Explicit reinforcement models for fully-grouted rebar rock bolts

This paper investigates the explicit use of rock reinforcement in a discontinuous stress analysis model.A series of numerical experiments was undertaken to evaluate the performance of local and global reinforcement models implemented in universal distinct element code(UDEC).This was made possible by calibrating the reinforcement models to the laboratory behavior of a fully-grouted rebar bolt tested under pure pull and pure shear loading conditions.The model calibration focuses on matching different loading stages of the force-displacement curve including the initial elastic response,the hardening behavior and the bolt rupture.The paper concludes with a discussion on the suitability of the different reinforcement models in UDEC including their advantages and limitations.Finally,it addresses the choice of input parameters required for a realistic simulation of fully-grouted rebar bolts.

Responses of jointed rock masses subjected to impact loading

Impact-induced damage to jointed rock masses has important consequences in various mining and civil engineering applications. This paper reports a numerical investigation to address the responses of jointed rock masses subjected to impact loading. It also focuses on the static and dynamic properties of an intact rock derived from a series of laboratory tests on meta-sandstone samples from a quarry in Nova Scotia, Canada. A distinct element code(PFC2D) was used to generate a bonded particle model(BPM) to simulate both the static and dynamic properties of the intact rock. The calibrated BPM was then used to construct large-scale jointed rock mass samples by incorporating discrete joint networks of multiple joint intensities into the intact rock matrix represented by the BPM. Finally, the impact-induced damage inflicted by a rigid projectile particle on the jointed rock mass samples was determined through the use of the numerical model. The simulation results show that joints play an important role in the impactinduced rock mass damage where higher joint intensity results in more damage to the rock mass. This is mainly attributed to variations of stress wave propagation in jointed rock masses as compared to intact rock devoid of joints.

Ground support design for dynamic loading conditions:A quantitative data-driven approach based on rockburst case studies

There are considerable challenges associated with the design of ground support for seismically-active underground mines.It is extremely difficult to establish the demand on ground support as well as the capacity of a ground support system.The resulting dynamic or impact loads caused by mining-induced seismicity are difficult to anticipate and quantify.The performance of a ground support system is defined by the load distribution and interaction between several reinforcement and surface support elements.Consequently,the design of ground support in seismically-active mines tends to evolve,or be modified based on qualitative assessments of perceived performance or response to significant seismic events or rockbursts.This research is motivated by a need to provide quantitative and data-driven design guidelines for ground support systems subjected to dynamic-loading conditions.Rockburst data were collected from three deep and seismically-active underground mines in the Sudbury basin in Canada.The constructed database comprises 209 seismic events that resulted in damage to mine excavations and ground support.These events were associated with damage at 324 locations within the three mines.The developed ground support design strategy,based on these documented case studies,identifies areas where the use of dynamic or enhanced support should be employed.The developed design methodology provides guidelines for the zoning of mine locations in which installation of enhanced support is recommended,the specifications for an optimal ground support system,and the timing or sequence of installation.

Performance of identical rockbolts tested on four dynamic testing rigs employing the direct impact method

Impact drop tests are routinely used to examine the dynamic performance of rockbolts.Numerous impact tests have been carried out in the past decades on independently designed,constructed and operated testing rigs.Each laboratory has developed testing procedures;thus,the results are often reported in different ways by various laboratories.The inconsistency in testing procedures and reporting formats presents a challenge when comparing results from different laboratories.A series of impact tests of identical rockbolts was carried out using the direct impact method(i.e.the mass free-fall method)on the rigs in four laboratories in different countries.The purpose of these tests was to investigate the level of consistency in the results from the four rigs.Each rig demonstrated a high level of repeatability,but differences existed between the various rigs.The differences would suggest that there is noticeable equipment-dependent bias when test results obtained from different laboratories are compared.It was also observed that the energy dissipated for the plastic displacement of the bolt was smaller than the impact energy in the tests.The average impact load(AIL)and the ultimate plastic displacement(D)of the bolt describe the ultimate dynamic performance of the bolt.In the case where the bolt does not rupture,the specific plastic energy(SPE)is an appropriate parameter in describing the impact performance of the bolt.Two other relevant parameters are the first peak load(FPL)and the initial stiffness(K)of the bolt sample.The information from this test series will guide the formulation of standardised testing procedures for dynamic impact tests of rockbolts.