# Structural Evaluation of Cable Bolts under Static Loading
## 2 Literature Review  
A rock burst is defined by [PERSON] and [PERSON] (2015) [7] as a mining-induced seismic event that causes destruction to excavations. It occurs due to dynamic rock failure, where the rapid release of stored strain energy with the rock results in displacement and violent ejection of rock mass [8]. Due to the complexity and unpredictability of rock bursts, it is considered as one of the most hazardous geological disasters, being responsible for excavation and equipment damage, injury and fatalities [8].  
The urgency to further understand and mitigate rock and coal bursts is reflective of the current international research effort, which includes countries such as Australia, China, South Africa and Canada, devoting resources to advance rock burst management and prevention [9]. Despite the number of resources invested in researching rock bursts over multiple decades, the mechanics of rock burst failure are not well understood, and therefore are difficult to control [10]. Therefore, as a safeguard to all workers, equipment and excavation operations, an effective rock support system is necessary and is currently deemed the most effective mitigation strategy.  
Rock burst management currently involves utilising capable ground support systems, which incorporate both surface support systems and reinforcement support systems. A surface support system, including steel mesh, rope lacings, shotcrete, etc., provides reaction forces to the face of the excavation [11], while reinforcement support systems, including rock bolts, cable bolts and anchors, are elements that are bored into excavation faces to enhance the overall strength of the rock mass [12]. However, current design procedures do not place enough focus on the connections between surface support and reinforcement systems, resulting in the failure of the support system before both the surface and reinforcement elements reach their full capacity [13].  
From South African gold mine investigations, it was observed that approximately 70% of rock ejections due to rock bursts occurred due to failure of connecting elements, where the majority of reinforcement bolts were still intact [14]. Currently, a main objective of the international research effort is to analyse and design existing ground support systems as an integrated system rather than individual elements, such that support systems used in burst-prone excavations can reach their maximum potential capacity. This aligns with [PERSON] and [PERSON] (2009)'s [15] rock burst design principles, which place a heavy emphasis on addressing the weakest link of a support system and utilising an integrated system.  
This literature review thoroughly investigates the existing state of rock burst management such that contributions, evidence and gaps in the existing literature can be identified to provide a relevant understanding of current rock burst management. This includes a further analysis of rock bursts to understand what must be considered when designing a support system, the existing reinforcement and surface elements currently used in the industry, the current testing methods and facilities used to test support systems elements and the validity of numerical analysis as a means of testing ground support systems.