Mine roadways accommodate personnel, equipment, haulage, ventilation, drainage and utility services. Rockburst damage, weak bedding parallel to roadway, fluctuating ground stress, groundwater, excavation shape and mining-induced deformation can influence roadway stability.
Generally a roadway support system consists of reinforcement installed within the rock mass, and surface components that contain loose material at the excavation face. Rock bolts and cable bolts reinforce and join surrounding strata together, while bearing plates, steel straps and mesh help spread loads and contain loose rock between bolts.
Wanfeng provides compatible ground support components based on customer drawings, approved support plans, installation guidelines and specific technical requirements for your project.
Final support design, bolt pattern and product selection should be determined/reviewed by qualified mining/geotechnical professionals using site-specific geological/stress parameters and operational considerations.
Fractured or Blocky Rock
Joints, faults, blasting damage and weathered zones can create unstable blocks of rock in the surrounding ground. Often times reinforcement products and surface- retention components are used together to help control large structural blocks and smaller friable pieces.
Weak or Layered Roof Strata
Bedded rock types like shale, mudstone and schist may separate, sag or deteriorate following excavation. Appropriately designed bolts can help reinforce multiple layers while mesh and plates can assist in retention of fallen material at the surface of the roadway.
Rib and Sidewall Instability
Stress conditions can change and cause roadway ribs to crack, spall or deform. Rib bolts along with plates, mesh and rock straps can be used together to reinforce sidewalls and help contain loose rock.
Mining-Induced Stress and Deformation
Mining-induced stress can build up around entries, pillars, stopes, gateroads and intersections as mining progresses. Product capacity, stiffness, elongation and anchorage values should be matched to the anticipated ground response and approved support design.
Wide Intersections and Underground Chambers
Intersections, workshops, loading stations, crusher chambers and equipment rooms have wider spans or unique geometries when compared to regular underground roadways. These openings may need longer pieces of reinforcement as well as additional surface support or closer support spacing.
Water, Humidity and Corrosion
Groundwater, acidic mine water and high humidity environments can decrease the service life of steel support components. Products that are galvanized or coated may be used to increase corrosion resistance and provide longer support life.
Rehabilitation of Existing Roadways
Old mine roadways may begin to experience deterioration of the roof or ineffective support systems. Loose ribs, deteriorated mesh, reduced ground clearance or local support failure can be addressed through rehabilitation with additional support components.
Installation Efficiency and Component Compatibility
Mining roadway support should be part of the overall mine development cycle. Providing consistency in bolt dimensions, correct thread pitch match and component compatibility among bolts, nuts, couplers and installation equipment helps eliminate unnecessary delays underground.
Roadway support systems are designed to serve multiple functions, normally consisting of:
* Rock mass reinforcement — Rock bolts or threaded bars reinforce the immediate roof and ribs by connecting discontinuous or weak layers of rock.
* Deep reinforcement — Cable bolts reinforce beyond the immediate bolted zone where greater reach is needed to accommodate wider openings or deeper geological structures.
* Surface retention and load distribution — Steel mesh contains loose material and distributes applied support loads across the exposed roadway surface.
Components to build these systems are provided by Wanfeng per the mine’s approved ground control plan. Final configuration will vary based on geology, dimensions of the excavated opening, method of excavation, existing stress conditions, expected deformation patterns, borehole conditions and equipment available for installation, and required service life.
1.Rock Bolts / Threaded Rebar Bolts
Rock bolts are commonly used to support the roof and ribs surrounding mine roadways. They may be resin anchored, mechanically anchored or fully grouted depending on the design requirements included in the support specification.
We manufacture roadway reinforcement bolts in varying diameters, lengths, thread profiles, steel grades and head styles to confirmed technical specifications.
