Effect of dynamic loading conditions on the dynamic performance of MP1 energy-absorbing rockbolts: Insight from laboratory drop test

Abstract

Energy-absorbing rockbolts have been widely adopted in burst-prone excavation support, and their serviceability is closely related to the frequency and magnitude of seismic events. In this research, the split-tube drop test with varying impact energy was conducted to reproduce the dynamic performance of MP1 rockbolts under a wide range of seismic event magnitudes. The test results showed that the impact process could be subdivided into four distinct stages, i.e. mobilization, strain hardening, plastic flow (ductile), and rebound stage, of which strain hardening and plastic flow are the primary energy absorbing stages. As the impact energy per drop increases from 8.1 to 46.7 kJ, the strain rate of the shank varies between 1.20 and 2.70 s−1, and the average impact load is between 240 and 270 kN, which may be considered as constant. The MP1 rockbolt has a cumulative maximum energy absorption (CMEA) of 31.9–40.0 kJ/m, with an average of 35.0 kJ/m, and the elongation rate is 11.4%–14.7%, with an average of 12.7%, both of which are negatively correlated with the impact energy per drop. Regression analysis shows that energy absorption and shank elongation, as well as momentum input and impact duration, conform to the linear relationship. The complete dynamic capacity envelope of MP1 rockbolts is proposed, which reflects the dynamic bearing capacity, elongation, and distinct stages. This study is helpful to better understand the dynamic characteristics of energy-absorbing rockbolts and assist design engineers in robust reinforcement systems design to mitigate rockburst damage in seismically active underground excavations.

Keywords

• Energy-absorbing rockbolt
• Dynamic performance
• Drop test
• Residual elastic energy (REE)
• Energy absorption rate (EAR)
• Dynamic capacity envelope