Abstract

Over the last ten years, steel support cables anchored in bedrock have been used to prevent rock bursts, a cause of serious mine accidents. However, there are no guidelines for the number, orientation, or length of the cables. Researchers have shown that it is possible, to monitor the forces transmitted to the cables over time and thus predict dangerous situations, by incorporating a measurement device in the anchor cables. This project will validate the instrumented anchor-cable system in several Québec mines. This technology will not only help prevent rock bursts, but also provide date that will facilitate the design of safe anchor patterns. At the end of the project, engineers responsible for terrain management will receive a user's guide for the measurement device.