Research Center—Institute of Mining, LLC, Kemerovo, Russia

E. R. Ilyasov, Head of Mechanics and Geotechnology Department, ilyasov.e.r@mail.ru
I. I. Munasypov, Deputy Head of Mechanics and Geotechnology Department

Sevuralboksitruda (SUBR), JSC, Severouralsk, Russia
L. B. Burtolik, Managing Director
V. V. Matveev, COO

Gorbachev Kuzbass State Technical University, Kemerovo, Russia
D. V. Tsarev, Researcher, Post-Graduate Student

The article addresses a critical problem connected with underground mining at the North Urals Bauxite Ore Deposit. Failure-free heading and support of underground excavations is complicated by geological conditions at the deposit: unstable and vulnerable to deformation and failure rocks (siltstone and schist), high rock pressure and water content. Conventional systems of ground support appear insufficiently effective, which elevates the risks of accidents and injuries, necessitates frequent and expensive repair activities and, as a consequence, disimproves economic performance of mining operations. The implemented visual inspection and instrumental assessment of rock mass in SUBR mines enabled development of the Procedure for Optimized Design of Long and Deep-Set Rock Bolting Systems in Underground Mines to a Depth of 2 km to Support Junctions and Linear Portions of Excavations. The Procedure is developed individually for each mine, with regard to updated geological conditions and peculiarities of mining operations. Pretension of cable rock bolts is considered as one of the most promising trends in the rock bolting technology. The studies say that pretension: improves compaction in the zone adjacent to a cable bolt, decreases fracturing and increases load-bearing capacity of the whole reinforcement system; allows effective locking and prevention of further growth of existing cracks; ensures more uniform stress distribution in surrounding rock mass, which eventually reduces displacement of roof rocks and wall rocks in underground excavations. The pretension rock bolting system includes a bulb-end bolt, collet fixture, spherical bushing and a square washer, which have past testing and proven effective and reliable in real-life operating conditions.

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