Concrete deterioration in mining structures

Author(s): A. Masarira, T.L. Bopape
Paper category: Conference
Book title: Concrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting III (ICCRRR)
Editor(s): M.G. Alexander, H.-D. Beushausen, F. Dehn, P. Moyo
Print ISBN: 978-0-415-89952-9
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Pages: 204 - 205
Total Pages: 2
Language: English

Abstract: 
Concrete structures form a large section of mining infrastructure. They find use both in open-cast as well as mine shafts, containment structures as well as material processing plant structures. Given the huge investments that accompany the design and construction of these structures as well as their criticality in the production line of a mine, it is important that these concrete structures do not experience premature failure or deterioration that would have an impact on production. The reality however is that these structures experience regular failure which requires remedial action. Some of the causes of such failures are due to poor design practices, poor construction and workmanship, failure to fully understand the environmental conditions in which these structures will operate and inaccurate assumptions made during the design process on the loads (especially dynamic loads) which the structures will be expected to carry during their lifetime. Another cause is the operational changes made resulting in these structures being required to carry loads they were not originally designed for. This paper presents some of the common forms of concrete deterioration in mining structures, their possible causes and some of the remedial action taken to restore the integrity of theses concrete structures.

Online publication: 2014
Publication Type: abstract_only
Public price (Euros): 0.00