Typical applications:
* Main access roadway support
* Haulage and belt roadway reinforcement
* Ventilation roadway reinforcement
* Roof and rib support
* Crosscut / intersection support
* Localized support / weak ground reinforcement
* Existing roadway rehab
Available options include:
* Threaded rebar bolts
* Fully threaded rock bolts
* Resin-anchored bolts
* Forged-head bolts
* Mechanical anchor bolts
* Customized mine support bolts
Key specifications to confirm:
* Bolt diameter and total length
* Type, pitch and length of thread
* Steel grade
* Yield strength and tensile strength requirements
* Minimum breaking or working load (if applicable)
* Head, nut and washer configuration
* Anchorage requirements
* Surface treatment
2. Cable Bolts
Cable bolts offer longer length and deeper embedment than standard roadway bolts. Cable anchors may be required in situations where unstable rock or soils extend beyond the zone of immediate bolt support or when roadway intersections and underground chambers are too wide for conventional bolting practices.
Typical applications:
* Wide roadway intersections
* Underground workshops/equipment chambers
* Loading and transfer stations
* Crusher and pump stations
* Separated or weak roof zones
* Fault zones or fractured ground
* Critical roadway rehabilitation
Key parameters to confirm for cable bolts include strand construction, overall length, bulb/birdcage configuration, anchorage method and system, grouting method, plate system and specified working load capacity.
3. Steel Mesh for Roof/Rib retention
Meshing can be used to help retain fragmented rock between bolts and limit exposure to smaller rockfalls originating from the roadway roof or ribs. Mesh is normally installed using bearing plates and can be paired with straps to increase surface area where additional support is required.
Wanfeng offers mesh in various panel sizes, wire diameters, aperture dimensions and surface treatment options to meet project requirements.
Typical applications:
* Full roadway roof coverage
* Rib / sidewall retention
* Fractured ground coverage
* Intersection support
* Rehab/re-meshing jobs
* Loose rock control
Available options include:
* Welded wire mesh for mining applications
* Galvanized support mesh
* Reinforced mesh panels
* Custom mesh sizes and apertures
If special material properties such as flame resistance or anti-static characteristics are needed, or if there are certain certification requirements unique to the mine, please specify the appropriate standard and provide any supporting documentation needed before we quote.
4. Bearing Plates
Bearing plates are used to help distribute bolt loads against the rock surface and secure mesh or straps against the roof and ribs of underground roadways. The profile, thickness and hole size will vary depending on the assembly and support loading requirements.
Options include:
* Flat bearing plates
* Domed bearing plates
* Ribbed or custom profile plates
* Combination plate styles
* Galvanized bearing plates
* Custom stamped plates
Customizable Parameters:
* Length and width of plate
* Plate thickness
* Diameter of center hole
* Plate profile
* Steel grade
* Surface coating
5. Steel Straps
Straps are used to join multiple reinforcement points together and help distribute loads across a larger section of the roadway roof or ribs. Steel straps may be used with bolts, bearing plates and mesh in areas with layered seams, frequent cracking or local instability.
Typical uses for straps include:
* Reinforcing layered roofs
* Cracked or separated rock control
* Roadway intersection support
* Distributing additional surface loads
* Securing mesh to ribs or roof
* Localized roadway rehabilitation
Strap dimensions including length, width, thickness, hole diameter, hole spacing and surface treatment can be customized to your requirements.
6. Nuts, Couplers and Ground Support Accessories
Correct installation requires matched accessories which should be ordered together to ensure proper fit. Bolt threads, nut profiles, coupler tolerances and hole sizes on bearing plates should be cross-referenced before parts are manufactured.
