Subsidence Modelling

The original Surface Deformation Prediction System (SDPS) programs were developed by the Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA, USA, in 1987, under the direction of Dr. Michael Karmis. At that time, the SDPS suite of programs was developed as a research tool, rather than as an integrated approach to the prediction of surface deformations. Programs were based on field studies, and the prediction methods were adapted to eastern US mining and geological conditions. The SDPS software has since been modified and updated, in order to facilitate user interaction and has been transformed from a research methodology to an engineering tool for the field engineer and the mine planning team. It also supports methodology suitable for other coalfields in US and other countries.

The software is currently maintained by Dr. Zach Agioutantis, Department of Mining Engineering, University of Kentucky. The authors would like to acknowledge the technical comments, discussions and suggestions of the late Dr. Jesse Craft, Ms. Ann Stewart−Murphy, Dr. Kewal Kohli, Mr. Thomas J. Mastaller, and Ms. Lois Uranowski, Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation and Enforcement. Additional thanks are due to Dr. David A. Newman for his helpful suggestions and to Mr. Greg Hasenfus for his useful comments on ground strains. The contribution of Mr. Kevin Andrews in the development of version 6.0 of this package is greatly appreciated. Special thanks to Dr. Steven J. Schafrik for helping develop and troubleshoot different routines of the SDPS programs and for his technical support all these years.