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Study information

Tunnelling and Excavation Design - 2019 entry

MODULE TITLETunnelling and Excavation Design CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSM3041 MODULE CONVENERProf John Coggan (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 10 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 50
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Effective design is critical for the stability and creation of a safe working environment for underground excavations. The module commences with a critical review of input data required for design of underground excavations (building on previous knowledge obtained in the year 2 module ‘Geotechnics’ or equivalent). The model investigates factors influencing the design of underground excavations, including both discontinuity and stress-controlled instability. The module is not recommended for interdisciplinary pathways. 

AIMS - intentions of the module

The module provides specialist analysis and design skills associated with the tunnelling, underground mining and related industries.  The module provides problem-solving, data-handling and evaluation skills.  The module also provides an opportunity for you to develop an awareness of risk assessment applied to underground excavation design.

Where appropriate, case history information is used to emphasize important aspects associated with data variability and its influence on design.

Computer-based design exercises are used to emphasize and consolidate key aspects of how stress redistribution and discontinuity characteristics affect excavation stability and choice of appropriate stabilization 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 assess critically the use of rock engineering for the design of underground excavations in the mining, civil, geotechnical, environmental and related industries;

2 evaluate critically the role and limitations of analytical and computer methods in underground excavation design;

3 assess critically the data requirements for the design of underground excavations, including considerations of data variability and risk assessment;

4 choose an appropriate tunnelling technique for varying rock and soil material.
 

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

The module commences with a review of critical input parameters for design of underground excavations, emphasising the differences between discontinuity controlled behaviour and rock mass material controlled instability. Excavation results in a redistribution of the in-situ stress field, induced displacements within the rock mass in response to excavation and perturbation of the groundwater.  

 

Data visualisation is a key part of the module, using design-based software for enhanced learning and awareness of both stress-controlled and discontinuity-related failure of underground excavation. The module covers both tunnelling and underground excavation design. Key subject areas studied within these two themes include:

- underground excavation design: design methodology (including empirical, analytical and observational design);

- stereographic analysis of roof and sidewall instability;

- stabilisation techniques/methods including reinforcement and support;

- and a review of underground excavation monitoring and instrumentation;

- 2D and 3D stress and strain;

- Kirsch equations, shape factors, non-circular stress redistribution, effects of discontinuities on excavation stability, wedge analysis, design in sedimentary rock, rock mass-support interaction, tunnel support techniques and their application;

- pillar design, including estimation of pillar stress and pillar strength;

- use of rock mass classification;

- empirical hanging-wall design, including Laubscher MRMR and Stability Graph Method;

- rock engineering systems approach.

 

The module also includes a review and use of commercially available software for design purposes and an awareness of deterministic versus probabilistic design and risk analysis applied to slope design. Aspects of blasting realted to underground excavation will also be undertaken.

Tunnelling aspects include:

- overview of tunnelling applications;

- soft ground tunnelling methods;

- lining design;

- NATM;

- ground treatment;

- equipment selection;

- spoil disposal and management;

- pipejacking;

-micro-tunnelling;

- ventilation;

- lighting.

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 52 Guided Independent Study 98 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 40 Formal lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 6 Tutorial with staff member(s)
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 6 Scheduled IT related workshops
98 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
Series of 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 hours 1-7 Mark reported back through tutor system.
Assignment 1 20 Short report format equivalent to 1250 words. 1-3, 5-9 Written feedback sheet with comments
Assignment 2 20 Short report format equivalent to 1250 words. 4-7 Verbal feedback following presentation and 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 1-3, 5-9, 4-7 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/

 

Web based and Electronic Resources:

http://www.rockeng.utoronto.ca/roc/Hoek/Hoek.htm – Hoek’s Corner

 

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Brady, B. and Brown, E.T. Rock Mechanics for Underground Mining Chapman & Hall 2004
Set Harrison, J.P. and Hudson J.A Engineering Rock Mechanics Part II: Illustrative worked examples Elsevier 2000
Set Hudson J.A. and Harrison J.P. Engineering Rock Mechanics and introduction to the principles. Permagon 2005
Set Hoek, E., Kaiser, P.K. and Bawden W.F. Design of Support for Underground Hard Rock Mines A.A.Balkema 1995
Set Whittaker, B.N. and Frith, R.C. Tunnelling: Design, Stability and Construction I.M.M., London 1990
Set Hoek, E. and Brown, E.T. Underground Excavations in Rock I.M.M., London 1980
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 Underground excavation design; stress redistribution; tunnel support; roof stability; tunnelling equipment selection.

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