,00
Total 833,47 261,54 571,93 481,74 107,00 374,74 361,73 42,00 319,73
EMC
4. Valea Negomir 667,93 133,89 534,04 197,00 85,28 111,72 470,77 337,04 133,73
Pinoasa
Total 667,93 133,89 534,04 197,00 85,28 111,72 470,77 337,04 133,73
5. EMC Roşia Roşia 498,00 0 498,00 141,02 127,02 14,00 356,98 229,96 127,02
Total 498,00 0 498,00 141,02 127,02 14,00 356,98 229,96 127,02
EM
6.| Husnicioara Vest 282,64 0 0 120,42 81,99 38,43 160,22 80,23 79,99
Mehedinţi
Total 282,64 0 0 120,42 81,99 38,43 160,22 80,23 79,99
Rugct 134,00 69,00 65,00 87,00 47,00 47,00 47,00 0 47,00
Olteţ 146,00 0,00 146,00 146,00 66,00 146,00 0 0 0
7. EM Berbeşti Berbeşti Vest 85,00 66,00 19,00 75,00 37,00 9,00 10,00 0 10,00
Panga Sud 48,00 0,00 48,00 48,00 0 48,00 49,00 0 49,00
Panga Nord 137,00 37,00 100,00 88,00 0 88,00 0 0 O
Total 550,00 172,00 378,00 444,00 150,00 338,00 106,00 0 106,00
Total general 4403,26 945,83 3174,8 2643,14 854,47 1832,68 1769,95 818,78 951,17
 39

Future solutions for reintroducing in the concrete technical and mining operation conditions
economic circuit of waste dumps and degraded in the quarrys, the dynamic of the occupied land
lands and the reclaimed one for economic purposeis
presented in Table 3. [2]
During the next decade, quarrys in mining The analysis of the table shows that surfaces
basins of Oltenia will record notable changes in arranged and reintroduced in the economic circuit
their overall geometry, due to changes in the will be larger by 4.000 ha, compared to those
method of operation by switching to interior waste occupied by mining activities in the period under
deposits and also by using a higher proportion of review.
transhipment of waste materials in dumps. Reintroduction of degraded lands in the
Meanwhile, some quarrys will be closed due to economic cycle will always respond to local owners
depletion of reserves from the fields and we will interests and will be based on experience gained so
see greater concentration of production in several far by the authorities and Romanian specialists in
bigger ones. This will result in reduction of areas this field.
taken out of the economic circuit and an increase of Selecting crops and plantations possible to
the surfaces rehabilitated and reintroduced in the apply in the future will be made taking into account
economic circuit. the climate, the nature of the land and the positive
In conjunction with the production needed to experience gained in the field so far.
be ensured for national economy and with the

Talel 3. Dynamic of occupied lands and surfaces reintegraed in thr economic circuit (2009 - 2017)

Alternatively to the set presented (agricultural, These things provide a significant opportunity
forestry, vine or fruit growing recultivation) is the for energy crop industry.
technical crops. At this moment in Romania there are no wood
Of these a category with high potential for energy crops planted, if not taken into account
cultivation in Oltenia and a more wide-scale use in forest lands with various species of trees for
developed countries are the energy plants, namely industrial exploitation of which must pass dozens of
energy willow. years of their establishment. This proposal is
primarily concerned with the energy willow crops,
The opportunity to cultivate energy plants giving so far the best annual returns per hectare and
allowing timber harvesting annualy or biennialy in
Energy plants are used as fuel in heat/electric good economic conditions.
power generation. As part of the complete chain of energy
By replacing fossil fuels they have the production from renewable sources, must be taken
potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions of into account that is allocated three green certificates
greenhouse gases. Growing energy plants is for electricity from biomass, according to Law
required for Romania because: 220/2008. which finally brings a significant added
- is part of the Kyoto Protocol to reduce value for the entire system plantation - energy
greenhouse gas emissions by 12.5% in 2012 delivery.
compared to 1990; Figure 1 shows the general scheme of power
- must meet targets on shares of electricity generation using energy plants (biomass).
production from renewable sources.

