Analysis of Support Design in Weak Rock Drift Using a Systematic Approach

Abstract

The aim of this study is to develop a systematic approach for support design of weak rock drift based on empirical, analytical, and numerical method, which is employed to estimate weak rock support demand and design support system. Detailed engineering geological investigations and rock mechanics test have been carried out in weak rock drift. The Q-system and GSI-system were used to determine the primary support design and rock mass properties, respectively. The numerical model of RS2 finite element program has been calibrated by analyzing the relation of falling height observed in the field to the frictional angles obtained from empirical method, rock mechanics test, and calculated rock mass parameters, respectively. In an attempt to check the validity of sophisticated support, support suggested by Q-system, and the combination support system proposed by analytical approach, the RS2 program was employed to analyze the depth of plastic zone and total displacement surrounding the weak rock drift. Numerical results show that the depths of plastic zone and total deformation surrounding the weak rock drift supported by the combination support system significantly descended 87% and 90% of those of sophisticated support. In particular, the rock bolt and cable bolt provide enough frictional and interlocked forces to resist weak rock falling which change the weak rock mechanicals properties and the surface holding function reinforced by the shotcrete, wire mesh, and steel strap. The factor of safety (FOS) of 8.28 of the combination support system is much more than the FOS of 1.5 for permanent drift. The combination support system with rock bolts, cable bolt, shotcrete, wire mesh, and steel straps has been applied to stabilize the weak rock drift and found to be successful to prevent further deformations surrounding the drift.