Australian Mining Consultants Pty Ltd. (Perth, Australia):

Sandy М. Р., Executive Officer, e-mail: msandy@amcconsultants.com

Lushnikov V. N., Leading Mining Engineer

Institute of Comprehensive Exploration of Mineral Resources of Russian Academy of Sciences (Moscow, Russia):

Eremenko V. A., Leading Researcher, Doctor of Engineering Sciences

Geobrugg Company (Perth, Australia):

Bucher R., Chief Executive Officer

Important characteristic of support in severe-strain medium is its functional capacity for spring and compliance, saving the holding capacity at the same time. Understanding of support deformation mechanisms with improvement in the process of interaction of rock mass and support elements is the necessary part of designing of reinforcing systems, which make it possible to increase the efficiency and provide the safety of mining operations. There are shown the basic support deformation mechanisms, observed on the mines, developed in massifs of layer rocks with high inclination to deformation. Monitoring of shear strains helps to understand the mechanism of influence on functional capacities of anchors. Obtained data were used for laboratory testings and during the projecting of shear-resistant supports. Experience of extraction maintenance on Australian and Canadian mines at great depths is presented in this article together with technical and technological measures for the choice of support and strengthening systems for specific conditions. Mechanisms of control of deformations of enclosing excavation massif are considered from the point of designing and choice of supports. The possibilities of mine monitoring are also considered in this article.

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