Smart Sensor Innovation for Rock Bolt Monitoring: A Game-Changer for Mine and Tunnel Stability
Rock bolts are essential for keeping underground structures like mines and tunnels stable. But over time, issues like corrosion, excessive loads, or poor grouting can lead to failures—posing serious risks, from financial losses to worker safety. That’s where smart sensor technology comes in, offering a high-tech way to monitor rock bolt conditions in real time.
Gambar 1. Komponen rock bolt tipe mekanis dengan cangkang ekspansi yang dilengkapi dengan fasilitas untuk grouting.
Gambar 2. Rock bolt dengan grouting penuh: (a) rock bolt dengan grouting resin penuh dan (b) rock bolt dengan grouting semen penuh.
Smarter Monitoring with Advanced Sensors
Smart sensors, like piezoelectric and fiber optic sensors, help track axial loads, corrosion levels, and grouting quality. Piezoelectric sensors, for example, use their unique properties to detect mechanical changes and convert them into electrical signals. This allows for accurate detection of cracks and corrosion using ultrasonic wave analysis.
Meanwhile, fiber optic sensors—especially Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors—are excellent for long-term monitoring. These sensors can detect strain and temperature shifts, providing precise data on rock bolt conditions, even in extreme underground environments. In fact, FBG sensors have already been used successfully in Swiss mines to track rock movement for over a year.
Checking Grouting Quality and Structural Integrity
Beyond just tracking load and corrosion, smart sensors can also assess grouting quality. Ultrasonic wave technology has proven to be an efficient way to detect incomplete grouting without damaging the rock bolt structure—offering a faster, more effective alternative to traditional pull-out tests.
Gambar 5. Perubahan panjang gelombang Bragg dan regangan yang diterapkan vs. beban untuk (a) sensor terkompresi (17°); (b) sensor netral (29°); dan (c) sensor yang memanjang (40°) [44].
Gambar 6. (a) Load cell yang instrumentasi dengan FBG; (b) load cell ditempatkan di dinding dermaga [45].
Gambar 7. Gambaran umum hasil pemantauan selama lebih dari 1 tahun setelah pemasangan ground anchor [45].
Research has shown that steel rock bolts can experience strain of up to 20%. However, directly attaching FBG sensors to the bolt shaft can be risky due to high loads. To solve this, experts like Schroeck et al. have developed special setups that allow FBG sensors to measure large strains accurately without breaking. Moerman et al. also used FBG sensors on load cells to measure forces on ground anchors with an impressive 3.5 kN accuracy for long-term monitoring.
Boosting Safety and Efficiency
One of the biggest advantages of smart sensor technology is its impact on safety and operational efficiency. Real-time monitoring gives mine operators the ability to take proactive steps before structural failures occur. This not only minimizes accident risks but also extends the lifespan of underground support systems.
In short, integrating smart sensors into rock bolt monitoring is a major leap forward for mining and construction. This technology not only tackles safety challenges but also opens doors for smarter, more sustainable underground infrastructure management.
Source: Song, G., Li, W., Wang, B., & Ho, S. C. M. (2017). A review of rock bolt monitoring using smart sensors. Sensors, 17(4), 776. DOI: 10.3390/s17040776.
Hello, APT Friends! 👋👷♀️👷♂️
In the mining world, continuous innovation between technology and operational tools is essential.
The combination of rock bolts, which play a role in maintaining the stability of mining structures, with smart sensor technology for real-time condition monitoring, has proven to create a safer, more comfortable, and efficient mining environment.
So, how can this combination bring positive changes to the mining world? Find out the answer here!
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