Ground fall is one of the leading causes of fatalities in the South African mining industry. Although underground safety has come a long way over the years, there is still a great need to provide mine support systems that can keep workers safe.
If you’re using Tufbag’s mine support systems, which are polypropylene bags filled with cementitious material, then regular inspection and maintenance are essential to ensure they continue performing as intended.
Here are some key considerations for ensuring these systems remain in good condition.
Carry Out Routine Visual Inspections
It’s important to look for visible damage to the bags. Any tears, abrasions, or punctures might indicate that the polypropylene bag needs to be replaced. Bulging or deformation could indicate excessive internal pressure, such as a possible overfill or material movement behind the support.
Similarly, leaching or cracking of the cementitious material could indicate that the support system is compromised. Also, note any signs of water ingress, as moisture can weaken the fill over time and accelerate the degradation of the bag.
Check For Movement or Settlement
Even if the support looks solid, it can shift under extreme pressure. Therefore, keep a lookout for any gaps that have formed between the bag support and the surrounding rock, or look out for sagging overhead areas that may indicate a partial failure has begun to occur.
Take note of any visible tilting or collapse of the stacked or layered systems. Use visual reference points or survey data, if available, to monitor long-term movement.
Monitor Cementitious Integrity
The core strength of this mine support system comes from the cementitious fill. Over time, this may degrade, and you may encounter cracking due to drying shrinkage or ground pressure.
Sometimes soft spots can also occur due to improper mixing of the material, incomplete curing, or water damage. You also might encounter efflorescence, which is a white, powdery residue that might signal that water has been leaching through.
If it’s safe to do so, then do a tap test or probe small areas to assess the hardness and cohesion of the fill.
When To Replace
Tufbag’s mine support systems are designed to last a long time, and not every issue that you detect means that an immediate replacement is necessary. However, if the bags are torn or slumping in critical load-bearing positions, then replacement is non-negotiable.
Additionally, if you’ve noticed that the cementitious filling has visibly cracked or begun to crumble, or if there’s significant displacement or separation from the host rock, then a replacement is needed.
If you’re looking for cost-effective ways of keeping your mineworkers safe underground, then consider using Tufbag’s mine support systems. Contact us now to find out more.