Rock
Mechanics Technology Limited (RMT) core business activities
encompass consultancy services in the field of mining and tunnelling
geomechanics, together with the manufacture and supply of a
range of geotechnical instrumentation for in-situ measurements
of ground movements and rock stresses.
RMT specialises in the use of quantitative investigations of
rock behaviour, and reinforcement performance, supplemented
by computer modelling, to solve geotechnical problems. Particular
areas of expertise include tunnel support, pillar behaviour
and mine layout design. Our investigation techniques have led
to significant advances in the understanding of excavation behaviour
and rock reinforcement design in complex stress fields in mines,
resulting in improved performance and lower costs. Based on
this experience, RMT provides practical and theoretical training
in rock reinforcement techniques for mining personnel worldwide.
RMT is part of the IMC Group of Companies, a leading supplier
of mining, minerals and energy industry consultancy, with offices
worldwide.
RMT employs 26 staff, based at Bretby, Burton-on-Trent, UK.
All key staff are qualified to postgraduate level in a range
of disciplines allied to geotechnics and are experienced in
solving rock mechanics and mining problems in coal, soft rock
and hard rock mines. Apart from providing services to the mining
industries in the UK and South Africa, staff have worked for clients throughout
Europe, Russia, USA, Canada, India, Africa, Egypt, Australia
and Japan on assignments including rock reinforcement design,
pillar design, mine layout and supply of geotechnical instrumentation.
RMT undertakes a significant research and development programme.
This allows the company to continually develop its services
and investigation techniques. Current research projects include
major European Community and HSE funded projects into aspects
of coal mine roof reinforcement and layout issues. These projects
include collaboration with other European research organisations
and mine operators.
On-site facilities at Bretby include instrumentation and testing
laboratories. Rock property tests, including tri-axial testing
using a 1000 kN stiff test machine, are routinely undertaken.
RMT has also developed laboratory-based tests for testing rock
reinforcement materials in rock to determine in-situ performance
characteristics.
RMT manufactures a wide range of geotechnical instrumentation
to meet the needs of monitoring underground rock behaviour.
This includes strain-gauged load measuring rockbolts and extensometers
to monitor both convergence and dilation, and routine "tell-tales"
specifically designed to monitor the stability of rockbolted
mine drivages. The company also has exclusive agency agreements
for supplying a range of well-respected geotechnical instruments.
RMT also manufactures and supplies, worldwide, specialist communications
equipment for underground rescue and confined space working.
The 'm-Comm' ATEX approved, intrinsically safe communications system is used
by all UK Mines Rescue Service stations and a number of Fire
Brigades, and is specified as standard equipment for many civil
engineering and inspection activities. This equipment is increasingly
valued for its role in providing communications in situations
where radios fail to operate.
Stress measurement by overcoring is a measurement technique
in which RMT has unrivalled experience. A range of stress cell
types, adapted for measurements in hard or soft rocks at high
and low stresses are available for use in this application.
Rock Mechanics Technology staff use 2D and 3D computer modelling
as a fundamental tool for the design of tunnel and excavation
support and mine pillar and layout design. The Company recognises
the need to base models on measured rock properties and stress
data and to validate models by underground load measurements.
Longwall strata control is an area in which the company has
significant experience. This includes geotechnical aspects of
powered support design. Diagnostic analysis of support system
performance can be undertaken to optimise effective strata control
on longwall faces.
Rock Mechanics Technology Limited (RMT) has entered into a global strategic alliance with Runge Limited (Runge). Together, these companies provide a comprehensive range of products and services to the global industry. The relationship provides further geographical cover for both organisations.
Further details of RMT's technical expertise are given in a
Company Bibliography of published works, together with selected
abstracts. These can be directly accessed below:
Click
to access Company Bibliography, abstracts & publications pdfs
