Pine Mountain Settlement School » Country: USA » Location: KY » Commodity: Coal In 2000 Morgan Worldwide (MW) was retained by Pine Mountain Settlement School (PMSS) to conduct a pre-blast survey of the architecturally unique and historical structures located on the PMSS campus in Harlan County, Kentucky. PMSS is on the National Register of Historic Places and many of the buildings located on the campus were constructed in the early 1900s to educate the mountain people. The encroaching surface mine operation was a cause for concern due to the blasting that would occur during the process of removing coal. The campus is located near a thrust fault zone and over intensely deformed rock, making the effects of blast induced vibrations unpredictable. MW conducted a detailed survey of both interior and exterior features of each building, making certain to well document these national treasures. Eighteen buildings were inspected to record their existing conditions in the event that damage from blasting would occur. The pre-blast survey consisted of documentation of photographs and videotape, measurements, and descriptions of walls, ceilings, floors, foundations, and other internal and external features of each building. A comprehensive report was produced outlining areas that may be sensitive to seismic activity and containing suggestions for maintenance and or renovation activities to improve the current condition of the buildings. After completing the survey, the data was compiled using web design software to present the hundreds of photos and findings in an organized manner. The web page proved to be very effective in conveying the data and clearly identifying the current conditions of the buildings. © 2004 Morgan Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved | Contact