Pumpable Crib Bags (PCBs) are an effective standing support solution commonly used in the tailgates of underground longwall mines. PCBs continue to gain favour due to technical benefits such as high stiffness, and operational benefits such as reductions in labour and machinery requirements. Yet little improvement in design has occurred since their introduction in the late 1990s. The lack of PCB development has meant that the traditional post-peak trait of PCBs has remained. Typically, PCBs offer high stiffness and peak load, but suffer from a post peak strain softening behaviour. Recently, a new PCB design was developed with the aim of improving this post-peak performance. Compressive testing of full-scale PCBs found significant gains in residual load carrying capacity and offer greater design certainty for mine engineers in conditions where substantial roadway convergence is expected.
History
Citation
Kent McTyer, Compressive tests of an improved non-metallic pumpable roof support, Proceedings of the 2024 Resource Operators Conference, University of Wollongong - Mining Engineering, February 2024, 118-124.