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By Jihong Xue, Jialin Wang, Della Valle Nicola

Experience of Hard Rock TBM excavating soil in Wanjiazhai Yellow River Diversion Project tells us that selection of Hard Rock TBM to excavate soil in case that rock dominates overall length of tunnel, could be a compromise among tunneling speed, cost and quality. Risk of this operation could be greatly reduced with a detailed study of the geomechanical characteristics of the soil and, if the characteristics are suitable, money and time can be saved by using Hard Rock Double Shield TBM.

Jan 1, 2003

By Kenneth Denton, Michael Cutts, Andrew Bursey, Eric Eisold

Phase III of the Orme Street Combined Trunk Relief Sewer project connects two existing 2.13 m diameter combined sewers to a new 3.66 m diameter relief sewer at 7locations along a 970 m alignment in downtown Atlanta. The alignment was enveloped by adjacent structures and utilities. The project was constructed below the groundwater table through compressible residual soil, rock and mixed face using a myriad of construction techniques, including compressed air NATM and jet grouting. Numerous design and alignment changes and accommodations for existing utilities and conditions were made during construction. The authors believe this to be the ?rst NATM project in North America utilizing compressed air tunneling.

Jan 1, 2003

Editor’s note: As usual, the June issue features an industrial minerals review. And some thanks are in order. Thank you to the industrial minerals annual-review editor, to the technical committees chair and vice chairs and to the authors of the individual commodity profiles. Jim Norman of GeoTrans Inc. is the industrial minerals annual-review editor. Gary Tomaino, Specialty Minerals Inc., is the chair of the SME industrial minerals technical committees. Technical committee vice chairs include: •Lucy McCartan, U.S. Geological Survey, agricultural minerals as well as sorbents, filter and process aids. •Steve Herron, Oglebay Norton Performance Minerals, ceramics and refractory materials. •Srinivas Veeramasuneni, U.S. Gypsum, chemical raw materials. •William Langer, U.S. Geological Survey, construction materials. •Vanessa Santos, Independent, fillers and pigments. •Richard Berg, Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology, specialty minerals. Their help makes possible this June industrial minerals issue. On behalf of the readers, the editors thank them.

Jan 1, 2003

By Thiemo Hagedorn, Gerhard Weissbach, Ralph Bergmann, Wilhelm J. Kogelmann

The objective of this unique method is to multiply the advance rate of conventional tunneling while improving both ground control and the safety of the crew. The high advance rate is achieved by concurrent rock excavation and installation of concrete lining at fully synchronized work phases. The novel TACHUSMATIC system consists of a high-production, robotic cutter boom, an automated slip form and continuous mucking and conveying. This novel system utilizes the inherent bearing capacity of the rock that is activated by a small, initial deformation. The supporting resistance is then provided both by the rock mass itself and the pumped in concrete lining. During the hardening of the concrete, the hydraulic cylinders of the TACHUSMATIC automatically apply the appropriate support resistance, thus providing safe ground control. This novel tunneling system is practically a fully automated, fail-safe NATM that does not require highly skilled engineers and crew. The TACHUSMATIC can be used for construction of circular, rectangular and horseshoe-shaped tunnels. When equipped with the Alpine Multi-Tool Miner (MTM) systems, the machine can work in a wide range of ground and rock conditions. The use of novel, diamond-tipped cutter bits (picks) will increase hard rock cutting capabilities and will significantly reduce pick consumption. Because of its moderate cost, the novel system is an economic alternative to conventional tunneling even at short drivages. A new installation is cost-effective for tunnels longer than 750 meters (2,500 ft.) At a typical tunneling project, the cost permeter is about 25% lower than with conventional methods.

Jan 1, 2003

By C. Tompouloglou

The innovation in a technological field is reflected by the Research and Development (R & D) activity in it. It is explained why patent literature is a more reliable indicator than non-patent literature for the assessment of the R & D activity in the technological fields considered. Consequently the R & D activity is measured in this article through the patent applications filed in the fields considered. The pattern of patent application filings in Drilling, Mining, Tunneling and accessory technologies is analyzed at an international scale over the period 1990-2000. A statistical analysis of the fluctuation of the number of patent applications per year, per country and per technological field is performed. The technological fields are defined on the basis of the internal patent classification used in the European Patent Office. The article attempts to detect the high activity and ?cutting edge? technologies over said period, to relate them to political or financial events and possibly to foresee the ?cutting edge? technologies of the future in which potential investors could be successful. Strong patents are revealed on the basis of the frequency of their citations by the applicants in patent applications or by the patent examiners in the search report. International as well as specific national trends in the innovation are spotted and analyzed.

