Energy absorption characteristics of novel high-strength and hightoughness steels used for rock support

Nowadays,the development of novel metallic materials for rock support have attracted research interests since they can significantly improve the deformation and energy absorption capacities of rock bolts.Although previous studies proved the importance and mechanical advantages of utilizing high-strength and high-toughness(HSHT)steels in rock support,there is no systematic analysis to reveal the essential energy absorption parameter and the guidelines for further development of metallic rock support materials.This paper analyzes the energy absorption characteristics of novel HSHT steels(negative Poisson’s ratio(NPR)and twinning-induced plasticity(TWIP)steels)in comparison with conventional rock support materials.A physically based crystal plasticity(CP)model was set up and calibrated to study the effect of strain hardening rate(SHR).Meanwhile,the roles of underlying physical mechanisms,i.e.the dislocation density and twin volume fraction,were studied.The results show that the improvement of energy absorption density(EAD)is essential for further development of rock support materials,besides the increase of energy absorption rate(EAR)for previous development of conventional rock support materials.The increase of EAD requires increases of both strength and deformation capacity of materials.For HSHT steels,the decrease of SHR has a positive effect on the improvement of EAD.In addition,the increase of EAD is followed by the increase of twin volume fraction and the decrease of plastic Poisson’s ratio which can promote deformation plasticity of materials.Meanwhile,the increase of EAR is correlated with the accumulation of dislocation density,which can increase the strength of materials.This paper provides the theoretical basis and guidelines for developing rock support materials in deep underground engineering and other related fields.

Design of rock support system under rockburst condition

As mining and civil tunneling progresses to depth, excavation-induced seismicity and rockburst problems increase and cannot be prevented. As an important line of defense, ground control measures and burst-resistant rock support are used to prevent or minimize damage to excavations and thus to enhance workplace safety. Rock support in burst-prone ground differs from conventional rock support where controlling gravity-induced rockfalls and managing shallow zones of loose rock are the main target. Rock support in burst-prone ground needs to resist dynamic loads and large rock dilation due to violent rock failure. After reviewing the rockburst phenomenon, types of rockbursts, damage mechanisms, and rockburst support design principles and acceptability criteria, this paper describes that the support selection process in burst-prone ground is iterative, requiring design verification and modification based on field observations. An interactive design tool for conducting rockburst support design in underground tunnels is introduced to facilitate cost-effective design.

Principles and methods of rock support for rockburst control

This paper presents the principles of rock support for rockburst control and three rockburst support systems used in deep metal mines.Before the principles of rock support are presented,rock fracture related to strain burst is first discussed with the help of photos taken on site,and the energy sources and transformations during bursting are illustrated through conceptual models.Surface parallel extension fracture usually occurs in the ejected and surrounding rocks in a strain burst event,while the ejected rock in a fault-slip rockburst is often already pre-fractured before the event.There must be excessive release energy available for rock ejection.The excessive release energy comes from both the ejected rock itself and the surrounding rock.To prevent rock ejection in a rockburst,the support system must be able to dissipate the excessive release energy.All support devices in a support system for rockburst control must be able to dissipate energy,be firmly linked,and be compatible in deformability.A support system for rockburst control comprises surface-retaining devices and yield rockbolts as well as yield cablebolts when needed.Laying mesh on the top of shotcrete liner is a good practice to enhance the surfaceretaining capacity of the support system.Energy-absorbing yield rockbolts dissipate energy either by stretching of the bolt shank or by sliding of the inner anchor in the borehole.Mesh,mesh strap and shotcrete are the surface-retaining devices widely used in the current rock support systems.The three types of rock support used for rockburst control at present are soft support system using Split Set bolts,hybrid support system using rebar and two-point anchored yield bolts,and entirely yieldable support system using strong yield bolts.

