Rebar Bolt Research Articles

Anchoring mechanical characteristics of Ductile-Expansion bolt

The application of ductile rock bolts has been a crucial method for solving the problems of large deformations, energy absorption and stability control issues in deep rock masses. To study the anchoring mechanism of the key expansive structure, this paper proposes a novel type of bolt — the Ductile-Expansion bolt, and conducts research on anchoring mechanics, energy absorption characteristics, and failure modes of the bolt. In addition, this paper defines the concept of load-volume ratio of metal rock bolts and proves the Ductile-Expansion bolt is capable of better improving the unit volume bearing capacity of the bolt material. Furthermore, laboratory and field tests verify the Ductile-Expansion bolt had better anchoring effect than the traditional rebar bolt, with the expansion structure favorably enhancing the ductility and energy absorption performance of the bolt. Finally, this paper microscopically analyzes the crack propagation and distribution morphology of the bolts by establishing a 3D coupled numerical model based on FDM-DEM. Numerical results illustrate the interface at the variable diameter of the Ductile-Expansion bolt serves as the transition zone between high and low stress levels. The expansion structure can impose radial compression on the medium around the bolt, which can improve the bolt anchorage performance.

Bolting control of a coal roadway under multi-seam mining – a case study

The stress field of the roadway under multi-seam mining is complex due to multiple mining disturbances. The bolting control of the roadway under multi-seam mining has attracted wide concern. Moreover, conventional metal supporting materials in the coal rib are prone to sparks when shearer works, and new bolting materials are urgently needed. Taking a track roadway under multi-seam mining in China as the engineering case, the mining-induced stress field of the track roadway under multi-seam mining was investigated through numerical simulation and lab and field tests. The test evaluated the mechanical behaviour of FRP bolts and rebar bolts, as well as their anchorage performance under different conditions. Comparative analysis was conducted on the deformation and failure characteristics of the roadway under different bolting parameters to determine an optimised bolting scheme for the track roadway in the I011501 working face. The results show that the goafs and the remaining coal pillars in the overlying coal seams increase the stress in the track roadway in the I011501 working face, especially for the lower rib and roof. The tensile force of the 27 mm-diameter FRP bolt is 1.2 times that of the 22 mm-diameter rebar bolt. The shear strength of the full-length anchored FRP bolt is 70.8% higher than that of the end-anchored bolt. The peak stress of the full-length-anchored bolt is in the shallow coal and rock mass. The optimised bolting scheme of the track roadway subject to multi-seam mining is determined, and the cost of the optimised bolting scheme is lower by about 25.2%, as compared with the primary bolting scheme. Numerical simulation and field application results indicate that the optimised bolting scheme can significantly reduce the deformation and plastic failure of the track roadway in the I011501 working face, which is under multi-seam mining conditions.

Anchorage performance of a new rebar bolt under different surrounding rock strength and borehole depth

The theory and technology of rock bolting are fundamental research topics for strata control in civil and mining engineering. Rebar bolts are commonly used for roadway primary support in underground coal mine. To adapt to deep resource mining, a new left threaded rebar bolt has been developed. Compared to conventional rebar bolts, the result of installation test showed that the new bolt reduced of 41.5% and 57.9% in stirring resistance force and torque, respectively. In laboratory pullout tests, PVC and aluminum sleeves were used to simulate weak and medium strength surrounding rocks. The average peak pullout force, displacement at the peak load and energy absorption increased by 27%, 107% and 108%, respectively, using PVC sleeve; and increased by 113%, 109% and 212%, respectively, using aluminum sleeve. Field tests were conducted under soft coal, hard coal and medium strength rock geo-conditions. Different borehole depths were selected to precisely calculate the average anchorage performance of the new bolt. Results showed that the average peak pullout force of the new bolt increased by 37%, 38% and 28%, respectively, under different surrounding rock conditions. Moreover, based on on-site test results, the pullout curves in field-testing were summarised and classified into 6 different patterns, which were discussed from a viewpoint of causality mechanism. The research findings validate that the newly developed bolt has better anchorage performance compared to conventional rebar bolts, making it a new anchorage material for deep resource mining.

