Document Type
Conference Paper
Publication Date
2020
Abstract
Resin-anchored roof bolts are used for primary roof support in all Australian underground coal mines. This popularity is due to a combination of technical performance, installation efficiency and cost. Further, many years of research exists pertaining to the load transfer of resin-anchored bolts. However, the composition of the load transfer medium – the resin anchor – means the resin-anchored bolt system is susceptible to possible degradation if high temperatures are applied. Thankfully, while high temperatures of more than 100°C are uncommon in coal mines, there is a rare event that can cause high sustained temperatures – a coal mine fire. Modern firefighting methods are often successful in extinguishing mine-wide fires. Once extinguished, re-entering the mine and re-establishing coal production becomes a focus. However, introducing workers underground requires careful evaluation of the condition of the existing heat-affected resin-anchored roof bolts. It was the shortage of research into heat effects on resin-anchored roof bolts led to this study. The key aims were to quantify the degree of heat conducted along the roof bolt, the effect of elevated temperature on roof bolt load transfer, and identify any effects on the exposed steel elements that comprise the lower anchor of the roof bolt. Test information produced by this study allows mines to both better evaluate ground stability risk, and identify remedial ground support requirements during mine re-entry.
Publication Details
Kent McTyer, The effect of elevated temperature on resin-anchored rock bolts, Proceedings of the 2020 Coal Operators' Conference, University of Wollongong - Mining Engineering, 12-14 February 2020, University of Wollongong, 163-174.