AU2021218188A1 - Mesh Sheeting Panel - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mesh sheeting panel for supporting a surface, the mesh sheeting panel including a plurality of line wires and a plurality of stay wires extending substantially transversely across the plurality of line wires to provide a plurality of intersections, the line wire and the stay wire being fastened together at each intersection, and wherein the mesh sheeting panel is provided with two or more rib reinforcing elements.

Description

Mesh Sheeting Panel

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a mesh sheeting panel. More particularly, the mesh sheeting panel of the present invention is in one form intended for use in underground mining applications where surface support is required.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Welded mesh products are utilised in underground mining applications in which it is required to prevent rock falls, for example underground passages or drives. A typical installation involves placing a series of sheets of welded steel mesh arranged to overlap at their edges, against the walls and roof of a drive using the lifting frame of a rock bolting machine, rock-bolting the sheets into position and spraying thereover with "shotcrete", a sprayable concrete product.

[0004] The above described process requires the mesh sheet to be relatively stiff. This stiffness allows the sheet to retain its shape on the lifting frame during lifting and rock bolting. However, this stiffness and the subsequent lack of flexibility results in increased likelihood of failure of the sheet in the event of rock falls or the collapse of a roof or wall. This failure has been found to occur primarily at the welds of the sheet. Further, the sheets are too heavy to be installed by hand and require expensive equipment to support them during installation.

[0005] Alternative mesh products have been developed that do not utilise welded joints. Such are used in situations where a higher strength product is required and a product that is better suited to withstand movement in the ground. These products are typically available in rolls rather than sheets due to their lack of rigidity.

[0006] Any manufacturer's instructions, descriptions, product specifications, and product sheets for any products mentioned herein or in any document incorporated by reference herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and may be employed in the practice of the invention.

[0007] The present invention is not to be limited in scope by any of the specific embodiments described herein. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein.

[0008] The invention described herein may include one or more range of values (e.g. size). A range of values will be understood to include all values within the range, including the values defining the range, and values adjacent to the range which lead to the same or substantially the same outcome as the values immediately adjacent to that value which defines the boundary to the range.

[0009] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a mesh sheeting panel for supporting a surface, the mesh sheeting panel including a plurality of line wires and a plurality of stay wires extending substantially transversely across the plurality of line wires to provide a plurality of intersections, the line wire and the stay wire being fastened together at each intersection, and wherein the mesh sheeting panel is provided with two or more rib reinforcing elements.

[0011]] The mesh sheeting of the present invention has particular application in underground mining drives and tunnels, where support of the roof and wall surfaces is required to reduce the likelihood of their collapse and reduce the likelihood of dislodged rocks and stones falling onto miners and machinery below. The inventors have found that by forming rib reinforcing elements that a degree of rigidity is provided in the otherwise flexible mesh sheeting, thereby forming a mesh sheeting panel. Advantageously, the mesh sheeting panel of the present invention, may be installed using standard panel installation equipment.

[0012] Throughout this specification, the term "rib reinforcing element" will be understood to refer to an elongated element provided across the mesh sheeting panel to provide stiffening to the mesh sheeting panel.

[0013] In one form of the present invention, the rib reinforcing elements are fixed to the mesh sheeting panel.

[0014] In an alternative form of the present invention, the mesh sheeting panel is moulded to form the rib reinforcing elements.

[0015] In one form of the present invention, the rib reinforcing elements are provided in the form of elongate elevations or depressions that extend from the plane of the mesh sheeting panel. In one form of the present invention, the rib reinforcing elements are curved in cross section. In an alternative form of the present invention, the rib reinforcing elements are V-shaped in cross section.

[0016] In one form of the present invention, the rib reinforcing elements are provided in the transverse direction of the panel. Preferably, the direction of the rib reinforcing elements is substantially parallel to the line wires. In one form of the present invention, the rib reinforcing elements are equally spaced along the transverse width of the mesh sheeting panel. Alternatively, the direction of the rib reinforcing elements is substantially parallel to the line wires.

[0017] In one form of the present invention, each rib reinforcing element extends across at least a portion of the panel. Preferably, each rib reinforcing element extends across at least a portion of the transverse width of the panel. In one form of the present invention, each rib reinforcing element extend across the entire panel.

