schakt

Schakt is a Dutch term meaning a shaft, a vertical or near-vertical opening that provides access between the surface and underground spaces. In mining, civil engineering, and water-management projects, a shaft serves for hoisting, ventilation, drainage, and service access. The word is cognate with the German Schacht and the English shaft.

Shafts come in vertical and inclined forms and vary in diameter and depth depending on use. They are used to reach ore bodies, to ventilate or pump groundwater, or to provide access to underground infrastructure such as tunnels or subway stations. Common components include a headframe at the surface, a shaft lining to support the walls, and a cage or lift for people and materials. In smaller installations, a simple borehole might be used with a temporary casing; larger projects use reinforced concrete or steel linings.

Construction methods include sinking or boring to the desired depth, with repair and lining as required. Headframes, winches, cables, and hoists are installed at surface; the shaft is provided with ventilation ducts, ladders or cages, lighting, and drainage or pumping systems. Safety measures include support systems, gas and water monitoring, proper access control, and emergency exit provisions.

Modern practice emphasizes geotechnical assessment, risk management, and regulatory compliance. Shafts must be designed to resist ground movement, water inflow, and possible rockfalls; closure and sealing are required when shafts are decommissioned. The term is commonly used in Dutch mining and civil engineering contexts and is closely related to the German Schacht and the English shaft.