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.
Kids
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. Therefore, trees help to keep the air clean. They also produce oxygen, which we need to breathe. Forests are also home to many animals and plants that live there. When we protect forests and plant trees, we are helping not only 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 forests healthy and clean.
The forest and climate protection
Forests play a crucial role in protecting our climate. Trees are like large air filters because they absorb carbon dioxide from the air, which is harmful to the environment and affects the climate. By absorbing this gas, they help to keep the air clean. At the same time, they produce the oxygen, which we need to breathe. Forests are also important habitats for the many animals and plants that live in them. Protecting forests and planting trees helps to ensure that our environment remains healthy, and that we continue to have fresh air to breathe.
The forest and climate protection
Forests play a vital role in the global ecosystem and are therefore extremely important for climate protection. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, from the air. This helps to improve air quality. At the same time, they produce the oxygen, which we need to breathe. As well as being natural air purifiers, forests are an important habitat for a large number of plant and animal species. Therefore, the protection and sustainable management of forests is crucial for preserving biodiversity and mitigating the negative effects of climate change. By protecting and respecting forests, we are helping to ensure that our environment remains healthy and that future generations can experience unspoilt nature.
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