Monographs
Fifty-five books on rock bolting, ground support and rock mechanics – each checked against a publisher, repository or library record, each with a note on what it is genuinely useful for.
- items
- 55
- core to resin anchoring
- 10
- freely available
- 9
- years covered
- 1969–2025
- Core resin anchoring, full encapsulation, the rod–grout–rock bond
- bolts, tendons, grouting, rock bolt support design
- Background rock mechanics, classifications, excavation design
IBolts and rock reinforcement
- MON-01
(2018). Rock Reinforcement and Rock Support.
CRC Press/Balkema · ISRM Book Series · 486 pp. · ISBN 978-1-138-09583-0
A modern, wide-ranging monograph setting out the functions of rock bolts, tendons, sprayed concrete (shotcrete) and steel support members. A good starting point for organising the mechanisms of rock reinforcement.
- MON-02
(1983). Anchoring in Rock and Soil.
2nd ed. (fully revised) · Elsevier, Amsterdam · Developments in Geotechnical Engineering, vol. 33 · ISBN 0-444-99689-3
One of the classic and most complete monographs on ground and rock anchors – their design, installation and acceptance testing.
- MON-03 Core
(1994). Professional Users Handbook for Rock Bolting.
2nd ed. · Trans Tech Publications, Clausthal-Zellerfeld · Series on Rock and Soil Mechanics, vol. 18 · xii + 164 pp. · ISBN 0-87849-094-9
A fundamental practical handbook. It covers mechanical, friction, cement-grouted and resin-grouted bolts, system selection, installation, pull-out testing and common installation errors. The book was produced by a manufacturer: the copyright to both editions is held by Atlas Copco (now Epiroc), with Trans Tech responsible only for distribution. This does not diminish its technical value, but it should be read with the awareness that the system examples come from a single supplier's range.
- MON-04 Core
(1979). Rock Bolting: A Practical Handbook.
rev. ed. · Pergamon Press, Oxford · vii + 84 pp. · ISBN 0-08-022503-9
One of the first comprehensive books on the theory and practice of rock bolting in mining and tunnelling. It covers, among others, tensioned bolts, yielding bolts, glass-fibre bolts and resin-grouted bolts.
- MON-05 Core
(1991). Rock Bolting Practical Guide.
Minister of Supply and Services Canada, Ottawa · CANMET Special Publication, SP88-15 · approx. 266 pp. · ISBN 0-660-13994-4
A highly valuable guide grounded in mine-site research. It covers the mechanisms of bolt action, the selection of length and spacing, the assessment of installation quality and the various anchoring systems.
- MON-06
(2023). Bond Failure Mechanism of Fully Grouted Rock Bolts.
Springer Nature Singapore · SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology · viii + 111 pp. · ISBN 978-981-99-0498-3
A concise study of the bond-failure mechanism of fully grouted rock bolts: the distribution of shear stress and the propagation of debonding. The work concerns mainly cement grout and numerical modelling (FLAC3D).
- MON-07
(2025). Grouted Soil and Rock Anchors.
1st ed. · CRC Press, Abingdon/Boca Raton · 532 pp. · ISBN 978-0-367-65003-2
The most recent major monograph on grouted soil and rock anchors: design, installation, testing, durability, corrosion, quality control and worked case studies. Consistent with Eurocode 7. It deals more with tensioned geotechnical anchors than with typical mining bolts, but it organises the mechanics of anchorage exceptionally well.
- MON-08 Core
(2016). Advances in Rock-Support and Geotechnical Engineering.
Butterworth-Heinemann (Elsevier), Oxford · xi + 410 pp. · ISBN 978-0-12-810552-8
Six parts: rock testing, rock bolting, grouted cable bolts, tunnelling, slopes and mining geomechanics. Substantial sections on failure mechanisms, the influence of rod profile and load transfer.
- MON-09
(1995). Support of Underground Excavations in Hard Rock.
A.A. Balkema, Rotterdam/Brookfield · 215 pp. · ISBN 90-5410-186-5
A classic design monograph linking rock mechanics with the selection of bolts, cables, mesh and sprayed concrete (shotcrete). Still one of the most important books on the support of excavations in hard rock. The full text is available free of charge from MIRARCO.
- MON-10 Core
(2008). Coal Mine Ground Control.
