Comparing steel mesh performance in an overlap condition

Authors: Sweet, D; Emery, T; Wilson, S; Humphreys, M Download Paper

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2625_17

Cite As:
Sweet, D, Emery, T, Wilson, S & Humphreys, M 2026, 'Comparing steel mesh performance in an overlap condition', in D Cumming-Potvin & J Wesseloo (eds), Ground Support 2026: Proceedings of the 11th International Conference on Ground Support in Mining, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 1-12, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2625_17



Abstract:
In pursuit of reducing incidents and injuries due to ground falls, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has expanded their novel high-energy, high-displacement (HEHD) test machine to test mesh ground support in an overlap condition. The overlap zone in overhead ground support is not widely tested but is seen as an area particularly vulnerable to damage as mesh is more likely to separate at this location rather than maintain its ability to take load. In this study, traditional steel mesh materials were tested in a quasi-static overlap condition with approximately 300 mm (12 in) of overlap. These materials were 9gauge or 3.8 mm diameter chain link with a 50.8 mm (2 in) aperture, 6-gauge or 4.9 mm diameter welded wire mesh with 76 mm (3 in) aperture, and 6-gauge welded wire mesh with a 102 mm (4 in) aperture. Test results primarily showed a stiffening effect at the overlap, and the chain link displacement at the peak load decreased 34%, while both welded wire materials decreased by 41 to 52%. These results will improve industry understanding of mesh performance at the overlap zone by establishing what the relative peak load, material strain, and absorbed energy are. Understanding these relative properties will enable mine operators to further compare steel mesh materials.

Keywords: ground support, mesh, liner, welded wire, chain link, overlap, mechanical performance, ground support

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