Необходимость и область применения нержавеющих анкеров

Corrosion wear of the rock bolt elements with loss of their bearing capacity is sometimes observed in operation of the rock bolt support. Studies carried out in the mine workings secured with resin grouted rebar bolts allowed us to determine the patterns of corrosion wear of the rock bolt elements and measures to prevent it. Development of the rock bolt element corrosion is observed when they are moistened. The probability of free water content in the roof rocks increases with the growth of rock fracturing. The rate of the corrosion process increases with a decrease in the hydrogen index of water. Analysis of possible ways to prevent rock bolt support failures caused by the corrosion wear revealed that the most economical of them is the application of anti-corrosion coatings on the rock bolt support elements. Technical requirements were developed for the means of anti-corrosion protection of the metal rock bolt supports, they were selected among the anti-corrosion means available in the market of the Russian Federation, and their mine tests were carried out as the anti-corrosion coatings of the rock bolts in the most aggressive mine environment. According to the results of the mine tests, one anti-corrosion medium was identified that successfully passed the tests. The anti-corrosion coating created with this medium did not fail, corrosion failure of the rock bolt support elements was not observed. According to the test results, it was concluded that the anti-corrosion coating can prevent the failure of the rock bolt support operation. The field of application for stainless rock bolts is mine workings with long service life of the rock bolt support when the roof rocks are saturated water which pH < 7. The economic effect of using the rock bolts with anti-corrosion coating would amount to 6.6 million rubles/km. On average, only 4.2% of the rock bolts supplied to mines should have an anti-corrosion coating. It is possible to predict the need for the use of stainless rock bolts before driving the mine working, which will allow determining the necessary volume of their purchase in advance.

Analysis of the impact of the combined use of rebar bolts and FRP bolts in the roadway enclosure

In order to investigate the support effect of the combination of FRP bolts and rebar bolts in the roadway, taking a coal mine as the background of the project, research and analysis of the engineering geological conditions of the mine and the layout of the mining roadway, stress analysis of the roadway peripheral rock, and put forward the combination of rebar and FRP bolts in the roadway peripheral rock support program. Based on different scenarios, FLAC3D was applied to simulate and analyze the distribution of axial force, maximum principal stress of the surrounding rock, yield damage of the surrounding rock, and displacement of the surrounding rock under three conditions: no support, full rebar bolt support, and combined rebar and FRP bolt support. The results show that (1) In the pre-action period between the bolt and the surrounding rock of the roadway, the FRP bolt carries the force first; in the late action period, the rebar bolt and the FRP bolt carry the force together. (2) From the analysis of the stress concentration degree of the maximum principal stress of the roadway surrounding rock, the horizontal displacement of the roadway surrounding rock and the distribution characteristics of the plastic zone of the roadway surrounding rock, it can be concluded that the support strength of FRP bolts is slightly lower than that of rebar bolts. (3) Under the state of combined support of FRP and rebar bolts, the range of plastic zone of surrounding rock in the roadway is analyzed in comparison with the effect of full rebar bolt support, and the range of reduction of plastic zone of surrounding rock is not obvious, and the effect of full rebar bolt support and combined support of FRP and rebar bolts on controlling the damage of surrounding rock is similar. (4) The side part of the roadway perimeter rock mining adopts FRP bolts instead of rebar bolts, and if the FRP bolts are not damaged, the combination of FRP and rebar bolts can be used for support, which can maintain the stability of the roadway perimeter rock.

Study on the relationship between the maximum anchoring force and anchoring length of resin-anchored bolts of hard surrounding rocks based on the main slip interface

The critical anchoring length of the hard rock bolt anchoring system is relatively short, which is prone to problems such as the designed anchoring length being too short to achieve the expected anchoring force, or the excessive anchoring length, which causes waste of resin cartridges. Therefore, predicting the maximum anchoring force for a specific anchoring length is of substantial significance for the design of bolt support parameters design and surrounding stability control. Herein, laboratory experiments, theoretical analysis, and in-situ test are implemented to explore the relationship between the maximum anchoring force and the anchoring length for the bolt anchoring system. The achieved results reveal that the slip failure of the bolt-resin interface (B-R interface) is the main failure mode of the hard rock anchoring system. In the presence of the main slip interface condition (i.e., assuming that the anchoring system fails only at the B-R interface) and for specific values of bolt diameter and elastic modulus, the maximum anchoring force does not depend on the strength of the surrounding rock, but only the anchoring length. The proposed relational model based on the main slip interface of the maximum anchoring force and anchoring length can successfully break the strength limit or surrounding rock type to utilize more experimental data acted upon by various surrounding rock conditions. According to the relational model, the relational curve and function for the maximum anchoring force in terms of the anchoring length of the Φ20 mm rebar bolt are obtained. It is found that the obtained relational curves have high accuracy through in-situ verification and comparison with the curves proposed by other researchers. The research results could provide solid theoretical references for the maximum anchoring forces prediction and bolt support parameters design.

