A steel ring dynamometer, which is placed at the end of a roof bolt, was evaluated. The diametral loading causes deformation of the ring caused by the change in loading of the bolt. This deformation is measured in the normal direction of loading with a high sensitivity dial gage. The steel that the ring is made of exhibits linear load-deformation characteristics and makes the ring appropriate for long-term monitoring.

The dynamometer can, without additional steps, be applied to an ordinary roof bolt. Its small dimensions do not affect the mining operations in the area of monitoring. Low cost and simple methods of measurement allow the dynamometer in the area of monitoring to be widely applied for monitoring of roof behavior.