Itasca designs the ground support layout and specification necessary to reinforce, retain, and hold the rock mass around excavations. The required level of ground support can be determined from an understanding of the rock mass strength, the initial (in-situ) stresses, and the stresses (magnitude and orientation) likely to change over time. By considering the evolution in induced stress over time, it can be possible to identify specific areas around the mine where there may be a need for heavier support or secondary support.

Ground support elements (rock bolts, cables, liners, etc.) are an integral component of much of Itasca’s software. Itasca also conducts design instrumentation programs to validate and subsequently monitor the support design over the life of the excavation.