ABSTRACT
Beam building has long been recognized as a major support mechanism in underground mining where roof bolts are used. This paper examines the classical analytical approaches to explain the support mechanism and compares them to experimental tests performed in the laboratory and actual mining practice. The paper mainly deals with fully grouted bolts in thinly laminated rock usually associated with USA coal mines. Finally, the paper proposes a rationale for design of underground room and pillar mine support systems using fully grouted roof bolts.
There are many factors which influence the effectiveness of beam building, such as rock properties, grout properties and the geometry of the bolt hole. Bolt length and spacing are important in the overall design of the entry. This paper draws upon a USBM study and other published works to present a rationale for design. Its base is not steep in theory but presented in terms that are practical.
