The transverse loading requirement for stoppings as specified in the current Code of Federal Regulations is 39 psf. This measure is based on physical testing of a freestanding wall in accordance with ASTM E 72 specifications, where the dominant parameter is the tensile strength of the sealant. A new protocol based on rigid arching is proposed to determine the true transverse load capacity of stoppings. Arching is achieved by the restraint of the stopping against the mine roof and floor, whereby compressive forces are developed within the wall. A laboratory procedure using the NIOSH Mine Roof Simulator (MRS) to simulate rigid-arching of stoppings was developed and verified through full-scale in-mine tests. The rigid arching tests have demonstrated transverse load capacities more than an order of magnitude higher than the current 39-psf requirement. More importantly, the load capability is dependent on the physical properties of the block and not the sealant. vi

Program-Assisted Analysis of the Transverse Pressure Capacity of Block Stoppings for Mine Ventilation Control Timothy J. Batchler Previously a new test procedure, based on rigid arching, had been developed to determine the true transverse pressure capacity of mine ventilation block stoppings. Using this test procedure, a parametric study of the design parameters was tested to determine the arching capability in block stoppings. Theoretical assessments of arching and design equations were developed creating design guidelines based on the physical properties of the block stoppings. Based on these design guidelines, a computer program was developed to simulate the transverse pressure capacity of mine ventilation block stoppings. Inputs from users will generate a set of representative scenarios simulating a particular system. Users can incorporate block characteristics, mine opening dimensions, mine roof/floor boundary conditions addition of deformable materials and other parameters relevant to the design capabilities of the block stoppings. This program will provide a comparison summary of transverse pressure capacity of various block types under arch loading conditions. iii Dedication This thesis is dedicated to my daughter Marion and my wife Johnna who have supported me all the way since the beginning of my studies and has been a great source of motivation and inspiration. From the formative stages of this thesis, to the final draft, I owe an immense debt of gratitude to my supervisor, Dr. Thomas M. Barczak. His sound advice and careful guidance were invaluable.