Practical considerations in the modelling of resin-grouted rockbolts

Numerical models are widely used to demonstrate the effect of ground support in stabilizing underground excavations in rock. However, limited attention has been paid to the reliability of the employed models. This is surprising given that these models are often used to make important decisions on the selection or modification of ground support. This paper focuses on the simulation of resin-grouted rebar rockbolts to illustrate the sensitivity of numerical models to the stiffness of reinforcement elements. This was illustrated by employing in-situ pull test data from underground hard-rock mines. The numerical investigation demonstrated the implications for the performance of reinforcement as a function of input parameters based on pull tests undertaken in a range of ground conditions.