Jan 1, 2003

By Johannes Wageneder

As a reaction to the fire accidents in tunnels in Europe Designers nowadays have to demonstrate the integrity of underground structures such as metro systems, railway and road tunnels in case of fire load wherever as a consequence of a lining collapse surface infrastructures or residential areas could be affected. To respond to this FLAMDOCS allows to calculate the stability of reinforced concrete structures during fire load for a series of prede?ned time steps. Elementary theories of non linear material properties and reinforced concrete structures are used.

Jan 1, 2003

By Wojciech Klecan, John H. Raymer

Baseline quantities of difficult ground and support types were estimated for the Chattahoochee Tunnel using the Rock Mass Rating system. RMR classifies the ground into five categories, ranging from “very good” to “very poor,” based on five main parameters: intact rock strength, RQD, joint spacing, joint condition, and groundwater inflow. For the Chattahoochee Tunnel, these parameters were independently measured in the cores and shown graphically on the boring logs. A 55 matrix was calculated to obtain the statistical distribution of RMR for the project. Three baseline ground types were defined based on the RMR. Geologic mapping inside the tunnel during construction has verified the accuracy of this method.

Jan 1, 2003

By Arun Patel, Diane Hirsch, Pamela Moran

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (Authority) has undertaken a tremendous expansion of Washington Dulles International Airport in Fairfax, Virginia, including upgrading passenger transportation between concourses. The first stage of this expansion envisioned a shallow cut-and-cover pedestrian tunnel between the Main Terminal and Concourse B with associated vertical circulation structures. At the beginning of the design contract, the Authority’s consulting team of Earth Tech, formerly Kaiser Engineers, and the Dr. G. Sauer Corporation compared the cost and disruption of constructing the tunnel as a cut-and-cover structure to mining the tunnel using the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM). Upon review, the Authority endorsed the latter method.

Jan 1, 2003

In order to analyze and quantify distinct environmental properties in the vicinity of sites, the Site-Specific Natural Resources Information System (SARIS) has been developed based on a Geographic Information System (GIS). SARIS is one of the fundamental databases of a collaborative research program aiming at the resource orientated analysis of metallic raw material flows with aluminum and copper serving as exemplary case studies. The spatial database incorporates all present production sites of ore extraction, refining and smelting. Environmental data for each location were derived from global digital survey data covering land cover, soils, morphology, climate, topography and population density. The main application of this database is the characterization of environmental safeguard objects, which may be affected by the activity of concern. This site-specific environmental impact assessment is used to determine the relevance of environmental issues based on the distribution pattern of sites in a global framework. The derived results are used to suggest a tailored indicator approach to measure progress and performance of industrial developments relative to the predetermined site-specific conditions.

Jan 1, 2003

By Sara J. Heinlein, George Malkos, James E. Lindell, Tony Pestonatto

The 79th Street Water Tunnel Extension Project was initially designed by the City of Chicago, Department of Public Works, to increase the capacity of the City’s south side water distribution system. MWH preformed a design review, prepared the final design and provided construction management for the City of Chicago Department of Water. Construction commenced in September 1995 and was completed in October 1999. The Project connected two existing water tunnels with a new 5.8 km (19,044 ft.) long, 4.9 m (16.08 ft.) finished diameter concrete lined rock tunnel utilizing TBM, drill-blast and mechanical hoe-ramming methods. In addition, approximately 61 meters(200 feet) of concrete lined variable cross section tunnel, a new gate shaft and a temporary construction shaft were constructed. This paper describes the construction of these features and the geological conditions encountered.

Jan 1, 2003

By M. Kuchta

A linear integer programming (MIP) model to solve the long-and short-term production-scheduling problem for sublevel caving operations is presented. The MIP model is designed as a multi-time-period problem to provide monthly schedules that meet production, blending and sequencing requirements. One of the most important issues during the development of the MIP model was the requirement of sequencing between blocks. In this mathematical model, unique constraints that ensure sequencing of the production from sublevels are developed. A suggested method of handling a large number of variables is also given. The MIP scheduling model was implemented on a data set obtained from the Kiruna Iron Ore Mine located in northern Sweden. The initial MIP model implementation was successful and provided a solution that optimized resource recovery while meeting monthly and yearly production constraints. The scheduling results obtained based on the Kiruna Mine are further presented and discussed.