An Expert System for the Design of Surrounding Rock Support in Mine Entries

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Rock support in strainburst-prone ground

Strainburst is the most frequently encountered type of rockburst in underground mines.Strainburst occurs when the stress near the excavation boundary reaches the peak strength of the rock mass causing it to fail suddenly and violently.To mitigate strainburst damage risk,effective rock support is needed.In strainburst-prone grounds,it is critical to have rock support components to fulfill the role of rock reinforcement first to prevent rock failure.On the other hand,well-retained and reinforced rock masses may be excessively deformed and fail violently.In such a case,yielding elements are needed in the rock support system to absorb the excess strain energy released due to rock failure.The conventional method to support strainburst-prone grounds is to install rock reinforcement system using rebar and mesh first and then install yielding support system using dynamic rockbolts at a later stage.This two-stage rock support installation process is not effective because it can adversely impact mine production schedule.This paper presents a new,patented dynamic rockbolt,which is called superbolt and is developed for rock support in burst-prone grounds.Laboratory testing confirmed that the superbolt has superb capacity to achieve the goal of reinforcing and holding rock masses.The superbolt is characterized by high dynamic energy absorption capacity,consistent performance,and the ability to withstand repeated dynamic loading.The new rockbolt can be used in a one-pass rock support system to facilitate rapid drift development in underground mines and increase mine safety and productivity.

Surrounding Rock Control Technology of Strong Dynamic Pressure Roadway in Hudi Coal Industry

Aiming at the problems of large deformation and difficult maintenance of deep soft rock roadway under the influence of high ground stress and strong dynamic pressure, taking the surrounding rock control of 1105 lane in Hudi Coal Industry as an example, the deformation characteristics and surrounding rock control measures of deep soft rock roadway are analyzed and discussed by means of geological data analysis, roadway deformation monitoring, rock crack drilling and field test. The results show that the main causes of roadway deformation are high ground stress, synclinal tectonic stress, advance mining stress, roadway penetration and surrounding rock fissure development. Based on the deformation characteristics and mechanism of lane 1105, the supporting countermeasures of “roof synergic support, layered grouting, anchor cable beam support, closed hardening of roadway surface” are proposed, which can provide reference for the control of deep roadway surrounding rock under similar conditions.

An experimental study of a yielding support for roadways constructed in deep broken soft rock under high stress

A rationally designed support for deep roadways excavated in broken soft rock under high stress was investigated. The deformation and failure characteristics and the mechanism of ''yielding support'' was studied for anchor bolts and cables. The rail roadway of the 2-501 working face in the Liyazhuang Mine of the Huozhou coal area located in Shanxi province was used for field trials. The geological conditions used there were used during the design phase. The new ''highly resistant, yielding'' support system has a core of high strength, yielding bolts and anchor cables. The field tests show that this support system adapts well to the deformation and pressure in the deep broken soft rock. The support system effectively controls damage to the roadway and ensures the long term stability of the wall rock and safe production in the coal mine. This provides a remarkable economic and social benefit and has broad prospects for fur- ther application.

A study of support strategies in deep soft rock:The horsehead crossing roadway in Daqiang Coal Mine

Geomechanics in deep mines becomes more complex and structural support in soft rock can be very difficult.Highly stressed soft rock subject to expansion deformation is particularly difficult to control.The Tiefa Coal Industry Group Daqiang Coal Mine is used as an example.A ventilation shaft,à550 horsehead,is located in tertiary soft rock.Analysis of the reasons for deformation shows an intumescent rock,which is easily damaged.Field observations and theoretical analysis led to a design capable of stabilizing the rock.A combination of spray,anchors,anchor bolts,and soft corner coupled truss supports allowed the deformation to be controlled.This provides a model for similar designs when support of a horsehead roadway is required.

Optimization of construction scheme and supporting technology for HJS soft rock tunnel

For a soft rock tunnel under high stress in jointed and swell soft rock （HJS）, two construction schemes pilot-tunneling enlarging excavation and step-by-step excavation were optimized using FLAC20, and the deformation effects of the two construction schemes were verified by field tests. Based on engineer- ing geological investigation and mechanical analysis of large deformations, the complex deformation mechanisms of stress expansion and structural deformation of the soft rock tunnel were confirmed, and support countermeasures from the complex deformation mechanism converted to a single type were proposed, and the support parameters were optimized by field tests. These technologies were proved by engineering practice, which produced significant technical and economic benefits.

