W. F. Bawden, U. of Toronto, Chair Lassonde Mineral Engineering Program, Canada
S. Dennison, Project Engineer, Mine Design Technologies Inc., Canada
P. Lausch, Principal, Mine Design Technologies Inc., Canada
ABSTRACT: Instrumented cable bolt support [SMART – Stretch Measurement for
Assessment of Reinforcement Tension cables]was developed in Canada [Canadian
Patent #2,200,834] and has been in use for the past three years. These instruments have
achieved wide acceptance in the Canadian mining sector and are now being exported
internationally. A significant case study database has been developed using SMART
cables, SMART MPBX’s and SMART contractometers under a wide array of mining
situations and ground conditions. The instrumentation is routinely used today to help
achieve both operational and safety goals. The paper briefly summarizes findings from
various case studies that illustrate the positive economic impact this technology brings to
operations, both from an economic and safety perspective. A recent case study illustrating
cable bolt performance [measured load steps] under dynamic rock burst load conditions is
discussed in detail.
