W. F. Bawden, University of Toronto, Chair Lassonde Mineral Engineering Program, 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 extensometers and SMART contractometers under a wide array of mining situations and ground conditions. The instrumentation is routinely used to 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] loading is also presented.
