Impact of steel chemistry on the susceptibility to corrosion of ground support elements

Ground support technology in underground mines has evolved over time in response to challenges associated with mining at depth and poor ground conditions. The performance of individual ground support elements is defined by their reinforcement and surface support mechanisms, element configuration, and material properties. In response to industry demand, ground support manufacturers have prioritized the development of ground support elements that meet a set of acceptable, or desirable, mechanical properties under quasistatic or impact loading conditions. The degradation of ground support elements when exposed to corrosive environments has not received the same level of attention. This paper investigates the influence of low-carbon steel alloys on the susceptibility to corrosion of ground support elements. It draws from a database developed over several years on the electrochemical behaviour of ground support steel and its chemical composition in a simulated mine electrolyte as lixiviate. Two predictive statistical models were developed to interpret the impact of steel composition and the influence of specific alloying elements. The results of this study have significant implications for ground support elements exposed to corrosive underground environments.