Rock Bolting Development Site, Heritage engineering site in Cooma, Australia.
The Rock Bolting Development Site is an engineering facility at Cooma Back Creek in Lambie Gorge, where a natural rock face retains drilled holes and metal bolt remnants from systematic reinforcement testing. The location documents experimental work conducted to develop methods for stabilizing tunnel structures and preventing rock collapses.
Engineers from the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Authority conducted systematic tests between 1956 and 1962 on this rock face to develop bolting techniques for tunnel construction. This work was critical to improving safety standards for underground excavation projects.
Engineers Australia designated this location as a National Engineering Heritage Landmark for its contributions to construction safety and efficiency in underground structures.
The site is accessible via pathways from the Cooma Agricultural Society Showgrounds on Sharp Street and offers direct views of the rock face with historical drill holes. It is best visited during daylight and sturdy footwear is recommended, as the route follows the creek bed.
The rock bolting methods tested here became the foundation for international tunneling standards and significantly reduced construction timelines. Few visitors realize that this modest rock face had a global impact on modern construction practices.
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