Mechanical behaviour of fiber-reinforced grout in rock bolt reinforcement

Grouted rock bolts subject to axial loading in the field exhibit various failure modes, among which the most predominant one is the bolt-grout interface failure. Thus, mechanical characterization of the grout is essential for understanding its performance in ground support. To date, few studies have been conducted to characterize the mechanical behaviour of fiber-reinforced grout (FRG) in rock bolt reinforcement. Here we experimentally studied the mechanical behaviour of FRG under uniaxial compression, indirect tension, and direct shear loading conditions. We also conducted a series of pullout tests of rebar bolt encapsulated with different grouts including conventional cementitious grout and FRG. FRG was developed using 15% silica fume (SF) replacement of cement (by weight) and steel fiber to achieve high-strength and crack-resistance to overcome drawbacks of the conventional grout. Two types of steel fibers including straight and wavy steel fibers were further added to enhance the grout quality. The effect of fiber shape and fiber volume proportion on the grout mechanical properties were examined. Our experimental results showed that the addition of SF and steel fiber by 1.5% fiber volume proportion could lead to the highest compressive, tensile, and shear strengths of the grout. The minimum volume of fiber that could improve the mechanical properties of grout was found at 0.5%. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated that steel fibers act as an excellent bridge to prevent the cracks from propagating at the interfacial region and hence to aid in maintaining the integrity of the cementitious grout. Our laboratory pullout tests further confirmed that FRG could prevent the cylindrical grout annulus from radial crack and hence improve the rebar's load carrying capacity. Therefore, FRG has a potential to be utilized in civil and mining applications where high-strength and crack-resistance support is required.

Anchorage performance of large-diameter FRP bolts and their application in large deformation roadway

In underground coal mines, fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) bolt is ideal for mined rib reinforcements as it can prevent gas explosions caused by shearer frictional spark. With increasing mining depth, small diameter FRP bolts used in shallow underground mining cannot fulfil the rib support requirements. Under the engineering background of deep underground shortwall mining in Wudong coal mine, this paper systematically studies Φ27 mm FRP bolt support for large deformation coal rib. Specimens with a fan-shaped cross-section were used to enable the tensile testing of the bolt rod, the measured average tensile strength of the studied FRP bolt was (486.1 ± 9.6) MPa with a maximum elongation of 5.7%±0.6%. The shear strength of the bolt was measured as approximately 258 MPa using a self-made double shear testing apparatus. Based on the equivalent radial stiffness principle, a laboratory short encapsulation pullout test (SEPT) method for rib bolting has been developed undertaken consideration of the mechanical properties of the coal seam. Results showed that the average peak anchorage forces of the Φ27 mm FRP bolt and Φ20 mm steel rebar bolt were 108.4 and 66.4 kN, respectively, which were agreed with the theoretical calculations and field measurements. Based on theoretical analysis of the loading states of the bolt under site conditions, bolting method of full-length resin grouting was adopted to offset the weaknesses of the FRP bolt. Numerical method was employed to compare the bolting effect using Φ27 mm FRP bolts and steel rebar bolts. Large diameter FRP bolting was determined as the optimum rib support scheme to increase the productivity of the coal mine and to enhance the ground control capability for +425 level mining roadways. This study provides the laboratory testing design and theoretical prediction of large diameter FRP bolts used for rib support in large deformation roadways.