[0018] In one form of the present invention, the rib reinforcing elements are equally spaced along the transverse width of the mesh sheeting panel.

[0019] In one form of the present invention, at least one rib reinforcing element is provided per 4.0 metre of the mesh sheeting panel. In one form of the present invention, at least one rib reinforcing element is provided per 3.5 metre of the mesh sheeting panel. In one form of the present invention, at least one rib reinforcing element is provided per 3.0 metre of the mesh sheeting panel. In one form of the present invention, at least one rib reinforcing element is provided per 2.5 metre of the mesh sheeting panel. In one form of the present invention, at least one rib reinforcing element is provided per 2.0 metre of the mesh sheeting panel. In one form of the present invention, at least one rib reinforcing element is provided per 1.5 metre of the mesh sheeting panel. In one form of the present invention, at least one rib reinforcing element is provided per 1.0 metre of the mesh sheeting panel. In one form of the present invention, at least one rib reinforcing element is provided per 0.9 metre of the mesh sheeting panel. In one form of the present invention, at least one rib reinforcing element is provided per 0.8 metre of the mesh sheeting panel. In one form of the present invention, at least one rib reinforcing element is provided per 0.7 metre of the mesh sheeting panel. In one form of the present invention, at least one rib reinforcing element is provided per 0.6 metre of the mesh sheeting panel. In one form of the present invention, at least one rib reinforcing element is provided per 0.5 metre of the mesh sheeting panel. In one form of the present invention, at least one rib reinforcing element is provided per 0.4 metre of the mesh sheeting panel.

[0020] In one form of the present invention, the elevation of each rib reinforcing element is at least 50 mm. In one form of the present invention, the elevation of each rib reinforcing element is at least 60 mm. In one form of the present invention, the elevation of each rib reinforcing element is at least 70 mm. In one form of the present invention, the elevation of each rib reinforcing element is at least 80 mm. In one form of the present invention, the elevation of each rib reinforcing element is at least 90 mm. In one form of the present invention, the elevation of each rib reinforcing element is at least 100 mm. The term "elevation" should be understood to refer to the maximum height that each rib reinforcing element extends away from the plane of the mesh sheeting panel.

[0021] In one form of the present invention, the width of each rib reinforcing element is at least 50 mm. In one form of the present invention, the width of each rib reinforcing element is at least 75 mm. In one form of the present invention, the width of each rib reinforcing element is at least 100 mm. In one form of the present invention, the width of each rib reinforcing element is at least 125 mm. In one form of the present invention, the width of each rib reinforcing element is at least 150 mm. In one form of the present invention, the width of each rib reinforcing element is at least 175 mm. In one form of the present invention, the width of each rib reinforcing element is at least 200 mm.

[0022] In one form of the present invention, the rib reinforcing elements are pressed into the mesh sheeting.

[0023] In one form of the present invention, the intersecting line wire and stay wire are fastened by means of a knot. Preferably, the knot is provided in the form of a separate piece of wire, wrapped around the intersection.

[0024] The use of knots prepared from a separate piece of wire is believed to increase the strength of each intersection and the overall strength of the mesh sheeting compared to mesh sheeting in which the knots are prepared from the stay wires requiring the stay wires be cut and tied at every line wire intersection. Further, the use of knots prepared from a separate piece of wire also avoids the need to weld the wire, those welds being particularly unreliable if a high carbon wire is utilised.

[0025] In one form of the present invention, at least one of the line wires and/or the stay wires are being provided with a tension crimp adapted to absorb loads. Preferably, the tension crimp is provided in the line wires. More preferably, each line wire is provided with a plurality of tension crimps. More preferably still, each line wire is provided with a tension crimp between every intersection.

[0026] Preferably, the line wires are substantially parallel to each other and the stay wires are substantially parallel to each other.

[0027] In one form of the invention, the line wires and the stay wires intersect at right angles.

[0028] In one form of the present invention, each line wire and each stay wire is provided with two free ends. Preferably, the line wires are secured at their free ends to the stay wires and preferably the stay wires are secured at their free ends to the line wires.

