Design and testing of impact rated bulkheads for overhead protection beneath production raises in open stopes

Presented at the 2016 Mining Health and Safety Conference by David Counter (P Eng), Senior Ground Control Engineer, Glencore - Kidd Operations.

The design and testing of prototype bulkheads for overhead protection when working below 35 m high open stope slot raises was presented. This presentation covers concerns raised over conventional timber and steel grating designs, limitations on “design” using traditional civil engineering approaches, the approach to determining the maximum potential loading conditions in service, and test work to confirm the applicability of the new bulkhead specifications.