Overview
You will be introduced to critical concepts in the application of geo-technical methods to mining operations. The methods and procedures you will learn will cover rock testing, design of underground openings, and pillar and ground support design. You will gain an understanding of how underground mining methods can impact on infrastructure and aquifers through subsidence. You will also learn how to analyse the stability of slopes generated by open pit mining operations. Throughout the unit you will be required to demonstrate professional levels of teamwork and communication. You will attend a Residential School where you will engage in activities designed to assist you to achieve the Learning Outcomes for the unit.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2018
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Residential Schools
This unit has a Compulsory Residential School for distance mode students and the details are:
Click here to see your Residential School Timetable.
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Undergraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Self-reflection
Residential School should be held on mine sites if available.
Include mine site visit in residential school, when possible.
Feedback from Staff-feedback
Keep Moodle site clear and easy to use.
Review layout of Moodle site. Include an explanation of how to use the site in the introduction to the unit.
Feedback from Student Feedback
Textbook is expensive and not easily accessible.
The textbook is strongly focussed on mining applications and would be difficult to replace. Replacement textbooks would be just as expensive. Arrange for previous students to sell copies to new students.
Feedback from Broader Feedback
CQU's AD's in mining and geoscience will be very useful qualifications for potential mine managers.
Presented details of qualifications at MEA conference in Brisbane. Met with approval from members of the Board of Examiners for Queensland Coal Mining.
- Apply various methods of rock testing to determine the relevant design properties of specific rock types.
- Design openings, pillars and ground support for given situations in underground mining.
- Describe subsidence associated with various mining methods and identify its potential impact on infrastructure and aquifers.
- Analyse slope instabilities for given situations in surface mining operations.
- Demonstrate professional levels of teamwork and communication to support collaborative peer group learning.
The Learning Outcomes for this unit are linked to the Engineers Australia Stage 1 competencies.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
1 - Written Assessment - 20% | |||||
2 - Written Assessment - 35% | |||||
3 - Written Assessment - 45% | |||||
4 - Practical Assessment - 0% | |||||
5 - Portfolio - 0% |
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
1 - Communication | |||||
2 - Problem Solving | |||||
3 - Critical Thinking | |||||
4 - Information Literacy | |||||
5 - Team Work | |||||
6 - Information Technology Competence | |||||
7 - Cross Cultural Competence | |||||
8 - Ethical practice | |||||
9 - Social Innovation | |||||
10 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures |
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |
1 - Written Assessment - 20% | ||||||||||
2 - Written Assessment - 35% | ||||||||||
3 - Written Assessment - 45% | ||||||||||
4 - Practical Assessment - 0% | ||||||||||
5 - Portfolio - 0% |
Textbooks
Engineered Rock Structures in Mining and Civil Construction
(2006)
Authors: R.N. Singh & A.K. Ghose
Taylor & Francis/Balkema
Leiden Leiden , S/Holland , The Netherlands
ISBN: 0-415-400139
Binding: Hardcover
Additional Textbook Information
The text does have some errors, but errata will be provided.
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
- Spreadsheet Software
- Zoom
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
b.donnelly@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Rock characterisation for rock mechanics design
Unit Introduction
Chapter
Engineered Rock Structures in Mining and Civil and Construction. Chapter 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial
- How to develop a study plan.
- Review chapter 1 quiz questions.
Module/Topic
Compressive, tensile, triaxial and shear strength of rocks
Chapter
Textbook chapters 2 & 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial
- Work through a selection of chapter 2 & 3 review questions.
Module/Topic
Time-dependent behaviour and index properties of rocks
Chapter
Textbook chapters 4 & 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Students will be advised the location and time of Practical.
Tutorial
- Work through a selection of chapter 4 & 5 review questions
- Work through assignment and learning portfolio questions
Module/Topic
Measurement and Analysis of stress in rock
Chapter
Textbook chapter 6 & 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial
- Work through a selection of chapter 6 & 8 review questions
Assignment 1 Due: Week 4 Monday (30 July 2018) 12:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Geomechanics instrumentation
Chapter
Textbook chapter 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial
- Work through chapter 7 examples
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Practical at Mackay, Ooralea Campus. Res School Duration 2.5 Days.
Practical Assessment - Mining Lab, Mackay Ooralea Campus Due: Vacation Week Friday (17 Aug 2018) 5:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Engineering classification of rock masses
Chapter
Textbook chapter 13
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial
- Work through chapter 13 examples
Module/Topic
Design of structures in rock
Chapter
Textbook chapter 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial
- Work through chapter 9 examples
Assignment 2 Due: Week 7 Monday (27 Aug 2018) 12:00 pm AEST
Module/Topic
Stability of underground openings
Chapter
Textbook chapter 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial
- Work through chapter 10 examples
Module/Topic
Design and stability of pillars and associated structures
Chapter
Textbook chapter 11 & 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial
- Work through chapter 11 &12 examples
Module/Topic
Mine Support, mine subsidence and application of geomechanics
Chapter
Textbook chapter 14 & 15
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial
- Work through chapter 14 &15 examples
Module/Topic
Slope stability
Chapter
Textbook chapter 16
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial
- Work through chapter 16 examples
Module/Topic
Unit review
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Tutorial
- Work through assignment and learning portfolio questions
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
This assessment is designed to strengthen your understanding of rock characterization and the measurement of strength for rocks. You will need to carefully review the material provided in the textbook and to answer the questions in the assignment. This assignment will cover work detailed in the first three weeks of the unit.