Available accessories include:
* Hex nuts
* Spherical nuts
* Flange nuts
* Threaded couplers
* Washers
* Weld mesh saddles
* Bolt installation tools
* Custom metal fabrication
| Roadway condition or application | Typical support requirement | Relevant product categories |
| Competent rock with isolated loose blocks | Local reinforcement and load transfer | Rock bolts and bearing plates |
| Fractured roof or ribs | Reinforcement plus continuous surface retention | Rock bolts, mesh and plates |
| Weak or layered roof | Connection of rock layers and wider load distribution | Threaded bolts, straps, mesh and plates |
| Wide intersection or chamber | Longer or deeper reinforcement | Cable bolts with surface-support components |
| Unstable roadway ribs | Sidewall reinforcement and loose-rock containment | Rib bolts, mesh and bearing plates |
| Wet or humid roadway | Improved corrosion resistance | Galvanized or coated components |
| Roadway rehabilitation | Supplementary reinforcement and renewed retention | Bolts, cable bolts, mesh, plates and straps |
| Fast development heading | Consistent dimensions and installation compatibility | Matched bolts, nuts and bearing plates |
| High-stress or deforming ground | Verified load and deformation performance | Site-specific yielding or dynamic products only |
NOTE: This chart is intended to show general guidance only. Project specific support needs should be based on geotechnical conditions and engineering analysis.
Uses include supplying Wanfeng ground support products for:
– Primary access roadways and mine entries
– Haulage roadways
– Belt conveyor roadways
– Ventilation and return-air roadways
– Development headings
– Crosscuts and connections
– Roadway intersections
– Underground loading stations
– Workshops/equipment chambers
– Crusher and transfer chambers
– Pump stations/substations
– Service/utility roadways
– Ore passes and drawpoint access areas
– Stope access drives
– Refuge chambers
– Rehabilitating existing roadways
– Local fault and weak-ground areas
Customers may have varying mine support plans, drilling rigs, anchorage equipment and/or local standards. Wanfeng has the ability to customize production per the provided drawings, samples or full engineering specifications.
Specifications that can be tailored to your needs include:
* Bolt diameter & length
* Thread profile, thread pitch & length
* Steel grade & specified mechanical properties
* Head style
* Nut & coupler style
* Bearing-plate dimensions, thickness & profile
* Strap dimensions & hole spacing
* Mesh panel size, wire diameter & aperture size
* Galvanizing or other finish
* Product marking (include batch number)
* Export packing
* OEM logo
When ordering customized product, provide detailed drawings with dimensional tolerances, specify material & mechanical test requirements and quantities required. Samples are acceptable for verifying dimensions however material & mechanical requirements should be confirmed in writing.
Mine roadway support products must hold dimensionally within specification and mate properly between production lots. Wanfeng uses production and inspection methods based on the agreed purchase specification.
Quality assurance activities may involve:
o Raw- material and material- certificate inspection
o Bolt diameter and overall-length verification
o Thread- profile and thread- length inspection
o Nut and coupler fit testing
o Yield, tensile or load testing (as agreed)
o Bearing- plate dimensional and profile inspection
o Plate- hole inspection
o Strap dimensions and hole- spacing inspection
o Mesh wire- diameter and aperture measurement
o Mesh weld inspection
o Galvanizing or coating- thickness inspection
o Product marking and batch- identification verification
o Packaging inspection
Test reports, inspection records and third party test documentation are available per agreed order requirements.
1.Over 10 Years Manufacturing Experience
We understand manufacturing so you gain consistent dimensions, controlled production and reliable repeat-order supply for your mining customers.
2. ONE STOP FOR MULTIPLE COMPONENTS
Mine customers can source rock bolts, cable bolts, bearing plates, steel mesh, straps, nuts and couplers through one supplier who coordinates the process.
3. MADE TO ORDER DESIGN
Your products can be evaluated and made to match your drawings, samples and confirmed technical specifications.
4. COMPATIBLE COMPONENTS ASSURED
Ensuring matched bolts, nuts, couplers and plates allows you to avoid unnecessary fit up and installation issues.
5. BATCH INSPECTION WITH DOCUMENTATION
Agreed upon inspection procedures and test documentation are used to verify that the product you receive conforms to the specification agreed upon at time of order.
6. SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION
Wanfeng works with your overseas customers to provide protective packaging, product documentation and coordinated export deliveries.
