Design of permanent block stopping to resist strata convergence.

Strata convergence will cause cracks and joint openings in masonry stoppings, resulting in significant air leakage losses. Where the problem is severe complete structural failure of the stopping can ultimately occur. Ideally, a stopping should maintain high resistance to air flow, while yielding to strata convergence. By incorporating a polyisocyanurate rigid foam material within the masonry block structure, stopping service life can be increased in mines experiencing strata convergence problems such as floor heave, roof loading, and lateral rib movement.
Strata convergence will cause cracks and joint openings in masonry stoppings, resulting in significant air leakage losses. Where the problem is severe complete structural failure of the stopping can ultimately occur. Ideally, a stopping should maintain high resistance to air flow, while yielding to strata convergence. By incorporating a polyisocyanurate rigid foam material within the masonry block structure, stopping service life can be increased in mines experiencing strata convergence problems such as floor heave, roof loading, and lateral rib movement.