3rd ed. · Self-published (distributed by SME) · 764 pp. · ISBN 978-0-9789383-4-5
A key reference for roof bolting in coal mining. Chapter 4 gives an exhaustive treatment of bolts and bolting systems from their introduction in the 1940s onwards. It covers the behaviour of resin bolts, bond length, spacing, pre-tension, the building of a rock beam and the assessment of roof stability.
- MON-11
(1996). Cablebolting in Underground Mines.
BiTech Publishers, Richmond BC · x + 406 pp. · ISBN 0-921095-37-6
The most important standalone monograph on cable bolts: grouts, tendon geometry, load transfer, installation, testing and the design of deep rock reinforcement. Written at the Geomechanics Research Centre of Laurentian University.
- MON-12
(2016). Ground Engineering – Principles and Practices for Underground Coal Mining.
Springer, Cham · ISBN 978-3-319-25003-8
A modern compendium of coal-mine geotechnics, covering roof assessment, the design of rock bolt support and the interaction of bolts with other support elements, set within a risk-management framework.
- MON-13
(2000). Fjellbolting.
Vegdirektoratet (Statens vegvesen), Oslo · Håndbok V224 · formerly håndbok 215
A Norwegian manual for the design and installation of rock bolts in tunnels, rock cuts and slopes. Particularly useful on durability, corrosion protection and workmanship. Published in Norwegian.
- MON-14 Core
(2023). Norwegian Rock Bolting.
Norwegian Tunnelling Society (NFF), Oslo · NFF Publication, No. 31
A contemporary summary of Norwegian bolting practice, covering cement, resin, expansion-shell and yielding bolts as well as quality and durability requirements. Prepared in cooperation with NGI. Available free of charge as a PDF.
- MON-15 Core
(2017). Rockbolting: Principles and Applications.
Butterworth-Heinemann (Elsevier), Oxford · 271 pp. · ISBN 978-0-12-804401-8
The only contemporary monograph devoted solely to rock bolting. It covers the mechanics of bolting, all current bolt types (mechanical, grouted, self-drilling, cable, friction, yielding), installation, assessment of bolt behaviour, design, quality control and case studies, including bolting in highly stressed rock. The author is the inventor of the D-bolt.
- MON-16
(2020). Ground Support for Underground Mines.
Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth · 520 pp. · ISBN 978-0-9876389-5-3
A current, comprehensive account of rock reinforcement and surface support in underground mines, covering every stage of the design process. A standard reference in publications since 2020.
- MON-17
(2001). Mechanizm współpracy kotwi z górotworem o zróżnicowanej budowie.
IGSMiE PAN, Kraków · Biblioteka Szkoły Eksploatacji Podziemnej — seria z Lampką Górniczą, nr 8 · 189 pp.
A Polish monograph on the mechanics of bolt–rock interaction in continuous, layered and fractured rock masses, based on numerical analysis and domestic experience. Available online in the resources of the School of Underground Mining (Szkoła Eksploatacji Podziemnej).
IIDynamic support, rockbursts and ground control
- MON-18
(1996). Canadian Rockburst Support Handbook.
Geomechanics Research Centre, Laurentian University, Sudbury · 314 pp.
A classic work on support design under dynamic loading. It covers the energy-absorption capacity of bolts, cables, mesh and surface systems, and a classification of rockburst damage. The full text is available free of charge.
- MON-19
(2018). Rockburst Support Reference Book, Volume I: Rockburst Phenomenon and Support Characteristics.
MIRARCO, Laurentian University, Sudbury · 284 pp. · ISBN 978-0-88667-096-2
A development of the Canadian methodology for rockburst support, relevant to the selection of yielding bolts and controlled-deformation systems; it introduces deformation-based design. Status: a limited-distribution manuscript, sent free of charge on registration. Volume II appeared as a draft (2019–2020); Volume III was not published.
- MON-20
(1992). Rockburst Handbook for Ontario Hardrock Mines.
Energy, Mines and Resources Canada, Ottawa · CANMET Special Report, SP92-1E · 305 pp.
An important monograph on dynamic hazards in deep hard-rock mines and on methods of mitigating rockburst damage through support. Available in the open NRCan repository.
- MON-21
(1999). A Handbook on Rock Engineering Practice for Tabular Hard Rock Mines.
