Evaluation of design bond strength for fully grouted cables

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 85, No. 962, 1992

R.D. Reichert, W.F. Bawden and A.J. Hyett, Department of Mining Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario

A laboratory and field research program was conducted to investigate the major factors influencing bond capacity of grouted cable bolts. The results indicate that cable bolt capacity most critically depends on the grout uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), the radial confinement, and the embedment length. In the laboratory 'split-pipe' tests were conducted using PVC, aluminum and steel pipes to provide radial confinement, and field test sites were chosen in granite, limestone and shale rock masses. For both datasets higher capacities were obtained under conditions of higher radial confinement. A correlation between the two was obtained through a comparison of the radial wall stiffness of the laboratory pipes with that of the field boreholes as measured using a high pressure dilatometer. Cable bolt capacity was found to increase with embedment length though not in direct proportionality. The use of low water:cement ratio grouts (<0.40) can increase cable bolt capacities by 50% to 75%. This effect is maximized under conditions of high radial confinement. However, the use of super-thick grout paste (0.30 and less) may be both impractical and undesirable, first because of their limited pumpability and second because of their inconsistency in strength. Grouts with a watercement ratio of between 0.35 and 0.40 are recommended for practical cable bolt applications.