Course Overview
This course introduces the fundamentals of soil and rock mechanics, and the objectives and techniques of geotechnical data collection used for mining construction projects and operations. Concepts of stability of surface soil and rock slopes and underground rock excavations are presented in the context of in situ rock mass stress and rock mass structure. Support systems commonly utilized in underground and surface excavations are discussed with respect to their applications and safety requirements. Exercises will focus on geotechnical field mapping, graphical data presentation, core logging, soil classification methods, and rock strength testing. Soil and rock engineering properties will be introduced by laboratory tests during the lecture hours. Laboratory tests will include; soil classification methods, standard soil compaction and shear tests, uniaxial compressive (UCS) testing of rock cores and point load testing of rock specimens. A day-long mine site field trip for rock mapping and testing exercises will be conducted in the second part of the term.
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Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Identify and understand the engineering properties of soils and rocks [1].
- Classify soils per different classification systems [3].
- Draw and apply Proctor curves for compaction control [1,3].
- Perform standard laboratory and field soil and rock strength testing particularly, soils compaction and shear tests, rock point load test and UCS [1,3].
- Use Mohr's circle analysis for in situ stress and strength calculations [1,2].
- Plot stereonets and determine potential failure modes of rock slopes [1,3,5].
- Understand the concept of rock failure and calculate the factor of safety of rock slopes and underground excavations [1,3,5,9].
- Identify and calculate the various support systems utilized in underground and surface excavations [5,9].
- Perform basic mapping and core logging of rock structures [3,5].
- Identify the objectives of geotechnical data collection and rock mass classification methods [3,6,7].
- Discuss the importance of slope stability, perform a basic slope design, use the slope’s monitoring systems and take the adequate protection measures [1,2,4,9].
- Use the blasting controlled systems for surface and underground mines and determine the surface subsidence control for mining operations [2,8,9].
Effective as of Winter 2018
Related Programs
Introduction to Soil and Rock Mechanics (MINE 3107) is offered as a part of the following programs:
- Indicates programs accepting international students.
- Indicates programs eligible for students to apply for Post-graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
School of Construction and the Environment
- Mineral Exploration and Mining Technology
Diploma Full-time
- Mining and Mineral Resource Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering Full-time
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