GROUND SUPPORT & ROCK REINFORCEMENT
ThingWave has been researching in the development of new methods to detect breakage ( ie rupture ) on metal bars such as rock bolts or cable bolts
real-time . If a rock bolt breaks or extends beyond its capabilities , an alarm is sent using e-mail , SMS , or to the ThingWave mobile phone app . ThingWave currently has two different versions : RBM-XR with more than 350 mm elongation sensing range , and RBM-SR with up to 90 mm range . Live data from Smart bolts can be sent using its high-performance mesh technology , Wi-Fi , or 5G to ThingWave Cloud . Typical elongation resolution is 1 mm , so even small changes in deformations can be detected .
ThingWave has been researching the development of new methods to detect breakage ( ie rupture ) on metal bars such as rock bolts or cable bolts . The new technology allows us to monitor and report breakage events in real-time . The use of this technology can be applied to mining ( reinforcements , metal meshes , rock bolts , cable bolts , etc ). The novel method for detecting if a rock bolt has been severed into two parts can be used to send immediate alarms to geotechnical staff and mine engineers so that the proper actions can be taken .
ThingWave in Sweden and AMS Solutions in Finland have also started a collaboration with the MINE . THE . GAP initiative from the European Union . This project , called DIGIROCK , is about new methods for sensing rock properties in underground mines and providing analytics for predicting failures before they occur . The DIGIROCK project proposal aims to develop an early warning system for underground mining . The goal is to implement a first proof-of-concept solution for both real-time monitoring of rock bolts , and advanced analytics with predictions of future rock deformations . The proposed technology can both save lives , mitigate working environment hazards and increase productivity . At the end of the project , the aim is to deliver an IoT solution for bolt monitoring and a Cloudbased solution that can send maintenance reports and alerts to mining companies . In the DIGIROCK project , ThingWave will contribute with advanced IoT solutions for rock deformation sensing , and AMS will provide their patentpending rock stress analytics algorithms for predicting failures before they happen .
Normet acquires Garock in Australia
Normet Group Oy says it has entered into an agreement to acquire Garock Pty Ltd , a leading manufacturer and supplier of ground support &
rock reinforcement systems for the mining and civil industries in Australia . With the acquisition , Normet strengthens its portfolio in dynamic ground support & rock reinforcementin underground mining and construction infrastructure projects . The parties have agreed not to disclose any financial details related to the transaction .
“ This is a strategic acquisition for Normet in the Asia-Pacific market with impact on our global ground support & rock reinforcement business . With Garock , Australia will become Normet ’ s Global Centre for Rock Reinforcement R & D with ability to innovate in the future ,” comments Ed Santamaria , President and CEO at Normet . Garock Pty Ltd has traded under the Normet Group from 1 July 2022 .
Garock Pty Ltd , founded in 2012 , offers highly innovative ground support & rock reinforcement systems that are fundamental to modern , safe underground mining and civil construction operations . Garock has a manufacturing presence in Wangara , Western Australia and Kurri-Kurri , New South Wales and has 18
employees . Its current offer includes dynamic solid cable bolts ; pre-cut and continuous coil cable bolts ; expansion shell cable bolts ; spiral
indented strand cable bolts plus plates and barrel & wedge anchors .
DSI and rock bolt illuMINEation
RHI Magnesita and Sandvik Group company DSI Underground recently installed sensor bolt heads developed as part of the EU Project illuMINEation at the Breitenau underground magnesite mine for the first time . Sensor bolt heads ( add-on nuts ) consist of various sensors , a microprocessor , a rechargeable battery and a device for data transmission to a gateway . This low-cost intelligent rock bolt assembly allows just-in-time recording and visualisation of geotechnical and environmental measures on a large-scale basis – a milestone towards underground digitalisation .
The major focus of these first tests was put on handling and practicability , signal range ( transmission capacities in underground environment ), battery lifetime , and integration of the measurement series into the illuMINEation IIoT‐Platform . All tasks have been successfully accomplished , with the next steps being updates to the systems based on the learnings of the installation tests , and further roll out to geotechnical data acquisition . Additionally , further tests in other use case partner mines are being planned .
RHI Magnesita and DSI Underground Group have installed sensor bolt heads developed as part of the EU Project illuMINEation at the Breitenau mine in Austria
AUGUST 2022 | International Mining