Impact and explosion resistance of NPR anchor cable: Field test and numerical simulation

Abstract

With the reduction of shallow resources, the degree of damage and the frequency of dynamic hazards, such as deep rock bursts and impact ground pressure, are increasing dramatically. However, the existing support materials are incapable of meeting the safety requirements of the refuges and roadways under a strong impact force. To effectively solve these problems, a novel negative Poisson's ratio (NPR) anchor cable with excellent properties, such as impact resistance and the ability to withstand large deformation, is proposed. In the present study, a series of field tests and numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the mechanical and support characteristics of NPR anchor cables under blast impact. Laboratory mechanical tests show that NPR anchor cables can maintain constant resistance and produce large deformation under the action of multiple drop hammer impacts. According to the results of field tests, the roadway supported by conventional anchor cables was unable to endure the blast impact, while the roadway supported by NPR anchor cables was able to withstand the severe impact equivalent to a Class 3 mine earthquake. The dynamic response of the NPR anchor cable that supports the roadway under explosion is investigated using the innovative coupled modeling approach that combines the finite element method and the discrete element method, and the support effect of the NPR anchor cable is verified. The study shows that the NPR anchor cable has a superior impact and blast resistance performance, and a broad application prospect in the support of chambers and roadways that are at high risk of rock bursts and impact ground pressure.