On the role of deterioration of structures in their performance; With a focus on mining industry equipment and structures

Abstract

Some examples of materials performance of civil materials such as steel and concrete in mining industry are considered. These examples are about structural steels (either as support for the structure or the equipment) and concrete structures. Also, it is mentioned that in mine sites that contain sulphide minerals, the formation of acid mine drainage (AMD) may also contribute to decreasing the integrity of civil and supportive structures. Using these examples, an effort has been made to emphasise that in order to extend the service life of structures in very aggressive environments such as those encountered in mining industry, a sound knowledge of deterioration and corrosion-enhancing factors in addition to standardised application of measures against deterioration (such as painting) can be very applicative. © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.