A review of the role of underground measurements in the historical development of rock engineering in South Africa

SYNOPSIS This paper describes some important aspects associated with historical underground measurements in South African gold and coal mines. Deformation were used to confirm the use of elastic theory simulate rock mass behaviour Witwatersrand mines 1960s. Although a prominent time-dependent component stope closure was measured as early 1930s, it ignored owing benefit adopting theory. Neglecting response for many decades resulted such effect mining rate, advance per blast, need enhanced design criteria not being explored. Recent work is only now starting address this gap knowledge. In-situ large specimens 1960s 1970s indicated that linear formula may possibly be better approximation pillar strengths. alternative formulation never adopted, however, power law strength already deeply entrenched industry at stage. In spite these apparent failures continuously generate adopt new knowledge, key lesson learnt major advances mechanics will possible without careful monitoring experimental sites. Areas requiring further research, formulae Bushveld Complex mines, can developed using extensive programmes. Keywords: engineering, monitoring, theory, time-dependence, strength.