The Effects of Temperature on the Axial Response of Fully Grouted Rock Bolts Utilizing Distributed Fiber Optic Sensors

ABSTRACT: Fully grouted rock bolts (FGRB) are adaptable to a wide range of ground conditions and are employed in diverse tunnelling environments from permafrost to geothermally active sites and from hard rocks to weak rock masses. As underground operations become more complex, temperatures at the extremes will become more prevalent which can potentially affect the bonding and performance of the FGRB. Existing literature exploring effects of temperature on these systems is limited. A detailed laboratory investigation is currently being conducted, leveraging the distributed fiber optic sensors capability developed by the research group of the authors. This paper summarizes historical research and innovations of the methodology and its expansion into temperature effects. This research aims to bridge selected gaps in the existing literature and determine the true performance of these systems within specific temperature regimes.