SLOPE STABILITY MONITORING
Layers of safety
The IDS GeoRadar IBIS-ArcSAR radar provides 360 ° pit coverage capabilities from one single piece of equipment
equating to a weight of 25 t traveling at over 100 km / h – a world record in this sector . Because of its capacity for maximum energy absorption , the RXE Geobrugg says has set the standard for low deflection levels .
Paul Moore reviews the latest on mine and tailings dam slope stability monitoring technology plus rockfall protection systems
Starting with a look at rockfall protection developments , Switzerland ’ s Geobrugg says it continues to expand its activities in Latin America and , after many years of success in Chile , has now established a new larger Geobrugg Andina Peru office in Lima in 2021 where it also has a warehouse plus a regional office in Tacna . Customers in Peru have included the huge Antamina and Yanacocha copper operations .
Rolando Romero is the new General Manager , who has been with Geobrugg in Peru for the last eight years : “ The aim is to strengthen and transmit the high-tech development and innovation of our natural hazard protection systems , industrial solutions , and safety , through integral support and participation in all phases of a project . It will allow our customers to directly benefit even more from our expertise in the fields of geohazard protection and mining .”
In Santiago de Chile , Gabriel von Rickenbach manages Geobrugg ’ s business in North and
South America . He is aiming for targeted staff training and customer proximity thanks to a new Mining Technology Center in Rancagua , which will enable it to offer Chilean partners customised just-in-time solutions as it includes a production plant , so it can supply mines in South America with protection meshes even more quickly .
Rolando Romero , General Manager of Geobrugg Andina Peru
Geobrugg solutions widely deployed in South American open pit mining include TECCO ® mesh , featuring 2 mm , 3 mm or 4 mm wire made from high-tensile steel , can be used to stabilise virtually any kind of slope , whether it consists of rock or loose soil . Coupled with either of three different sized spike plates , the TECCO ® offers an attractive nail grid and , therefore , maximum efficiency during installation . RXE-500 to RXE- 10000 rockfall protection barriers come into their own in applications that present the risk of large blocks breaking loose and travelling with significant force and energy . The permitted
energy absorption capacity is as high as 10,000 kJ ,
Maccaferri ’ s approach to rockfall mitigation
Italy ’ s Maccaferri says its products and solutions can help mine owners with any kind of problem in each stage of their mine ’ s lifecycle , including rockfall hazard mitigation . “ Our rockfall barriers feature a unique , patented , compression braking system . This energy absorption device is a simple , yet effective mechanism because it maintains performance throughout the entire design life of the structure . Unlike traditional ‘ friction brake ’ devices , our compression tube brake is very easy to visually inspect by our clients ’ maintenance engineers as it progressively crushes as the fence is impacted . It also does not become clogged with grit or corrosion over the life of the fence , which could potentially reduce the effectiveness of the barrier under impact .”
Solutions can incorporate Maccaferri Steelgrid ® , a high strength , high stiffness steel geocomposite combining the versatility and practical benefits of double twist mesh with the exceptional stiffness and mechanical durability of high tensile steel cables . The steel cables are integrally woven into the double twist mesh during manufacturing , forming a single , easy to deploy product . The new Steelgrid ® HR System is an innovative complete system for rockfall mitigation and slope consolidation works . It is used as a drapery or as a high stiffness ( low extension ) bolted facing when anticipated loads exceed the capability of traditional DT Mesh . The Maccaferri Steelgrid ® HR System combines a patented high strength steel wire mesh geocomposite which is used in conjunction with anchor plates , specific U-bolts and mesh
connectors .
The solutions are also now supported by HELLOMAC , an alert system that is able to detect rockfall events ( boulders , stresses , sagging , etc ). The alarm is immediately send via app , email or sms on computer and smartphone . The device permits also to activate local sirens and lights . HELLOMAC can be carried to remote places due to small dimensions and lightness ( approximately 8 kg ). It can be easily fixed to the barrier post by no skilled worker required . HELLOMAC has seven batteries with an estimated span life of five years making unnecessary any annual maintenance ( each device daily communicates his status and battery level ). It is
52 International Mining | AUGUST 2022