Numerical Simulation Study on Influence of a Structural Parameter of D Bolt, an Energy-Absorbing Rock Bolt, on its Stress Distribution

A D bolt, an energy-absorbing rock bolt, is a smooth steel bar with a number of anchors along its length. The anchors, which can be spaced evenly or unevenly along its length, are firmly fixed within a borehole using either cement grout or resin, while the smooth sections of the bolt between the anchors may freely deform in response to rock dilation. A series of numerical simulations have been conducted using the finite difference method to investigate the effects of D bolt on the displacement increase of rock mass around a roadway in comparison with normal fully encapsulated rebar. As a result, the displacement of 49 mm at the top of roadway roof in the D bolts supported model is much larger than 30.08 mm in the fully encapsulated rebar bolts supported model so that the former is capable of absorbing potential deformation energy of rock mass around a roadway to tolerate the large deformation of rock. Plans of spacing arrangement of D bolt’s anchor have a significant effect on stress redistribution of the bolt. The numerical simulation result shows that for the D bolt with its whole length of 2.4 m, the length of its exposed section of 0.1 m, and the 4 anchors with the length of 0.1 m, the maximum tensile stress of 3.25 GPa generated in the D bolt with the ratio of the spacing between anchors (RSA) of 30 : 40 : 50 : 70 is lower about 1.13–1.31 times than the other D bolts with different ratio of spacing, and the changing range of stress is also the smallest, where the ratio of 30 : 40 : 50 : 70 indicates a ratio of lengths of deformable sections which is determined by turns from the innermost section of rock mass around roadway to the outermost section of roadway space. This study demonstrates that it is reasonable to employ the RSA of D bolt which makes it bring out its energy-absorbing capability to the full.

Laboratory study of the effects of grouted rebar bolts on shear failure of structural planes in deep hard rocks

Rock hazards induced by shear slip along discontinuities are often encountered in deep hard rock excavations. At present, grouted rebar bolts are still the most widely used supporting tools in underground engineering. However, as the in-situ stress increases, the anchoring effect of bolts on rock discontinuities change significantly compared with that in a shallow environment. It is of great significance to study the influence of rebar bolts on the shear failure characteristics of structural planes under high stress to ensure the safety of engineering construction at deeper depths. In this study, shear tests were conducted on split granite structural planes secured with bolts under various normal stresses to investigate the supporting effect of the rebar bolts on the hard rock structural planes under high stress. The stress, deformation, acoustic emission, and rock failure characteristics in the tests were fully investigated and analyzed, and the effects of the rebar bolts on the dynamic failure of the hard rock structural plane and a simplified model were investigated through comparison with the shear failure characteristics of unreinforced granite joints. The experimental results show that when a bolt is inserted through a highly stressed granite structural plane, before the bolt fractures, it can change the slip mode of the structural plane from stick-slip to stable-slip, which effectively delays the occurrence of shear-induced dynamic failure. After the bolt fractures, the interaction between the bolt and structural plane causes the stress drop events to increase, but it greatly weakens the energy emitted by a single shear stress drop, thus effectively reducing the intensity and destructiveness of the dynamic failure during shearing. The findings of this study have significant implications for the management and control of structural-slip rock hazards in deep rock tunnels.

Geotechnical Considerations Associated With The Poatina Power Station Cavern

The Poatina Power Station Cavern was designed with a focus on the newly emerging rock mechanics theory and principles that were rapidly developing during the 1950’s and 60’s. This included measurement of the in-situ rock mass stress condition and photo-elastic analysis of the induced stress around the planned underground openings. These studies led to the adoption of many ‘firsts’ in rock mechanics that included a trapezoidal roof shape, installation of stress relieving slots and fully encapsulated grouted rebar bolts. Based on historical documentation of the construction of the cavern, a three- dimensional numerical model of the cavern construction sequence has been developed. The model is able to provide an accurate match to the observed and monitored ground conditions during construction that includes observed failure modes and instrumentation data. Based on the calibrated model outcomes, Hydro Tasmania was able to undertake a more informed review of the risks associated with the current and future ground support capacity and were able to reliably assess rehabilitation requirements for the cavern support system.

Evaluation of the performance of yielding rockbolts during rockbursts using numerical modeling method

The assessment of yielding rockbolt performance during rockbursts with actual seismic loading is essential for rockburst supporting designs. In this paper, two types of yielding rockbolts (D-bolt and Roofex) and the fully resin-grouted rebar bolt are modeled via the “rockbolt” element in universal distinct element code (UDEC) after an exact calibration procedure. A two-dimensional (2D) model of a deep tunnel is built to fully evaluate the performance (e.g., capacity of energy-absorption and control of rock damage) of yielding and traditional rockbolts based on the simulated rockbursts. The influence of different rockburst magnitudes is also studied. The results suggest that the D-bolt can effectively control and mitigate rockburst damage during a weak rockburst because of its high strength and deformation capacity. The Roofex is too “soft” or “smooth” to limit the movement of ejected rocks and restrain the large deformation, although it has an excellent deformation capacity. The resin-grouted rebar bolt can maintain a high axial force level during rockbursts but is easy to break during dynamic shocks, which fails to control rapid rock bulking or ejection. Three types of rockbolts cannot control the large deformation and mitigate rockburst damage effectively during violent rockbursts. The rockburst damage severity can be significantly reduced by additional support with cable bolts. This study highlights the effectiveness of numerical modeling methods in assessing the complex performance of yielding rockbolts during rockbursts, which can provide some references to improve and optimize the design of rock supporting in burst-prone grounds.