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40

Fig. 1. The process of power generation using biomass

Proposals on the recultivation of degraded land Energy willow is planted in spring using
with dumps and power plants planting material from specialist manufacturers and
equipment for these purposes.
Energy crops consisting of varieties of willow Willow will grow rapidly in the first year,
,dense planted, with a high yield with a harvest reaching up to 4 m high. In the winter after
cycle of 1-2 years are most suitable for dumps and planting, the stalks are cut from the ground to
degraded lands from activities in the Oltenia mining encourage the growth of several shoots, like a bush.
basin. Thr harvest normally occurs in winter, two years
Osier, a willow variety that grows in the form after the first cutting. The equipment used for
of a bush (Fig. 2.), is the basis of most varieties of harvesting is specially designed for such purposes
willow planted for energy purposes. Energy willow and depends on the specifications required by the
is a wood culture, perennial, rhizomes or shoots end customer in terms of biomass used. Most
remaining in soil after harvest, growing new operations, except for planting and harvesting, are
branches next spring. carried aut by using ordinary farm equipment.
A plantation can be viable for 30 years before Efficiency will depend very much on the type
the need for replanting, this is according to of soil and crop establishment efficiency.
productivity stalks.

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 41

Fig. 2. Plantations of energy willow and harvesting method

Willow roots, which are fibrous in nature, they perennial, providing ideal conditions for its
penetrate deep into lands drainage and therefore it establishment will benefit by having good first and
is recommended that willow to be planted at least at following harvests.
30 m away from any drains which are considered Weed control is a critical part of crop
important. When choosing an area must be establishing. The complete eradication of all
considerd the life of the drainage system in invasive perennial weeds is essential before
connection with a projected life of willow culture. planting. One or two applications of herbicide
To ensure economic efficiency of the culture based on glyphosat in concentrations well
must consider at least 3 ha for each plot. The best established, must be made in summer/autumn prior
plots are those that minimize the need for short to planting. Ideal first application of herbicide
lengths of the lines or require changes in direction should be mid-summer followed by another
during field operations. The choice of lands that can application to control any renewal fall weeds. An
be economically harvested is crucial. For easy additional application before spring planting may
operations would be ideal a plane terrain or with a be needed on some lands. Appling herbicides only
slope of max. 7%. It is recommended that the slope in spring will not be highly efficient.
of the land does not exceed 15%. If the land required will be needed scarifying to
There must be ways to access for all the a depth of 40 cm to decompact the soil. Then it is
necessary equipment available during the needed to be make a plowing to a depth of 25 cm
establishment or harvesting of culture (Fig. 2). and leave during autumn/winter.
Width of access roads must be at least 4.5 m, but if On light land a spring plowing is better to be
it creates new ways to access it is recommended done. Loosening the soil should be done
that this width to be 7.5 m. It must be taken into immediately before planting.
account the height of bridges or weight supported Sludge, prepared manure, or other organic
by access roads where necessary. The ideal areas fertilizer with low nitrogen content can be
for the transfer or storage of the crop must be incorporated into the soil before plowing. This is
adjacent to plantation areas. especially beneficial on light soils where moisture
will increase retention and help conditioning the
Requirements on the structure of planting site soil.
If rabbits are present, they must be kept away
The structure of the planting site must take from the plantation at least the first two years until
account of operational requirements. Wedge heads the first harvest, to allow the crop to mature after
are required of min. 8 m in width at both ends to the stage when is vulnerable. In this purpose special
allow vehicles to turn. Where will be used a single fences may be raised against rabbits.
trailer, or the harvesters have included a trailer, the
length of rows should be restricted to max. 200 m Conclusions
to avoid the need to go in reverse along the rows for
download. Where there will be present two or more In Romania there are over 40 years experience
trailers teh rows can be longer. However, where in planning and reintroducing in the economic
applicable treatments using liquid sludge from a circuit of areas degraded by mining.
cord, the maximum line length should be 400 m. So far there have been reintroduced in the
Accessibility of 4 m must be left along the plot economic cycle, with good results, only in the
edges to allow access for vehicles that spreads mining basins of Oltenia, over 3.000 ha.
insecticides against willow beetles. There have been studied over the years
The effective preparation of the soil for willow plantings and adequate crops to the new climate
planting is considered important. Considering that and soil conditions, establishing the best species of
this culture is spread over a long period, is