In order to achieve this you will need to:
- review the detailed assignment questions found in Moodle
- review relevant literature (textbooks, websites, etc) to gain a broad understanding of processes and procedures associated with sampling and testing rocks.
- research the primary literature to locate relevant current primary sources (scientific journal articles written in the last 10 years)
- complete the assignment questions in your own words making effective use of the sources of information
Your assignment should be produced in an electronic format using word processing and spreadsheet software. Submit your assignment through the assessment link on Moodle.
Note: All submissions are processed through the similarity detection software (called Turnitin). You must ensure that all of the work is your own, in line with University requirements.
Week 4 Monday (30 July 2018) 12:00 pm AEST
Week 5 Friday (10 Aug 2018)
Within 2 weeks of receipt of assignment.
Cover Page showing unit code and name, student name and number, date, assignment number, lecturer, and university. An interesting picture related to the assignment work would also be appreciated.
State the assignment question at the beginning of each answer to give your answers context.
Ensure formulae and workings are shown in sufficient detail to clearly explain how the answer was derived. Ensure formulae are included in the spreadsheets so that different values can be entered to check the sensitivity of the answers. Formulae included in the spreadsheet need to be accessible for marking. Answers should show correct units of measure eg. (m, MN, m2, tonnes, m3, oC, etc). Where appropriate, include a clearly labelled diagrams detailing such things as,
- the dimensions of equipment and excavations
- angles of slopes,
- coal thickness and overburden dimensions
- shapes of underground openings
- geometry of samples
For descriptive answers use clear, coherent sentences. Ensure photographs, pictures and diagrams are correctly labelled and referred to within the text of the answer. Correctly cite and reference sources of information. Include a list of references at the end of the assignment. Use mining terminology correctly.
- Apply various methods of rock testing to determine the relevant design properties of specific rock types.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Ethical practice
2 Written Assessment
This assessment is designed to strengthen your understanding of the time dependent behaviour of rock, the measurement and analysis of stress in rock and the classification of a rock mass. You will need to carefully review the material provided in the textbook and to answer the questions in the assignment.This assignment will cover the material detailed in weeks 4 to 6 of the unit.
In order to achieve this you will need to:
- review the detailed assignment questions found in Moodle
- review relevant literature (textbooks, websites, etc) to gain an understanding of the time dependent behaviour of rock, the measurement and analysis of stress and the classification of rock mass.
- research the primary literature to locate relevant current primary sources (scientific journal articles written in the last 10 years)
- complete the assignment questions in your own words making effective use of reliable sources of information
Your assignment should be produced in an electronic format using word processing and spreadsheet software. Submit your assignment through the assessment link on Moodle.
Note: All submissions are processed through the similarity detection software (called Turnitin). You must ensure that all of the work is your own, in line with University requirements.
Week 7 Monday (27 Aug 2018) 12:00 pm AEST
Week 9 Monday (10 Sept 2018)
Within 2 weeks of receipt of assignment.
Cover Page showing unit code and name, student name and number, date, assignment number, lecturer, and university. An interesting picture related to the assignment work would also be appreciated.
State the assignment question at the beginning of each answer to give your answers context.
Ensure formulae and workings are shown in sufficient detail to clearly explain how the answer was derived. Ensure formulae are included in the spreadsheets so that different values can be entered to check the sensitivity of the answers. Formulae included in the spreadsheet need to be accessible for marking. Answers should show correct units of measure eg. (m, MN, m2, tonnes, m3, oC, etc). Where appropriate, include a clearly labelled diagrams detailing such things as,
- the dimensions of equipment and excavations
- angles of slopes,
- coal thickness and overburden dimensions
- shapes of underground openings
- geometry of samples
For descriptive answers use clear, coherent sentences. Ensure photographs, pictures and diagrams are correctly labelled and referred to within the text of the answer. Correctly cite and reference sources of information. Include a list of references at the end of the assignment. Use mining terminology correctly.
- Design openings, pillars and ground support for given situations in underground mining.
- Analyse slope instabilities for given situations in surface mining operations.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Ethical practice
3 Written Assessment
This assessment is designed to deepen your knowledge of the application of ground support, monitoring and excavation design to mitigate the risk of rock mechanics related failures in a range of mining situations. You will need to carefully review the material provided in the textbook and to answer the questions in the assignment.This assignment will cover material detailed in weeks 7 to 12 of the unit.
