Revised Standard for Testing & Use of Cement Capsule for Roof Bolting in Mines – DGMS Guidelines & MCQs

🧾 DETAILED NOTES

1️⃣ Introduction

Roof bolting is the most widely used method of strata control in underground coal and metal mines. Cement capsules are now being widely approved due to lower cost, ease of handling, fire resistance, and improved long-term bonding strength. The revised standard ensures better reliability, quality control, and safety when using cement capsules as the primary grouting material for roof bolting.

2️⃣ Purpose of Cement Capsules

Provide long-term anchorage of roof bolts.
Reduce hazards due to strata separation and roof falls.
Offer better sealing and bonding in moist or humid mine environments.
Act as an economical alternative to resin capsules.

3️⃣ Revised Standards – Key Requirements

🟦 1.3.1 Capsule Specifications: Must conform to BIS / ISO / DGMS-approved standards. Uniformly filled, outer sheath must withstand handling, and clearly labelled with Expiry date, and Batch number.

🟦 1.3.2 Testing Requirements:

Test	Parameters
Setting Time Test	Initial & final setting time under mine temperature (Fast-set, Slow-set).
Compressive Strength Test	Minimum strength achieved after 24 hrs & 48 hrs.
Shear Pull Test	Roof bolt anchorage test in actual strata (≥ 10 tonnes).
Mix Uniformity Test	Homogeneity of cement grout inside capsule.
Durability Test	Performance under moisture & water seepage.

4️⃣ Storage & Installation Standards

Storage: Store below 25°C, away from sunlight, use FIFO method. Damaged or hardened capsules must be discarded.

Installation Procedure: Drill hole to specified diameter & depth, Clean hole, Insert cement capsule(s), Insert roof bolt immediately while rotating, Allow required setting time, Perform pull test.

5️⃣ Advantages of Cement Capsules

Excellent performance in wet or dripping roofs.
No fire hazard (unlike resin).
Longer anchorage life & Cost-effective.

⚡ QUICK ONE-LINERS

Cement capsules provide long-term grout bonding for roof bolts.
Shelf life generally 6 months under proper storage.
Pull test is mandatory for verifying anchorage strength.
Capsules must comply with DGMS-approved standards.
Works efficiently in wet & humid conditions.
Roof hole must be cleaned before inserting capsules.
Setting time varies based on temperature and composition.
DGMS mandates periodic testing of cement capsules.
Weak anchorage leads to roof falls—testing is essential.
FIFO storage rule prevents use of expired capsules.

🧠 DESCRIPTIVE Q&A

Q. Explain the revised standards for testing and use of cement capsules as grouting material for roof bolting in mines.

Answer:
Revised DGMS standards emphasize improved quality control and safety in using cement capsules for roof bolting. Every cement capsule must be manufactured per BIS/ISO norms and tested for setting time, compressive strength, shear pull strength, and mix uniformity. Capsules must be stored in dry, ventilated areas and used within their shelf life (typically 6 months). During installation, the drill hole must be cleaned, capsules inserted, and the roof bolt rotated for proper mixing. Pull tests must be conducted to confirm anchorage strength. These revisions ensure durable bolting, minimize roof fall hazards, and maintain statutory compliance.

🧮 25 MCQs (Dynamic Answers A–E)

Q1. Cement capsules are primarily used for:

Solution: Cement capsules provide the stable, long-term grout bond for anchoring the roof bolt.

Q2. Shelf life of cement capsules is generally:

Solution: Due to the nature of cement, the shelf life is typically shorter than resin, often around 6 months under controlled storage.

Q3. Which test checks anchorage of bolts?

Solution: The pull test applies tensile load to the bolt to verify the shear anchorage strength of the grout.

Q4. FIFO method ensures:

Solution: FIFO (First In, First Out) ensures that the stock is used in the order it was received, preventing the use of expired material.

Q5. Cement capsules are suitable for:

Solution: Cement grout generally performs better than resin when water is present in the drill hole.

Q6. Capsule failure is often due to:

Solution: If the outer sheath is damaged, the material may leak out or cure prematurely, causing bonding failure.

Q7. Cement capsules are inserted:

Solution: The capsule must be pushed into the hole first, followed immediately by the bolt.