Experimental and Field Investigations on the Impact-Resistance Mechanical Properties of Negative Poisson’s Ratio Bolt/Cable

Abstract Dynamic impact tests of negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) and rebar bolts under different impact wavelengths were carried out using a self-developed NPR bolt tensile impact test system. Additionally, a field anti-impact test using blasting was performed to simulate rockburst, and the field anti-impact characteristics of the NPR and conventional cable were compared and analysed. The experimental test results revealed that the peak impact force of the NPR and rebar bolts was inversely proportional to the wavelength. The NPR bolt underwent only constant resistance structural deformation, and the rod body did not break. The rebar bolt body fractured and necked. Under the same impact wavelength, the impact force and elongation of the two bolt types were proportional to the impact velocity. Compared with the greater peak impact force of the rebar bolt, the NPR bolt output structure deformation reduced the peak impact force. At the same impact velocity, as the wavelength increased, the impact force of the NPR bolt decreased rapidly, and the number of peaks also decreased. The impact force peak value of the rebar bolt was high, the impact force-time curve had multipeak characteristics, and no apparent rapid attenuation occurred. The field test results indicated that the NPR cable could produce slip deformation under the action of an explosion impact force to absorb the impact energy and that it had special mechanical properties to maintain a constant resistance. Under the same equivalent blasting impact energy, the conventional cable test section collapsed completely. The NPR cable test section was stable overall, verifying that the NPR cable had better impact-resistance mechanical properties than conventional cable. The research results provide a reliable basis for the effectiveness of NPR bolts/cables in preventing rockbursts.

Evaluation of the Effects of Yielding Rockbolts on Controlling Self-Initiated Strainbursts: A Numerical Study

In this paper, a 2D distinct element method (DEM) model of a deep tunnel in an underground coal mine is built to thoroughly evaluate the effects of yielding (D-bolt and Roofex) and the traditional rockbolt (fully resin-grouted rebar) on controlling self-initiated strainbursts. The occurrence of self-initiated strainbursts is judged based on the stiffness difference between the loading system and rock masses for the first time. The results suggest that the total deformations of the tunnel supported with Roofex and resin-grouted rebar are 1.53 and 2.09 times that of D-bolts (1411 mm). The average velocities of detached rock blocks in the tunnel supported with Roofex and resin-grouted rebar are 3.22 and 3.97 m/s, respectively, which are much higher than that of D-bolts (0.34 m/s). 13 resin-grouted rebar bolts are broken during the strainburst, while D-bolts and Roofex survive. Compared with Roofex (295.16 kJ) and resin-grouted rebar (125.19 kJ), the D-bolt can reduce the most kinetic energy (469.30 kJ). D-bolt and resin-grouted rebar can maintain high axial force levels (214.87 and 151.05 kN) during strainbursts. Both Roofex and resin-grouted rebar fail to control strainbursts. The bolt number significantly influences the control effects of yielding rockbolts on strainbursts. 9 and 12 D-bolts cannot control the strainburst, while 15 and 18 D-bolts can make the tunnel stable. In addition, the detachment and ejection of rocks between rockbolts can be well restrained using surface retain elements, e.g., steel arch. This study highlights the usage of numerical modeling methods in assessing the performance of yielding rockbolts, which can be served as a promising tool to improve and optimize the design of rock supporting in burst-prone grounds.

