Mining Publication: Effects of Bolt Spacing, Bolt Length, and Roof Span on Bolt Loading in a Trona Mine

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Original creation date: August 2001

Authors: SP Signer, RL Rains

Conference Paper - August 2001

NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20021449

Proc. 20th Intl Conf on Ground Control in Mining. Morgantown, WV: West Virginia University, 2001 Aug; :302-308

Researchers from the Spokane Research Laboratory of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health installed 39 instrumented, fully grouted bolts at six test sites in a trona mine retreat panel to study mine roof stability for the improvement of workplace safety. Variables at each test site included bolt spacing, bolt length, roof span, and location in the panel layout. At most test sites, two rows of instrumented bolts were installed, one in or near the intersection created during development and the other in or near the intersection created during second-pass mining. The most significant factor affecting bolt load was roof span. The highest loads were on the bolts installed in the intersections of the 6-m-wide entry. Mining-induced stress resulting from panel layout was the next most significant factor affecting bolt loading. Minor variations in bolt loading could be attributed to changes in bolt spacing and bolt length. Gas pressure release in the immediate roof contributed to some bolts showing compressional loading during gas bleed-off.

Image of publication Effects of Bolt Spacing, Bolt Length, and Roof Span on Bolt Loading in a Trona Mine
Conference Paper - August 2001

NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20021449

Proc. 20th Intl Conf on Ground Control in Mining. Morgantown, WV: West Virginia University, 2001 Aug; :302-308


Page last reviewed: September 21, 2012
Page last updated: September 21, 2012