Experimental study on the shear performance of quasi-NPR steel bolted rock joints

Quasi-NPR(negative Poisson’s ratio)steel is a new type of super bolt material with high strength,high ductility,and a micro-negative Poisson’s effect.This material overcomes the contrasting characteristics of the high strength and high ductility of steel and it has significant energy-absorbing characteristics,which is of high value in deep rock and soil support engineering.However,research on the shear resistance of quasi-NPR steel has not been carried out.To study the shear performance of quasi-NPR steel bolted rock joints,indoor shear tests of bolted rock joints under different normal stress conditions were carried out.Q235 steel and#45 steel,two representative ordinary bolt steels,were set up as a control group for comparative tests to compare and analyze the shear strength,deformation and instability mode,shear energy absorption characteristics,and bolting contribution of different types of bolts.The results show that the jointed rock masses without bolt reinforcement undergo brittle failure under shear load,while the bolted jointed rock masses show obvious ductile failure characteristics.The shear deformation ca-pacity of quasi-NPR steel is more than 3.5 times that of Q235 steel and#45 steel.No fracture occurs in the quasi-NPR steel during large shear deformation and it can provide stable shear resistance.However,the other two types of control bolts become fractured under the same conditions.Quasi-NPR steel has significant energy-absorbing characteristics under shear load and has obvious advantages in terms of absorbing the energy released by shear deformation of jointed rock masses as compared with ordinary steel.In particular,the shear force plays a major role in resisting the shear deformation of Q235 steel and#45 steel,therefore,fracture failure occurs under small bolt deformation.However,the axial force of quasi-NPR steel can be fully exerted when resisting joint shear deformation;the steel itself does not break when large shear deformation occurs,and the supporting effect of the jointed rock mass is effectively guaranteed.

Mechanical behavior and failure mechanisms of rock bolts subjected to static-dynamic loads

This study explores the effects of dynamic and static loading on rock bolt performance a key factor in maintaining the structural safety of coal mine roadways susceptible to coal bursts.Employing a housemade load frame to simulate various failure scenarios,pretension-impact-pull tests on rock bolts were conducted to scrutinize their dynamic responses under varied static load conditions and their failure traits under combined loads.The experimental results denote that with increased impact energy,maximum and average impact loads on rock bolts escalate significantly under pretension,initiating plastic deformation beyond a certain threshold.Despite minor reductions in the yield load due to impactinduced damage,pretension aids in constraining post-impact deformation rate and fluctuation degree of rock bolts.Moreover,impact-induced plastic deformation causes internal microstructure dislocation,fortifying the stiffness of the rock bolt support system.The magnitude of this fortification is directly related to the plastic deformation induced by the impact.These findings provide crucial guidance for designing rock bolt support in coal mine roadway excavation,emphasizing the necessity to consider both static and dynamic loads for improved safety and efficiency.

Theory,technology and application of grouted bolting in soft rock roadways of deep coal mines

The grouted bolt,combining rock bolting with grouting techniques,provides an effective solution for controlling the surrounding rock in deep soft rock and fractured roadways.It has been extensively applied in numerous deep mining areas characterized by soft rock roadways,where it has demonstrated remarkable control results.This article systematically explores the evolution of grouted bolting,covering its theoretical foundations,design methods,materials,construction processes,monitoring measures,and methods for assessing its effectiveness.The overview encompassed several key elements,delving into anchoring theory and grouting reinforcement theory.The new principle of high pretensioned high-pressure splitting grouted bolting collaborative active control is introduced.A fresh method for dynamic information design is also highlighted.The discussion touches on both conventional grouting rock bolts and cable bolts,as well as innovative grouted rock bolts and cables characterized by their high pretension,strength,and sealing hole pressure.An examination of the merits and demerits of standard inorganic and organic grouting materials versus the new inorganic–organic composite materials,including their specific application conditions,was conducted.Additionally,the article presents various methods and instruments to assess the support effect of grouting rock bolts,cable bolts,and grouting reinforcement.Furthermore,it provides a foundation for understanding the factors influencing decisions on grouted bolting timing,the sequence of grouting,the pressure applied,the volume of grout used,and the strategic arrangement of grouted rock bolts and cable bolts.The application of the high pretensioned high-pressure splitting grouted bolting collaborative control technology in a typical kilometer-deep soft rock mine in China—the soft coal seam and soft rock roadway in the Kouzidong coal mine,Huainan coal mining area,was introduced.Finally,the existing problems in grouted bolting control technology for deep soft rock roadways are analyzed,and the future development trend of grouted bolting control technology is anticipated.

