royfellows
Well-known member
This is the final report on the 14fthm project as unfortunately its game over.
The project was started in 2015 after regaining the 14 fathom by installing fixed ladder up from adit level. Inbye the level was blocked by an enoumous fall, but it was possible to scramble up above the fall material to an area at the far end that had a draught. Although very unstable I that the area could be secured with steel and concrete. Initial efforts revealed that beyond the obvious fall area there had been a major slip of material which had filled in the original passage below and in effect, created a new passage at a slightly higher level. Therefore efforts were concentrated on securing the area with steel and concrete and sinking a winze at the end to regain the passage proper. Working there I became increasingly aware of the unstable nature of the area and there were several falls, one of which I very narrowly escaped as it happened while I was working under the area, but noted movement in time to get out.
I eventually halted the project due to safety concerns and discovering that the passage beyond appeared to be watered out anyway as I was digging out runny mud. Yet another fall finished this off, but I moved the sinking project forward a short distance after successfully sealing off a loose area above. Yes another fall was cleared but with growing concern I decided to halt the project and leave it for a while to see if anything moved.
Revisiting this Sunday I find a massive collapse including a boulder that must weigh over a ton. This has bent large diameter scaffold tube.
It is theoretically possible to clear this but the are too many issues. I was running out of room for stacking material which was being sandbagged, there is the safety aspect, and also the likelihood that the passage beyond is impassable anyway. So that is it.
I would strongly advise against anyone taking up this project as its likely that doing so will give the term "coffin level" a whole new meaning.
I will eventually write a full paper on the project for general interest.
The project was started in 2015 after regaining the 14 fathom by installing fixed ladder up from adit level. Inbye the level was blocked by an enoumous fall, but it was possible to scramble up above the fall material to an area at the far end that had a draught. Although very unstable I that the area could be secured with steel and concrete. Initial efforts revealed that beyond the obvious fall area there had been a major slip of material which had filled in the original passage below and in effect, created a new passage at a slightly higher level. Therefore efforts were concentrated on securing the area with steel and concrete and sinking a winze at the end to regain the passage proper. Working there I became increasingly aware of the unstable nature of the area and there were several falls, one of which I very narrowly escaped as it happened while I was working under the area, but noted movement in time to get out.
I eventually halted the project due to safety concerns and discovering that the passage beyond appeared to be watered out anyway as I was digging out runny mud. Yet another fall finished this off, but I moved the sinking project forward a short distance after successfully sealing off a loose area above. Yes another fall was cleared but with growing concern I decided to halt the project and leave it for a while to see if anything moved.
Revisiting this Sunday I find a massive collapse including a boulder that must weigh over a ton. This has bent large diameter scaffold tube.
It is theoretically possible to clear this but the are too many issues. I was running out of room for stacking material which was being sandbagged, there is the safety aspect, and also the likelihood that the passage beyond is impassable anyway. So that is it.
I would strongly advise against anyone taking up this project as its likely that doing so will give the term "coffin level" a whole new meaning.
I will eventually write a full paper on the project for general interest.