Synergistic resin anchoring technology of rebar bolts in coal mine roadways

The resin anchoring process is a critical aspect of coal mine roadway support, but presently faces several serious challenges. For example, resin s cannot be properly broken and mixed, often leak, and their density and circumferential thickness values frequently deviate from the design values. This results in a reduced effective anchorage length and prevents the correct application of a high pretension force. To address these issues, this study presents a systematic analysis of the anchoring characteristics of roadway bolts including theoretical calculations, a detailed analysis on the influence of mixing density, mixing parameters, and pretension force on the anchoring performance, and a primary focus on the components and mechanism within synergistic anchoring technology. Numerical simulations are performed following the orthogonal experiment method to optimize and determine the synergistic component structural parameters, and laboratory tests are conducted to compare and analyze the modes of the combined synergistic component use. The working performance of the synergistic anchoring technology is comprehensively verified using field tests. The results show that the anchoring system’s bearing strength, yield displacement, bearing time, and energy absorption capacity are greatly improved when using a combination of the synergistic components. Bolts applied in the field using the proposed synergistic anchoring technology produce significantly higher anchoring force and pretension moment values than ordinary bolts, exceed the engineering requirements, and produce a good overall anchoring effect. A high pretension force can be applied to enhance the support capacity, ensure the bolt resin anchor quality for coal mine roadways, and improve the roadway bearing capacity under static and dynamic loading, which have high practical significance and application value.

Failure analysis and control measures of deep roadway with composite roof: a case study

There is great variation in the lithology and lamination thickness of composite roof in coal-measure strata; thus, the roof is prone to delamination and falling, and it is difficult to control the surrounding rock when developing roadway in such rock strata. In deep mining, the stress environment of surrounding rock is complex, and the mechanical response of the rock mass is different from that of the shallow rock mass. For composite-roof roadway excavated in deep rock mass, the key to safe and efficient production of the mine is ensuring the stability of the roadway. The present paper obtains typical failure characteristics and deformation and failure mechanisms of composite-roof roadway with a buried depth of 650 m at Zhaozhuang Coal Mine (Shanxi Province, China). On the basis of determining a reasonable cross-section shape of the roadway and according to the failure characteristics of the composite roof in different regions, the roof is divided into an unstable layer, metastable layer, and stable layer. The controlled unstable layer and metastable layer are regarded as a small structure while the stable layer is regarded as a large structure. A superimposed coupling support technology of large and small structures with a multi-level prestressed bearing arch formed by strong rebar bolts and highly prestressed cable bolts is put forward. The support technology provides good application results in the field. The study thus provides theoretical support and technical guidance for ground control under similar geological conditions.

An Equivalent Radial Stiffness Method of Laboratory SEPT on Anchorage Performance Prediction of Rockbolts under Different Field Geoconditions

The short encapsulation pull-out test (SEPT) is extensively used in rockbolting research or engineering. The field SEPT is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and its result is only applicable to the tested in situ. The laboratory SEPT is usually employed in theoretical rockbolting research due to its easily controlled variables. However, the design of laboratory SEPT is quite different, as there is no standard testing method, resulting in the applicability and limitations of each study not being clear. Accordingly, the aim of this paper is to bridge the gap between laboratory SEPT research and field application. On the basis of thick-walled cylinder theory, a mechanical model of a rock bolt subjected to axial load was established under consideration of the deformational behavior of confining materials around the bolt. Plane stress analysis was introduced to derive the analytical relationship between the axial force of the bolt and the deformation of the confining materials. A new approach of laboratory SEPT sample design was established, namely, equivalent radial stiffness theory, to simulate anchorage performance in a specific in-situ geocondition. Consequently, the field SETP could be replaced by laboratory testing using properly designed bolting samples with a certain level of accuracy. In addition, the application scope of previous laboratory SEPT research could be accurately defined. Laboratory SEPT was carried out to study the anchoring performance of right spiral rebar bolts under different confining materials. Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC) tubes with a thickness of 31 mm, #60 aluminum (Al) tubes with a thickness of 5.8 mm, and #20 steel tubes with a thickness of 5.5, 7.0 mm were used in sample preparation to simulate soft, medium, and hard surrounding rocks in the field. The anchorage performance of the bolt under different geoconditions was systematically proposed, which provides a technical approach for similar research using different anchoring materials. A negative exponential expression formulating the axial load capacity of the right spiral bolts for the full spectrum of the surrounding rocks’ strength was derived on the basis of theoretical analysis and data regression. It can be used for preliminary reinforcement design, as well as the accurate key parameter setting in the numerical calculation of roadway deformation using right spiral bolts. The theoretical prediction is highly consistent with the testing results in the literature, which confirms the validity and reliability of this research. This study contributes to the establishment of a laboratory SEPT standard in rock mechanics.

