rock reinforcement
Atlas Copco rock bolts for mining
Modern computer-based geotechnical monitoring techniques
indicate that the greatest relaxation or movement of the rock mass
occurs immediately following excavation. They confirm that, after
a certain period, the rock will establish a new equilibrium based
on its own inherent self-supporting capacity. The best quality rock
will remain self-supporting for extensive periods of time without the
need for extra support. As the rock quality declines, support require-
ments increase proportionally. The poorer the quality of the rock, the
greater the degree of support required, and it becomes increasingly
Pre-calculated
maximum
deformation
Energy absorber
(a sliding element)
46 underground mining methods
crucial to install reinforcement as quickly and as close to the face
as possible after excavation. Engineers involved in the design of
rock reinforcement systems must satisfy ever increasing demands
to optimize the design to gain maximum safety and economy. The
primary objective in the design of the support system is to assist
the rock mass to support itself. Accordingly, quality and time are
the two main parameters which must be taken into account when
determining the type of rockbolt to be used for rock reinforcement,
in both mining and construction applications.
Swellex
The Swellex concept entails that the rock is secured by immediate
and full support action from the Swellex bolts. The moment the
Swellex bolt is expanded in the hole, it interacts with the rock to
maintain its integrity. The quality of the bolt installation is auto-
matically confirmed when the pump stops, and is independent of
rock mass conditions or operator experience. Controllability means
safety! The Swellex rockbolts are designed to optimize the effective-
ness of each bolt, so the bolting operation matches the required
safety levels as planned by the engineers. See pictures to the left.
Roofex
Roofex features a high quality steel bar inside a smooth plastic shea-
thing which is fixed inside the borehole with cement or resin grout.
The bolt also has an energy absorber which functions as a sliding
element over the steel bar. This allows the bolt to extend outwards
during sudden displacements such as rock burst or seismic events while
still providing constant load capacity. This capability makes the Roofex
rock bolt especially suitable for developing new, deep underground
excavations in poor quality rock or in areas where rock burst or sei-
smic events are frequent. The bolt can be produced in standard lengths
typically used in mining and tunnelling, and the displacement capa-
city can be pre-selected during manufacture. See picture below.
Mathias Lewén
Pre-calculated
maximum
deformation
1. Roofex at
installation
Energy
2. absorbing
phase
Roofex at
3. max load
and max
deformation