[0029] Where a free end of a line wire is secured to a stay wire, preferably the line wire is wrapped around the stay wire at least once. More preferably, the line wire is wrapped around the stay wire more than once. Where the free end of the line wire is wrapped around the stay wire at least once and preferably more than once, the line wire may also be wrapped around the line wire at least once and preferably, more than once.

[0030] Where a free end of a line wire is secured to a stay wire, a knot may be provided. Preferably, the knot is provided in the form of a separate piece of wire. Conveniently, the knot may be provided in the same form as the knot provided at the intersection of a stay wire and a line wire.

[0031] Where a free end of a stay wire is secured to a line wire, preferably the stay wire is wrapped around the line wire at least once. More preferably, the stay wire is wrapped around the line wire more than once. Where the free end of the stay wire is wrapped around the line wire at least once and preferably more than once, the stay wire may also be wrapped around the stay wire at least once and preferably, more than once.

[0032] Where a free end of a stay wire is secured to a line wire, a knot may be provided. Preferably, the knot is provided in the form of a separate piece of wire. Conveniently, the knot may be provided in the same form as the knot provided at the intersection of a stay wire and a line wire.

[0033] The mesh apertures may be provided as squares, rectangles or rhomboids, or a combination thereof. The mesh screening panel of the present invention may be formed with any sized aperture to provide different physical properties of the mesh screening panel. Where the mesh apertures are square, the apertures are preferably about 75 mm -100 mm wide.

[0034] In one form of the invention, the line wires and the stay wires may be made from the same type of wire. In an alternate form of the invention, the stay wires may be thinner than the line wires.

[0035] Preferably, the line wires and the stay wires are between about 2 mm 4 mm in diameter. Still preferably, the line wires and stay wires are between about 3.55 and 3.60 mm.

[0036] In accordance with the present invention there is further provided a method for supporting a surface, the method comprising the steps of:

preparing a mesh sheeting panel in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention;

positioning the mesh sheeting panel against the surface to be supported; and fastening the mesh sheeting panel to the surface.

[0037] In one form of the present invention, the method further comprises a step of coating the surface with a sprayable binding product, following the step of fastening the mesh sheeting to the surface.

[0038] In accordance with the present invention there is further provided a method for producing a mesh sheeting panel, the method comprising the steps of:

preparing a mesh sheeting by overlaying a plurality of line wires and stay wires to provide a plurality of intersections, the line wires and the stay wires being fastened together at each intersection; and

forming two or more rib reinforcing elements in the mesh sheeting to produce a mesh sheeting panel.

[0039] In accordance with the present invention there is further provided a method for supporting a surface, the method comprising the steps of:

preparing a mesh sheeting by overlaying a plurality of line wires and stay wires to provide a plurality of intersections, the line wires and the stay wires being fastened together at each intersection;

forming two or more rib reinforcing elements in the mesh sheeting to produce a mesh sheeting panel

positioning the mesh sheeting panel against the surface to be supported; and

fastening the mesh sheeting panel to the surface.

[0040] In one form of the present invention, the method further comprises a step of coating the surface with a sprayable binding product, following the step of fastening the mesh sheeting to the surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a partial plan view of a mesh sheeting in accordance with a first embodiment the present invention;

Figure 2 is a partial side view of a mesh sheeting in accordance with a first embodiment the present invention

Figure 3 is a partial plan view of a mesh sheeting in accordance with a second embodiment the present invention;

Figure 4 is a partial plan view of a mesh sheeting in accordance with a third embodiment the present invention;

Figure 5 is a partial plan view of a mesh sheeting in accordance with a fourth embodiment the present invention; and

Figure 6 is a partial plan view of a mesh sheeting in accordance with a fifth embodiment the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0042] In Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a portion of a mesh sheeting 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. The mesh sheeting 10 includes a plurality of line wires 12 and a plurality of cross or stay wires 14 extending transversely across the plurality of line wires 12 to provide a plurality of intersections 16. The line wire 12 and the stay wire 14 are fastened together at each intersection 16 by a knot 18. The knot 18 is prepared from a separate piece of wire 20, wrapped around the intersection 16. The use of knots prepared from separate pieces of wire is believed to provide greater holding strength than 'hinge joint knots' in which the knot is formed from either the stay wire or the line wire.

