Towards a new understanding of dynamic support performance and its implication for design

Authors: Potvin, Y; Sewnun, D; Goulet, A

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2625_30

Cite As:
Potvin, Y, Sewnun, D & Goulet, A 2026, 'Towards a new understanding of dynamic support performance and its implication for design', 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. 1-24, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_repo/2625_30

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Abstract:
Ground support is one of the main means of managing rockburst risks in mines. Its main goal is to contain shattering and dynamic bulking of rock masses. This paper focuses on the behaviour of ground support systems during the dynamic bulking process. It draws from 2 work packages under the umbrella of the Australian Centre for Geomechanics Ground Support System Optimisation Phase 3 (GSSO 3) research project. The data comes from high-speed video footage from in situ dynamic testing of ground support systems and a large empirical database of rockburst damage. The interpretation relies on observations the authors have made over many years in deep mines.  Different situations related to small/medium as well as large seismically triggered strainbursts (rockbursts) are explored. The situations include, rockbursts in hard-solid rock mass and rockbursts in deep mines, where excavations are surrounded by a layer of stressed broken rock mass. The behaviour of typical yielding ground support systems is analysed in detail. The interaction between support elements and the shattering/bulking rock mass leading to failures is explained. The support systems’ weakest link for each situation is also identified. The paper concludes with the implication of these analyses on the industry approach to dynamic ground support systems design.

Keywords: dynamic ground support, rockburst, deformation, performance, in situ testing

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