Seam thickness is one of the most important parameters for reserve estimation of a lignite deposit. This paper addresses a case study on fuzzy estimation of lignite seam thickness from spatial coordinates. From the relationships between input (Cartesian coordinates) and output (thickness) parameters, fuzzy clustering and a fuzzy rule-based inference system were designed. Data-driven fuzzy model parameters were derived from numerical values directly. In addition, estimations of the fuzzy model were compared with kriging estimations. It was concluded that the performance of the fuzzy model was more satisfactory. The results indicated that the fuzzy modeling approach is very reliable for the estimation of lignite reserves.
C1 Inonu Univ, Dept Min Engn, TR-44280 Malatya, Turkey.
Cukurova Univ, Fac Engn & Architecture, Dept Min Engn, Adana, Turkey.