Strength Tests of Selected Ropes Used in Mining Shaft Hoists After Their Replacement in Stochastic Interpretation

Area of Science:

• Mining Engineering
• Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering

Background:

• Increasing raw material extraction difficulty due to dwindling reserves and deeper shafts.
• Non-linear increase in mining costs and risks with shaft depth.
• Rising costs and challenges in condition assessment for aging mining infrastructure.

Purpose of the Study:

• Analyze strength test results of two modern steel hoisting rope designs.
• Investigate wear patterns and condition assessment challenges of new rope structures.
• Provide quantitative data to improve the assessment of hoisting rope technical condition.

Main Methods:

• Conducted classic non-destructive strength tests (tensile, torsion, bending) on hoisting ropes.
• Performed tests before and after ropes were decommissioned.
• Statistically processed and graphically presented test results for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

• New, complex hoisting ropes exhibit variable wear across layers due to compaction.
• Identified differences and similarities in wear patterns between tested rope designs.
• Strength test data revealed quantitative parameters for assessing rope condition.

Conclusions:

• Variable wear in new ropes necessitates a move from subjective to quantitative condition assessment.
• Findings offer valuable insights for users, testing personnel, and strategic decision-makers in mining.
• Improved assessment methods can enhance the safety and operational efficiency of mining plants.