Failure characterization of fully grouted rock bolts under triaxial testing

Confining stresses serve as a pivotal determinant in shaping the behavior of grouted rock bolts.Nonetheless,prior investigations have oversimplified the three-dimensional stress state,primarily assuming hydrostatic stress conditions.Under these conditions,it is assumed that the intermediate principal stress(σ_(2))equals the minimum principal stress(σ_(3)).This assumption overlooks the potential variations in magnitudes of in situ stress conditions along all three directions near an underground opening where a rock bolt is installed.In this study,a series of push tests was meticulously conducted under triaxial conditions.These tests involved applying non-uniform confining stresses(σ_(2)≠σ_(3))to cubic specimens,aiming to unveil the previously overlooked influence of intermediate principal stresses on the strength properties of rock bolts.The results show that as the confining stresses increase from zero to higher levels,the pre-failure behavior changes from linear to nonlinear forms,resulting in an increase in initial stiffness from 2.08 kN/mm to 32.51 kN/mm.The load-displacement curves further illuminate distinct post-failure behavior at elevated levels of confining stresses,characterized by enhanced stiffness.Notably,the peak load capacity ranged from 27.9 kN to 46.5 kN as confining stresses advanced from σ_(2)=σ_(3)=0 to σ_(2)=20 MPa and σ_(3)=10 MPa.Additionally,the outcomes highlight an influence of confining stress on the lateral deformation of samples.Lower levels of confinement prompt overall dilation in lateral deformation,while higher confinements maintain a state of shrinkage.Furthermore,diverse failure modes have been identified,intricately tied to the arrangement of confining stresses.Lower confinements tend to induce a splitting mode of failure,whereas higher loads bring about a shift towards a pure interfacial shear-off and shear-crushed failure mechanism.

A hardening load transfer function for rock bolts and its calibration using distributed fiber optic sensing

Confinement of rock bolts by the surrounding rock formation has long been recognized as a positive contributor to the pull-out behavior,yet only a few experimental works and analytical models have been reported,most of which are based on the global rock bolt response evaluated in pull-out tests.This paper presents a laboratory experimental setup aiming to capture the rock formation effect,while using distributed fiber optic sensing to quantify the effect of the confinement and the reinforcement pull-out behavior on a more local level.It is shown that the behavior along the sample itself varies,with certain points exhibiting stress drops with crack formation.Some edge effects related to the kinematic freedom of the grout to dilate are also observed.Regardless,it was found that the mid-level response is quite similar to the average response along the sample.The ability to characterize the variation of the response along the sample is one of the many advantages high-resolution fiber optic sensing allows in such investigations.The paper also offers a plasticity-based hardening load transfer function,representing a"slice"of the anchor.The paper describes in detail the development of the model and the calibration/determination of its parameters.The suggested model captures well the coupled behavior in which the pull-out process leads to an increase in the confining stress due to dilative behavior.

Strength characteristics of rock anchored by NPR bolt with different preloads

This study compares the strength characteristics of rocks anchored by NPR bolts and ordinary bolts with varied preloads,based on the mechanical properties of NPR bolts(with a negative Poisson’s ratio).The results show that the uniaxial compressive stress-strain curve of ordinary anchored rocks exhibits noticeable abrupt changes.After reaching peak strength,the bolt breaks,whereas the stress-strain curve of NPR-anchored rocks is smoother.The NPR bolt enters the stage of continuous resistance after reaching maximal strength and does not break.As the preload increases,the strength of the anchored rock grows linearly.A calculation equation for the strength of the anchored rock is proposed based on the preload.The theoretical equation fits the test results well,and the fitted parameters show that NPR bolts can better increase the strength of the rock.The concept of dynamic toughness UC of anchored rock is proposed to reflect the comprehensive mechanical properties of anchored rock,including strength and plasticity.As the preload increases,the UC of ordinary anchored rock first decreases and then increases,while the UC of the NPR anchored rock does not change significantly with the preload when the strain is small,and the UC increases with the increase of the preload when the strain is large.

