Underground verification of the large deflection performance of fibre reinforced shotcrete subjected to high stresses and convergence and to dynamic loading.

Abstract

The nature of this project requires that various types of shotcrete be applied to a tunnel and that the performance thereof under extensive deformation be monitored over a period of time. In order to achieve this, one of the most critical tasks was to obtain an appropriate experimental field site. Finding the best site was of utmost importance to limit the duration of the project. A site needs to be subjected to high mining induced stress increases and associated convergences shortly after application of the shotcrete so that the observations of performance could be completed in the two year time frame proposed.