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42

trees and plants that will be used in future, in areas References:

rebuilt after mining.
Depending on the necessary production of 1. Fodor, D., Baican, G.
lignite to achieve and concrete conditions that will Impact of Mining on the Environment (in romanian),
perform the work of extraction, were planned for INFOMIN Publishing House, Deva, 2001.
the next ten years to be reintroduced in the
2. Fodor, D.
economic circle of surfaces, so as to significantly Exploatarea in cariere a zacamintelor de substante
reduce the gap between the areas of degraded lands minerale si roci utile, Editura CORVIN, Deva 2008.
and those introduced into the economic circuit.
It is expected that future technical plant crops 3. Lazăr, M.
(energy plants in this case) will replace traditional Environmental Restoration (in romanian), Universitas
crops (agricultural, orchards, vineyards and forest) Publishing House, Petrosani, 2001.
as the best option for rehabilitation of degraded
lands and waste dumps from Oltenia mining basin. 4. Lazăr, M.
This version has some economic advantages Rehabilitation of Degraded Lands (in romanian),
Universitas Publishing House. Petrosani, 2010.
but also presents an advantage to align the
environmental and energy policies from Romania 5. Baican, G., Huidu, E., Ianc, I.
to those in European Union in compliance with "Reintroducing in the Economic Circuit of the Areas of
international agreements signed in the last 21 years. Land Affected by the Exploitation of Lignite at CNLO
The recovery of land affected by open pit Tg. Jiu (in romanian), Romania." Trends in the
lignite exploitation in Oltenia - Romania is in Restructuring of Coal Industry in Central and Eastern
progress, so that problems of environmental European countries - 29th-30th, May 2000, Sinaia,
restoration for the Romanian state is one of the key Romania.
concerns.
6. Baican, G., Boldor, C., Ianc, I.
"Rehabilitation of Waste Dumps Resulting from Mining
Lignite in Open Pits from Oltenia Mineral Basin" (in
romanian), IV World Congress of Environmental Mining
25 to 30 June 2001, Baile Felix Romania.

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 43

THE POSITIONAL SYNTHESIS OF THE SLIDER-CRANK MECHANISM

Vasile ZAMFIR*, Horia VÎRGOLICI**, Olimpiu STOICUŢA***

Abstract. In the paper we present the positional The slider-crank mechanism is determined by
synthesis of the slider-crank linkage as part of five geometrical parameters a, r, l, h and φ0. The
mining machines and equipment. same calculus model will be used for determining
them as the one used for the synthesis of the four-
Introduction bar linkage.

The notations in fig. 1 will be used for the The calculation of three parameters
slider-crank mechanism:
Equation (2) will be written as the following
polynomial (similar to that used at the synthesis of
the four-bar linkage):
p 0 + f 0 (ϕ ) + p1 f1 (ϕ ) + p 2 f 2 (ϕ ) = 0 (3)
The case of determining parameters a, h and l (r and
φ0 being chosen arbitrarily)
In order to facilitate calculations, it will be
taken r = 1, considering a, h and l as relative values,
obtained in relation to the crank length r. In this
case the polynomial terms (3) have the following
Fig. 1 The slider-crank mechanism and the parameters expressions:
defining it
⎧ a2 + h2 +1− l2
r – crank AB length; ⎪ p0 =
⎪ 2 (4)
l – connecting rod BC length;
⎨ p1 = − h
a = AA0 - eccentricity value; ⎪p = a
⎪ 2
s = C 0 C - slider displacement against original ⎩

