Rock bolting is a reinforcement technique widely used in tunnelling and underground construction to stabilise fractured rock masses and improve the overall stability of excavations. Rock bolts act as structural elements installed into drilled holes within the surrounding rock, creating a reinforced system that increases cohesion and load distribution.
The bolts work by anchoring unstable rock layers to more competent rock formations, preventing movement and improving the mechanical behaviour of the rock mass around the excavation. They are commonly installed together with shotcrete, steel mesh and other support systems as part of the primary tunnel lining.
Rock bolts are applied in a wide range of underground projects including transport tunnels, mining operations, hydroelectric caverns and underground infrastructure works.
Typical applications include:
- Tunnel excavation support
- Stabilisation of fractured rock masses
- Underground caverns and galleries
- Mining and underground works
- Slope and portal stabilisation
