Friction: Edition 6 | April 2023
FROM THE EDITOR
Slopes, softwalls, stresses and stability. This is the language of geotechnics where no two mine sites are the same, one size never fits all, and technology forms a crucial pairing with creativity to deliver tailored data-driven solutions.
In this month’s edition, we travel the world to explore diverse arrays of topics and ideas, from a new Canadian approach for inter-ramp scale analysis and design of mine slopes, to learnings from the homegrown 2022 AUSROCK conference and an intriguing study on landslides in the Pyrenees region on Spain.
As someone who is grateful for everything the industry has brought me, I am also sharing my story to pay that knowledge and satisfaction back – and also forward.
Regards,
Tim Cartledge
Friction is made possible thanks to our contributors who offer up their valuable time and knowledge. If you know a geotechnical engineer who’d enjoy Friction, please forward this email to them or share any of our news and features on LinkedIn. You can also direct them to our sign-up link here.
A Mine of Information
A fascination with rocks paired with a proclivity for maths set Tim Cartledge on the path to a career in geotechnics. It’s one that has delivered huge fulfilment, taken him around the globe and allowed him to tell incredible stories.
It has also given him a nuanced perspective on the industry’s opportunities and challenges, including why it needs to do a better job of selling itself.
NEWS, PUBLICATIONS AND UPDATES
Effect of horizontal stress on shallow coalmine slopes
At the 2022 AUSROCK conference, Alison Mcquillan and Professor Ismet Canbulat presented their abstract paper on the impact of virgin situ stresses on a shallow high slope in a jointed sedimentary rock environment. The results highlighted that stress conditions should be indicated in stability assessments of evacuated slopes.
Existing Methods for Inter-ramp Slope Design
Geoscientist and Geomechanic, Steve Rodgers, has recently developed an approach for Inter-Ramp scale analysis and design of mine slopes (FracMan-3DPOF or 3DPOF). The goal for 3DPOF is to increase the advantages and decrease the disadvantages of current models. Over the coming weeks, Steve will be explaining the model in more detail. To learn more, connect with Steve and keep an eye out for his updates.
Vallcebre Landslide Stability Analysis using Geotechnical Data and Limit Equilibrium Methods in Slide3 and Slide2
Landslides are known for their complex bodies and intricate nature. This is due to their heterogeneous geological material and gradational physical properties. Rocscience has recently conducted a study on a new approach to the analysis of a Spanish Pyrenees slow-moving landslide. The study uses Geophysical evaluation data, Rocscience’s 3D Limit Equilibrium program (Slide3) and 2D analysis using Slide2 to validate the results.
Events and Resources
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