position C0 (variable dimension); ⎧ s2

⎪ f 0 (ϕ ) = + s cos( ϕ 0 + ϕ )
h = A0 C 0 - parameter indicating the initial ⎪ 2 (5)
⎨ f 1 (ϕ ) = s + s cos( ϕ 0 + ϕ )
position C0 of the slider A0 (constant dimension); ⎪ f (ϕ ) = sin( ϕ + ϕ )
φ0 – crank initial positioning angle, considered ⎪ 2 0
⎩
counterclockwise (constant dimension);
φ – crank rotation angle, measured in the same The remaining calculations are similar to those
direction with φ0, against the line AI (variable in the case of the four-bar linkage.
dimension). The case of determining parameters a, r and l (h and
The function to be approximated is the φ0 being chosen arbitrarily)
following: s = F(φ). Parameter h will be considered equal to unit
The mechanism position equation is obtained (h=1), and a, r, l taken as relative values in relation
writing the contour vectorial equation: to h.
l =a+h+r−s (1) In this case, the terms of polynomial (3) have
the following expressions:
Squaring, we get: ⎧ p0 = r 2 + a 2 + 1 − l 2
s2 + h2 − 2sh − 2rhcos(ϕ0 + ϕ) + 2rscos(ϕ0 + ϕ) + ⎪
(2)
⎨ p1 = 2r (6)
+ 2arsin(ϕ0 + ϕ) + r + a − l = 0
2 2 2 ⎪ p = 2ar
⎩ 2
____________________________________ ⎧ f 0 (ϕ ) = s 2 − 2 s
* Prof.eng. Ph.D – University of Petroşani ⎪
⎨ f1 (ϕ ) = (1 − s ) cos(ϕ 0 + ϕ ) (7)
**Lect. Ph.D - Univ. „Spiru Haret” Bucureşti ⎪ f (ϕ ) = sin(ϕ + ϕ )
*** Asist.eng. Ph.D – University of Petroşani ⎩ 2 0

Then we proceed as in the preceding case.

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44

The calculus of four parameters The coefficient p4 being expressed as product

of the coefficients p2 and p3, the system will be
Determining parameters a, r, h and s (φ0 being non-linear in pj; j=0,1,2....
chosen arbitrarily)
Parameter φ0 is chosen arbitrarily. In this case The calculus of five parameters
the interpolation polynomial is the following: In this case, the position equation is similar to
the equation in the case of the four-bar linkage:
p0 + f 0 (ϕ) + p1 f1 (ϕ) + p2 f 2 (ϕ) +
(8) p0 + f 0 (ϕ) + p1 f1 (ϕ) + p2 f 2 (ϕ) +
+ p3 f 3 (ϕ) + p4 f 4 (ϕ) = 0 (13)
+ p3 f 3 (ϕ) + p4 f 4 (ϕ) + p5 f 5 (ϕ) = 0
and the terms used in relation (8) have the
appearance: The terms have the expressions:
⎧ f 0 (ϕ ) = − sin ϕ
⎧ l2 − r2 − a2 − h2 ⎪ f (ϕ ) = s 2
⎪ p0 =
2r ⎪ 1
⎪ p1 = − a ⎪⎪ f 2 (ϕ ) = s (14)
⎪ ⎨
⎪ p2 = h (9) ⎪ f 3 (ϕ ) = s cos ϕ
⎨ ⎪ f 4 (ϕ ) = cos ϕ
⎪ l
p3 = − ⎪
⎪ r ⎪⎩ f 5 (ϕ ) = sin ϕ
⎪ hl
⎪ p4 = p2 p3 = − ⎧ a2 + r2 + h2 − l2
⎩ r ⎪ 0 p =
⎪ 2 r sin ϕ 0
⎧ f 0 (ϕ ) = − s cos(ϕ 0 + ϕ ) ⎪p = − 1
⎪ f (ϕ ) = sin(ϕ + ϕ ) ⎪ 1 2 r sin ϕ 0
⎪ 1 0 ⎪ (15)
⎪ f (ϕ ) = − cos(ϕ + ϕ ) ⎪ h
⎨ 2 (10) ⎨ p2 = −
2
0
⎪ r sin ϕ 0
⎪ f (ϕ ) = s ⎪ p 3 = ctg ϕ 0
⎪ 3 2 ⎪ p = a − h ctg ϕ
⎪ f (ϕ ) = − s ⎪ 4 0
⎩ 4
⎪ p = p p − p 2 (1 + p 2 )
The coefficient p4, being a combination ⎪⎩ 5 3 4
2 p1
3

between coefficients p2 and p3, the system (10)

