Mechanism of high-preload support based on the NPR anchor cable in layered soft rock tunnels

The control of large deformation problems in layered soft rock tunnels needs to solve urgently.The roof problem is particularly severe among the deformation issues in tunnels.This study first analyzes the asymmetric deformation modes in layered soft rock tunnels with large deformations.Subsequently,we construct a mechanical model under ideal conditions for controlling the roof of layered soft rock tunnels through high preload with the support of NPR anchor cables.The prominent roles of long and short NPR anchor cables in the support system are also analyzed.The results indicate the significance of high preload in controlling the roof of layered soft rock tunnels.The short NPR anchor cables effectively improve the integrity of the stratified soft rock layers,while the long NPR anchor cables effectively mobilize the self-bearing capacity of deep-stable rock layers.Finally,the high-preload support method with NPR anchor cables is validated to have a good effect on controlling large deformations in layered soft rock tunnels through field monitoring data.

Case study on the mechanics of NPR anchor cable compensation for large deformation tunnel in soft rock in the Transverse Mountain area,China

A study was conducted to analyze the deformation mechanism of strongly weathered quartz schist in the Daliangshan Tunnel,located in the western Transverse Mountain area.A large deformation problem was experienced during the tunnel construction.To mitigate this problem,a support system was designed incorporating negative Poisson ratio(NPR)anchor cables with negative Poisson ratio effect.Physical model experiments,field experiments,and numerical simulation experiments were conducted to investigate the compensation mechanical behavior of NPR anchor cables.The large deformations of soft rocks in the Daliangshan Tunnel are caused by a high ground stress,a high degree of joint fracture development,and a high degree of surrounding rock fragmentation.A compensation mechanics support system combining long and short NPR anchor cables was suggested to provide sufficient counter-support force(approximately 350 kN)for the surrounding rock inside the tunnel.Comparing the NPR anchor cable support system with the original support system used in the Daliangshan tunnel showed that an NPR anchor cable support system,combining cables of 6.3 m and 10.3 m in length,effectively prevented convergence of surrounding rock deformation,and the integrated settlement convergence value remained below 300 mm.This study provides an effective scientific basis for resolving large deformation problems in deeply buried soft rocks in western transverse mountain areas.

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.

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.

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.

State-of-the-art on the anchorage performance of rock bolts subjected to shear load

Rock bolts are extensively utilized in underground engineering as a means of offering support and stability to rock masses in tunnels,mines,and other underground structures.In environments of high ground stress,faults or weak zones can frequently arise in rock formations,presenting a significant challenge for engineering and potentially leading to underground engineering collapse.Rock bolts serve as a crucial structural element for the transmission of tensile stress and are capable of withstanding shear loads to prevent sliding of weak zones within rock mass.Therefore,a complete understanding of the behavior of rock bolts subjected to shear loads is essential.This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of the research progress of rock bolts subjected to shear load in three categories:experiment,numerical simulation,and analytical model.The review focuses on the research studies and developments in this area since the 1970s,providing a comprehensive overview of numerous factors that influence the anchorage performance of rock bolts.These factors include the diameter and angle of the rock bolt installation,rock strength,grouting material,bolt material,borehole diameter,rock bolt preload,normal stress,joint surface roughness and joint expansion angle.The paper reviews the improvement of mechanical parameter setting in numerical simulation of rock bolt shear.Furthermore,it delves into the optimization of the analytical model concerning rock bolt shear theory,approached from the perspectives of both Elastic foundation beam theory coupled with Elastoplasticity theory and Structural mechanic methods.The significance of this review lies in its ability to provide insights into the mechanical behavior of rock bolts.The paper also highlights the limitations of current research and guidelines for further research of rock bolts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Numerical and analytical simulation of the structural behaviour of fully grouted cable bolts under impulsive loading

Designing reliable yielding support system to mitigate the effect of the kinetic energy in burst-prone conditions in mining and tunneling excavations is one of the challenges for geotechnical engineers. A combination of the support elements can be used to increase rock strength and minimise the displacement of unstable rock mass. It is important to understand how the support system works to ensure the stability of underground excavations. Cable bolts have been commonly used as an effective underground support system and an element of reinforcement to improve rock stability. Cable bolts are usually considered to be subjected to static loads under relatively low stress environments, however, in burst-prone conditions, they might be subjected to dynamic loads. Cable bolts as well as other support elements are used in burst-prone conditions to absorb the kinetic energy of the removed rock to avoid sudden and violent failures. This paper develops numerical and a novel analytical simulation technique for cable bolts to assess their structural behaviour under static and dynamic loading conditions. The numerical and analytical models are then validated against experimental observations reported in the literature, which demonstrates the reliability of the proposed models.

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.

A novel radial cable for restraining tensile failure in steep fill–rock interfaces

It is quite common for fill slopes such as embankments and airport foundations to be constructed in mountainous areas.Steep fill–rock interfaces in such areas undergo tensile failure owing to differences in the stiffness values and tensile strengths of the soil and hard rock.In this study,a new anchor system,termed“radial cable,”is proposed to increase the pullout capacity of cables in the fill;this in turn helps control tensile deformation in the fill slope along the interface.In a radial cable,the steel ropes of a conventional cable are equally and symmetrically separated into three sub-cables(a central sub-cable and two branch sub-cables)with a radial distribution starting from the position of the interface.Moreover,each of the sub-cables is fixed in the fill using short U-shaped rigid rods along the cable length and a rigid baffle at its end to further increase pullout resistance.Experimental and numerical uplift tests were conducted to analyze the pullout capacity and anchoring behavior of the radial cables in soil to study the effect of branching.The reinforcement effect of the radial cables was also examined using a case study.

Experimental Study on Methane Explosion Ignited by Sparks of Cable Bolt Breakage

An experimental device was designed for studying methane explosion ignited by sparks of cable bolt breakage. With the methane concentration being in explosion range, a series of experiments were conducted to study the law of spark generation during cable bolt breakage and the probability of methane explosion caused by the spark. The results show that the probability of generating sparks during cable bolt breakage is 50%. The spark generated by the breakage of steel cable bolt strand can't ignite a methane explosion. A detection was carried out using infrared-ray imaging apparatus (IRIA) to measure temperature of the spark generated by cable bolt breakage. It is indicated that the maximum temperature of the spark generated by cable bolt breakage is far less than the required ignition temperature for a methane explosion.

Microbiologically influenced corrosion of cable bolts in underground coal mines:The effect of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans

Reports on corrosion failure of cable bolts,used in mining and civil industries,have been increasing in the past two decades.The previous studies found that pitting corrosion on the surface of a cable bolt can initiate premature failure of the bolt.In this study,the role of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans(A.ferrooxidans)bacterium in the occurrence of pitting corrosion in cable bolts was studied.Stressed coupons,made from the wires of cable bolts,were immersed in testing bottles containing groundwater collected from an underground coal mine and a mixture of A.ferrooxidans and geomaterials.It was observed that A.ferrooxidans caused pitting corrosion on the surface of cable bolts in the near-neutral environment.The presence of geomaterials slightly affected the p H of the environment;however,it did not have any significant influence on the corrosion activity of A.ferrooxidans.This study suggests that the common bacterium A.ferrooxidans found in many underground environments can be a threat to cable bolts'integrity by creating initiation points for other catastrophic failures such as stress corrosion cracking.

Test analysis of stress characteristics on reinforcing rock slope with group anchorage cable

To research the reinforcement effect of a rock slope with group anchorage cables and the stress characteristics of pre-stressed anchorage cables in the fractured surface, the rock slope calculated model of a wedge block within the double-slide face was established by using the finite difference software according to the actual slope project combined with indoor model test. The pre-stress loss rule of the anchorage cable and the distribution of axial force and the force-transferring mechanism of the anchorage cable were analyzed during simulation. Also, based on the displacement contour and the safety factor of the calculated results, the quantitative analysis for the reinforcement ef- fect of the rock slope with group pre-stressed anchorage cable was discovered. The results computed by the software conform with the data in the experiment, which can prove the effectiveness and correctness of parameter selection and model building. Keywords group anchorage reinforcement, rock slope, joint fissure, pre-stressed anchorage cable, stress characteristics

Failure mechanism and safety control technology of a composite strata roadway in deep and soft rock masses:a case study