[0043] Each line wire 12 is provided with a plurality of tension crimps 22, a tension crimp 22 being provided between each intersection 16. The tension crimps 22 are adapted to absorb loads created by rock falls or the collapse of a surface (not shown), against which the mesh sheeting 10 may be positioned in use.

[0044] It will be appreciated that the stay wires 14 will be wrapped around the end line wires 24 in the completed mesh sheeting. This is achieved by means of twisting the stay wire 14 about the end line wire 24 in a known manner.

[0045] The line wires 12 are substantially parallel to each other and equally spaced from each other. The stay wires 14 are substantially parallel to each other and equally spaced from each other. The line wires 12 and the stay wires 14 intersect at right angles thereby defining square apertures 26, about 100 mm wide.

[0046] The mesh sheeting panel is provided with two or more rib reinforcing elements 30. The rib reinforcing elements 30 are provided in transverse direction of the panel. The direction of the rib reinforcing elements 30 is substantially parallel to the direction of the line wires. As best seen in Figure 2, the rib reinforcing elements 30 of the present invention are provided in the form of elongate elevations/depressions or corrugations that extend across the transverse width of the panel. The provision of rib reinforcing elements 30 in the mesh sheeting panel provides the mesh sheeting panel with rigidity. In the absence of the rib reinforcing elements 30, the underlying mesh sheeting remains flexible and the panel is not formed.

[0047] As discussed previously, rigid welded mesh panels are typically used to support surfaces in underground mining operations. Specialised lifting equipment is used to position the rigid welded mesh panels in place against the surface to allow for the rigid welded mesh to be fastened to the surface. The welded joints of such panels provide a weak point in the construction of the panels which limits their effectiveness in areas where there are significant vibrations. To overcome this problem, non-welded mesh sheeting constructed from high tensile wires can be used. This type of mesh sheeting is significantly more flexible than the rigid welded mesh panels and so the machinery adapted for rigid sheets is not suitable to install this. This mesh sheeting is typically provided in the form of a roll and an operator will fix small sections of the mesh sheeting to the surface at a time. This is a substantially slower process.

[0048] The inventors have found that the mesh sheeting panels of the present invention have sufficient rigidity to maintain a substantially flat shape when lifted off the ground. This allows for the entire panel to be held in a position near the surface to facilitate fastening to the surface. Advantageously, machinery adapted to install welded mesh sheeting may be used to install the mesh sheeting panels of the present invention.

[0049] The rib reinforcing elements 30 are equally spaced along the transverse width of the mesh sheeting panel.

[0050] The number of rib reinforcing elements 30 dependent of the overall dimensions of the wire mesh panel, with more rib reinforcing elements 30 required for wider panels. In a preferred embodiment, a rib reinforcing element 30 is provided for each 0.6 metres of width. Standard mesh panels are 2.4 m wide and so four rib reinforcing elements 30 are preferably provided in such a panel.

[0051] Each rib reinforcing element comprises an elevation that has been formed in the mesh sheeting where the elevation rises out of the plane of the mesh sheeting. In one form of the present invention, the elevation is curved. In an alternative form of the present invention, the elevations are V-shaped. In an alternative form of the present invention, the elevation comprises a flat section. Preferably the flat section is in a plane parallel to the plane of the mesh sheeting. It is envisaged that other rib reinforcing element shapes may also be used.

[0052] In one form of the present invention, the elevation of each rib reinforcing element is at least 50 mm. Preferably, the elevation of each rib reinforcing element is at least 100 mm.

[0053] IN one form of the present invention, the width of each rib reinforcing element 30 is 75 - 200 mm.

[0054] In one form of the present invention, the rib reinforcing elements 30 are pressed into the mesh sheeting.

[0055] The mesh sheeting panels of the present invention may be manufactured to any dimension. The preferred sizing of each panel is 4.2m in length and 2.4m in width.

[0056] The use of high tensile wire enables the wires of thinner diameter than those typically used with weld joint mesh sheets without compromising sheet strength. The line wires and the stay wires are between about 2 mm and 4 mm in diameter. The applicant has determined that a high tensile strength wire of about 3.55 mm diameter, providing a tensile strength of about 12 kN and up to 25kN is sufficient. This can be compared with a low tensile wire of 5.60 mm diameter that provides a tensile strength of about 12.6 kN.

