What is a strong brick wall built to seal underground excavations known as?

A strong brick wall built to seal underground excavations is referred to as a stopping. This structure is specifically designed to create a physical barrier within a mine, primarily to control airflow and separate different areas of the mine for ventilation purposes. Proper ventilation is crucial in mining operations to ensure the safety and health of miners by controlling harmful gases and dust, and stoppings play an essential role in maintaining these conditions.

Stoppings are often built to ensure that ventilation flows effectively to where it is needed, and they can be used to isolate hazardous areas, thereby protecting miners from potential dangers. The use of stoppings is a common practice in underground mining operations to enhance safety and ensure a safe working environment.

While choices like barrier and sealant may seem relevant, they do not specifically relate to the mining context or the precise definition of a stopping. A barrier is a general term that could apply to various contexts, and sealant typically refers to a material used to fill gaps, not a structure. Likewise, wall partition does not convey the same meaning or specialized purpose that stoppings have in mine ventilation.