In this case coefficient p5 is a combination of
becomes non-linear in pj; j=0,1,2....
four coefficients p1, p2, p3, p4, and the functions fi(φ)
The case of determining parameters a, r, l and φ0 have a simple structure.
(h being chosen arbitrarily) Then we proceed as in the previous case.
Parameter h is chosen arbitrarily. Functions Remark. The calculation sequence for each
sin(φ0+φ) and cos(φ0+φ) are developed in equation case develops as follows:
(2). After ordering and grouping, the terms are - The abscissas of the interpolation nodes φj
identified with those of the interpolation are chosen arbitrarily on the interval (φ0,
polynomial (8). The following expressions are φm) or by Chebyshev spacing;
obtained for the terms involved: - The mechanism position equations are
⎧ l2 − r2 − a2 written for these points, obtaining linear
p
⎪ 0 = systems in the coefficients pj, j=0,1,2,...,
⎪ 2 ar cos ϕ 0
1 which are solved;
⎪p =
⎪ 1 2 ar cos ϕ 0 - After the calculation of the coefficients pj,
⎪ (11)
⎨ p 2 = − tg ϕ 0 j=0,1,2,..., the geometrical parameters
⎪ required in each case are found. For
1
⎪ p3 = example, for the case of five parameters,
⎪ a finding them has the following sequence:
⎪ p = − tg ϕ 0 = p p
⎪⎩ 4 a
2 3
⎧ϕ 0 = arc ctg p 3
⎪ 1
⎧ f 0 (ϕ ) = sin ϕ ⎪r =
⎪ f (ϕ ) = (h − s ) 2 ⎪⎪ 2 p1 sin ϕ 0
⎪⎪ 1 (16)
(12) ⎨h = − p 2
⎨ f 2 (ϕ ) = cos ϕ ⎪ p1
⎪ f (ϕ ) = (h − s ) cos ϕ ⎪ a = p + hp
⎪ 3 ⎪ 4 3
⎪⎩ f 4 (ϕ ) = (h − s ) sin ϕ ⎪⎩l = a + r + h − 2 rp 0 sin ϕ 0
2 2 2

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 45

- The magnitude of the structured error is a + sin(ϕ 0 + ϕ )

calculated (as it has been calculated for the cos γ = (21)
l
four-bar linkage). In order to do it, the real
displacement of the slider from the initial From relation (21), knowing that
position C0 is first found, using the − 1 ≤ sin(ϕ 0 + ϕ ) ≤ 1 , we deduce:
following relation (fig.1):
a) For a > 0:
sr = h − r cos(ϕ0 +ϕ) ± l − [a + r sin(ϕ0 +ϕ)] (17) a +1 a −1
2 2
cosγ min = ; cosγ max = (22)
l l
- The value of the function to approximate
s=F(φ0+φ) is calculated; b) For a < 0:
- The condition that the approximation a +1 1− a
deviation should satisfy the relation is
cos γ min = − ; cos γ max = (23)
l l
checked:
Writing down the value of the allowable
max Δs = s − s r ≤ Δs a (18) transmission angle with γad and knowing that the
cosinus function sign is of no importance, we infer:
where Δsa is the allowable deviation.
l cos γ ad ≤ a + 1 (24)
Supplementary conditions In order to have a crank, the alignment
As in the case of the four-bar linkage for the condition of the pairs B, A, C must be fulfilled (see
slider-crank, too, it is required that the relative fig. 3):
length of the elements should be within two limits L a < l −1 (25)
1
and , while the minimum transmission angle If condition (25) is not fulfilled, the mechanism
L will be of the slider-lever type.
should not be less than the minimum allowable From the inequalities (24) and (25) it results
value. that for the slider-crank mechanism, the following
Moreover, the crank condition is checked. inequalities are to be fulfilled so as to have a crank
Let us consider the crank length equal to unit, and available transmission angle:
r=1. The other relative lengths of the mechanism
elements have to verify the following inequalities: l cos γ ad ≤ a + 1 < l (26)
⎧ l
⎪a ≤ L; a ≥ L
⎪⎪ 1 (19)
⎨a ≥ l≤ L
⎪ L
⎪a ≤ L ⋅ l; l ≥ 1
⎪⎩ L
The transmission angle of the mechanism γ is
shown in figure 2. This is formed between the
direction of point C absolute velocity VC and the
direction of relative velocity VCB.