Technical problems and non destructive testing of rock bolt support systems in mines

The problem of proper assessment of the technical functionality of rock bolt support systems is still valid.Many research centers have undertaken eforts to diagnose and monitor the technical state of such a support system used in mines and tunneling.With that aim the method of quality assessment of grouted rock bolts was invented and a relevant apparatus was constructed.The method concerns non-destructive identifcation of discontinuity of a resin layer(grout)surrounding rock bolts.The method is based on an impact excitation of a rock bolt and uses modal analysis procedures.Assuming that the installed rock bolt acts as an oscillator,diferent lengths and positions of grouting discontinuity alter its modal parameters.The extraction of these modal parameters,of which a resonant frequency is seen as the most valued,enable the relevant identifcation of grout discontinuity.After constructing a prototype version and validating the results for known cases of resin discontinuity in an experimental coal mine,the apparatus fulflling ATEX requirements was developed.Subsequently that version was also verifed both in laboratory conditions and in an experimental coal mine.As necessary for proper identifcation of discontinuity length,the reference data base was developed and elaborated consisting of a very large number of fnite element models(FE models),namely discontinuity cases.The models encountered diferent rock bolt lengths and diameters,diferent rock strata parameters and diferent positions and lengths of resin layers.Then the method was used in a working coal mine to monitor a technical state of rock bolt support system mounted to reinforce long underground openings.The data base was utilized as reference for investigated rock bolts.

Numerical modeling on strain energy evolution in rock system interaction with energy-absorbing prop and rock bolt

The interaction mechanism between coal and rock masses with supporting materials is significant in roadway control, especially in deep underground mining situations where dynamic hazards frequently happened due to high geo-stress and strong disturbed effects. This paper is to investigate the strain energy evolution in the interaction between coal and rock masses with self-designed energy-absorbing props and rock bolts by numerical modeling with the finite difference method. The interaction between rock and rock bolt/prop is accomplished by the cables element and the interface between the inner and outer props. Roadway excavation and coal extraction conditions in deep mining are numerically employed to investigate deformation, plastic zone ranges, strain energy input, accumulation, dissipation,and release. The effect on strain energy input, accumulation, dissipation, and release with rock deformation, and the plastic zone is addressed. A ratio of strain energy accumulation, dissipation, and release with energy input a, β, γ is to assess the dynamic hazards. The effects on roadway excavation and coal extraction steps of a, β, γ are discussed. The results show that:(1) In deep high geo-stress roadways, the energyabsorbing support system plays a dual role in resisting deformation and reducing the scope of plastic zones in surrounding rock, as well as absorbing energy release in the surrounding rock, especially in the coal extraction state to mitigate disturbed effects.(2) The strain energy input, accumulation is dependent on roadway deformation, the strain energy dissipation is relied on plastic zone area and disturbed effects, and strain energy release density is the difference among the three. The function of energyabsorbing rock bolts and props play a key role to mitigate strain energy release density and amount, especially in coal extraction condition, with a peak density value from 4×10^(4) to 1×10^(4)J/m^(3), and amount value from 3.57×10^(8) to 1.90×10^(6)J.(3) When mining is advanced in small steps, the strain energy accumulation is dominated. While in a large step, the released energy is dominant, thus a more dynamic hazards proneness. The energy-absorbing rock bolt and prop can reduce three times strain energy release amount, thus reducing the dynamic hazards. The results suggest that energy-absorbing props and rock bolts can effectively reduce the strain energy in the coal and rock masses, and prevent rock bursts and other hazards.The numerical model developed in this study can also be used to optimize the design of energyabsorbing props and rock bolts for specific mining conditions.

Smart and fast reinforcement design for anti-dip bedding rock slopes

Rock slopes are usually reinforced by a number of rock bolts due to the high efficiency and low price.However,where should the rock bolts be installed is still a troublesome issue.For anti-dip bedding rock slopes(ABRSs),the installation position of rock bolts is a controlling factor that determines the reinforcement effect.In this work,a theoretical method is firstly proposed for assessing the stability of ABRSs reinforced by rock bolts using a limit equilibrium model.A comparison of theoretical calculations and numerical results was conducted to test the correctness of the theoretical method.Based on the stability assessment of ABRSs,we introduce adaptive moment estimation method(Adam)to optimize the installation location of rock bolts.Using Adam optimizer,the optimal layout of rock bolts with the maximum factor of safety can be determined,and the factor of safety of the slope increases by about 25%using the same amount of rock bolts but with different installation locations.The proposed method enables the fast stability analysis and supporting design for reinforced ABRSs,which paves the way to smart supporting design of slopes.