Tunnel behaviour and support associated with the weak rock masses of flysch

Flysch formations are generally characterised by evident heterogeneity in the presence of low strength and tectonically disturbed structures. The complexity of these geological materials demands a more specialized geoengineering characterisation. In this regard, the paper tries to discuss the standardization of the engineering geological characteristics, the assessment of the behaviour in underground excava- tions, and the instructions-guidelines for the primary support measures for flysch layer qualitatively. In order to investigate the properties of flysch rock mass, 12 tunnels of Egnatia Highway, constructed in Northern Greece, were examined considering the data obtained from the design and construction records. Flysch formations are classified thereafter in 11 rock mass types （I-XI）, according to the siltstone -sandstone proportion and their tectonic disturbance. A special geological strength index （GSI） chart for heterogeneous rock masses is used and a range of geotechnical parameters for every flysch type is presented. Standardization tunnel behaviour for every rock mass type of flysch is also presented, based on its site-specific geotechnical characteristics such as structure, intact rock strength, persistence and complexity of discontinuities. Flysch, depending on its types, can be stable even under noticeable overburden depth, and exhibit wedge sliding and wider chimney type failures or cause serious deformation even under thin cover. Squeezing can be observed under high overburden depth. The magnitude of squeezing and tunnel support requirements are also discussed for various flysch rock mass types under different overburdens. Detailed principles and guidelines for selecting immediate support mea- sures are proposed based on the principal tunnel behaviour mode and the experiences obtained from these 12 tunnels. Finally, the cost for tunnel support from these experiences is also presented.

System dynamics model of the support-surrounding rock system in fully mechanized mining with large mining height face and its application

Fully mechanized mining with large mining height(FMMLMH)is widely used in thick coal seam mining face for its higher recovery ratio,especially where the thickness is less than 7.0 m.However,because of the great mining height and intense rock pressure,the coal wall rib spalling,roof falling and the instability of support occur more likely in FMMLMH working face,and the above three types of disasters interact with each other with complicated relationships.In order to get the relationship between each two of coal wall,roof,floor and support,and reduce the occurrence probability of the three types of disasters,we established the system dynamics(SD)model of the support-surrounding rock system which is composed of"coal wall-roof-floor-support"(CW-R-F-S)in a FMMLMH working face based on the condition of No.15104 working face in Sijiazhuang coal mine.With the software of Vensim,we also simulated the interaction process between each two factors of roof,floor,coal wall and the support.The results show that the SD model of"CW-R-F-S"system can reveal the complicated and interactive relationship clearly between the support and surrounding rock in the FMMLMH working face.By increasing the advancing speed of working face,the support resistance or the length of support guard,or by decreasing the tipto-face distance,the stability of"CW-R-F-S"system will be higher and the happening probability of the disasters such as coal wall rib spalling,roof falling or the instability of support will be lower.These research findings have been testified in field application in No.15104 working face,which can provide a new approach for researching the interaction relationship of support and surrounding rock.

Bolt-grouting combined support technology in deep soft rock roadway

Analyzing the mineral composition, mechanical properties and ground stress testing in surrounding rock,the study investigated the failure mechanism of deep soft rock roadway with high stress. The boltgrouting combined support system was proposed to prevent such failures. By means of FLAC3D numerical simulation and similar material simulation, the feasibility of the support design and the effectiveness of support parameters were discussed. According to the monitoring the surface and deep displacement in surrounding rock as well as bolt axial load, this paper analyzed the deformation of surrounding rock and the stress condition of the support structure. The monitor results were used to optimize the proposed support scheme. The results of field monitors demonstrate that the bolt-grouting combined support technology could improve the surround rock strength and bearing capacity of support structure, which controlled the great deformation failure and rheological property effectively in deep soft rock roadway with high stress. As a result, the long term stability and safety are guaranteed.

Discussion on Reasonable Supporting Parameters for Repairing Underground Projects in Bulking Soft Rock

Based on analysis of the supporting object of bulking soft rock and comparing the supporting difficulty of the repairing projects with that of the newly excavated projects, this paper proposes a method to determine reasonable supporting parameters for soft rock project repairing. This method has been verified to be reasonable and economical in an industrial test.

