Cut Slope Stabilization Using Rock Bolts

This paper examines the design and construction of a rock bolt system used to stabilize a cut on a highway project in southwestern Pennsylvania. Emphasis is on geologic and mining conditions that resulted in the unstable conditions and on installation procedures. The use of resin-anchored rock bolts on this project resulted in a savings of time and money since the warehouse and property did not have to be acquired. Demolition of the warehouse, it has been said, would have also resulted in the loss of jobs to the warehouse employees; the costs of such losses cannot be estimated. By using the styrofoam models and the WEDGE Computer Program, the system was designed in less than 3 weeks, causing little delay in the construction of the retaining wall. No major problems were experienced during installation. The biggest problem was access to the individual bolt locations; this was resolved by using the large drilling platform.