Jan 1, 2003

By W. Hustrulid

"In recognition of his inspiring dedication to the mining industry through education, research contributions and dissemination of practical knowledge, exceptional leadership and excellence in mining engineering practice and for his lecture, “You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.” Recipient of the 2002 D.C. Jackling Award Introduction It is always difficult to decide on the most appropriate title to give to a paper or talk. It is a particularly difficult decision in the case of the Jackling Lecture, because the title becomes part of the award citation. I hope that the significance of this unusual title will become crystal clear as you read the pages that follow. However, to assist you in this journey, I will provide the following few words of guidance. In making a cake, you need the proper ingredients. If one or more of them are missing, it will not be a cake. In addition, the quality of the cake depends on the quality of the ingredients. In my lecture, the "cake" is the U.S. mining industry of the future. A national perspective President George W. Bush in his State of the Union Address (Bush, 2002) delivered on January 29, 2002, defined three national objectives: •win the war on terrorism, •protect the homeland and •revitalize the economy. Under the heading "revitalize the economy," he indicated the importance of "good jobs" and "energy production" by saying: "Good jobs begin with good schools. Good jobs also depend on reliable and affordable energy. This Congress must act to encourage conservation, promote technology, build infrastructure and it must act to increase energy production at home so America is less dependent on foreign oil." I wish that he would have broadened his focus and stated instead that: "This Congress must act to encourage conservation, promote technology, build infrastructure, and it must act to increase materials production at home so America is less dependent on foreign sources." With regard to jobs, all jobs are not equal. To paraphrase John Reeves of MidContinent Resources (Reeves, 2002): "If our nation is to prosper, we all cannot make a living by doing each other's wash. Some of us, at least, must be actively engaged in the primary production of raw materials from the riches of the earth and other Americans must turn those materials into consumer products." The unfortunate trend in our country has been to neglect the primary production of basic materials, even those coming next in line. We have left those responsibilities to others while we concentrate instead on performing various services, i.e., doing each other's wash and flipping burgers. This cannot continue. It must be remembered, especially by those in leadership positions, that all "jobs" are not created equal. Some jobs are much more essential to the security and wellbeing of our country than others. We must be sure that the important ones are in place. We cannot produce the basic materials that our nation requires without access to those materials. This leads to my Proposition 1: You cannot have a viable mining industry without a clearly enunciated, positive U.S. materials policy. Background regarding U.S. materials policy Resources for freedom. In January 1951, President Truman created the President's Materials Policy Commission, with William S. Paley as chairman. As expressed in the invitation letter from the president to Paley: This commission, within the executive office of the president, is to study the broader and longer-range aspects of the nation's materials problems as distinct from the immediate defense needs. The task of the commission is to make an objective inquiry into all major aspects of the problem of assuring an adequate supply of production materials for our long-range needs and to make recommendations that will assist me in formulating a comprehensive policy on such materials. The commission should study, together with any other aspects deemed by it to be pertinent, such questions relating to production materials as: - the long-range requirements outlook; - the long-range supply outlook; - the prospect and estimated extent of shortages; - the consistency and adequacy of existing government policies, plans and programs; and - the consistency and adequacy of private industry practices.

Jan 1, 2003

By S. T. Murray

The European industrial minerals industry and its markets are largely self-sufficient. The companies who are members of the Industrial Minerals Association (IMA-Europe) number around 150 contributing 5 billion Euros to the EU?s GDP and range in size from global publicly quoted corporations to small family owned private companies. Their means and capability to implement sustainable development vary considerably. However the leading companies provide an excellent set of best practices, which IMA as a trade association with recognised core competencies in the field of sustainable development is ideally placed to promulgate throughout its membership. As an active participant in the EU Voluntary Scheme for SDI reporting IMA is not only working to increase the level of response to the SDI questionnaire but is also developing with its members a new sustainable development charter which its members will voluntarily adopt as a guiding principle for their implementation of sustainable development This work will be a consultative process involving all IMA?s section members as well as other trade associations, NGOs and MEPs. Public awareness of the benefits of minerals and their contribution to sustainable development has been raised by IMA?s awareness campaign now being followed by a more targeted programme aimed at MEPs. Further work in the future will consider product stewardship and life-cycle analysis. IMA is already positioning itself with the help of its members to assimilate the minerals industry of the accession territories in the sustainable development process.

