Investigation of Crack Development and Durability Issues in Buildings Located in Coal Mining Zones: A Case Study of Dhanbad, Jharkhand

Investigation of Crack Development and Durability Issues in Buildings Located in Coal Mining Zones: A Case Study of Dhanbad, Jharkhand

Harsh Raj

B.Tech (NIT Warangal, Telangana)¹

Abstract – The main objective of this study is to investigate the development of cracks and durability problems in buildings located in coal mining zones of Dhanbad, Jharkhand. Dhanbad district is one of the major coal mining regions of India, especially the Jharia Coalfield, where underground coal mining has been carried out for many decades. Continuous mining activities have resulted in ground subsidence, land deformation and instability of soil, which significantly affect nearby buildings and infrastructure. Another objective of this research is to examine the impact of underground coal fires that are burning beneath the surface in several parts of the Jharia coalfield such as Bokapahari, Lodna, Bastacola and nearby areas. These underground fires weaken the ground strata and create voids inside the earth, which may lead to sudden ground settlement and formation of cracks in residential and commercial buildings. The study also aims to analyze the types and patterns of cracks observed in buildings, including residential houses and multi-storey buildings, in mining affected areas such as Jharia, Katras, Baghmara, Sindri and Govindpur. Field observations will help to identify whether the cracks are caused by mining-induced subsidence, soil movement, foundation failure, or structural weaknesses. Another important objective of the research is to assess the structural durability and safety of buildings located in these coal mining zones. The study will evaluate how continuous ground movement, vibration from mining operations, and heat from underground coal fires affect the long-term stability of building foundations, walls and structural elements.

INTRODUCTION:

Dhanbad, Jharkhand is known as the coal capital of India, where large-scale mining activities are carried out in areas such as Jharia, Katras, Baghmara, Lodna, and Bastacola. Many residential settlements are located very close to these coal mines. Continuous mining, underground voids, and long-term coal fires in the Jharia coalfield have caused ground subsidence and soil instability in several locations. Due to these conditions, many buildings near the mining zones are facing serious structural problems such as cracks in walls, foundation settlement, tilting of structures, and land sinking. Houses and even multi-story buildings in some localities have developed visible cracks and structural damage, which indicates the effect of mining-induced ground movement. Areas like Bokapahari, Jharia, Lodna, Bastacola, are often considered danger zones because buildings there are highly affected by subsidence and underground fire. Therefore, it is important to investigate the crack development, structural damage, and durability of buildings located near coal mining areas. This study focuses on understanding the risks faced by buildings in these local areas and suggests possible civil engineering measures to reduce damage.

Keywords: Coal Mining Areas, Building Cracks, Ground Subsidence, Underground Coal Fire.

METHODOLOGY:

This study focuses on coal mining affected areas of Dhanbad, Jharkhand, such as Jharia, Bokapahari, Lodna, Bastacola, Katras, where many residential buildings are located near mining zones. Field surveys of local houses and multi-story buildings will be conducted to observe cracks, settlement, and other structural damages caused by mining activities and underground coal fires. Cracks will be measured, photographed, and recorded, and the history of crack development and land subsidence will be collected from affected buildings. The study aims to understand the causes and risks of building cracks and suggest safer civil engineering practices for construction in mining-affected areas.

Comparison of Building Crack Conditions in Normal and Mining Areas of Dhanbad:

Table: Comparison of Building Crack Conditions.

DATA ANALYSIS:

The comparison of building crack conditions between normal areas and mining areas of Dhanbad shows a clear difference in the severity and causes of structural damage. In mining areas such as Jharia, Bokapahari, Lodna, Bastacola, Katras, and Baghmara, buildings show major structural problems including diagonal wall cracks, vertical cracks, step cracks in brick masonry, foundation settlement, and land subsidence. These damages are mainly caused by mining-induced ground movement, underground coal fires, soil instability, and vibration from mining activities. Some areas like Bokapahari show very high risk because underground fire weakens the ground, leading to severe cracks and sinking of buildings. In contrast, buildings located in normal urban areas of Dhanbad such as Hirapur, Saraidhela, and Bank More mainly show minor defects like hairline plaster cracks or small surface cracks. These cracks are generally caused by normal factors such as temperature variation, material shrinkage, or aging of buildings rather than ground instability. The risk level in these areas remains low because the ground conditions are comparatively stable and there is no direct impact of mining activities. Overall, the data analysis indicates that buildings in coal mining zones experience more severe structural damage compared to buildings in normal areas of Dhanbad. This highlights the significant impact of mining activities, underground fire, and subsidence on the safety and durability of residential structures located near coal mines.

DISCUSSION:

Based on the data analysis and comparison table, a clear difference is observed between the crack conditions of buildngs located in mining areas and those in normal areas of Dhanbad. Buildings situated in coal mining regions such as Jharia, Bokapahari, Lodna, Bastacola, Katras, show more severe structural cracks compared to buildings in normal urban areas like Hirapur, Saraidhela, and Bank More. In the mining areas, different types of cracks such as diagonal cracks, vertical wall cracks, step cracks in brick masonry, and foundation settlement are commonly observed. The major reason for these damages is the continuous mining activities that disturb the underground strata and create ground subsidence. In some places like Bokapahari and Jharia, underground coal fires further weaken the soil and cause land sinking, which increases the risk of structural damage to nearby buildings. As a result, residential houses and even multi-story buildings in these locations are more vulnerable to crack development and structural instability. On the other hand, buildings located in normal areas of Dhanbad mainly show minor defects such as hairline plaster cracks or small surface cracks. These cracks are usually caused by normal factors like temperature changes, material shrinkage, or aging of structures and do not indicate serious structural problems. Therefore, the comparison clearly shows that mining activities have a significant impact on the durability and safety of buildings in nearby areas. Buildings located close to coal mines face higher structural risks due to ground movement, underground fire, and soil instability, which makes proper engineering assessment and preventive measures necessary in these regions.

FINDINGS:

The study shows that buildings located in coal mining areas of Dhanbad such as Jharia, Bokapahari, Lodna, Bastacola, Katras, and Baghmara have more severe cracks and structural damage due to ground subsidence, underground coal fires, and mining activities. In contrast, buildings in normal areas like Hirapur, Saraidhela, and Bank More mainly show minor plaster cracks caused by normal factors such as material shrinkage and aging. The results indicate that buildings near mining zones face higher structural risk and require proper engineering measures for safety and durability.

CONCLUSION:

Based on the data analysis and discussion, it is observed that buildings located near coal mining areas of Dhanbad experience more severe cracks and structural damage compared to buildings in normal urban areas. Mining activities, underground coal fires, and ground subsidence are the major factors causing wall cracks, foundation settlement, and structural instability in these regions. Therefore, proper monitoring and suitable civil engineering measures are necessary to improve the safety and durability of buildings in mining-affected areas.

Study Time Period:

The study was conducted over a period of three months in selected coal mining affected areas of Dhanbad, Jharkhand. During this period, field surveys of local buildings were carried out to observe and record crack conditions and structural damage.

The authors sincerely acknowledge RTBT Infrastructure Developer Pvt. Ltd., Ranchi (www.rtbtltd.com) for their valuable technical support and cooperation during the study on crack development and durability issues in buildings located in coal mining areas of Dhanbad, Jharkhand. The authors also express sincere thanks to the local residents and public of the study areas for their support and cooperation during field surveys and data collection, which helped in the successful completion of this study

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