Rockbolts vs Cables: Which is Stronger for Mining Support?
When it comes to mining support, rockbolts and cables are two popular options used in underground excavations, shafts and tunnels. Both methods offer advantages and disadvantages, making selection a function of the mining conditions. In this article, we'll compare rockbolts and cables in terms of their strength and applicability for different mining scenarios.
Rockbolts.
1. Definition: Rockbolts are steel bars inserted into holes drilled into rock or concrete surfaces. They are usually anchored to the rock or concrete using grouted resin capsules, threaded rods or expansion shells.
2. Strength: Rockbolts can withstand high tensile loads, making them ideal for supporting and reinforcing rock and concrete surfaces in underground mining environments.
3. Applicability: Rockbolts are suitable in areas of moderate to high stress concentration, such as in deep underground mines, stopes and tunnels.
4. Advantages: .
- They offer high strength and toughness, making them suitable for high stress concentrations.
- Rockbolting can be done quickly and easily, offering rapid installation in critical areas.
- The installation process is safe and requires minimum resources.
5. Disadvantages:
- Rockbolt installation requires drilling holes and grouting, resulting in high costs and time-consuming activities.
- The rock quality must be high to provide effective anchorage and support to the rockbolts.
- There is a risk of fallouts of rock or roof during the drilling or installation process.
Cables.
1. Definition: Mining cables are made of high-tensile steel wires that are twisted and braided into a cable. The cables are anchored to the rock surface using mechanical bolts and are flexible enough to resist deformation caused by rock movement.
2. Strength: Mining cables can resist high tensile loads and are ideal for supporting rock and concrete surfaces in underground mining.
3. Applicability: Cables are suitable in areas of low to moderate stress concentration where cyclic movement or vibration is expected, such as in longwall mining operations.
4. Advantages:
- Cables can support large surface areas and are flexible to resist cyclic loading.
- They are lightweight and easy to install and can be used in areas where heavy machinery is not available.
- Cables can be used in various mining scenarios, including ventilation systems and conveyor belt applications.
5. Disadvantages:
- Cables are not suitable in locations of high stress concentration, as they are flexible and cannot resist the permanent deformation.
- The installation of cables requires a specialized technique and trained personnel, which can be costly.
- They are not suitable to use in areas where rock conditions are poor.
Conclusion.
Both rockbolts and cables offer advantages and disadvantages, depending on the mining environment. While rockbolts offer high strength and are ideal for high stress concentrations, they require considerable investment of time and resources. Cables can be flexible and resistant to cyclic movement, but require specialized techniques and may not be suitable in areas of high stress concentration. To ensure effective mining support, the selection of mining support solution should be a function of the mining conditions and the desired outcomes.
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