The Geomechanics Research Centre al laurentian University in Sudbury,
Canada, has undertaken a five-year research program into the design oi
support appropriate for controlling damage caused by rockbursts. Rock
burst damage mechanisms in Canadian hardrock mines are reviewed and a
support design approach is presented. Each element in a support system
performs a reinforcing, holding or retaining function. The desirable
load-displacement characteristics for elements in burst-resistant supp
ort systems are described, and recommended support systems are present
ed for a spectrum of rockburst conditions ranging from minor to severe
. A support system can be designed to (a) prevent the triggering of a
ground fall or a rockburst, (b) deform to accommodate the large impose
d deformations arising from a rockburst or (c) absorb the kinetic ener
gy contained in ejected blocks of rock.