SLOPE STABILITY MONITORING
Use of the RIEGL Monitoring App is focused on change detection based on a given reference scan . The app allows the detection of movement of eg highwalls long before it is visible to the human eye . “ The interpretation of the movements through a time series of scans allows the prediction of a possible slope failure . That can truly save lives . Such predictive powers can ensure the operation has enough time to evacuate people and to remove machinery from endangered areas .”
Additionally , RIEGL says it has further optimised its RiSCAN PRO and RiMINING software packages . The new LIS GeoTec Plugin enables geotechnical analysis of scan data by providing statistical tools within a graphical interface . Besides the calculation of dip direction and dip angle of rockfaces , this allows for the analysis of discontinuities by creating pole plots and colourising the scan data by clusters of similar orientation . This gives specialists a better understanding of stability , joints and faults of the analysed rockfaces , RIEGL says .
“ We are ready for the mine of the future ,” Gaisecker said . “ And what particularly distinguishes our hardware and firmware architecture is that it is open for developers . Using the provided RIEGL documentation , every software programmer can develop his own apps written in Python programming language for the RIEGL VZ-i Series scanners .”
Measurand ’ s SAAV Extend
Measurand recently released its latest model of ShapeArray – SAAV Extend . Measurand designs and manufactures ShapeArray™ , which is used to monitor deformation of soil and structures like dams , tunnels , walls and buildings . ShapeArray installs directly into existing inclinometer casings using Measurand ’ s patented cyclical installation method . The instruments ’ narrow diameter and wheelless design allows installation into casings that could otherwise not be used due to excessive deformation .
ShapeArray monitors numerous tailings dam project around the world , with many clients using remote , wireless data-collection solutions to automate readings . Inspired by direct feedback from clients in the tailings and mine waste sectors , Measurand says SAAV Extend was a natural progression for the SAAV model .
“ SAAV Extend is ideal for use in centreline dams , where the material is placed directly over the centrelines every time a raise is done . In that case , you can easily extend the SAAV and continue monitoring ” says Christiane Levesque , Manager of Research at Measurand . " In downstream raises , the SAAV Extend can be used to monitor deformations in the tailings during placement on the upstream side of the dam , giving you a better understanding of the impact of placement methods on the upstream slope stability ."
While a fixed-length instrument - either an inplace inclinometer or a SAAV model ShapeArray - would have to be replaced entirely to accommodate the borehole ’ s increased length with sensorised segments , SAAV Extend ’ s connective design means scaling along with the dam raise is simple and more cost-effective .
SAAV Extend is a modular ShapeArray system that scales along with a project ’ s scope . SAAV Extend includes a top assembly that connects to a base assembly that creates a continuous deformation profile of a borehole ( see above ). When it is time to raise the tailings dam , SAAV Extend Lift Extension segments can be added between the top and base assemblies to increase the total sensorised length . SAAV Extend ’ s connectors are keyed to ensure azimuth is maintained as Lift Extension segments are added in the field .
When installing a SAAV Extend in centerline tailings dam construction , the lift extension segments make it extremely easy to keep following the deformation profile ( see left ) after a raise . With downstream construction , a new SAAV Extend or SAAV would likely be added at the centreline to monitor downstream slope stability . In this case , the SAAV Extend could be used to better understand tailings deformation during placement and dewatering .
SAAV Extend ’ s hand-tight threaded connectors allow clients to easily add sections of lift extension segments without additional tools . Adding new lift extension segments is as simple as twisting , while keyed alignment marks on the connectors maintain the ShapeArray ’ s azimuth . Designed specifically for the rigours of tailings dam safety monitoring , SAAV Extend is submersible up to a depth of 200 m . “ SAAV Extend has the same 38-year MTTF as any ShapeArray that Measurand manufactures . It also has the same temperature tolerances and tensile strength , so clients can trust SAAV Extend in as wide a range of environments as existing SAAV models .”
K2fly ’ s Dams & Tailings solution – bringing it all together
Some of the world ’ s biggest engineering
structures are Tailings Storage Facilities ( TSFs ) and one of the greatest risks for mine owners ,
110 International Mining | AUGUST 2021