RISK ASSESSMENT OF SURFACE STRUCTURAL DAMAGE DUE TO MINING SUBSIDENCE- AN INTEGRATED COMPUTER-BASED APPROACH

An outline is given of the development of an integrated computer-based approach that combines a program for the prediction of ground movemen t with a knowledge-based expert system to assess surface structural da mage from mining disturbance. The expert system, Called ESDAS (expert structural damage assessment system), Was developed to evaluate damage due to mining subsidence in the form of risk and in all three vital c ontributing components-i.e. mining factors, site factors and structura l factors. The system uses a risk-assessment technique based on certai nty; factors to predict the Likely damage to a particular structure th at is subjected to mining subsidence. A previously developed program f or prediction of ground movement, SWIFT (subsidence with influence fun ction techniques), has been combined with the expert system to allow t he mining factor to be more accurately determined for a broader range of mining layouts. Since SWIFT can be calibrated to any particular coa lfield by utilizing local subsidence data, it is believed that the int egrated computer system could be used in any coalfield worldwide for t he assessment and control of damage risks due to mining subsidence.