The analysis of the water-expanded rock bolts ruptures during pressure test

Abstract

This paper describe the investigation of a water-expanded rock bolts failed during pressure test (inner water pressure of 330 bar). A main objective of this work was to determine the cracks nucleation and propagation mechanism. It was found that the rock bolts failure was promoted by presence of non-metallic inclusions (mainly long sulphide inclusions) but the primary cause of cracking is strain ageing of steel. Suggestions for improving the behaviour of steel used for water-expanded rock belts by the modification of its chemical composition are proposed finally.