Friction rock stabilisers (FRS) are steel-based, thin-walled tubular ground
reinforcement widely used in underground mines in Western Australia.
Following installation these stabilisers are subject to corrosion which may
reduce the load carrying capacity and lead to unexpected ground falls.
Although corrosion has been recognised as a common occurrence,
particularly under aggressive mine water and mineral conditions present
in underground mines, the knowledge of the effects of corrosion on the
mechanical behaviour of FRS is limited. The Department of Minerals
and Energy of Western Australia has conducted a laboratory based
program of studies to investigate the effect of corrosion on the mechanical
properties of FRS. The studies have focused on the effect of corrosion on
tensile strength of FRS and frictional resistance along the interface
between FRS and the drillhole wall. The results indicate that under
certain conditions corrosion damage can significantly reduce the
effectiveness of FRS.