Effect of surface retaining elements on rock stability:laboratory investigation with sand powder 3D printing

This study aims to investigate the benefcial efects of surface retaining elements (SREs) on the mechanical behaviors of bolted rock and roadway stability. 3D printing (3DP) technology is utilized to create rock analogue prismatic specimens for conducting this investigation. Uniaxial compression tests with acoustic emission (AE) and digital image correlation techniques have been conducted on 3DP specimens bolted with diferent SREs. The results demonstrate that the strength and modulus of elasticity of the bolted specimens show a positive correlation with the area of the SRE;the AE characteristics of the bolted specimens are higher than those of the unbolted specimen, but they decrease with an increase in SRE area, thus further improving the integrity of the bolted specimens. The reinforcement efect of SREs on the surrounding rock of roadways is further analyzed using numerical modelling and feld test. The results provide a better understanding of the role of SREs in rock bolting and the optimization of rock bolting design. Furthermore, they verify the feasibility of 3DP for rock analogues in rock mechanics tests.

Utilizing a novel fiber optic technology to capture the axial responses of fully grouted rock bolts

Rock bolts are one of the primary support systems utilized in underground excavations within the civil and mining engineering industries. Rock bolts support the weakened rock mass adjacent to the opening of an excavation by fastening to the more stable, undisturbed formations further from the excavation. The overall response of such a support element has been determined under varying loading conditions in the laboratory and in situ experiments in the past four decades; however, due to the limitations with conventional monitoring methods of capturing strain, there still exists a gap in knowledge associated with an understanding of the geomechanical responses of rock bolts at the microscale. In this paper, we try to address this current gap in scientific knowledge by utilizing a newly developed distributed optical strain sensing(DOS) technology that provides an exceptional spatial resolution of 0.65 mm to capture the strain along the rock bolt. This DOS technology utilizes Rayleigh optical frequency domain reflectometry(ROFDR) which provides unprecedented insight into various mechanisms associated with axially loaded rebar specimens of different embedment lengths, grouting materials, borehole annulus conditions, and borehole diameters. The embedment length of the specimens was found to be the factor that significantly affected the loading of the rebar. The critical embedment length for the fully grouted rock bolts(FGRBs) was systematically determined to be430 mm. The results herein highlight the effects of the variation of these individual parameters on the geomechanical responses FGRBs.

Establishing the need to model the actual state of stress along rock bolts

Proper design of rock bolt support in underground mines is critical to avoid incidents, accidents and loss of production. The traditional design approach only considers the axial(tensile) capacity and this is clearly not the situation in situ, where a rock bolt is subjected to both axial and shear/bending loads which determines its overall performance and failure behaviour. To demonstrate and analyse the shear displacement in bedded roof, scaled physical models of underground excavation were created. From the models it was found that the shear displacement between the layers depends on the vertical roof deformation and thickness of beds. To analyse the effect of combined loading on rock bolt design for suspension and beam building models, analytical methods were used to calculate the required spacing of rock bolt for a given safety factor. Numerical models were then created using Rocscience RS2 software to establish the stresses on the rock bolt. The results show a significant reduction in safety factor for suspension as demonstrated in an example(reduced from 3.5 to 2.0) and beam building(2.0 to 1.36) when the rock bolt capacities are calculated considering the effect of combined loading as opposed to just the axial or shear loads.

Effects of Rock Bolting on Stress Distribution around Tunnel Using the Elastoplastic Model

To ensure the stability of a tunnel during construction, rock bolts are usually installed, which affects the stress distribution around the tunnel. Therefore, it is necessary to study the effects of rock bolting on the stress distribution around the tunnel. In this article, the effects of rock bolting on the stress distribution around the tunnel, including the pesition and orientation of bolts, the overburden depths, and the bolt lengths, are simulated using the ANSYS software with an elnstoplastic model. The effect of multiple bolts of 2 m and 1 m lengths on the stress distribution in the roof and on the lateral sides of a tunnel and at different overburden depths is considered. An important finding is that the tensile stress region that is very dangerous for rock in the bottom of the tunnel grows rapidly with increasing overburden depths when rock bolts are installed only in the roof or on the lateral sides of a tunnel. The determination of the length of the rock bolt used around a tunnel is dependent on the loads and the integrity of the rock mass around the tunnel. In addition, rock bolting around the tunnel can obviously reduce the coefficients and the size of the region of stress concentration, especially when installed in high-stress areas. This fact is very important and essential for the design of tunnels and ensures engineering safety in tunnel engineering.

