Remote Sensing in Investigation of Engineered Underground Structures

Abstract

Lineaments, linear features visible on remotely sensed imagery, can be used to predict ground control problems in underground structures. Lineaments were used to backpredict hazardous ground conditions in an underground constructed facility, a coal mine in Alabama. The mine property was mapped above and below the surface for fractures and other geologic structural features. Both parametric and nonparametric statistics were employed in correlating field data with information derived from lineament maps. Results showed that fractures observed on the surface dipped vertically and extended to the mine level. Direct correlation of fracture trends with lineament trends was not apparent. However, lineaments were correlated with a change in the local fracture trend from the regional geologic structural trend. This deviation between lineament trend and fracture trend was consistent and statistically significant. Forty-two percent of all roof failures could be directly correlated with lineaments. It was found that the number of roof failures decreased exponentially with distance from a lineament. However, no relationships were found between roof fall occurrences and lineament intersections or lengths.