Summary

This review looks at geotechnical engineering and the role of geotechnical engineers in mining. Topics covered include foundations, underground and open pit rock mechanics, soil mechanics, dams, and tailings impoundments. Several geotechnical engineering books are also discussed.

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INTRODUCTION

The geotechnical engineer provides the roads, the foundations, the ponds, and a host of other infrastructure facilities for the mine. Then miner pulls the ore out of the ground. The process engineer gets the minerals out of the ore. The geotechnical engineer takes over again to deal with the wastes of ore removal and mineral extraction.

Accordingly in this review we take a detailed look at what the geotechnical engineer does on the mine. My intention is to tell you enough to understand the scope of work undertaken by the geotechnical engineer on a typical mine.

Your need for this information may arise because you are a geotechnical engineer contemplating a career on the mines, because you are a miner who has to employ and manage geotechnical engineers, or because you are a regulator charged with ensuring that the correct considerations have indeed gone into the mine plan your are being asked to permit.

WHAT IS GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

Geotechnics is a catch-all phrase for al the earth science technologies. It includes the science traditionally described as geology, soil & rock mechanics, and geohydrology & hydrogeology. Geotechnical engineering is the application of these sciences in the design and construction of facilities for the benefit of mankind. Facilities which are largely dependent on geotechnical engineering for their successful construction include underground and open pit mines, tunnels, underground chambers, tailings and water dams, embankments and cuttings, road beds, and foundations for large structures. Typically, mine development requires all or most of these facilities.

Geotechnical engineering is a fundamental skill in the training of mining, civil, and geological engineers involved in the design and operation of mine and mill facilities. These engineers also specialize in or draw on the expertise of specialists in the related fields of geology, seismicity, geohydrology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, and geophysics. These technologies contribute to an understanding of the distribution and engineering properties of the rock, soil, and water components in any geotechnical structure or facility and of the forces to which they will be subjected.