Analysis for interaction of supports and surrounding rock of gateways in longwall minging

Gateway supporting in long wall mining has been a problem that restricts the mine production and safety, the paper sets up an interaction model between support and surrounding rock (rock mass structure) and probes the elementary theory about ground pressure behaviors of gateway. Based on the analysis of supporting theories, some new viewpoints about gateways supporting and ground pressure controlling are put forward.

深部软岩巷道围岩与锚喷U型钢支护结构相互作用研究

收敛-约束法(特性曲线法)是将理论解析、现场实测、工程经验相结合的一种地下工程结构设计方法,是目前分析围岩-支护相互作用关系及开展支护优化设计的常用方法。基于收敛-约束法的基本原理,总结给出了经典的支护特征与支护结构变形方程,理论计算获得了喷射混凝土、锚杆(索)、U型钢支架等支护结构的支护特征曲线,分析了支护结构的几何尺寸(直径、长度)、间排距、材料强度等参数对支护压力的影响特征;随着喷射混凝土厚度及强度等级的增加,喷射混凝土提供的支护刚度和支护压力逐渐增大;随着锚杆(索)直径、长度、杆体材料强度的增加及间排距的减小,锚杆的支护压力显著增加;U型钢支架的排距越小及材料强度越大,其提供的支护压力越大。采用FLAC^(3D)内嵌的莫尔库伦应变软化本构模型,建立了考虑岩石峰后应变软化与扩容特性的深部软岩巷道数值分析模型,计算获得了不同应力状态下巷道纵剖面变形曲线、围岩特征曲线,分析了锚喷、锚杆(索)喷、锚喷U型钢等3种联合支护技术对深部巷道围岩大变形控制的适用性,验证了锚喷U型钢联合支护技术应用于深部巷道支护工程的可行性。考虑岩石峰后应变软化与扩容特性的应变软化本构模型和经典的莫尔库伦本构模型的数值模拟结果相差较大,采用莫尔库伦本构模型的数值模拟结果保守,支护结构提供的支护压力无法满足深部巷道稳定性控制要求,支护后巷道围岩变形较大甚至会发生冒顶、片帮等安全事故。

Rock Mass Characterization and Support Design for Underground Additional Surge Pool Cavern—A Case Study, India

For better rock mass characterization and support design, 3D engineering geological mapping was carried for the heading portion of the under construction 200.00 m long, 68.75 m high and 20.20 m wide underground additional surge pool cavern of a Pranahitha-Chevella Sujala Sravanthi lift irrigation scheme package 8, India. To study cavern behavior, 3D geologic mapping of heading portion is very important for large cavern for predicting geologic conditions in benching down up to invert level, planning support system, selecting inclination for best location of supplemental rock bolt and choosing strategic locations for various types of instrumentation. The assessment of Tunnel Quality Index “Q” and Geomechanics classification for the granitic rock mass was done based on the information available of the rock joints and their nature and 3D geological logging. Hoek-Brown parameters were also determined by the statistical analysis of the results of a set of triaxial tests on core samples. On basis of geological characteristics and NMT Q-system chart, support system is recommended which includes rock bolt, steel fibre reinforced shotcrete and grouting. To evaluate the efficacy of the proposed support system, the capacity of support system is determined.

滇中芹河隧洞软岩破碎段围岩大变形与支护结构相互作用研究

软岩大变形是滇中引水工程建设中较为突出的工程地质问题之一,以大楚段芹河隧洞4#支洞为研究对象开展软岩大变形特征及承载结构受力研究。4#支洞在施工过程中发生影响洞室稳定的问题,洞周围岩大变形不同程度侵限,导致钢拱架扭曲断裂、喷混凝土掉落现象时有发生。为了充分认识隧洞变形特征、破坏模式及成因机制,结合工程地质勘察、现场监控量测、数值反演及施工模拟分析等手段和方法对其进行综合研究。研究成果表明:破碎软岩洞段施工期围岩监测变形量大、变形速率较快,变形具有明显的时效性;围岩完整性差,洞周变形差异大;围岩以剪切破坏为主;围岩时效变形对支护结构受力影响大,部分承载结构受力超限,导致局部结构破坏。可见,针对破碎的软岩隧洞施工,需要采取超前注浆、减少减小施工扰动、及时跟进初期支护、尽快封闭成环,加强施工期围岩变形监测,选取合理的衬砌支护时机,实时指导和优化隧洞支护结构施工设计。