Creda Communications, Cape Town · commissioned by SIMRAC · ISBN 0-7988-5439-1
The standard South African handbook for gold and platinum mines. It covers rock bolting, backfill, dynamic support and the control of falls of ground. An edited, multi-author volume. Companion volume: MON-55.
- MON-22
(1987). Ground Mechanics in Hard Rock Mining.
A.A. Balkema, Rotterdam · 537 pp. · ISBN 90-6191-587-2
A classic treatment of excavation stability, failure mechanisms and external and internal systems of rock reinforcement (Chapters 13–15).
- MON-23
(1987). Strata Control in Mineral Engineering.
John Wiley & Sons, New York · European edition: A.A. Balkema · approx. 212 pp. · ISBN 0-471-20329-3
Contains a separate, substantial chapter on rock reinforcement with bolts and on relating support design to rock mass classification.
- MON-24 Background
(2013). Modern American Coal Mining: Methods and Applications.
SME, Englewood CO · ISBN 978-0-87335-352-6
A broad compendium of modern coal mining, including the development of roof control, bolting systems and the mechanisation of installation. An edited volume with eleven US mine case studies.
- MON-25 Background
(2009). Australasian Coal Mining Practice.
3rd ed. · AusIMM, Melbourne · Monograph Series, No. 12 · 1085 pp.
An important reference for Australian mining practice, including the design of roadway support, roof bolts and deformation control. Earlier editions: 1986, 1993.
IIIRock mechanics and the design of bolting systems
- MON-26
(1980). Underground Excavations in Rock.
Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, London · 527 pp. · ISBN 0-900488-55-7
One of the most influential books in the history of rock mechanics. It links rock mass classifications and block and wedge analysis with the selection of bolts, cables and other support. Revised and reprinted in 1982.
- MON-27
(2004). Rock Mechanics for Underground Mining.
3rd ed. · Kluwer Academic Publishers / Springer, Dordrecht · ISBN 1-4020-2064-3
A standard academic and design textbook on the mechanics of underground excavations, stability and the principles of active and passive reinforcement. 1st ed. 1985, 2nd ed. 1993.
- MON-28
(1984). Rock Mechanics Design in Mining and Tunnelling.
A.A. Balkema, Rotterdam/Boston · 272 pp. · ISBN 90-6191-507-4
A classic book on the design of excavations and support systems from rock mass parameters, geomechanical classifications and observation of excavation behaviour.
- MON-29 Background
(1989). Engineering Rock Mass Classifications: A Complete Manual for Engineers and Geologists in Mining, Civil, and Petroleum Engineering.
John Wiley & Sons, New York · 272 pp. · ISBN 978-0-471-60172-2
The principal source on the RMR classification and its use for the preliminary selection of length, spacing and the interaction of bolts with mesh and sprayed concrete (shotcrete).
- MON-30 Background
(2011). Engineering Rock Mass Classification: Tunnelling, Foundations and Landslides.
Butterworth-Heinemann (Elsevier) · ISBN 978-0-12-385878-8
A wide-ranging treatment of RMR, Q, GSI and other classifications and their use in selecting support for tunnels and rock excavations, based on field studies in the Himalayas. A thorough revision of the same authors' earlier book, *Rock Mass Classification: A Practical Approach in Civil Engineering* (Elsevier 1999, ISBN 978-0-08-043013-3), extended with rock mass characterisation and worked examples – older works usually cite the 1999 edition.
- MON-32
(2014). Rock Engineering.
2nd ed. · ICE Publishing (Thomas Telford), London · 444 pp. · ISBN 978-0-7277-5995-5
An advanced monograph on design in rock, covering parameter uncertainty, rock mass behaviour, classifications and the selection of reinforcement. The first book to place risk and uncertainty at its centre. 1st ed.: Thomas Telford, 2010.
- MON-33 Core
(2023). Practical Rock Engineering.
2023 edition · Rocscience, Toronto
A free, extensive monograph. The chapter "Rockbolts and Cables" remains one of the best concise treatments of mechanical, friction, cement-grouted and resin-grouted bolts. The 2023 edition is the last – the author died in July 2024.
- MON-34 Background
(1997). Engineering Rock Mechanics: An Introduction to the Principles.
Pergamon (Elsevier Science), Oxford · ISBN 0-08-041912-7
The rock mechanics fundamentals needed to understand the interaction of a bolt with a discontinuous, deformable rock mass. The chapter "Stabilization Principles" bears directly on rock reinforcement.
