Physical testing of rock support for rockbursting conditions has been carried out for over 40 years. A review of this testing shows that it has been mostly component–based, rather than actually testing support systems. Further, it is concluded that none of ...

Each year more than 400 coal miners are injured (fatal and non-fatal) by rock falling from between or around roof supports. Many of these injuries could be prevented by the installation of roof screen (wire mesh). However, many coal mines may be reluctant ...

This paper presents the preliminary results of a laboratory testing program aimed at assessing the impact energy dissipation capability of a new rock bolt. The results represent the most up to date findings at this current time. In situ field tests are still ...

The shotcrete – rock interaction is very complex and is influenced by a number of factors. The influence of the following factors was investigated by a series of numerical analyses: the surface roughness of the opening, the rock strength and Young´s modulus, ...

An effective prototype face support system to minimise rockfalls in rockfall-prone mines was developed and patented during a project sponsored by the Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC). An experimental development model (XDM) roof support unit was developed ...

The paper describes an R& D programme carried out on Cempak, a proposed stope support system for deep, tabular, hard rock gold and platinum mines; which looks in particular into the issue of convergence after attainment of peak load. Cempak fundamentally ...

Foamed cement packs offer a viable alternative to conventional timber or other forms of packs for permanent underground support. These packs comprise steel mesh and hoop containment with an outer bag for the grout; woven, laminated polypropylene fabric being ...

Limestone formations in the United States can be subject to relatively high horizontal stresses owing to the existence of tectonic loading of the limestone strata. Underground limestone mines use the room-and-pillar method, in which 12- to 18-m-wide rooms ...

The paper describes an R&D programme carried out on Filpak, a proposed means of gully support in stopes using backfill as local and regional support. Filpaks fundamentally comprise sheets of ductile welded steel mesh fixed in horizontal array at the ends ...

Block Cave mining is one method used to extract ore from underground diamond mines as well as other massive orebodies such as copper. This necessitates the excavation of many kilometers of tunnel within the ore body. The integrity of these excavations needs ...