Extended use of the Savuka dynamic test facility to improve material and analytical technology in deep-level stope support.

Abstract

The submitted proposal for the GAP 818 project was formally approved during the first week of May 2001. The objectives of the proposed programme were, broadly, to examine possible ways of preventing the collapse of fractured rock from the essentially unsupported roof area between individual support units. Specifically, it was intended to examine the potential, in this context, of the following:the use of long headboards on hydraulic props as a means of increasing the a real coverage of the support units, the potential benefit of simple mesh straps sandwiched between the tops of adjacent conventional timber elongates and the hangingwall surface above, as a means of linking individual support units and supporting potentially loose blocks between them. These would be relatively cheap and expendable.For the same purpose as outlined above, using more appropriately engineered linkage systems that might be more expensive but were potentially re-useable where conditions permitted. As understanding of certain instability mechanisms developed during the course of the testing programme, it became apparent that support which permitted some rotational freedom of rock blocks immediately above, could pose a risk of sometimes promoting instability. It was thought worthwhile to devote two tests to briefly explore this possibility.