Q8. DGMS requires pull testing:

Solution: Pull testing is mandated periodically (e.g., monthly, or after receiving a new batch) to confirm anchorage strength.

Q9. Cement capsules should be stored in:

Solution: They must be stored in dry, cool conditions to prevent premature hardening or moisture ingress.

Q10. The setting time of cement capsule depends on:

Solution: Higher ambient temperature accelerates the chemical reaction (setting/gel time) of the cement grout.

Q11. Cement capsules replace:

Solution: Cement and resin are both grouting materials used for anchoring bolts, with cement being an alternative to resin.

Q12. Capsule rupture occurs due to:

Solution: Improper handling or incorrect storage (high temperature/pressure) can rupture the capsule sheath, leading to bonding failure.

Q13. Hole cleaning is important for:

Solution: Removing rock dust and debris ensures the grout adheres directly to the clean rock surface.

Q14. Cement capsules should have:

Solution: Statutory labelling requires batch identification and expiry dates for traceability and safety.

Q15. Compressive strength test is done after:

Solution: Compressive strength is typically measured after the grout has fully cured, usually 24 to 48 hours.

Q16. Weak anchorage results in:

Solution: If the bolt fails to hold the strata due to weak grout, the roof may collapse.

Q17. Cement capsule installation requires:

Solution: Rotation is necessary to tear the sheath and mix the dry components with the water in the capsule or hole.

Q18. Capsule performance reduces due to:

Solution: Moisture exposure causes premature hardening or chemical changes, degrading the capsule's quality.

Q19. Testing frequency is decided by:

Solution: The specific frequency must be determined by the Mine Manager in compliance with DGMS circulars and site geotechnical needs.

Q20. Capsules must withstand:

Solution: The sheath must be robust enough to prevent tearing or leakage during transport and handling underground.

Q21. Strength of roof bolt depends on:

Solution: The final anchorage strength depends entirely on the quality and integrity of the grouting material (capsule).

Q22. Cement capsule is a:

Solution: It is the material used to fix the bolt into the rock mass (grout).

Q23. Pull testing checks:

Solution: The pull test is the definitive test for checking if the bolt is anchored correctly by the grout.

Q24. Capsule expiry must be:

Solution: The expiry date is a critical safety element and must be verified before use to ensure the capsule will cure correctly.

Q25. Main objective of revised standard:

Solution: The revisions are driven by the need to enhance safety standards and ensure the reliability of the support system.

🔗 INTERNAL LINKS

Related Topic	Read More On...
Support Technology	DGMS Tech Circular No. 02 of 2020
Strata Monitoring	Strata Monitoring in Longwall Workings
Alternative Support	Friction Stabilizers (Split Sets)
Legislation	CMR 2017 Part 2 - Working & Supervision Rules

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Revised Standard for Testing & Use of Cement Capsule for Roof Bolting in Mines – DGMS Guidelines & MCQs

🧾 DETAILED NOTES

1️⃣ Introduction

2️⃣ Purpose of Cement Capsules

3️⃣ Revised Standards – Key Requirements

4️⃣ Storage & Installation Standards

5️⃣ Advantages of Cement Capsules

⚡ QUICK ONE-LINERS

🧠 DESCRIPTIVE Q&A

🧮 25 MCQs (Dynamic Answers A–E)

🔗 INTERNAL LINKS

🚧 Prepare for DGMS Exams with Real Technical Notes & MCQs!

OUR COURSES View More

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📚 Daily Quiz • DGMS Prep

Revised Standard for Testing & Use of Cement Capsule for Roof Bolting in Mines – DGMS Guidelines & MCQs

🧾 DETAILED NOTES

1️⃣ Introduction

2️⃣ Purpose of Cement Capsules

3️⃣ Revised Standards – Key Requirements

4️⃣ Storage & Installation Standards

5️⃣ Advantages of Cement Capsules

⚡ QUICK ONE-LINERS

🧠 DESCRIPTIVE Q&A

🧮 25 MCQs (Dynamic Answers A–E)

🔗 INTERNAL LINKS

🚧 Prepare for DGMS Exams with Real Technical Notes & MCQs!

OUR COURSES View More

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