- MON-35 Background
(2000). Engineering Rock Mechanics, Part 2: Illustrative Worked Examples.
Pergamon (Elsevier Science), Oxford · 502 pp. · ISBN 0-08-043010-4
A set of worked examples useful in analysing the stability of blocks, wedges and excavations requiring bolting. Twenty chapters matching the structure of Part 1.
- MON-36 Background
(1989). Introduction to Rock Mechanics.
2nd ed. · John Wiley & Sons, New York · 562 pp. · ISBN 0-471-81200-5
A classic textbook of the discontinuum mechanics of rock masses; it introduces block theory. Particularly important for understanding the role of bolts crossing fissures and slip surfaces. 1st ed.: 1980.
IVGrouted anchors, binders and bond mechanics
- MON-37
(1991). Ground Anchors and Anchored Structures.
Wiley-Interscience, New York · 704 pp. · ISBN 0-471-52520-0
One of the fundamental monographs on tensioned ground and rock anchors, load transfer, fixed-anchor (bond) length, grouting, testing and durability.
- MON-38
(1996). Grouting of Rock and Soil.
A.A. Balkema, Rotterdam · 271 pp.
An important work on the grouting of rock and soil, grout rheology, fissure penetration, grouting pressure and construction control. First English edition.
- MON-39 Background
(1990). Construction and Design of Cement Grouting: A Guide to Grouting in Rock Foundations.
John Wiley & Sons, New York · Wiley Series of Practical Construction Guides · 442 pp. · ISBN 978-0-471-51629-3
A classic treatment of cement grouting technology. It helps in understanding the effect of mix composition, sedimentation, filtration and borehole conditions on cement-grouted bolts.
- MON-40
(2004). Practical Handbook of Grouting: Soil, Rock, and Structures.
John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken NJ · 720 pp. · ISBN 978-0-471-46303-0
A broad compendium covering not only cement but also chemical, epoxy and polyurethane materials, equipment, mixing, pumping and quality control. Separate chapters on rock grouting and on non-cementitious grouts.
- MON-41 Background
(1989). Grouting Theory and Practice.
Elsevier, Amsterdam/New York · Developments in Geotechnical Engineering, vol. 57
The theoretical and practical foundations of grout flow in pores and fissures and of the design of grouting works.
- MON-42
(2003). Chemical Grouting and Soil Stabilization.
3rd ed. (revised and expanded) · CRC Press · Marcel Dekker: Civil & Environmental Engineering, vol. 12 · 584 pp. · ISBN 0-8247-4065-3
A fundamental book on chemical grouts – their viscosity, gel kinetics, durability and interaction with water and the ground. Useful as a complement to knowledge of anchoring resins.
- MON-43 Core
(2006). Anchorage in Concrete Construction.
Ernst & Sohn, Berlin · xiii + 378 pp. · ISBN 978-3-433-01143-0
Concerned mainly with anchorage in concrete, but very important for the mechanics of chemical anchors: bond, bond–slip models, the breakout cone and failure at the resin–substrate interface. It also covers durability, fire resistance and seismic loading.
- MON-44
(1999). Foundations on Rock: Engineering Practice.
2nd ed. · E & FN Spon (Routledge), London/New York · 401 pp. · ISBN 0-419-23210-9
Covers the capacity of rock anchors used in foundations, dams and structures subject to uplift, and the principles of anchor testing and design. The 2nd ed. adds a chapter on tension foundations. 1st ed.: 1992.
- MON-45
(2004). Rock Slope Engineering: Civil and Mining.
4th ed. · Spon Press, London
One of the fundamental monographs on stabilising rock slopes with bolts, tendons, mesh and sprayed concrete (shotcrete), based on block and wedge analysis. The 5th ed. (2017) appeared as a solo work by Wyllie under the title *Civil Applications*, without the mining part; for mining applications the 4th ed. remains the appropriate one.
VTunnels and bolts within the complete support system
- MON-46
(1996). Tunnel Engineering Handbook.
2nd ed. · Chapman & Hall, New York · 544 pp. · ISBN 0-412-99291-4
A classic tunnel-engineering handbook, covering the selection of initial stabilisation, bolts, sprayed concrete (shotcrete) and permanent lining. The 2nd ed. adds seven new chapters, including tunnel stabilisation and support and difficult ground conditions.
