Which concept is most associated with ensuring structural integrity under weight in mining?

The concept most associated with ensuring structural integrity under weight in mining is "squeeze." Squeeze refers to the phenomenon that occurs when the rock surrounding an excavation deforms and puts pressure on the mine structure. This is particularly critical in underground mining environments, where the stability of the rock mass is essential to prevent collapses and ensure the safety of miners.

In contexts where the weight of overlying rock or changes in the surrounding geology exert stress on the mine's structure, understanding and managing squeeze becomes integral to maintaining safety. This involves careful assessment of rock mechanics, effective support systems, and proactive monitoring to mitigate risks associated with ground movements.

Other options, while important in their own rights, do not directly address structural integrity in the same way. Stoppings relate to the partitioning between different sections of a mine but do not specifically address the underlying issues of rock stability. The role of a supervisor is critical in overseeing operations but is more administrative in nature than directly involving structural integrity. Surface construction projects may involve structural integrity considerations, but they operate outside the underground context that squeeze directly pertains to.