CQUniversity Unit Profile
ENAR12006 Rock Engineering
Rock Engineering
All details in this unit profile for ENAR12006 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

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

Career Level: Undergraduate
Unit Level: Level 2
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

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

Mixed Mode

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.

Class and Assessment Overview

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

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Written Assessment
Weighting: 20%
2. Written Assessment
Weighting: 35%
3. Written Assessment
Weighting: 45%
4. Practical Assessment
Weighting: Pass/Fail
5. Portfolio
Weighting: Pass/Fail

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.

Previous Student Feedback

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

Feedback

Residential School should be held on mine sites if available.

Recommendation

Include mine site visit in residential school, when possible.

Feedback from Staff-feedback

Feedback

Keep Moodle site clear and easy to use.

Recommendation

Review layout of Moodle site. Include an explanation of how to use the site in the introduction to the unit.

Feedback from Student Feedback

Feedback

Textbook is expensive and not easily accessible.

Recommendation

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

Feedback

CQU's AD's in mining and geoscience will be very useful qualifications for potential mine managers.

Recommendation

Presented details of qualifications at MEA conference in Brisbane. Met with approval from members of the Board of Examiners for Queensland Coal Mining.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Apply various methods of rock testing to determine the relevant design properties of specific rock types.
  2. Design openings, pillars and ground support for given situations in underground mining.
  3. Describe subsidence associated with various mining methods and identify its potential impact on infrastructure and aquifers.
  4. Analyse slope instabilities for given situations in surface mining operations.
  5. 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 Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

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 and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

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

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
  • Spreadsheet Software
  • Zoom
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: Harvard (author-date)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Brendan Donnelly Unit Coordinator
b.donnelly@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 09 Jul 2018

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.

Week 2 Begin Date: 16 Jul 2018

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.

Week 3 Begin Date: 23 Jul 2018

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

Week 4 Begin Date: 30 Jul 2018

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
Week 5 Begin Date: 06 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

Geomechanics instrumentation

Chapter

Textbook chapter 7

Events and Submissions/Topic

Tutorial

- Work through chapter 7 examples

Vacation Week Begin Date: 13 Aug 2018

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
Week 6 Begin Date: 20 Aug 2018

Module/Topic

Engineering classification of rock masses

Chapter

Textbook chapter 13

Events and Submissions/Topic

Tutorial

- Work through chapter 13 examples

Week 7 Begin Date: 27 Aug 2018

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
Week 8 Begin Date: 03 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

Stability of underground openings

Chapter

Textbook chapter 10

Events and Submissions/Topic

Tutorial

- Work through chapter 10 examples

Week 9 Begin Date: 10 Sep 2018

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

Week 10 Begin Date: 17 Sep 2018

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

Week 11 Begin Date: 24 Sep 2018

Module/Topic

Slope stability

Chapter

Textbook chapter 16

Events and Submissions/Topic

Tutorial

- Work through chapter 16 examples

Week 12 Begin Date: 01 Oct 2018

Module/Topic

Unit review

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Tutorial

- Work through assignment and learning portfolio questions

Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 08 Oct 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assignment 3 Due: Review/Exam Week Monday (8 Oct 2018) 12:00 pm AEST
Exam Week Begin Date: 15 Oct 2018

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Assessment Tasks

1 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assignment 1

Task Description

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.


Assessment Due Date

Week 4 Monday (30 July 2018) 12:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 5 Friday (10 Aug 2018)

Within 2 weeks of receipt of assignment.


Weighting
20%

Minimum mark or grade
40%

Assessment Criteria

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.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Assignments must be submitted using Moodle and Turnitin anti-plagiarism software.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Apply various methods of rock testing to determine the relevant design properties of specific rock types.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

2 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assignment 2

Task Description

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.


Assessment Due Date

Week 7 Monday (27 Aug 2018) 12:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Week 9 Monday (10 Sept 2018)

Within 2 weeks of receipt of assignment.


Weighting
35%

Minimum mark or grade
40%

Assessment Criteria

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.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Assignments will be submitted using Moodle and Turnitin anti-plagiarism software.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Design openings, pillars and ground support for given situations in underground mining.
  • Analyse slope instabilities for given situations in surface mining operations.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

3 Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Assignment 3

Task Description

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.


Assessment Due Date

Review/Exam Week Monday (8 Oct 2018) 12:00 pm AEST


Return Date to Students

Exam Week Monday (15 Oct 2018)

Within 2 weeks of receipt of assignment.


Weighting
45%

Minimum mark or grade
45%

Assessment Criteria

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.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Assignments will be submitted using Moodle and Turnitin anti-plagiarism software.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • 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.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Ethical practice

4 Practical Assessment

Assessment Title
Practical Assessment - Mining Lab, Mackay Ooralea Campus

Task Description

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.


Assessment Due Date

Vacation Week Friday (17 Aug 2018) 5:00 pm AEST

Final day of residential school.


Return Date to Students

Vacation Week Friday (17 Aug 2018)

Within 2 weeks of the assessment submission.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Assessment Criteria

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.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
The practical assessment will be submitted at the end of the pratcical assessment session.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • 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.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Information Literacy
  • Team Work
  • Information Technology Competence
  • Cross Cultural Competence
  • Ethical practice

5 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Portfolio

Task Description

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.


Assessment Due Date

Submit updates with each of the three assignments


Return Date to Students

Within 2 weeks of assessment submission.


Weighting
Pass/Fail

Assessment Criteria

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.


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit the updated learning portfolio with each of the three assignments.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Demonstrate professional levels of teamwork and communication to support collaborative peer group learning.


Graduate Attributes
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Ethical practice

Academic Integrity Statement

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.

What can you do to act with integrity?