ABSTRACT

Cable bolts are long, high capacity reinforcing systems. A review of the historical development of cable bolts and the associated technology has been attempted by Windsor (1992). That review found that cable bolt technology is related to ground anchor technology and that both disciplines use devices and techniques originally developed for pre-stressed concrete. The common theme is the use of 7-wire pre-stressing strand, its internal fixture using cementitious grouts and its external fixture using pre-stressing grips. In all three applications, these products (i.e. strand, grout and grips) are used to produce a tensile contribution in materials that are characteristically weak in tension (i.e. concrete, rock and soil). However, there are marked differences between the disciplines in the aims and operation of these products.