Automated System to Improve Levelness of Reconstructed Soil

Extraction of coal, ores, and minerals from the earth by surface mining has occurred for many years and has always presented a significant challenge with regard to restoration of productive soil to mined areas. Federal and state regulations require that land should be returned to pre-mine productivity or reclaimed as per specific standards following mining. Excessive compaction of reconstructed soil caused by traffic of heavy earth moving equipment has been an enduring challenge regarding successful restoration of soil. A mechanical system was previously designed and developed to reconstruct soil to a depth of 1.22 m (48 in.) while completely avoiding equipment traffic. This article describes modification of the 'Soil Regenerator' prototype system to increase its capacity and improve levelness of reconstructed soil. The modifications included: a) remounting the blade to facilitate sidewise soil displacement, b) adding a blade extension which is moved by a hydraulic cylinder, and c) installing a soil surface sensing system to control position of the blade extension.