Australian Geomechanics Society Victoria – 2001 Meetings

• March 21, 2001

  Block Caving - Joint Meeting with AusIMM

  Juan Jofre - Mining methods at El Teniente Mine, Chile, Overcoming unfavourable rock mass behaviour

  El Teniente is a large underground mine high in the mountains, 130km southeast of Santiago, Chile. Since the mine commenced operations in 1917 approx. 3 million m³ of ore has been removed. In this operation, the rock mass behaviour has changed dramatically, leading to modifications in the mining method to overcome this situation.

  The presentation will describe:

  1. the ore body
  2. the evolution of the mining methods
  3. some proposed mining methods

  The vital question: How do we scale from intact rock properties to rock mass properties? will be discussed.

  Paul Harper - Implementation of advanced technology through people at Northparks Mines

  Northparkes Mines constructed and brought into operation Australia’s first underground block cave mine. This is the first underground mine in the world to implement leading edge technology throughout the whole operation. The need to use low costs block caving method and high level of technology was required to ensure the low-grade ore deposit was economically viable.

  Construction of the block cave mine was undertaken by various contractors and the operation of the mine is now being undertaken by Northparkes mines employees.

  The strategy developed to support this state of the art technology in terms of systems and work practices for the permanent workforce is the main focus of this presentation.

  The challenges of bringing a greenfields mine into operation coupled with new technology requires a flexible and open approach from a high achieving workforce.

• April 11, 2001

  Parramatta Rail Link

  David Barwell

  Parramatta Rail Link is a proposed 28km long heavy rail connection from Parramatta in Sydney's west, via Epping, to Chatswood on the north shore. The proposed route involves cut-and-cover tunnelling in the Parramatta area and driven tunnels to the Parramatta River, upgrading of an existing surface line to Carlingford then driven tunnels via Epping to Chatswood. Seven new underground stations are proposed, along with a bridge over the Lane Cove River. The Carr Government has recently given the go-ahead to the eastern half of the tunnelled Link between Epping and Chatswood, a distance of approximately 13km. David Barwell will describe the background to PRL then provide an over-view of the geotechnical and underground construction aspects of the project at this pre-tender stage.

• May 9, 2001

  Siting a Deep Geological Repository for Disposal of Radioactive Material

  Dr. Marcis Kurzeme

  Dr. Marcis Kurzeme will describe a feasibility study for siting a deep geological repository for the disposal of radioactive material in Australia, which is one of the regions of the world that appear to meet the High Isolation Criteria for a geological repository. The other major potential repository host regions are in Argentina, Southern Africa and Western China.

  The feasibility study in Australia consists of technical, economic and societal components. The presentation will focus on the technical component, specifically describing the approach to siting a repository based on the High Isolation Criteria, and how this leads to demonstrable long term safety of the repository. The potential economic costs and benefits and the public and political acceptance of a repository project will also be briefly described.

• June 13, 2001

  Computer Modelling Seminar Civil/Geotech Applications

• July 11, 2001

  Soil Erosion and Sediment Control in Construction

  Ross Hardie

  Ross will be discussing erosion and sediment control at construction sites and construction of erosion and sediment control. Discussion topics will include erosion and sedimentation processes, impacts of erosion and sedimentation on the built and natural environment, a recently developed risk based approach to sediment control at construction sites for South Australia, and erosion and sediment control techniques. Ross will illustrate concepts with anecdotes from recent projects in Queensland, Victoria, and South East Asia.

  David Pullen

  David will discuss the relevant regulatory issues, guidelines and methodologies published by the EPA. He will also discuss the responsibilities of construction companies on building sites within the state. David will discuss that Victoria’s waterways need protecting, and the community as well as contractors, also have a vital role to play.

• August 8, 2001

  Effects of Ground and Air Vibration on Structures - Joint Seminar

  Alan Richards

  Allan will be discussing the development of ground and air blast vibrations from various sources and how the pressure waves may attenuate in the ground and atmosphere. In particular Alan will share his experience with vibration attenuation in the environment around construction and mining sites throughout Australia. The influence of the geological conditions on ground vibrations and the changes caused to air blast vibrations by meteorological conditions will be addressed. Alan will also summarise the current statutory requirements for control of noise and vibration in Australia and compare these with standards set elsewhere in the world. The human perceptions for short term and recurrent vibrations will also be discussed.

  Dr John Wilson

  John will discuss the characteristics of ground motions and how these may be manifested inside different structures. How structures may respond to air blasts of varying magnitude will be studied using experience the University of Melbourne has gained in monitoring residential structures in the field. The response of different structures to seismic events will be discussed in the Australian and world context in comparison with other environmental loadings. The likely outcomes for geotechnical structures to the impact of sustained vibration or cyclic loading and the changes that these loads bring to the properties of the soils while dynamically stressed shall be examined. John will cover the statutory requirements to allow for dynamic loading of structures and the possible amelioration approaches one may adopt to limit the possibility of damage to structures.

• September 12, 2001

  Seminar & Workshop - Engineering Weathering Classification of Rocks

  The description and classification of rocks for engineering purposes represents an important aspect of geotechnical investigation practice and is fundamental for developing a reliable site model of the ground conditions. Whilst much effort has gone into standardising the classification methods used (Australian Standard AS 1726-1993), weathering classification schemes have been the subject of on-going debate, both nationally and internationally.

  The aim of this seminar and workshop is to review the current situation and to address any areas of confusion or disagreement. Various practitioners in the field of geotechnical engineering will make short presentations. This will be followed by a workshop session to demonstrate the applicability of classification schemes to different rock types.

  David Stapledon

  David will present an overview on the need, purpose and underlying principles of classification schemes.

  John Neilson

  John will provide an account and insights into the development and evolution of the local weathering scheme devised for the Melbourne Mudstone.

  Graeme Newman

  Graeme will present the current Code of Practice as Geopave applies it to Victorian road projects. Particular reference will be made to the strengths and limitations of the Australian Standard, AS 1726-1993.

  Robert Wilson

  Robert will address the current state of practice from a consultant’s perspective.

  Neil Benson & Michael Broise

  Neil and Michael both have experience with the approaches that have been adopted by overseas authorities and societies for the classification of various rock types. The usefulness of these approaches will be assessed.

• October 10, 2001

  Site Investigation Practice

• November 21, 2001

  AGM, E.H. Davis Memorial Lecture and Annual Dinner

  Assoc Prof John Small

  E.H. Davis Memorial Lecture: Soil Soil – Structure Interaction