RR831 - Evaluation of tensioned and non-tensioned long tendon reinforcement in UK deep mining conditions

A research programme has been carried out by RMT in support of the revision of Part 2 of the British Standard for strata reinforcement components in coal mines, covering flexible systems for roof reinforcement. This continued work commenced under a previous HSE Project, 'Testing and standards for reinforcement consumables'.

A particular focus was to compare tensionable and non-tensionable reinforcement systems, prompted by the introduction of tensionable systems to British coal mines. A review of previous research indicated conflicting claims for tensionable systems in terms of theoretical advantages and practical experience. The research included laboratory testing, underground measurement and analysis of underground monitoring data. Advice and draft Annexes were provided to the BS Committee and a revision of the DMCIAC guidance on the use of cable bolts to support roadways in coal mines drafted. The work highlighted practical problems concerning application of the tensionable systems in use in UK coal mines but did not exclude their future applicability provided they comply with the revised Standard.

This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive and co-funded by the EU Research Fund for Coal and Steel. Aspects were also co-funded by UKCoal Ltd and various manufacturers through supply of materials for testing. The report's contents, including any opinions and/ or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy nor the opinions of any of the co-funding parties.

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Updated 2021-04-23