Surface Excavation Design - 2021 entry

Effective design is critical for the stability and creation of a safe working environment for surface excavations. The module commences with a critical review of input data required for design of surface excavations (building on previous knowledge obtained in ‘Excavation and Geomechanics’ or equivalent). The module provides knowledge relating to both geotechnical design-related aspects and blast-design of surface excavations. Initial identification of potential slope failure modes is followed by instability analyses and identification of appropriate stabilization methods/techniques. The module is not recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.

The module provides specialist analysis and design skills associated with civil, geotechnical, environmental and related industries. The module provides problem-solving skills and provides simulated industrial experience. Where appropriate, case history information is used to emphasize important aspects associated with data variability and its influence on design.

Field-based mapping exercises are used to emphasize and consolidate key aspects of hazard appraisal of slope faces and how discontinuity characteristics affect excavation stability and choice of appropriate stabilization methods.

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

 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1. Assess critically 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 critical 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.

The module commences with a review of critical input parameters such shear strength, emphasising the differences between discontinuity controlled behaviour and rock mass material controlled instability.

Data visualisation is a key part of the module, using design-based software for enhanced learning and awareness of discontinuity-related failure of slopes.

Key subject areas studied within the module include:

• 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, rock-fall analysis;
• Slope stabilization techniques/methods and a review of slope monitoring and instrumentation.
• 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.

Surface excavation-related blasting material includes the following topics:

• 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

If a student is referred or deferred, the failed / non-completed component(s) will be re-assessed at the same weighting as the original assessment.

Basic reading:

Reading List – available as e-books through University of Exeter Library

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

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

Reading list for this module: