ABSTRACT
Stresses in coal pillars have been analysed using a model based on the minimization of strain energy. In addition to the deformation of the pillars, the model accounts for deformation of the roof and floor and mechanical interaction between pillars. The model is used to calculate the distribution of stress in isolated pillars and arrays of pillars before any yielding has occurred. The effect of mechanical interaction is studied by changing the spacing between pillars and the spatial geometry of the arrays.
