Study information

Excavation and Geomechanics - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEExcavation and Geomechanics CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSMM130 MODULE CONVENERDr Lewis Meyer (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 6 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 62
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

In order to create an excavation, both surface and underground, it is important to understand the engineering characteristics of the material being excavated. The module provides an insight into excavation processes and how rock mass quality influences excavation methods, equipment selection, product technology and post-excavation stability. The module provides fundamental understanding of rock mechanics and soil mechanics principles related to excavation. The module provides a review of appropriate excavation techniques including selection of appropriate mining methods. The module also provides fundamental geotechnical knowledge that is a pre-requisite for subsequent design-related modules. The module is not recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.

 

AIMS - intentions of the module

The module provides an understanding of the mechanics of rock behaviour and its influence on excavation behavior, design and, importantly, stability. The module provides pre-requisite material for all subsequent geotechnical-related modules. It provides basic knowledge for assessment of material properties, evaluation of rock failure criteria and an awareness of their impact on design or use of materials. Where appropriate, case history information is used to emphasize important aspects associated with data variability and its influence on design.

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. Appraise and assess the methods, roles and limitations of laboratory and field measurements for engineering design;
2. Visualise and critically analyse discontinuity data using stereograms;
3. Perform rock mass mapping and critically apply empirical design methodology.
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
4. Evaluate and apply knowledge to specific design tasks;
5. Choose appropriate design from critical evaluation of available data.
 
Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:
6. Apply personal data-handling skills through critical evaluation of a design problem and produce, to a strict deadline, detailed recommendations/reasoned arguments for an appropriate solution;
7. 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 syllabus consists of three main areas: rock mechanics, soil mechanics and mining methods.
 
Geomechanics: rock mass classification, laboratory and field test methods, strength and deformation of geological materials (including uniaxial, triaxial and tensile strength; point load index: Schmidt rebound hardness; rock failure criteria), rock mass strength, discontinuity shear strength, impact of groundwater flow. Introduction to factors influencing design of excavations including in-situ stress, stresses induced by excavation and structural controls on stability. Rock mass mapping techniques and use of stereonets for visualization of discontinuity orientation data.
 
Mining Methods: Surface mining, underground mining, mining methods infrastructure, feasibility studies and production.
 
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 75 Guided Independent Study 75 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Lectures 54 Formal lectures delivering main syllabus
Tutorials 6 Tutorial with staff member(s); approximately 1 hr a week throughout module.
IT tutorial 6 Scheduled IT related workshops allowing students to undertake formative and summative exercises introduced and supported by staff.
Independent study time 75 Independent study; including directed learning on specific topics and completion of assessments.

 

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 1-6 Mark reported back through tutor system.
Assignment 1 20 4-6 sides of A4 text plus supporting tables and examples of calculations, spreadsheets, diagrams etc. in a short report format equivalent to 2000 words. 1, 4, 5, 7 Written
Assignment 2 20 4-6 sides of A4 text plus supporting tables and examples of calculations, spreadsheets, diagrams etc. in a short report format equivalent to 2000 words 1-3, 5-7 Written

 

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 1-2, 5-9 MSc 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

Basic reading: 

The books listed in the reading list are available as e-books through University of Exeter Library

 

Web based and additional electronic resources as advised:

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

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Hartman, Howard L. (Eds.) Mining Engineering Handbook 2nd Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, Inc. Colorado. 1992
Set Brady, B. and Brown, E.T. Rock Mechanics for Underground Mining Chapman & Hall 2004
Set Smith, G.N. Elements of Soil Mechanics for Civil and Mining Engineers 6th BSP London 1990
Set Wylie D.C. and Mah C.W. Rock Slope Engineering 4th Edition Spon Press 2004
Set Darling, P. (Ed.) SME Mining Engineering Handbook 3rd Society of Mining Engineers 2011
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 6th July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 2nd February 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Rock mechanics; soil mechanics; mining methods.

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