- MON-47
(2005). Tunnelling and Tunnel Mechanics: A Rational Approach to Tunnelling.
Springer, Berlin/Heidelberg · xvi + 438 pp. · ISBN 978-3-540-25196-5
Provides a mechanical account of bolt action and its effect on the ground reaction curve and on the development of the plastic zone around a tunnel. The English version is considerably expanded from the German original *Tunnelbau und Tunnelmechanik* (Springer 1995).
- MON-48
(2013). Practical Tunnel Construction.
John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken NJ · ISBN 978-0-470-64197-2
A practical treatment of tunnelling operations, face control, drilling, bolting, sprayed-concrete application and geotechnical risk management. It compares excavation methods: hand, drill-and-blast, TBM, NATM, NMT, roadheader, EPBM and SPBM.
- MON-49
(2008). Design and Construction of Tunnels: Analysis of Controlled Deformations in Rocks and Soils (ADECO-RS).
Springer, Berlin/Heidelberg · xvii + 576 pp. · ISBN 978-3-540-73874-9
The foundation of the ADECO-RS method. Important for the use of bolts, micropiles and glass-fibre rods in the pre-reinforcement of the face and the ground around a tunnel. Italian original: *Progetto e costruzione di gallerie*, Hoepli 2006.
- MON-50
(2013). Handbook of Tunnel Engineering I: Structures and Methods.
Ernst & Sohn, Berlin · 482 pp. · ISBN 978-3-433-03048-6
A contemporary compendium of tunnelling methods and support structures, including bolt-and-shotcrete systems and reinforcement of the zone near the face. The first English edition, based on the revised 3rd German edition.
- MON-51 Background
(2014). Handbook of Tunnel Engineering II: Basics and Additional Services for Design and Construction.
Ernst & Sohn, Berlin · ISBN 978-3-433-03049-3
Complements Volume I with site investigation, design, monitoring and construction control – the elements essential to the correct selection and verification of rock bolt support.
- MON-52 Core
(1969). Obudowa kotwiowa wyrobisk górniczych.
Wydawnictwo „Śląsk”, Katowice · 355 pp.
A classic Polish monograph devoted solely to rock bolt support, still cited in the domestic mining literature. It gives a definition and classification of rock bolt support, the types of load carried by bolts, the aims of bolting and an extensive review of the development of bolting technique in the mining of the USA, Canada and the USSR. Out of print; available in specialist libraries (including GIG) and from antiquarian booksellers.
- MON-53
(2012). Geomechanika w budownictwie podziemnym: projektowanie i budowa tuneli.
Wydawnictwa AGH, Kraków · 762 pp. · ISBN 978-83-7464-511-9
A substantial Polish tunnelling textbook covering geomechanics, excavation methods and support design, including rock bolt support and bolt-and-shotcrete support. The only Polish-language work of this scope on tunnel construction. Out of print at the publisher.
- MON-54
(2006). Ruchy górotworu i reakcje obudowy w procesie niszczenia skał wokół wyrobisk korytarzowych na podstawie badań „in situ".
AGH, Wydział Górnictwa i Geoinżynierii, Kraków · scientific editor: T. Majcherczyk · 130 pp.
The results of many years of mine-site research: measurements of convergence, of the extent of the fractured zone, of roof-layer displacements and of bolt loads in workings with rock bolt support and combined prop-and-bolt support. A rare work based on Polish in-situ measurement data.
- MON-55
(2002). A Textbook on Rock Mechanics for Tabular Hard Rock Mines.
1st ed. · SIMRAC, Johannesburg/Braamfontein · approx. 489 pp.
A companion volume to MON-21, treating the same topics from the theoretical side: rock mechanics, long-term strength, creep, pillars, excess shear stress (ESS) and the modelling of seismicity. Note the order of the authors' names – the reverse of the 1999 handbook.
- MON-56
(2017). Guide Pratique du Soutènement Minier.
2nd ed. (reprint with minor updates) · Association Minière du Québec · 206 pp.
The only practical French-language work on mine support: the selection of bolts, mesh and sprayed concrete (shotcrete) and the quality control of installation. Quebec register, not European – its terminology may depart from the AFTES usage adopted for the site's French version; when cited in French content it requires a check of terms.
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