The S.M.A.R.T. cable bolt: An instrument for the determination of tension in 7-wire strand cable bolts
Abstract
Design tools have not kept pace with other developments in cable bolting (e.g. improved grouting procedures, modified geometry cables etc.). One of the major problems in the use of fully grouted cable bolts is the lack of a reliable method to directly monitor the tension that develops due to rock mass displacements. Existing gauges are mounted external to the cable itself and therefore potentially interfere with the bond strength in the measurement area. This can make the results extremely difficult to interpret. This paper describes a novel instrumented cable bolt. The technology is suitable for conventional and modified geometry cables. Twin strand cable bolts can also be instrumented. Since the hardware is internal to the cable, it does not interfere with the bond strength. Results from laboratory calibration and an initial field trial are presented.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Rock Mechanics and Modeling
Tunneling and Rock Mechanics
Geotechnical and Geomechanical Engineering
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Environmental & Safety Concerns in Underground Construction, volume 2
- Publisher
- CRC Press
- Volume
- 2
- Pages
- 883–889
- Publication date
- 2 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter