Comparative Analysis of Synthetic and Steel Mesh Performance

Abstract

The Spokane Mining Research Division (SMRD), of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is continuing research on the mechanical behavior of primary surface support components in mining ground support systems. Mining ground control safety often depends on supporting, or at least containing, the ground between rockbolts using what is referred to as local, surface, or areal ground support. Steel mesh, in various combinations and with other components, is often used to accomplish this, as well as to retain loose rock. Local ground support is an integral part of maintaining a safe underground operation. However, as underground hard rock mining continues moving towards automation, increased challenges regarding support installation and maintenance will create a need for a new generation of mesh support systems. Advanced materials engineering has created various synthetic meshes to meet this need. This study begins a process of compiling technical information on multiple types of mesh performance, leading to an eventual comprehensive index for industry use. Using SMRD’s high-energy high-deformation (HEHD) testing machine, a program was developed to assess the behavior of a variety of steel and synthetic mesh products in quasi-static loading conditions. The data from these tests were used for comparative analyses of the force-displacement and energy-displacement characteristics of conventional steel meshes to synthetic meshes. Considerations were also given to several additional operational and performance factors, including corrosivity, flammability, durability, and handling. This work was completed as part of the SMRD mission of improving the health and safety of underground metal mine workers, and this paper presents the findings of these tests.

A review of ground support mesh testing around the world

“…Bolt patterns of up to 1.2 × 1.8 m can be tested. The loading mechanism used is a hemispherical loading ram, which was used to 'avoid an unrealistic punching type failure that often occurs if a point loading is applied to test specimens' (Benton et al 2022).…”