Corroded steel support friction joint load capacity studies as found in Piast-Ziemowit coal mine

Abstract

This article presents the load capacity study results of the corroded friction joints obtained during heading relining conduction. The main goal of the study was to determine the operational characteristics of heavily corroded friction joints as well as their load capacity. An additional goal of the study was to indicate which parameter is crucial from the point of view of corroded support technical condition evaluation - friction joint load capacity or arch strength. Mine conditions in which the LP support operated were also briefly characterized in the article. The study presented in the article is of a pilot character, while the obtained results reveal a very significant influence of corrosion on the support operational safety, the studies of corroded joints will be continued in the future using a larger number of samples and various types of shackles.