7. OEM AND DISTRIBUTOR PARTNERSHIP POSSIBLE
We cooperate with mine support distributors, contractors, importers and OEM’s that are established brands who require ongoing manufacturing support.
In order for us to understand your application and assess your mine roadway reinforcement needs, please provide as much of the following information as possible:
• Mine type and roadway application
• Ground condition or support- plan reference
• Categories of products needed
• Bolt/cable diameter and length
• Thread type and size
• Steel grade
• Yield, tensile, breaking-load or working-load requirement
• Anchorage specifications
• Plate/strap size
• Mesh panel size, wire diameter and aperture
• Surface- treatment requirement
• Standard that is applicable
• Inspection or certification needed
• Quantity you expect to order
• Drawings, data sheets or copies of reference samples
• Port or location of delivery
• Delivery deadline
Q1: Which products are used to reinforce mine roadways?
Rock bolts, threaded rebar bolts, cable bolts, steel mesh, bearing plates, steel straps, nuts and couplers are all commonly used roadway reinforcement products. Used in various configurations, the correct combination is based on roadway geology, size, stresses, anticipated deformations and the approved support design.
Q2: How do rock bolts and steel mesh work together in a mine roadway?
Rock bolts help support/retain the surrounding rock mass and mesh prevents falling debris between rock bolts from dropping out of the ceiling. Bearing plates are generally used to affix the mesh to the rock surface and distribute the bolt load to the surrounding roadway surface. Steel straps can also be installed to distribute loads across a broader section in some applications.
Q3: What is the difference between a rock bolt and a cable bolt?
Rock bolts are primarily used to support the roof and sidewalls (“Rib”). Cable bolts can be used as rock bolts, but tend to be longer so they can be used to support larger openings, areas where the geological structure continues well beyond the zone that is being immediately bolted up, or intersections of headings.
Q4: Can roadway support bolts be customized to meet special design requirements?
Yes. Wanfeng can customize diameters, lengths, thread profile, steel grade, head styles and surface treatments to meet customer specifications.
Q5: Can Wanfeng match nuts, couplers and bearing plates to specific bolts?
Yes, accessories are often matched with roadway bolts to ensure compatibility. Thread profile, dimensional tolerances and plate-hole sizes should be verified prior to production start.
Q6: Is there any available support products with coatings for wet mine roadways?
Specifications vary widely for coatings needed in wet conditions. Customers should identify the type of coating, coating thickness and coating specification needed based on environment and required service life. Galvanized may be an option for some projects.
Q7: Can your products be used to rehabilitate roadways?
Yes, rock bolts, cable bolts, mesh, plates, and straps can be made to meet rehabilitation needs. The rehabilitation design should determine the installation sequence and what products are suitable for each application.
Q8: Can Wanfeng manufacture products based on an existing sample?
Samples can be evaluated; however welding processes or chemical composition cannot always be identified from a finished piece. Drawings and technical specifications should be provided prior to production.
Q9: Does Wanfeng offer design services to help select roadway support?
Wanfeng is a supplier of ground support hardware. The mine should prepare a ground control plan which includes a support pattern and determines what type of support should be used.
Q10: What information is required to obtain a quote?
Include as much of the following information as possible; product type, dimensions, material, mechanical properties, thread information, surface treatment, coating specifications, applicable standard, quantity needed, engineering drawings and where the product needs to be shipped. Any information on how the product will be used in the roadway is helpful when reviewing product compatibility.
Q11: Can you provide inspection documents to verify your products meet specifications?
Material certificates, dimensional inspections, mechanical testing and coil coating tickets are some of the documentation we can provide. The type of documentation is determined by the product and the needs of the customer.
Q12: Can Wanfeng coordinate a package of products for complete roadway support?
We are able to coordinate the supply of multiple manufactured items such as bolts, cable bolts, mesh, plates, straps, nuts and couplers. The specifics of what we can provide should be cross-referenced with the customers approved BOM and drawings.
