The use of hydro scaling and in-cycle shotcrete to replace conventional jumbo scaling mesh and bolting as the primary method of ground control for run of mine development has been investigated through extensive trials at the Waroonga mine, Agnew Gold Mining Company. These trials have progressed from investigating the productivity aspects of the method through to a three month mine-wide trial, which may yet lead to the adoption of this potentially best practice ground control technique at Agnew. Overseas trials and research have shown that hydro scaling results in a significant improvement in the shotcrete-rock bond strength. Good adhesive bond strength ensures that the shear strength of the shotcrete layer rather than it’s flexural or tensile strength is fully mobilised as rock mass reinforcement. This maximises shotcrete ground reinforcement capability and it is suggested that a bolt-less fibrecrete support design is feasible using the hydro scaling technique. Article by P A Jenkins , J Mitchell and B Upton.
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