Rock support mesh responses to static and dynamic loadings

Steel wire mesh restrained by rock and cable bolts is widely used in mining and tunnelling for support of unstable rock fragments that may detach from the rock mass surrounding underground excavations. Several years ago the Western Australian School of Mines in Kalgoorlie designed and commissioned testing facilities capable of subjecting panels of mesh to static and dynamic loadings. The force-displacement responses of the mesh have been measured and then characterised by various performance indicators such as peak strength, stiffness (displacement to peak strength), post-peak behaviour and energy absorption. The modes of failure are also reported. The database of test results has been summarised in the form of charts that may be used to easily compare the performance of different mesh configurations and to assist with design of appropriate mesh ground support for static and dynamic loading applications.