Underground » Roadway Development
The ACARP Underground Mining Systems Task Force requested Strata Control Technology to prepare a brief study on the status of rib bolting in the Australian coal mining industry. This study would then be used to assist the task force in identifying research requirements for rib bolting under ACARP funding.
The objectives of this study were to:-
- Review current rib bolting practice, including installation and support effectiveness, for various coal districts and seam conditions
- Review injury statistics related to rib bolting practice.
In order to achieve these objectives, the following research program was undertaken.
- Industry wide survey
- Review of rib-related research (both Australian and overseas)
- Review of current and future status of rib support systems (both Australian and overseas)
- Review of injury statistics
- Summary of geotechnical factors influencing rib behaviour.
This study summarises the findings from the above research program.