A slow, continuous deformation of the mine roof, floor, and pillars under lithostatic pressure. Unlike a sudden collapse or rockburst, a squeeze happens gradually as the surrounding strata yield and creep into the excavated void. It can crush timber supports, buckle steel sets, and heave the floor upward, eventually closing off entire drifts if left unchecked.
Heard on the job
We've a bad squeeze developing in panel four, and the floor has heaved almost two feet since yesterday.
Insider tip
A squeeze often gives warning signs, such as the loud cracking of timber supports or the flaking of pillar ribs.
Also heard as
- creep
- weighting