What determines the height and width of a bench?

What determines the height and width of a bench?

• A. The equipment used in the operation to be performed
• B. The soil type
• C. The weather conditions
• D. The depth of the coal seam

Answer: (A)

The height and width of a bench are determined by the equipment used in the operation to be performed. The bench must be sized to fit the largest piece of equipment that will work on it, taking into account its digging reach, loading height, and turning radius so material can be cut and moved efficiently without overreaching or collisions. The width also needs to provide safe clearance for the machine to operate, plus room for haul trucks to maneuver and for rock to break and fall without overflowing the edge. Other factors influence the overall plan but don’t set the primary dimensions. Soil type affects stability and the type of support required, weather conditions can impact footing and drainage and may necessitate adjustments, and the depth of the coal seam influences how many benches and the total height of the benching plan, but not the fundamental per-bench height and width.

The height and width of a bench are determined by the equipment used in the operation to be performed. The bench must be sized to fit the largest piece of equipment that will work on it, taking into account its digging reach, loading height, and turning radius so material can be cut and moved efficiently without overreaching or collisions. The width also needs to provide safe clearance for the machine to operate, plus room for haul trucks to maneuver and for rock to break and fall without overflowing the edge.

Other factors influence the overall plan but don’t set the primary dimensions. Soil type affects stability and the type of support required, weather conditions can impact footing and drainage and may necessitate adjustments, and the depth of the coal seam influences how many benches and the total height of the benching plan, but not the fundamental per-bench height and width.