Crown pillar
nounPronunciation: /kraʊn ˈpɪlər/
The remaining unmined rock or mineral body directly above an underground excavation that serves as structural support for the overlying strata. The stability of crown pillars is critical for preventing subsidence and ensuring safe mine closure.
Plain English
The support column of rock left above underground mine workings to prevent ground collapse.
Etymology & History
Usage
"The geotechnical engineer evaluated the crown pillar stability to determine if the abandoned mine could be safely filled without risking catastrophic subsidence."
Style guide notes: Use 'crown pillar' specifically for mine context; capitalize only when part of proper name.
Also known as
Contrasted with
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
How is crown pillar stability assessed during reclamation?
Engineers use geotechnical surveys, stress analysis, and underground mapping to evaluate structural integrity and safety factors.
What happens if a crown pillar fails during reclamation?
Failure can cause surface subsidence, property damage, and safety hazards requiring emergency stabilization measures.
Why Test Candidates on This?
Crown pillar analysis directly influences reclamation design decisions and determines viability of underground void utilization strategies.
Required skill level: Mid