An interpretation of ground support capacity submitted to dynamic loading

Abstract

Rockburst risk is an increasing problem in underground mining worldwide, as the general trend is for mines to operate in deeper environments. In most mines affected by seismicity, the first line of defence to mitigate the potential consequences of rockburst is to install dynamic resistant ground support systems. The assessment of ground support capacity when submitted to dynamic loading has been the subject of intensive research over the last two decades. In particular, drop tests were developed to investigate the capacity of support elements while the performance of various support systems was examined by simulating rockbursts with carefully designed blasts. The above research has yet to yield an accepted method to determine the dynamic capacity of ground support. In this paper, the published results from many of the above tests are compiled and practical observations are made regarding the dynamic capacity of ground support systems.