BRE IP10/06 PDF

Introduction

Mining has taken place at some time in every county in England and Wales over many centuries. However, records are available only from the latter part of the 19th century and, in some cases, surface subsidence provides the first evidence of the presence of such mine workings. Abandoned mine workings are often unstable and liable to collapse without warning. They can also blight land by deterring investment and maintenance. Many occur in built-up areas where they constitute a significant risk to property and public safety.

Since the 1970s, many disused underground mine workings have been successfully stabilised by filling with grouts based on pulverised-fuel ash (pfa) and Portland cement (PC) to prevent surface collapse. Similar volumes of disused workings will need to be filled in coming years as pressure grows on land for development.