Geotechnical logging and mapping Rock Mass Characterization and Classification Systems
01
Geotechnical Core logging
- Sistematic core logging for every run (Basic Logging).
- Detailed Geotechnical Logging by geotechnical intervals (each interval present similar lithology, alteration, structure, intact rock, etc)
Geotechnical Mapping
Underground and open pit geotechnical mapping (tunnel and benches)
The objective of geotechnical logging is to get an appreciation of the rock mass condition and its physical characteristics of engineering significance. Rock mass classification systems are generally used to represent the engineering characteristics of a rock mass.
The appropriateness of the classification systems depends on the geological setting and the mining method (i.e. Underground or open pit); in general, they include:
- Rock Quality Designation, RQD
- Fracture frequency (FF/m), including open and cemented discontinuities,
- Rock Mass rating. Bieniawski (RMRB) and Laubscher (RMRL)
- Rock Quality Index (Barton) , Q
- Geological Strength Index (GSI)
Cortadera Project-Caving propagation and subsidence
- The Cortadera is a porphyry copper-gold deposit part of the Costa Fuego Copper Project belonging to Hot Chili Limited.
- GMT was engaged to undertake the geotechnical studies supporting the Cortadera Block Caving project (Cuerpo 3) pre-feasibility study.
- This study included: A review and update of existing geotechnical data, 3D non-linear modelling, including forecasts for cave propagation, surface subsidence and assessment of underground stability.
02
Geotechnical Assessment of the Extraction Level, Undercut Level, and Infrastructure Stability for the Macro Bloque Sur 04 (Chuquicamata underground).
03
Geotechnical Assessment of the Extraction Level, Undercut Level, and Infrastructure Stability for the Macro Bloque Sur 04 (Chuquicamata underground).
- This study also included the analysis of the interaction between macroblocks and recommendations for the ground support systems.
Geotechnical Assessment of the Life of Mine (LOM) of an Open Pit Mine.
Geotechnical Assessment of the Life of Mine (LOM) of an Open Pit Mine. The study includes mine wide numerical models for the stability analysis of slopes (interramp and global). The factor of safety of the LOM design are determined and recommendations for optimization.
04
Geotechnical assessment in underground mining of open Stopes.
05
The study includes the following key aspects:
- Individual stope and pillar stability
- Crown pillar stability and maximum stable span analysis.
- Overbreak assessment
- Global Stability Assessment of the Extraction sequence
- Stability assessment of the open pit and underground excavation interactions.