Anchoring mechanism and application of hydraulic expansion bolts used in soft rock roadway floor heave control

Comparing with the resin bolt, the hydraulic expansion bolt has different anchoring mechanism and application advantage. According to the working mechanism of the hydraulic expansion bolt, its anchoring force is expressed in four forms including support anchoring force, tension anchoring force, expansion anchoring force and tangent anchoring force, and their values can be obtained on the basis of each calculation formula. Among them, the expansion anchoring force, which is the unique anchoring force of the hydraulic expansion bolt, can provide confining pressure to increase the strength of rock. Aiming at solving the problem of stability control in the soft rock roadway in Jinbaotun Coal Mine which has a double layer of 40 U-type sheds and cannot provide enough resistance support to control floor heave, the study reveals the mechanism of floor heave in the soft rock roadway, and designs the reasonable support parameters of the hydraulic expansion bolts. The observed results of floor convergence indicate that the hydraulic expansion bolts can prevent the development and flow of the plastic zone in the floor rock to control floor heave. Research results enrich the control technology in the soft rock roadway.

Experimental study and stress analysis of rock bolt anchorage performance

A new method was developed to apply pull-and-shear loads to the bolt specimen in order to evaluate theanchorage performance of the rebar bolt and the D-Bolt. In the tests, five displacing angles （0°, 20°, 40°,60°, and 90°）, two joint gaps （0 mm and 30 mm）, and three kinds of host rock materials （weak concrete,strong concrete, and concrete-granite） were considered, and stressestrain measurements were conducted.Results show that the ultimate loads of both the D-Bolt and the rebar bolt remained constantwith any displacing angles. The ultimate displacement of the D-Bolt changed from 140 mm at the0 displacing angle （pure pull） to approximately 70 mm at a displacing angle greater than 40. Thedisplacement capacity of the D-Bolt is approximately 3.5 times that of the rebar bolt under pure pull and50% higher than that of the rebar bolt under pure shear. The compressive stress exists at 50 mm from thebolt head, and the maximum bending moment value rises with the increasing displacing angle. The rebarbolt mobilises greater applied load than the D-Bolt when subjected to the maximum bending. Theyielding length （at 0） of the D-Bolt is longer than that of the rebar bolt. The displacement capacity of thebolts increased with the joint gap. The bolt subjected to joint gap effect yields more quickly with greaterbending moment and smaller applied load. The displacement capacities of the D-Bolt and the rebar boltare greater in the weak host rock than that in the hard host rock. In pure shear condition, the ultimateload of the bolts slightly decreases in the hard rock. The yielding speed in the hard rock is higher thanthat in the weak rock. 2014 Institute of Rock and Soil Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Production and hosting byElsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Influence of anchorage length and pretension on the working resistance of rock bolt based on its tensile characteristics

In coal mining roadway support design,the working resistance of the rock bolt is the key factor affecting its maximum support load.Effective improvement of the working resistance is of great significance to roadway support.Based on the rock bolt’s tensile characteristics and the mining roadway surrounding rock deformation,a mechanical model for calculating the working resistance of the rock bolt was established and solved.Taking the mining roadway of the 17102(3)working face at the Panji No.3 Coal Mine of China as a research site,with a quadrilateral section roadway,the influence of pretension and anchorage length on the working resistance of high-strength and ordinary rock bolts in the middle and corner of the roadway is studied.The results show that when the bolt is in the elastic stage,increasing the pretension and anchorage length can effectively improve the working resistance.When the bolt is in the yield and strain-strengthening stages,increasing the pretension and anchorage length cannot effectively improve the working resistance.The influence of pretension and anchorage length on the ordinary and high-strength bolts is similar.The ordinary bolt’s working resistance is approximately 25 kN less than that of the high-strength bolt.When pretension and anchorage length are considered separately,the best pretensions of the high-strength bolt in the middle of the roadway side and the roadway corner are 41.55 and 104.26 kN,respectively,and the best anchorage lengths are 1.54 and 2.12 m,respectively.The best anchorage length of the ordinary bolt is the same as that of the high-strength bolt,and the best pretension for the ordinary bolt in the middle of the roadway side and at the roadway corner is 33.51 and 85.12 kN,respectively.The research results can provide a theoretical basis for supporting the design of quadrilateral mining roadways.

