ABSTRACT
This paper presents the observations of investigations of rockburst damage to tunnels over a three year period from 1995 to 1998. These investigations have highlighted the performance of the current tunnel support systems under these severe loading conditions. This has enabled analysis of the interaction between the rock bolt reinforcement and the rock mass and the loading of the fabric support systems in relation to the current design considerations. In light of this the importance of a mechanistic understanding of the interaction of the components of a support system within the defined rock mass environment are indicated for improved tunnel support system design.
