ABSTRACT
To date, it has been difficult to apply theory to predict or describe the behaviour of bolted rock masses. Firstly, it is required to demonstrate that the interaction of site dependent factors, rock mass properties, and planned development will create tensile or shear loads beyond the capacity of the rock mass. A support strategy then has to be devised that is economical and will be effective during the development and life of the planned facility. The designer will have to choose how to account for the high level of uncertainty involved, the inherent time-dependence of the problem, and the discrete nature of the bolts and rock mass features. Improvements to theoretical approaches will depend on the appropriate incorporation of relevant experimental data relating to aspects such as the behaviour of rock joints, and bolts within rock.
