The use of reinforcing bar (rebar) anchored with resin is a common method of rock support in both hard and soft rock mining. The average bond strength, or the load that the support can sustain for a linear length of bond to the rock, is typically determined through a series of pull tests. The average value of bond strength varies widely, since it is dependent on in-situ rock properties and environment. It is an important value because it allows mine engineers to select the appropriate length and pattern spacing of installation for the support. When a stiff support, like resin-anchored rebar, is placed in a weak, soft material, such as potash, the average bond strength tends to be lower in magnitude than for a typical hard rock installation.This research was primarily aimed at determining the failure mechanism, in soft rock applications, by which the support loses adhesion and begins to fail by sliding. Results of field pull testing determined that the resin-rock bond strength was the limiting factor controlling when adhesion loss occurred. This study investigated how the bond strength may vary given a number of variables typically found in a potash mine environment. Results reported from testing did not indicate variation in the bond strength of resin anchored rebar, significant for mining applications, given changes in resin cure time, vicinity to active mining areas, or the rock type to which the resin was adjacent.Using the results of laboratory and field testing, an equation was developed to estimate load on insitu resin anchored rebar given deformation measurements taken from the field. This equation will help determine safe limits for fracture separations opening in the backs of potash drifts.
POTASH MINING DEFINITIONSPotash -for the purposes of this thesis refers to a rock made up of Halite (NaCl), various clays (insolubles), and at least 18-28% Sylvite (KCl).Salt -for the purposes of this thesis refers to a rock made up almost entirely of Halite (NaCl) with trace amounts of clays (insolubles) and a low (1-4%) content of Sylvite (KCl) Rebar -Reinforcing Bar, refers to a type of ground support in form of a black (uncoated) rebar with a forged bolt head and a slashed (angled) toe tip.Mechanical Bolt -refers to a straight steel bar, with a forged bolt head, that is anchored using only a mechanical wedge at the toe end of the bolt.Dywidag Bar -a type of threaded rebar ground support specifically made by Dywidag SystemsInternational, a manufacturer of many types of ground support and mine supplies.Potash Opening -refers to a room/tunnel underground at a potash mine, most are 10 metres wide by 3 metres high and can be up to several kilometres in length.Back -the ceiling of an opening underground.Clay Seam -a thin deposit of clays (insolubles) that has been compacted into a hardened mudstone. There are several of these seams that separate layers of halite and potash.Beams of Potash/Halite -used to describe the layers of halite or potash formed between clay seams. Often referred to as beams because of th...