In the context of slope stabilisation, rock bolting is adopted to provide specific localised mechanical reinforcement of geologically unstable formations such as overhangs and wedges.
Following drilling of the hole into the rock formation, rock bolts may be fixed via mechanical expansion, or a grouting/epoxy process. The head of the bolt is then actively stressed to improve shearing resistance on potential failure planes in the rock.
Pinning dowels may also feature within a rock bolting program. They are passive elements only used to provide shear keys across bedding planes – usually installed as a fully grouted bar no longer than 1-2m.