Grouting to Prevent Sulfate Corrosion on Coal Mine Shaft

In the area of high sulfate concentration in China, the problem of sulfate corrosion in coal mine shaft is increasingly prominent. Currently, shaft repair methods are limited to diversion, interception, and backwall grouting. However, after conventional cement stabilization, shafts still must contend with poor durability and weak resistance to sulfate corrosion. To solve these problems, this study combined theoretical research, laboratory tests, and field tests to reveal the corrosion mechanism of shafts, explored novel anti-sulfate corrosion grout, and built a model for the migration of sulfate ions (SO4(2-)) in strata and shafts. According to the results of this study, shaft corrosion was a process of continuous penetration towards the concrete interior following a cycle of concrete compaction, expansion, and cracking. Laboratory tests show that the specimens of ordinary Portland cement mortar with 20-30% fly ash not only have good long-term strength, but also have a significantly improved resistance capacity to sulfate solution. Based on the laboratory test results, the HSR42.5 mixed with 20% fly ash was used for wall grouting, and the water-cement ratio of the slurry was 1:1. After wall grouting, the water inflow was effectively controlled in the grouting area in the main shaft, auxiliary shaft, and air shaft, reducing from 18.5 m(3)/h, 20.9 m(3)/h, and 10.0 m(3)/h to 3.5 m(3)/h, 4.6 m(3)/h, and 3.2 m(3)/h, respectively. Moreover, after nearly three years of continuous monitoring, the water inflow did not show any significant increase in the shafts. Based on the migration law of SO4(2-) in concrete, a shaft geological model and a salt solution migration model after grouting reinforcement under sulfate corrosion conditions were constructed. In addition, the analysis of the migration law of sulfate ion in the shaft and grouting reinforcement formation revealed that the service period of the grouting shaft can be extended for approximately 6-8 years.