Modification of rock mass rating system:Interbedding of strong and weak rock layers

Rock mass classification systems are the very important part for underground projects and rock mass rating(RMR) is one of the most commonly applied classification systems in numerous civil and mining projects. The type of rock mass consisting of an interbedding of strong and weak layers poses difficulties and uncertainties for determining the RMR. For this, the present paper uses the concept of rock bolt supporting factor(RSF) for modification of RMR system to be used in such rock mass types. The proposed method also demonstrates the importance of rock bolting practice in such rock masses. The geological parameters of the Shemshak Formation of the Alborz Tunnel in Iran are used as case examples for development of the theoretical approach.

Evaluation of load transfer mechanism under axial loads in a novel coupler of dual height rock bolts

The effective reinforcement of two or more overlying layers of mine openings in a single installation is usually done by coupling of two standard rock bolts mainly during the extraction of medium-thick coal seams.However,field observations show that the couplers of multiple bolts often degrade or break mostly at their connections.These types of failures can be avoided by strengthening the couplers of such multi-bolts assemblies.To achieve this,a novel threaded coupler system with an expansion shell was suggested in this paper.The newly designed coupler consists of a threaded tapered-plug-cumconnector with an expansion shell for connecting and tightening two standard rock bolts.An analytical model for evaluating the load distribution along the coupler subject to axial load was derived.Numerical analysis was performed to analyse the load transfer,deformation,and strains across the coupler including the factor of safety for the bolt-coupler-resin and bolt-coupler-expansion shell.The results validated the analytical model of the proposed coupler design,which provides better anchorage near the interface of the host rock mass.Thus,the developed coupler design would reduce the failures of the proposed coupler and stabilize laminated roof strata above the medium-thick coal seams in underground mines.

Testing and modeling of cyclically loaded rock anchors

The Norwegian Public Roads Administration(NPRA) is planning for an upgrade of the E39 highway route at the westcoast of Norway. Fixed links shall replace ferries at seven fjord crossings. Wide spans and large depths at the crossings combined with challenging subsea topography and environmental loads call for an extension of existing practice. A variety of bridge concepts are evaluated in the feasibility study. The structures will experience significant loads from deadweight, traffic and environment. Anchoring of these forces is thus one of the challenges met in the project. Large-size subsea rock anchors are considered a viable alternative. These can be used for anchoring of floating structures but also with the purpose of increasing capacity of fixed structures. This paper presents first a thorough study of factors affecting rock anchor bond capacity. Laboratory testing of rock anchors subjected to cyclic loading is thereafter presented. Finally, the paper presents a model predicting the capacity of a rock anchor segment, in terms of a ribbed bar, subjected to a cyclic load history. The research assumes a failure mode occurring in the interface between the rock anchor and the surrounding grout. The constitutive behavior of the bonding interface is investigated for anchors subjected to cyclic one-way tensile loads. The model utilizes the static bond capacity curve as a basis, defining the ultimate bond sbuand the slip s1 at τ. A limited number of input parameters are required to apply the model. The model defines the bond-slip behavior with the belonging rock anchor capacity depending on the cyclic load level(τcy/τ), the cyclic load ratio(R= τcy/τcy), and the number of load cycles(N). The constitutive model is intended to model short anchor lengths representing an incremental length of a complete rock anchor.

Studying the performance of fully encapsulated rock bolts with modified structural elements

Numerical simulation is a useful tool in investigating the loading performance of rock bolts.The cable structural elements(cableSELs)in FLAC3D are commonly adopted to simulate rock bolts to solve geotechnical issues.In this study,the bonding performance of the interface between the rock bolt and the grout material was simulated with a two-stage shearing coupling model.Furthermore,the FISH language was used to incorporate this two-stage shear coupling model into FLAC3D to modify the current cableSELs.Comparison was performed between numerical and experimental results to confirm that the numerical approach can properly simulate the loading performance of rock bolts.Based on the modified cableSELs,the influence of the bolt diameter on the performance of rock bolts and the shear stress propagation along the interface between the bolt and the grout were studied.The simulation results indicated that the load transfer capacity of rock bolts rose with the rock bolt diameter apparently.With the bolt diameter increasing,the performance of the rock bolting system was likely to change from the ductile behaviour to the brittle behaviour.Moreover,after the rock bolt was loaded,the position where the maximum shear stress occurred was variable.Specifically,with the continuous loading,it shifted from the rock bolt loaded end to the other end.