In order to achieve this you will need to:
- review the detailed assignment questions found in Moodle
- review relevant literature (textbooks, websites, etc) to gain a deeper understanding of the risks of ground failure associated with mine excavations.
- research the primary literature to locate relevant current primary sources (scientific journal articles written in the last 10 years)
- complete the assignment questions in your own words that makes effective use of the sources of information
Your assignment should be produced in an electronic format using word and excel documents. Submit your assignment through the assessment link on Moodle.
Note: All submissions are processed through the similarity detection software (called Turnitin). You must ensure that all of the work is your own, in line with University requirements.
Review/Exam Week Monday (8 Oct 2018) 12:00 pm AEST
Exam Week Monday (15 Oct 2018)
Within 2 weeks of receipt of assignment.
Cover Page showing unit code and name, student name and number, date, assignment number, lecturer, and university. An interesting picture related to the assignment work would also be appreciated.
State the assignment question at the beginning of each answer to give your answers context.
Ensure formulae and workings are shown in sufficient detail to clearly explain how the answer was derived. Ensure formulae are included in the spreadsheets so that different values can be entered to check the sensitivity of the answers. Formulae included in the spreadsheet need to be accessible for marking. Answers should show correct units of measure eg. (m, MN, m2, tonnes, m3, oC, etc). Where appropriate, include a clearly labelled diagrams detailing such things as,
- the dimensions of equipment and excavations
- angles of slopes,
- coal thickness and overburden dimensions
- shapes of underground openings
- geometry of samples
For descriptive answers use clear, coherent sentences. Ensure photographs, pictures and diagrams are correctly labelled and referred to within the text of the answer. Correctly cite and reference sources of information. Include a list of references at the end of the assignment. Use mining terminology correctly.
- Design openings, pillars and ground support for given situations in underground mining.
- Describe subsidence associated with various mining methods and identify its potential impact on infrastructure and aquifers.
- Analyse slope instabilities for given situations in surface mining operations.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Information Technology Competence
- Ethical practice
4 Practical Assessment
The practical assessment will consist of four components to be completed as part of a team.
Part 1. If available, a one day visit to a mine site in the Mackay region will be arranged. Ground support and rock mechanics issues pertinent to that mine site will be reviewed. Students will be required to identify major risks associated with ground conditions at that mine. They will also be required to identify the controls the mine has in place to mitigate those risks. When the mine site visit has been confirmed a worksheet will be forwarded to the students instructing them on suitable preparation for part 1 of the practical.
Part 2 will require students to complete a laboratory session using a point load rock testing machine.
Part 3 will require students to present their findings from their mine site visit and lab session.
Part 4 will require students to write up and submit a team report of the details of the mine site visit and the lab report on the last day of the residential school.
The residential school will be based in Mackay during the break week.
Vacation Week Friday (17 Aug 2018) 5:00 pm AEST
Final day of residential school.
Vacation Week Friday (17 Aug 2018)
Within 2 weeks of the assessment submission.
Students will be assessed on their ability to,
- work as part of a team
- comply with instructions from mine site personnel
- demonstrate an understanding of the rock mechanics issues at the mine.
- participate in discussions and lab work
- present their findings
- contribute to a team report
Feedback sheets will be provided to cover each of these activities.Successfully completing 75% of the exercises detailed in the Residentail School will achieve a Pass for this assessment.
- Apply various methods of rock testing to determine the relevant design properties of specific rock types.
- Demonstrate professional levels of teamwork and communication to support collaborative peer group learning.
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Information Literacy
- Team Work
- Information Technology Competence
- Cross Cultural Competence
- Ethical practice
5 Portfolio
The objectives of developing a portfolio include,
1. Provide the student with an opportunity to reflect on what they are learning.
2. Record work and reading that is not presented or assessed as part of the submitted assignments.
3. Provide students with an opportunity to discuss their learning experiences online.
4. Provide students with an opportunity to record and demonstrate evidence of all of the learning outcomes detailed for this unit, but particularly teamwork, cultural sensitivity and ethical values, as appropriate.
The Learning Portfolio will consist of two components,
i) a study diary,
ii) evidence of learning outcomes.
Templates will be provided for the learning portfolio. Detailed examples explaining what is required to be recorded in each element of the learning portfolio will also be available on moodle.
Submit updates with each of the three assignments
Within 2 weeks of assessment submission.
The assessment criteria for your learning portfolio will require you to make regular weekly entries in the study diary. Collect and record evidence of how the learning outcomes for this unit have been met. Write up reflections on what has been learnt from each assignment. Record interactions that seem relevant to this unit. Interactions may be with the lecturer, other students and work colleagues. Interactions may be zoom sessions, telephone conversations, emails, postings on blogs or, face to face meetings. Submit updates of the learning portfolio with each assignment submission.To achieve a Pass for this assessment requires some evidence recorded against each learning outcome.
- Demonstrate professional levels of teamwork and communication to support collaborative peer group learning.
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Ethical practice
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.