Experimental protocol for stress corrosion cracking of rockbolts

A new laboratory facility designed and constructed at the University of New South Wales, aims to continue and offer a new approach to researching the phenomenon of the stress corrosion cracking. This new approach includes the use of full sized specimens, a specially designed frame, as well as a new loading regime, known as the Periodically Increasing Stress Test, to closely simulate the loading encountered by bolts in service. Coupled with a detailed water testing program to be undertaken at a number of partner sites, this new approach hopes to further increase understanding of stress corrosion cracking and its causes.