OPERATIONS • high-resolution data . A scan window of -40 ° to 90 ° vertically and 360 ° horizontally captures all surfaces in any direction – perfect for underground .
Maptek PointStudio point cloud processing and analysis software , and Sentry lidar-based stability and convergence monitoring software allow users to extract maximum value from the data .
Sentry enables user defined parameters and real-time alarming , allowing decision makers to react quickly when out-of-tolerance movement is detected as well as develop risk mitigation plans for future events .
The ability to customise parameters and alarms , along with ease of setup and use , means Sentry addresses the top factors miners look for in a monitoring system .
Sentry integrates strongly with geotechnical analysis requirements as it delivers the 3D visualisation and wider scene context missing from other approaches . Many underground excavations are currently monitored using traditional extensometers which detect movement very well , but only within and around the holes in which they are inserted .
Sentry can monitor wider areas . The software interface uses heatmaps to display changes across these areas and is complemented by detection alarms which notify relevant staff when movement exceeds thresholds . Remote login and monitoring are significant safety benefits of the Maptek system .
Movement scenes can be played back for better analysis and a deformation report can be derived for use in planning meetings or updating of hazard plans . The versatile nature of the system gives the advantage of being re-deployable in areas of concern when required rather than fixed in one location and potentially lost during a blast . The laser scanner can be used for routine applications such as mapping drives , when not monitoring with Sentry .
It is extremely important for data to flow between systems , users , and departments quickly and seamlessly to support timely decisions and avoid production delays . This becomes even more critical when dealing with areas in which human lives are at risk .
A solution that allows for fast and automated data processing as well as making that data usable further down the mining value chain is a priority for most mine sites .
Sentry and PointStudio interoperability provide this agility . Sentry data can be easily used in PointStudio , where powerful geotechnical tools allow analysis of structures and surfaces . Users can easily identify dominant structures and trends and evaluate their impact . The information collected can be used in rockfall databases for reducing risk in active mining areas .
Applications in PointStudio include dynamic extraction of discontinuities , kinematic analysis for different failure mechanisms , calculation of shape , size and volume of wedge failures , as well as generation of stereonets and rose diagrams . The high impact visualisation options improve understanding and make it easy to identify regions where geotechnical information is poor .
Mines around the globe are benefitting from these leading-edge solutions to constantly monitor their underground conditions , allowing them to understand their geology better , quickly respond to changes and inform their risk management strategies . •
All photos by Maptek
Maptek Sentry monitors underground operations to record and report on subsidence and convergence , allowing early identification of movement for keeping personnel and equipment safe .
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African Mining • September 2021 • 21 |