Friction Rock Bolt with Load Absorber for Seismic Anchorage

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing expansion rock bolts fail to provide sufficient frictional engagement in weak or seismic rock strata, leading to dislodgement under ground kinetic energy and impact loads, as they rely on inadequate frictional contact and are prone to tensile or shear failure.

Innovation Solution

A friction rock bolt assembly with a multi-stage load support arrangement, featuring a symmetrical expander mechanism and radially outer wedging elements for enhanced frictional contact, combined with a load absorber that deforms under impact loads to distribute forces across multiple components, ensuring secure anchorage in boreholes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If friction rock bolts are used for simple insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates under seismic loading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of insertionVSAvoidresistance to dislodgement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a load absorber component that deforms under impact loads to dissipate ground kinetic energy before it reaches the anchorage system. This beforehand cushioning mechanism prevents excessive forces from dislodging the rock bolt during seismic events, thereby maintaining reliability while keeping the insertion process simple and tool-free.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If resin or cement anchoring is used to improve bond strength, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebond strengthVSAvoidcomplexity of anchoring system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical anchoring systems (resin or cement cartridges requiring mixing and pumping equipment) with a purely mechanical friction-based anchorage system. The rock bolt achieves reliable anchoring through friction between the tube surface and bore wall, eliminating the need for complex chemical anchoring equipment while maintaining sufficient bond strength for the application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If resin or cement anchoring is used to improve bond strength, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to equipment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebond strengthVSAvoidconvenience of application
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the cumbersome chemical anchoring process (requiring mixing, pumping, and delivery equipment) with a simple mechanical friction anchorage system. The rock bolt is inserted directly into the borehole and achieves anchoring through friction between the tube surface and bore wall, eliminating the need for complex equipment and improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable bond strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If expansion mechanism is added to improve anchorage, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanchorage strengthVSAvoidcomplexity of bolt structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an asymmetrical tube design with a smooth surface portion and a ribbed surface portion at different locations along the tube. This asymmetrical configuration creates varying friction characteristics along the tube length, improving anchorage reliability through differential friction engagement while avoiding the complexity of mechanical expansion mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The rock bolt assembly effectively resists ground kinetic energy and impact loads, maintaining secure anchorage even under high energy conditions (25 kJ) by distributing loads across multiple components, preventing dislodgement and failure, and enhancing frictional engagement for improved stability.

Implementation Method 1

a load absorber (55) configured to deform in response to loading forces imparted by the rock strata

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

the load absorber (55) will absorb some of the load or the energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEnergy absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 3

This radial expansion is normally facilitated by the tube being split longitudinally and by an expander mechanism being positioned within the tube

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

a multi-stage load support arrangement, featuring a symmetrical expander mechanism and radially outer wedging elements for enhanced frictional contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce distribution: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3635221B1Friction rock bolt
Publication Date: 2024.07.10 SANDVIK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AB
  • EP3635221B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3635221B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~6
  • EP3635221B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

A friction rock bolt assembly to frictionally engage an internal surface of the bore formed in rock strata. The rock bolt comprises a loading mechanism provided at a rearward end of the rock bolt having a load absorber to absorb an initial predetermined loading force followed by transfer of the force to a main load element.