软岩隧道支护让压体系优化及安全状态易损性评价

软岩隧道围岩参数变异性大,支护体系与围岩相互作用不确定性强,易发生大变形等安全问题,为此国内外开展了隧道让压支护优化等工作以应对上述风险,但对其安全状态评价仍面临诸多难题。设计了一种新型柔-刚型让压接头,并基于可靠度分析方法,从易损性出发,综合拱顶沉降及初衬强度破坏准则,提出了基于概率的隧道开挖安全状态易损性评价方法。其通过利用概率有限元分析围岩‒支护相互作用,拟合形成极限状态功能函数响应面,经由随机抽样获得隧道开挖失效概率与可靠度指标;以此为基础,建立拱顶沉降与结构应力响应之间的拟合关系,提出了基于拱顶沉降的结构极限状态条件概率计算方法,并根据概率分布区间划定易损区进行支护安全性评价。基于上述理论方法,结合工程实际,开展了新型让压支护与传统刚性支护的易损性对比分析,验证了让压支护体系在大变形承载可靠性方面的优势。

Influence of dynamic pressure on deep underground soft rock roadway support and its application

Due to high ground stress and mining disturbance, the deformation and failure of deep soft rock roadway is serious, and invalidation of the anchor net-anchor cable supporting structure occurs. The failure characteristics of roadways revealed with the help of the ground pressure monitoring. Theoretical analysis was adopted to analyze the influence of mining disturbance on stress distribution in surrounding rock,and the change of stress was also calculated. Considering the change of stress in surrounding rock of bottom extraction roadway, the displacement, plastic zone and distribution law of principal stress difference under different support schemes were studied by means of FLAC3D. The supporting scheme of U-shaped steel was proposed for bottom extraction roadway that underwent mining disturbance. We carried out a similarity model test to verify the effect of support in dynamic pressure. Monitoring results demonstrated the change rules of deformation and stress of surrounding rock in different supporting schemes. The supporting scheme of U-shaped steel had an effective control on deformation of surrounding rock. The scheme was successfully applied in underground engineering practice, and achieved good technical and economic benefits.

Experimental investigation on behaviors of bolt-supported rock strata surrounding an entry in large dip coal seam

In order to investigate the behaviors and stability of rock strata surrounding an entry with bolt supporting in large dip coal seams (LDCSs) dipping from 25° to 45°, a self-developed rotatable experimental frame for similar material simulation test was used to build the model with the dip of 30°, based on analyses of geological and technological conditions in Huainan mine area, Anhui, China. The strata behaviors, such as extracting- and mining-induced stresses development, deformation and failure modes, were synthetically integrated during working face advancing. Results show that the development characteristics of mining-induced stress and deformation are asymmetrical in the roadway. The strata behaviors are totally different in different sections of the roadway. Because of asymmetrically geometrical structure influenced by increasing dip, strata dislocating, rock falling and breaking occur in roof. Then, squeezing, collapsing and caving of coal happen in upper- and lower-rib due to shearing action caused by asymmetrical roof bending and dislocating. Owing to the absence of supporting, floor heaving is very violent and usually the zone of floor heaving develops from the lower-rib to upper-rib. Engineering practices show that, due to the asymmetrical characteristics of rock pressure and roadway configuration, it is more difficult to implement bolt supporting system to control rock stability of roadways in LDCSs. The upper-rib and roof of entries are the key sections. Consequently, it is reliable to use asymmetrical bolt-mesh-cable supporting system to control rock stability of roadways based on the asymmetrical characteristics of roadway configuration and strata behaviors.