Por: G. Von Rickenbach, R. Brändle, y Luis-Fonseca, Geobrugg AG; G. Fischer, Geobrugg Chile, y R. Romero, Geobrugg Perú.

Presentado en el 8° Simposio Peruano de Geoingeniería.

Abstract

In mining and tunnel environments, the risk associated with damage to the surrounding rock mass in underground excavations is significant. Rock dilation causes deformation, requiring anticipation to prevent equipment damage and ensure worker safety. In mining areas with seismic activity, rockfalls are considered a major risk in deep underground operations.

Although rockfall risks can be reduced through specific excavation sequences, re-entry protocols, or restricted areas, there are still scenarios in which unexpected and significant rockfalls may occur. In such cases, support becomes the last line of mitigation to preserve safety and minimize production losses. Given these contexts, the implementation of robust geotechnical support backed by a high-strength membrane plays a crucial role. This is due to its ability to confine fractured or ejected rock while providing a safe working environment for ongoing underground operations.

Although significant progress has been made in strengthening mesh systems, achieving energy dissipation levels exceeding 26 kJ/m², further research is still needed on the overlap mechanism and load distribution between adjacent mesh elements. This topic is addressed in this paper, which presents the results of research conducted by Geobrugg on improving containment elements, specifically through experimentation on the dynamic resistance of mesh in the overlap zone.