The construction of coal mines often encounters deep composite soft rock roadways,which is characterized by significant deformation and poor stability.To deeply study the failure mechanism and large deformation challenges of a composite strata roadway in deep and soft rock masses,a numerical model of 3DEC tetrahedral blocks was established based on the method of rock quality designation(RQD).The results showed that original support cannot prevent asymmetric failure and large deformation due to the adverse geological environment and unsuitable support design.According to the failure characteristics,a coupling support of“NPR bolt/cable+mesh+shotcrete+steel pipe”was proposed to control the stability of the surrounding rock.The excellent mechanical properties of large deformation(approximately 400 mm)and high constant resistance force(bolt with 180 k N;cable with 350 k N)were evaluated by the tensile tests.The numerical results showed that the maximum deformation was minimized to 243 mm,and the bearing capacity of the surrounding rock of the roadway was enhanced.The field test results showed that the maximum deformation of the surrounding rock was 210 mm,and the forces of the NPR bolt and cable were stable at approximately 180 k N and 350 k N,respectively.This demonstrated the effectiveness of the coupling support with the NPR bolt and cable,which could be a guiding significance for the safety control of large deformation and failure in deep composite soft rock roadways.

Excavation compensation and bolt support for a deep mine drift

To overcome large deformation of deep phosphate rock roadways and pillar damage,a new type of constant-resistance large-deformation negative Poisson’s ratio(NPR)bolt that can withstand a high prestress of at least 130 KN was developed.In the conducted tests,the amount of deformation was 200-2000 mm,the breaking force reached 350 KN,and a high constant-resistance pre-stress was maintained during the deformation process.A stress compensation theory of phosphate rock excavation based on NPR bolts is proposed together with a balance system for bolt compensation of the time-space effect and high NPR pre-stress.Traditional split-set rock bolts are unable to maintain the stability of roadway roofs and pillars.To verify the support effect of the proposed bolt,field tests were conducted using both the proposed NPR bolts and split-set rock bolts as support systems on the same mining face.In addition,the stress compensation mechanism of roadway mining was simulated using the particle flow code in three dimensions(PFC^(3D))-fast Lagrangian analysis of continua(FLAC^(3D))particle-flow coupling numerical model.On-site monitoring and numerical simulations showed that the NPR excavation compensation support scheme effectively improves the stress state of the bolts and reduces the deformation of the surrounding rock.Compared to the original support scheme,the final deformation of the surrounding rock was reduced by approximately 70%.These results significantly contribute to domestic and foreign research on phosphate-rock NPR compensation support technology,theoretical systems,and engineering practices,and further promote technological innovation in the phosphate rock mining industry.

Depillaring of total thickness of a thick coal seam in single lift using cable bolts：A case study

Explaining fundamentals of application of cable bolting for a thick seam depillaring,this paper summarizes the results of field studies conducted during adoption of this approach in more than fifteen panels of Madhusudanpur 7 pit and incline mine.Nearly 7.0 m thick Kajora top coal seam of this mine is developed on pillars along the floor horizon to an average height of 3.0 m,leaving a coal band of around 4.0 m along the roof.Analysis of procured core samples showed that roof strata are easily caveable with a caveability index value of around 2000 only.Easily caveable overlying strata and shallow depth of cover alleviated most of the expected strata mechanics problems of the thick seam mining.However,extraction of total thickness at shallow cover caused differential-subsidence and cracks on the surface.These manifestations were immediately tackled to avoid creation of a breathing path for spontaneous heating in the extracted area.

ANALYSIS ON INCREMENTAL COHESION OF SURROUNDING ROCK DUE TO PRESTRESSED CABLE ANCHOR

A new method for determining the incremental cohesion △Cm of surrounding rock due to prestressed cable anchor is presented, and the formulas for △Cm are deduced and △Cm distributions also are discussed, based on the two anchorage effects, one is the effect with the prestressed vaIue △σ3 of cable anchor improving the stress state of surrounding rock and increasing the surrounding rock strength, the other is the fully encapsulated effect. The determined incremental cohesion △Cm is subiected to the model test and field measurement in the references, and coincides well with those tested results. The formulas for △Cm can be used in designing supoport parameters and related numerical analyses of prestressed cable anchor.