Investigation into a New Approach for Roadway Roof Support Design That Includes Convergence Data

The results of a recent investigation into roadway roof support design using the Geophysics Strata Rating (GSR) are presented. A key aim of the investigation was to identify an ability to relate changes in roof conditions and support performance to our primary roof stability indicator, roof convergence. By developing these links, an ability to differentiate between operating factors such as support type and installation practice; and traditional geotechnical factors can be established. This paper outlines progress on the development of a convergence based roof support design method that is complementary to the current TARPS based strata management process. Some examples are provided.