Failure Characteristics and Stability Control of Bolt Support in Thick-Coal-Seam Roadway of Three Typical Coal Mines in China

Roadways in thick coal seams are widely distributed in China. However, due to the relatively developed cracks and brittleness of coal, the support failure of thick-coal-seam roadways frequently occurs. Therefore, the study of bolt failure characteristics and new anchoring technology is very important for the safety control of thick-coal-seam roadways. Based on field observations, the failure mechanism of selected roadway failures under distinct conditions at three representative coal mines in eastern and western China was analyzed. Recommendations are provided for roadway safety control. The results show that the strength and dimension of the anchoring structure in the coal roof of thick-coal-seam roadways are the decisive factors for the resistance of the roadway convergence and stress disturbance. The thick anchoring structure in the roof constructed by flexible long bolts can effectively solve the problem of support failure caused by insufficient support length of traditional rebar bolts under the condition of extra-thick coal roof and thick coal roof with weak interlayers. The concepts and techniques presented in the paper provide a reference for the design of roadway support under similar geological conditions and dynamic load.

Experimental study on anchorage performance of rockbolts by adding steel aggregates into resin anchoring agents.

Pull-out testing was carried out to evaluate the effects of shape, size and concentration of steel aggregates on anchorage performance. Steel grit with particle sizes of 1.5, 2.0, and 2.8 mm and steel shot diameters of 1.4, 2.0, and 2.5 mm were used as steel aggregates and were added into the resin anchoring agent. For each kind of steel aggregate, either 30, 40 or 50 aggregates were used to evaluate the effects of different steel aggregate densities. Anchorage specimens were prepared using ϕ20mm rebar bolts and steel sleeves. Compressive and shear strengths of resin containing steel aggregates, the pullout curve, and the circumferential strain of the sleeves were measured, and the energy consumption was calculated. Results show that compressive and shear strengths of resin containing steel grit and steel shot are increased by 8.4%-17.0% compared to pure resin. For the aggregate numbers of 30, 40 and 50, the anchoring force is increased by 7.9%, 7.5% and 6.5%; energy consumption is increased by 19.2%, 15.0% and 18.6%; and the circumferential strain of the specimen is increased by 28.4%, 25.1% and 39.5%, respectively. The effect of aggregate size on anchoring performance is significant; that is, the aggregate sizes of 1.4~1.5, 2.0 and 2.5~2.8 mm increase the anchoring force, energy consumption and sleeve circumferential strain by 8.5%, 4.6% and 8.7%, 16.0%, 8.4% and 28.4%, and 17.9%, 23.3% and 51.9%, respectively. The relationships of the anchoring force, energy consumption, and circumferential strain with steel aggregate quantity and size are formulated. Results show that the addition of steel aggregates increases the compressive and shear strengths of the resin, and steel aggregate quantity and size have significant impact on anchoring performance. This paper provides the basis for optimization of resin anchoring agents used in the mining industry. The impact of anchoring agent shear strength and residual shear strength on the anchoring effect were also discussed based on the failure analysis of the anchoring section.

Pull-out and Critical Embedment Length of Grouted Rebar Rock Bolts-Mechanisms When Approaching and Reaching the Ultimate Load

Rock bolts are one of the main measures used to reinforce unstable blocks in a rock mass. The embedment length of fully grouted bolts in the stable and competent rock stratum behind the unstable rock blocks is an important parameter in determining overall bolt length. It is required that the bolt section in the stable stratum must be longer than the critical embedment length to ensure the bolt will not slip when loaded. Several series of pull tests were carried out on fully grouted rebar bolts to evaluate the pull-out mechanics of the bolts. Bolt specimens with different embedment lengths and water/cement ratios were installed in either a concrete block of one cubic meter or in steel cylinders. Load displacement was recorded during testing. For some of the bolts loaded beyond the yield load, permanent plastic steel deformation was also recorded. Based on the test results, three types of failure mechanisms were identified, corresponding to three loading conditions: (1) pull-out below the yield strength of the bolt steel; (2) pull-out between the yield and ultimate loads, that is, during strain hardening of the steel; and (3) steel failure at the ultimate load. For failure mechanisms 2 and 3, it was found that the critical embedment length of the bolt included three components: an elastic deformation length, a plastic deformation length and a completely debonded length due to the formation of a failure cone at the borehole collar.