Fig. 3 The crank condition for the slider crank

mechanism

Numerical example

Let us synthesize a slider crank mechanism for

5 accuracy points, for the function:

Fig 2. Slider-crank transmission angle F (ϕ ) = 1.145916 ⋅ arctg (0.853531 ⋅ ϕ ) (27)

From Fi it results: on the interval φ0=00, φm=800.

r sin(ϕ 0 + ϕ ) + a = l sin(90 0 − γ ) (20)

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46

Solution The abscissa of the interpolation nodes are

chosen by Chebyshev spacing:
⎧ ϕ0 + ϕm
⎪ϕ3 = = 400
2
⎪
⎪ϕ = ϕ − ϕ m − ϕ0 cos π = 1,9580
⎪ 1 3
2 10
⎪ (28)
⎪ ϕ m − ϕ0 3π
⎨ϕ 2 = ϕ3 − cos = 16, 4890
⎪ 2 10
⎪ ϕ m − ϕ0 3π
⎪ϕ 4 = ϕ3 + 2 cos 10 = 63,511
0

⎪
⎪ϕ = ϕ + ϕ m − ϕ0 cos π = 78, 0420
⎪⎩ 5 3
2 10 Fig. 5 The error curve
The system (13) (with the explanatory relations
References
(14) and (15)) of five linear equations with five
unknowns p j , j = 0,4 is solved, obtaining the 1. Artobolevski, I.I., Levitski, N.I., Cercudinov, S.A.
solutions: Sintez ploskia mehanizmov, Fizmatigiz, Moskva, 1959.
⎧ p0 = 0.879 2. Beleţki, V
⎪ Rasciot mehanizmov maşin avtomatov piscevâh
⎪⎪ p1 = 0.572 proizvodstv, „Vişa scola”, Kiev, 1974.
(29)
⎨ p2 = −1.773 3. Cercudinov, S.A.
⎪ p = 1.194 Sintez ploskih şarnirnorîciajnîh mehanizmov, Iz-vo
⎪ 3
Academii Nauk S.S.S.R., Moskva, 1959.
⎩⎪ p4 = 0.314
4. Dancea, I.
The unknown geometrical parameters of the Programarea calculatoarelor numerice pentru
synthesize linkage are calculated with relations (16) rezolvarea problemelor cu caracter tehnic şi de
in the following sequence: cercetare ştiinţifică, Ed. Dacia, Cluj-Napoca, 1973.
⎧ϕ0 = 72.5480 5. Hartenberg, R.S., Denavit, I.,
⎪ Kinematic Synthesis of Limkage, McGraw-Hill Series in
⎪r = 0.916
⎪ (30) Mechanical Engineering, New York.
⎨h = 1.549
⎪a = −0.392 6. Lazaride, Gh., Stere, N., Niţă, C.
⎪ Mecanisme şi organe de maşini, Ed. Didactică şi
⎪⎩l = 1.362 Pedagogică, Bucureşti, 1970.
Taking n values, inclusively the values of the 7. Sarkisean, Iu.L, Cecean, G.S.,
nodal abscissa of si on the interval [s0,sm], with Optimalnîi sintez peredatocinovo cetîrzvenika, Maşino-
relation (17) the value of displacement sr can be beledenie, nr.3, 1969.
determined and then it is found the value of 8. Tesar, D.
deviation The Generalized Concept of Three Multiply Separated
Positions in Coplanara Motion, Journal of
Δs ( si ) = f ( si ; a, r , l , ϕ0 , h) − F ( si ), i = 1, n (31)
Meechanisms, vol.2, 1967, p.461-474.
whose magnitude is compared to the values of the
9. Tesar, D.
allowable deviation Δsa, relation (18). In fig 4.are
The Generalized Concept of Four Multiply Separated
represented the approximate and approximated Positions in Coplanara Motion, Journal of
functions (which are, practically identical). Meechanisms, vol.3, 1968, p.11-23.
10. Zamfir, V., Albăstroiu, P.
Mecanisme şi organe de maşini. Partea I. Mecanisme,
Litografia Institutului de Mine, Petroşani, 1975.
11. Zamfir, V.
Sinteza mecanismelor cu bare articulate plane (Note de
curs), fasciculele 1-5, Litografia Institutului de Mine,
Petroşani, 1976, 1977.