Jan 1, 2003

By J. W. Hawkins, K. B. C. Brady, M. W. Smith

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PaDEP) has been issuing surface mining permits since 1984 that authorize remining in areas that will affect preexisting pollutional discharges. These permits require the mine operator to employ best management practices to reduce pollution loading from abandoned mine discharges. A total of 110 completed mining operations with 233 discharges were evaluated to determine the impact to water quality. Overall, acid loading from these discharges was reduced by 7, 200 kg (15, 900 lbs) per day or 61%. Metal loadings were also reduced. For acidity, 49% of discharges improved or were eliminated, 52% showed no significant change and fewer than 1 % got worse. Loading reductions resulted from a combination of reduced concentrations and lower flows.

Jan 1, 2003

By C. L. Wilsey, K. M. Oakes, W. J. Reich, M. J. Protani

The time frame required to complete the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for a new mine or the expansion of an existing mine can range from nine to 24 months, or even longer. The time frame will vary depending on whether an environmental assessment (EA) or an environmental impact statement (EIS) will be completed Completing properly designed baseline studies to collect natural resource data to support the EA or EIS prior to the start of the NEPA process can shorten this time frame. In this paper, a two-year natural resource baseline study by Homestake Mining for the Ruby Hill Mine, Eureka County, NV, is used as a case study to describe how a properly designed and executed natural resource baseline study streamlined the NEPA process.

Jan 1, 2003

By L. A. Ruth

Introduction The US Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy has begun a new approach for developing the ultra-clean energy plants. This approach will allow the nation to continue to use low-cost fossil fuel feedstocks during the early decades of the 21st century. The new approach is called Vision 21. The overall goal is to effectively eliminate, at competitive costs, environmental concerns associated with the use of fossil fuels for producing electricity and transportation fuels. Vision 21 is based on the following three premises: •The nation will need to rely on fossil fuels for a major share of our energy needs well into the 21st century. •It makes good sense to rely on a diverse mix of energy resources, including coal, gas,

Jan 1, 2003

By M. E. Kuchta

LKAB's Kiruna mine, located above the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden, is one of the world's largest underground mines, and it is one of the most modern. The Kiruna orebody is a high-grade magnetite containing about 80% low-phosphorous iron ore and about 20% high-phosphorous iron ore in situ. The mining method used is large-scale sublevel caving. Due to the blending of high-phosphorous ore with low-phosphorous ore during the extraction process, only about 20% of the run-of-mine ore can be used for the mine's low-phosphorous product. The blending process is highly irregular and difficult for the mine-planning personnel to predict. An algorithm was developed that uses principles of gravity flow to predict the run-of-mine phosphorous grades from the in situ geologic block model. The model can be used for both long- and short-term predictions.

Jan 1, 2003

By W. Blake, J. Whyatt

Sixty years of rock bursting in the Coeur d'Alene district has taught painful lessons and led to a number of practical advances in controlling rock-burst hazards. This paper summarizes these lessons, concentrating on practical measures that have been successfully adopted to reduce hazards. These lessons are explained in the context of district mining history and current understanding of rock-burst phenomena. Overall, the paper provides the practicing mine engineer with an appreciation of rock-burst hazards and an overview of practical measures that can be used to control these hazards in the context of Coeur d'Alene district experience.

Jan 1, 2003

By Georgene Renner, William R. Yernberg, Steve Kral

Advanced Terra Testing (ATT)is a full-service geotechnical testing laboratory. It specializes in rock and soil mechanics and geosynthetic materials testing. ATT provides services to the global mining industry. The company has performed more than 1,000 projects for more than 300 commercial and government clients. Services include coal pillar design testing, leach pad material and performance testing, tailings pile consolidation testing and closure and remediation services. Rock and soil mechanics tests include unconfined and triaxial strength, shear and tensile strength, permeability, index testing, consolidation, liquifaction potential, elastic moduli determinations, heap height versus percolation rate, long-term batch testing and dynamic loading tests.

Jan 1, 2003

By K. H. McDaniel, D. M. Loring

The underground ventilation system at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant provides unparalleled ability to ensure safety of the workers, public and environment. Although small spatially, it can vary the airflow from 66,000 acfm to 460,000 acfm. It can automatically incorporate HEPA filtration in the event of radioactive contamination. Remote-capable regulators individually control the four main splits, and can be adjusted from the surface if necessary. A ventilation remote monitoring and control system provides real-time information. Future areas of concern include DPM compliance, system psychrometry, logic-based-real-time mine ventilation simulation and automation using PLC technology. This paper discusses the evolution of this system.

Jan 1, 2002