ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with the analytical and numerical methods for evaluating support and reinforcement systems and their effects in underground excavations.
A series of finite element simulations are presented to show the effects of various conditions for the effective utilization of reinforcement and support systems for underground structures. The effect of rockbolting with other support members is investigated in relation to some practical situations with the consideration of bolt spacing, the magnitude of the allowed displacement before the installation of the bolts, elastic modulus of the surrounding rock, equipping rockbolts with bearing plates and bolting pattern. Analytical solutions are presented to evaluate the stress state around the internally pressurized circular cavities reinforced by rockbolts having a non-radial pattern, which is different from the conventional rockbolting pattern. Solutions are used for studying the effect of rockbolting, and implications of the parametric studies are discussed. Furthermore, a series of finite element studies was carried out and results are compared with analytical solutions.
In the final part, a special form of rock support, backfilling of abandoned room and pillar mines, is described.