[0057] In use as a surface support, the mesh sheeting panel 10 is positioned against the surface to be supported (not shown). Rock bolting is then conducted in known manner to positively locate the mesh sheeting panel 10 against the surface. Shotcrete or its equivalent is then applied, by spraying, over the laminated mesh sheets. The whole process may be completed by hand without the need for expensive machinery to hold the mesh sheeting against the surface.

[0058] It is envisaged that a combination of wires may be used in the mesh sheeting of the present invention. For example, the line wires may be provided in the form of high tensile wire whilst the stay wires are provided in the form of a non-high tensile wire, such as a medium tensile wire. In such form of the present invention, it is envisaged that in use the stay wires will be positioned against or immediately adjacent to the surface to be stabilised.

[0059] In Figures 3 to 6, there is shown portions of a mesh sheeting 10 in accordance with four further embodiments of the present invention. The embodiments depicted in Figures 3 to 6 differ only from the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 by the manner in which the ends of the stay wires and the ends of the line wires are secured.

[0060] In Figure 3, a free end 28 of the stay wire 14 is bent and looped back over the knot 18 and wound over the same stay wire 14. In Figure 4, a free end 28 of the stay wire 14 is bent and looped back over the knot 18 and wound over the adjacent line wire 12. In Figure 5, a free end 28 of the line wire 12 is bent and looped back over the knot 18 and wound over the same line wire 12. In Figure 6 a free end 28 of the line wire 12 is bent and looped back over the knot 18 and wound over the adjacent stay wire 18.

[0061] It is envisaged that the manner of securing the ends of the line wires and the stay wires as depicted in Figures 3 to 6 reduces the risk of the line wires 12 pulling free of the stay wires 14 or any of the stay wires 14 pulling free of the line wires 12.

[0062] Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (16)

1. A mesh sheeting panel for supporting a surface, the mesh sheeting panel including a plurality of line wires and a plurality of stay wires extending substantially transversely across the plurality of line wires to provide a plurality of intersections, the line wire and the stay wire being fastened together at each intersection, and wherein the mesh sheeting panel is provided with two or more rib reinforcing elements.

2. A mesh sheeting panel according claim 1, wherein the rib reinforcing elements are provided in the form of elongate elevations or depressions.

3. A mesh sheeting panel according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the mesh sheeting panel is moulded to form the rib reinforcing elements

4. A mesh sheeting panel according to claim 3, wherein the rib reinforcing elements are pressed into the mesh sheet panel.

5. A mesh sheeting panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rib reinforcing elements are provided in the form of elongate elevations or depressions.

6. A mesh sheeting panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rib reinforcing elements are provided in the transverse direction of the panel.

7. A mesh sheeting panel according to claim 6, wherein the rib reinforcing elements are equally spaced along the transverse width of the mesh sheeting panel.

8. A mesh sheeting panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one rib reinforcing element is provided per 4.0 metre of the mesh sheeting panel.

9. A mesh sheeting panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elevation of each rib reinforcing element is at least 50 mm.

10.A mesh sheeting panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the width of each rib reinforcing element is at least 50 mm.

11.A mesh sheeting panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the intersecting line wire and stay wire are fastened by means of a knot

12.A mesh sheeting panel according to claim 11, wherein the knot is provided in the form of a separate piece of wire, wrapped around the intersection

13.A mesh sheeting panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the line wires and/or the stay wires are being provided with a tension crimp adapted to absorb loads

14.A mesh sheeting panel according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the line wires are secured at their free ends to a stay wire and the stay wires are secured at their free ends to a line wire.

15.A method for supporting a surface, the method comprising the steps of:

preparing a mesh sheeting panel in accordance with any of claims 1 to 14;

positioning the mesh sheeting panel against the surface to be supported; and

fastening the mesh sheeting panel to the surface.

16.A method for producing a mesh sheeting panel, the method comprising the steps of:

preparing a mesh sheeting by overlaying a plurality of line wires and stay wires to provide a plurality of intersections, the line wires and the stay wires being fastened together at each intersection; and

forming two or more rib reinforcing elements in the mesh sheeting to produce a mesh sheeting panel.