Rock bolts are one of the support systems, that are widely used support systems in mining and various civil engineering operations. Rock bolts or anchors play a very important role as systematic support during the excavation stage of tunneling or mining work, the bolts can go into the roof of underground mines or the walls of tunnels to prevent caving. The anchor bolts reinforce the loose and weak strata to make them, self-supportive by enhancing their inherent strength. Anchoring of the rock bolt plays an important role when the deformation or movement of the layers in the rock mass induces axial tensile load in the installed rock bolts. Their purpose is to improve the resistance of the ground. Bolts will fail if the applied or induced axial load to the bolt exceeds the anchorage strength. Anchorage strength depends on many factors such as type of bolt, annular space, grouting media, shear behavior at the bolt-grout interface, surface profile, installation mechanism and position.
The stability of structures in any tunneling and mining excavation is critical and roof rock stability has long been the primary concern in all underground excavations. Rock bolting has been successfully utilized worldwide for excavation support and slope stabilization and its use continues to grow rapidly.
A single use drill bit, selected to suit the ground condition, is fitted to the leading end of the hollow bar ( also called Self-Drilling Anchors)with an anchor plate and anchor nut fitted on the trailing end. Couplings can be used to combine hollow bar sections for extension bolting.
What are purposes of Rock bolts installed?
1. Provide pre-tension in fragile geology conditions;
2. Serves as a mortar bolt for passive loading.
For the pre-tension purpose, immediate anchoring of rock bolts with loose rock geology is necessary. Rock bolting carries the tension and shear forces to prevent the displacements of rock mass, There are three kinds of anchoring material to fulfill the pre-tension purpose within 2-3 hours at most which are liquid accelerator cartridge, two-component resin cartridge, and mechanical expansion shell. Friction force from the grout body also enables rock bolts to prevent the loosening of different geology layers. It also prevents rusting by covering the metal parts eliminating the chance of water getting into the connection.
Based on different geology conditions and physical performances of tunneling rock bolts, there are different designs of rock bolts including the following:
- Fully threaded rock bolts: for cost-effectiveness, greater loading capacity, and easy connection on site
- Self-drilling anchor: for extremely fragile geology to reduce the installation time
- Friction swell rock bolt: for applying pre-force to surrounding geology and achieving quick installation
What are Rock bolts Applications?
- Dams
- Tunnels
- Mines
- Stabilization of excavations
- Embankment stabilization
- Stabilization and renovation of landslips
- Road construction
- Renovation of retaining walls foundation work, and other subsurface projects…
Advantages of Using Rock Bolts Anchor Systems
- Improves stability for various wall heights and depths
- Spreads ceiling loads across the surface minimizing the impact on one specific point
- Versatile option for dam building
- Correct design flaws or hidden problems
- Can go in place during or after construction
- Stabilizes shaky ground and foundations
- Configurable for temporary or permanent applications
- Holds dams and connecting systems steady and keeps them from washing away
- Raise or lower existing structures