ARMPS (Analysis of Retreat Mining Pillar Stability) is software for designing pillars for room-and-pillar retreat mining.
ARMPS calculates stability factors based on estimates of the loads applied to, and the load-bearing capacities of, pillars during retreat mining operations. The program can model the significant features of most retreat mining layouts, including angled crosscuts, varied spacing between entries, barrier pillars between the active section and old (side) gobs, and slab cuts in the barriers on retreat. It also features a pillar strength formula that considers the greater strength of rectangular pillars.
ARMPS has been updated following a study on deep cover retreat mining. New design guidelines for pillar stability are established in this revised version. The program now incorporates a pressure arch loading model that modifies the load distribution to the active retreat mining zone and the barrier pillars. The design recommendations will now take into account the panel width as well as the depth of cover in determining acceptable pillar designs for retreat mining. These improvements provide a more realistic assessment of the ground behavior in retreat mining and enhance the capability to analyze some of the newer mining plans such as those that incorporate bleeder control layouts.
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