Testing of tunnel support : dynamic load testing of rockbolt elements to provide data for safer support design.

Abstract

This research report discusses the development of a realistic and controllable method of testing support tendons dynamically, which has been achieved in this research project, offers a new and fresh opportunity for improving the design methodology for the support of excavations under rock burst conditions and, importantly, also provides an inducement for the development of innovative improvements in the support elements themselves and in their application. As a result of this research project, a major step forward has been accomplished in that it is now possible to use the same rational procedure for the design of tunnel support as is classically employed for the design of structures or machine components in more rigorous and precise engineering disciplines - Ortlepp (1992: 594).