Microbiologically Induced Stress Corrosion Cracking in Underground Mines

由于应力腐蚀开裂导致的岩石和电缆螺栓过早脆性破坏可能导致死亡和严重损害，并且在澳大利亚和世界各地的几个采矿作业中都有报道。有证据表明，微生物活动是一个促成因素。该项目旨在通过实验方法确定导致锚杆破坏的具体条件，并开发适用于地下矿山的新型预防技术。本研究将有助于提高对矿山工程中造成锚杆灾难性破坏的环境的认识，避免潜在危害和经济损失。这将提高采矿作业的安全性和生产率。

Premature brittle failure of rock & cable bolts due to stress corrosion cracking can cause fatalities and serious damage, and has been reported in several mining operations across Australia and world-wide. The evidence suggests that microbial activity is a contributing factor. The project aims to implement experimental methodologies to determine the specific conditions responsible for bolt failure and develop novel prevention techniques applicable in underground mines. The benefits of this research will be improved understanding of the environment causing catastrophic failure of bolts and avoidance of potential hazards & economic loss in mining projects. This will lead to improved safety & increased productivity in mining operations.