A distribution of pressure over an excavation resembling that in a structural arch, caused by increased pressure on the side walls of the excavation, which act as abutments supporting the strata forming the roof.
Origin
1950s.
Definition of pressure arch in US English:
pressure arch
noun
Mining
A distribution of pressure over an excavation resembling that in a structural arch, caused by increased pressure on the side walls of the excavation, which act as abutments supporting the strata forming the roof.