Ground support installation in underground mines is a routine task that is performed daily to maintain a stable excavation and safe working environment. The ground support design is usually specified in terms of the support type, capacity, dimensions and pattern of ground support while the support capacity is based on manufacturer’s specifications and some trials. In other cases, support standards from similar operations are adopted and assumed to fulfil the intended purpose. Once the support design is implemented, it is not unusual that the process becomes ‘business as usual’ and less attention is paid to the controls required to achieve the designed support capacity. This is likely more prevalent in shorter-term contract applications that have changing teams and variable equipment usage.
A recent project demonstrates how ongoing extensive testing and routine quality control was instrumental in identifying problems with the support product selection, equipment setup, and installation procedure. Support product selection based on supplier’s specification with limited consideration of other factors proved to be, in some cases, a fatal flaw. Support installation/application and implementation procedures adopted from similar operations provide a reference point, but site-specific implementation must consider potential differences, such as variations in the installation equipment, rock mass conditions, and support products. These factors must be assessed and resulting processes must be verified before implementation of a support design. This paper presents a case study to illustrate potential pitfalls when adopting the ‘standard approach’ and the value of support trials, routine testing, and the need for continuous quality assurance, especially for shorter-duration contract projects.