Fig. 4 The approximate and approximated functions

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 47

BOOK REVIEW

GRAVEL PITS AND QUARRIES

(in romanian BALASTIERE ŞI CARIERE)

Author Prof.eng. Ph.D DUMITRU FODOR

For some time now, it has become necessary to develop a work meant to complete the gaps of the
specialized literature of the mineral rocks and useful rock exploitation and beneficiation field.

Why? Because there are more than 2,000 gravel pits and useful rock quarries in Romania, at
present, some of them being of national importance while others are regionally and locally
important and more than 150 millions of mineral rocks and useful rocks are being mined out on
annual basis.

Who else, if not Prof. Ph. D Engineer Dumitru Fodor, could have filled this gap?

The founder of the Romanian school of open pit mining , the author of numerous specialized books,
well-known at national and international level for his contribution to the mining sciences , professor
Dumitru Fodor, member of the Romanian Academy of Technical Sciences gives us the paper
Gravel Pits and Quarries addressed to all those who want to learn more about quarry exploitations,
and particularly to the technical – engineering staff of production, research and designing
institutions who wish to improve their knowledge in the field of gravel pits and raw material and
useful mineral quarries.

The paper deals, theoretically and practically, with the vast theme of mineral rock and useful rocks
exploitation and beneficiation of gravel pits and useful rock quarries in compliance with the newest
achievements of world mining science and techniques.

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48

With an original remarkable structure, the paper includes all the notions and instruments which
someone need to become an expert of mineral rock and useful rock exploitation and beneficiation.

Although the author has not made a distinct separation within the paper, it has been noticed that it is
divided in four parts – the paper having 475 pages and 20 chapters.

The first part is presenting general issues and contains some geological considerations, a
presentation of the main categories and types of rocks and mineral raw materials used in different
fields of activity, general data about the quarries, dimensions of geometry elements of the benches,
quarry opening, preparation and exploitation, trenching, etc.

The second part deals only with the gravel pits and all the issues which could raise the interest of an
investor in this field of activity: formation of placer deposits, exploitation methods, equipments,
mining technologies (mechanized, draglines) official instructions and loading of sands, gravel and
ballast.

The third part which represents a significant component of the paper deals with the hard useful rock
quarries, addressing the prospecting, exploration, exploitation and extraction as blocks and
monoliths using either the explosives or mechanized equipments , their processing and use in
different fields of activity up to their haulage.

As for the four part of the paper, it deals with environmental protection and the author is presenting
several solutions to work out the management of waste resulted at the gravel pit and quarry
exploitation, work security and occupational health within these mining projects and the
presentation of the legislative requirements and regulations concerning the useful rock prospecting,
exploration and exploitation .

To make the paper useful and accessible to the skilled reader, the author, in his well – known
manner, attached to the written part, several drawings, sketches and pictures as well as numerous
relevant synthesis tables. It is to be noted that the calculation formulas which could not be missing
from such a paper, have been so well simplified and explained that they are accessible even to those
who are not engineers.

The whole paper is easy to read, it can be understood by all those who want to consult it, but it is
particularly valuable for those who want to start up or continue their activity in the field of mineral
and useful rocks exploitation.

Finally, I can only thank Professor Dumitru Fodor for he offered a new book to us all who are
operating in the beautiful and indispensable mining sector.

Prof.eng. Ph.D Mircea Georgescu

University of Petroşani

Revista Minelor - Mining Revue no. 3 / 2011