Abstract

Rock bolts play a crucial role in reinforcing rock slopes. However, a poorly grouted rock bolt occasionally occurs, potentially compromising the stability of a rock slope. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the integrity of a rock bolt using sound waves. In experiments, a total of five rock bolts are prepared, one of which is intact while the other four are poorly grouted. The grouted ratios of four poorly grouted rock bolts are 80%, 70%, 60%, and 50%, respectively, and nongrouted sections are introduced at the upper part of the rock bolts. Rock bolts are installed in a concrete block to simulate rock bolts embedded in a rock slope. Sound waves are generated by impacting the head of the rock bolt and measured using the built-in microphone of a smartphone. Measured sound waves are analyzed in frequency domain through Fourier transform. Results show that the predominant frequency of sound waves decreases as the grouted ratio decreases. This study suggests that the predominant frequency of sound waves can be an effective indicator for evaluating the integrity of the rock bolt.