Wood's Role in Mining - Timbering and door frames


Wood has always played a special role in mining. Enormous amounts of it were needed to produce charcoal, to fire roasting and melting furnaces, and also as timber for mineshafts. Local farmers were the wood suppliers. Finally the wood consumption in mining was responsible that entire forests in Pongau were largely cleared.

The choice of wood in mine construction to brace tunnels was crucial. The “timbering support system” had to fi t – and this is where the job title timberman, or carpenter, comes from. Only larch wood was used. This wood was considered unique in terms of its moisture tolerance and longevity. But a second factor – that of “warning” – was also decisive. Larch wood creaks and groans for a long time before it breaks. This was very important to the survival of the miners.

Larch wood was also used for the “door frame”. This version of a rectangular extension of the tunnel, which resembles that of the door frame of a house door, consists of two vertical pit props and a casing above them. This kept the forces acting from above in check quite well.

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The forest and climate protection

Forests are very important for climate protection because they help to keep the earth healthy. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air, which is a gas that contributes to climate change. By absorbing this gas, trees help to keep the air clean. Trees also produce oxygen, which we need to breathe. The forest is also home to many animals and plants that live there. When we protect the forest and plant trees, we not only help the animals and plants, but also ourselves, because the forest plays an important role in keeping our planet healthy. This is why it is so important to keep the forest healthy and clean.

The forest and climate protection

Forests play a crucial role in protecting our climate. Trees are like big air filters because they absorb carbon dioxide from the air, which is harmful to the environment and affects the climate. By absorbing this gas, trees help to keep the air clean. At the same time, trees produce oxygen, which we need to breathe. The forest is also an important habitat for many animals and plants that live there. When we protect the forest and plant trees, we help to ensure that our environment remains healthy and that we continue to have fresh air to breathe.

The forest and climate protection

Forests are of great importance for climate protection as they play an important role in the global ecosystem. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air, which is a greenhouse gas and contributes to climate change. Through this absorption, trees help to improve air quality. At the same time, they produce oxygen, which we need to breathe. The forest is not only a natural air purifier, but also an important habitat for a large number of plant and animal species. The protection and sustainable management of forests is therefore crucial to preserving biodiversity and mitigating the negative effects of climate change. By protecting and respecting the forest, we are helping to ensure that our environment remains healthy and that future generations can experience unspoilt nature.

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