Through the use of structural analysis programs such as Unwedge and considering the shear strength of applied fibrecrete it can be shown that fibrecrete can provide a higher factor of safety in a typical' underground development excavation than standard rock bolts._x000D_
This paper describes the progression of ground support from an as required' component of mining to the use of bolts and surface support as a mandatory requirement. With the mandatory requirement for surface support, fibrecrete has been considered and applied as a secondary feature but simple analysis and practical observations indicate that it may be considered as primary support. The key elements to its implementation are: When is it safe to work under fresh fibrecrete and how do we practically determine this? How much ground support does fibrecrete provide? How can we reduce the cost of fibrecrete? An examination of these questions indicates fibrecrete can be much safer,less expensive and quicker to install than normal ground support elements. This paper explores practical examples from sites where significant benefits have been achieved by mine operators._x000D_
FORMAL CITATION:Davison, G R, 2005. Spraying the surface or just scratching the surface- what are the real benefits of in-cycle fibrecrete? in Proceedings Ninth Underground Operators' Conference 2005, pp 245-254 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).