Modelling of Sheared Behaviour Bolts Across Joints

A three dimensional numerical model was developed to simulate the shearing of reinforced joints. Reinforcement of the shearing surfaces is effected with pretensioned bolts installed perpendicular to the sheared joint surface. The influence of bolt pretension forces examined included 20 kN, 50 kN and 80 kN respectively and aimed to complement the experimental work on double shearing of bolts installed in two different strength concrete blocks. Post shear stresses were analysed for both linear and nonlinear regions of the load - deflection curve. Simulation of several models in varying conditions provided a better understanding of the role of bolt pretensioning in sheared joint and bedding plane reinforcement. There was a clear relationship between the level of bolt pretensioning and the shear load applied. It was shown that the strength of the sheared composite medium was influenced by the applied shear load. The modeling study is part of a comprehensive programme of research work aimed at providing a better understanding of load transfer mechanisms in bolt /resin /rock for effective strata reinforcement.