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Study information

Surface Excavation Design - 2019 entry

MODULE TITLESurface Excavation Design CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSM3038 MODULE CONVENERProf John Coggan (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 10 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 59
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Effective design is critical for the stability and creation of a safe working environment for surface excavations. This module commences with a critical review of input data required for design of surface excavations (building on previous knowledge obtained in the year two module Geotechnics or equivalent).

By taking this module, you will acquire knowledge relating to both geotechnical design-related aspects and blast design of surface excavations. We will follow initial identification of potential slope failure modes with instability analyses and the identification of appropriate stabilisation methods/techniques.

The module is not recommended for interdisciplinary pathways. 

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module gives you the specialist analysis and design skills associated with civil, geotechnical, environmental and related industries.  It provides problem-solving skills and offers simulated industrial experience.

Where appropriate, we will use case history information to emphasise important aspects associated with data variability and its influence on design. In addition, we will use design-based assignments to emphasise and consolidate key aspects of hazard appraisal of slope faces and how discontinuity characteristics affect excavation stability and the choice of appropriate stabilisation methods. 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 critically assess the role and limitations of analytical and computer methods in surface excavation stability analysis and design;

2 evaluate factors controlling instability and reinforcement design of slopes;

3 determine the data requirements for the design of surface excavations, including considerations of data variability and risk assessment;

4 understand and evaluate critically the key components for the design of blasting for surface excavations.
 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

5 evaluate and apply knowledge to specific design tasks;

6 choose appropriate design from critical evaluation of available data;

7 undertake synthesis of information and create responses based on advanced knowledge.
 

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

8 apply personal data-handling skills through critically evaluation of a design problem and produce, to a strict deadline, detailed recommendations/reasoned arguments for an appropriate solution;

9 utilise a full range of computer-based learning resources as an autonomous learner.

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

-  review of critical input parameters, such as shear strength, emphasising the differences between discontinuity controlled behaviour and rock mass material controlled instability;

- data visualisation, using design-based software for enhanced learning and awareness of discontinuity-related failure of slopes;

- stereographic analysis of kinematic failure modes;

- hazard appraisal and geotechnical assessment relating to the UK Quarries legislation;

- identification and analysis of planar, wedge, direct and flexural toppling, circular, non-circular failure modes, rockfall anlaysis;

- slope stabilisation techniques/methods and a review of slope monitoring and instrumentation;

- review and use of commercially available software for design purposes;

- deterministic versus probabilistic design and risk analysis applied to slope design;

- surface excavation-related blasting material, including: composition and characteristics of explosives; electronic and non-electronic detonating systems; misfires; blasting regulations; blast design; optimum blast specifications, including geometry; single and multi-row blasts.

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 47 Guided Independent Study 103 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 36 Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 5 Tutorials 
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 6 Workshops/IT tutorials 
Guided Independent study 103 Independent study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
In-class exercises designed to lead up to summative coursework assessment Variable 1-7 Worked model solutions

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Examination  60 2 hrs 1-7 Mark reported back through tutor system
Assignment 1 – Slope instability assignment, Use of Rocscience software 20 Short report format equivalent to 1250 words. 1-3, 5-9 Written feedback sheet with comments
Assignment 2 – Blast design assignment 20 Short report format equivalent to 1250 words. 3-9 Written feedback sheet with comments

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Summative assessment Additional summative Assessment 1-9 August Ref/Def period
Examination Additional examination 1-7 August Ref/Def period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

The re-assessment coursework would take the form of a single summative assessment. 

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/


 

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Hudson J.A. and Harrison J.P. Engineering Rock Mechanics, An Introduction to the Principles Permagon 2005
Set Wyllie, D.C. and Mah, C.W. Rock Slope Engineering Electronic Spon Press 2004
Set Harrison, J.P. and Hudson J.A Engineering Rock Mechanics Part II: Illustrative worked examples Elsevier 2000
Set Atlas Powder Co Explosives and Rock Blasting 1987 0-96162840-0-5.
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 6th July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 12th December 2018
KEY WORDS SEARCH Slope stability; hazard appraisal; slope failure; slope stabilisation; blasting.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.