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By G. T. Hong

A numerical model for use in design is developed to predict the stresses and axial and bending displacements in a drilled pier in expansive soils. The prediction is based on the horizontal swelling pressures and uplift forces which act on the side of the drilled pier. The exponential suction envelope with the depth within the moisture active zone is estimated based upon the equilibrium suction, moisture diffusion coefficients obtained from laboratory tests, and minimum suction at the ground surface of the site based on field conditions. The volume change of soil is based on suction variations, soil properties, overburden pressures, crack influences, and the relationship between moisture contents and suctions. Considering the movement active and anchor zones on a soil-pile system in expansive soils, horizontal swelling pressures are formulated using the shear strength of an unsaturated soil and the Mohr?s circle and failure envelope. The movement active zone has two sub-zones in which horizontal swelling pressures are attributed to passive earth pressure failure and suction change in the upper and lower sub-zones, respectively. Horizontal swelling pressures which occur in the anchor zone are assumed to be in the at rest condition. The shear stress generated on the vertical surface of a drilled pier is supported by the nonlinear curves of load transfer versus relative displacement. The axial behavior and lateral bending of the pier in expansive soils are simulated using a beam column approach. The computed axial and bending displacements and stresses are used to provide structural design of the pier. Figures of computed results for typical cases are presented.

Jan 1, 2007

By T. Tamura

It is known that the CaO-FetO-P2O5slag system has a wide liquid miscibility gap at steelmaking temperatures and this two-liquid slag phase has many advantages such as high activities of both FetO and CaO and high amount of P2O5. The phosphorus distribution ratio between the two-liquid slag and molten steel was confirmed to be higher than that between CaOsat.-FetO-P2O5slag and molten steel. The two-liquid slag may be useful for dephosphorization of molten steel and reduction of slag volume. Furthermore, the phase equilibrium of two-liquid CaO-FetO-P2O5slagsaturated with MgO was measured to determine the applicability of the two-liquid slag to dephosphorization in steelmaking process. Keywords: slag, refractories, solid solution, two-liquid phase, dephosphorization, steelmaking, phase equilibrium.

Jan 1, 2004

By S. Murdock, R. L. Fleischer, H. W. Alter, J. E. Gingrich

The use of solid state track deters allows totally passive, integrating measurements of 222Rn (radon) or of 220Rn (thoron) plus radon. A track-detecting solid is placed in a holder that is closed by a selective membrane and exposed to the atmosphere of interest to produce an accurately time-averaged record over times of interest that range typically from a week to a year. By selection of the proper membranes, dosimetry can be done for radon or for the sum of radon and thoron. A different membrane is appropriate for measuring radon under humid conditions such as are found in the ground. Large numbers of measurements have been made with these systems both in the ground, where radon levels are high, and in indoor environments, where levels are orders of magnitude less. Calibrations have been carried out at both high and low concentrations of radon. New results in the air at the site of the Shirley Basin mine and mill give reproducible results with month-long integrating periods. The off-site background levels are in the range 0.7 to 1.0 pCi/l (26-37 Bq/m3). The average yearlong on-site level is 1.5 pCi/l (56 Bq/m3); at the mill it is 2.6 pCi/l (96 Bq/m3); and the level measured at the backhoe in the open pit mine is 3.9 pCi/l (144 Bq/m3). The region of significantly elevated radon levels is confined to a radius of 1.6 km of the mine and mill. All of the on-site radon concentrations are less than but comparable to the typical values found in the living areas of modern energy-efficient homes.

Jan 1, 1981

By E. F. Johnson, V. O. Naumann, D. P. Bossler

A method is presented for calculating individual gas and oil or water and oil relative permeabilities from data obtained during a gas drive or a waterflood experiment performed on a linear porous body. The method has been tested and found both rapid and reliable for normal-sized core samples. INTRODUCTION Individual oil and gas or oil and water relative permeabilities are required for a number of reservoir engineering applications. Chief among these is the evaluation of oil displacement under conditions where gravitational effects are significant, such as a water drive or crestal gas injection in a steeply dipping oil reservoir. Numerous proposed methods of obtaining relative permeability data on reservoir core samples have been too tedious and time consuming for practical use, or have yielded questionable and sometimes inconsistent results. A method has been developed by which the individual relative permeability curves can be calculated from data collected during a displacement test. The method is based on sound theoretical considerations. Using this method, with a properly designed experimental procedure, relative permeability curves can be obtained using core samples of normal size (i.e., 2 to 3 in. in length and 1 to 2 in. in diameter) within a few days after receipt of the core. In a recent publication D. A. Efros1 describes an approach to the calculation of individual relative permeabilities that is based on the same theoretical considerations. We believe the approach described in the present paper is more adaptable to practical application than the method implied by Efros. In addition, comparisons with independently determined relative permeabilities are furnished to substantiate the reliability of the new method. DERIVATION Previously the theory of Buckley and Leverett as extended by Welge2 as been used to calculate the ratio of relative permeabilities. In the derivation which follows, this theory is further extended to permit calculation of the individual relative permeabilities. The theory assumes two conditions which must be achieved before the method is applicable. They are that the flow velocity be high enough to achieve what has been termed stabilized displacement,3 and that the flow velocity is constant at all cross sections of the linear porous body. In stabilized displacement the flowing pressure gradient is high compared with the capillary pressure difference between the flowing phases. The high pressure drop insures that the portion of the core in which capillary effects predominate will be compressed to a negligibly small fraction of the total pore space. The assumption of constant flow velocity at all

By J. C. Kerkering, S. M. Miller, P. C. McWilliams

Researchers at the U.S. Bureau of Mines investigated the use of close-range photogrammetry and subsequent stereo digitizing to obtain data from rock fracture roughness profiles. The photogrammetric process yielded results that were acceptable but somewhat inferior to those obtained by a mechanical profilometer. On the basis of this study, further pursuit of photogrammetry as a data collection method in mining is proposed. Fractal geometry was investigated as a means of measuring the roughness of rock fracture profiles. Four fractal algorithms were used: divider method, modified divider method, box method, and spectral method. A comparison of the methods gave ambiguous results. Brown's modified divider method provided the best means of obtaining the fractal dimension. Shear strength estimates were obtained using the parameters of the modified divider method and Myers' Z, measure. Because of differences in results when comparing the different ways of obtaining the fractal dimension, future users of fractals in studies of rock fractures are advised to cross-check their results carefully.

Jan 1, 1993

By Lucas Lopes da Costa

In this work, a natural foam extracted from the Amazon buriti palm tree is investigated as possible substitute for synthetic foams. The basic physical and mechanical properties of this biofoam were evaluated. Its sponge-like structure was characterized by the amount of pores and morphological aspects. It was found that the buriti biofoam displays a very low density of the order of 0.1 g/cm3 with a relatively good compressive strength. This would be suitable for several engineering applications and as a new material with the potential for replacing currently applied synthetic polymeric foams.

Jan 1, 2010

By V. K. Alves, P. Lacoste-Bouchet

"In order to improve ball milling efficiency in pellet plants, Companhia Vale de Rio Doce (CVRD), experiments new technologies in Santa Luzia (M.G. – Brazil) research center facility. Pilot grinding tests have been conducted with small grinding media, size distributed from 5 to 12 mm (millpebs). Tests have been conducted on an ore from CVRD’s Usina 5 Nibrasco, in Vitória, Brazil. A sample of the regrind circuit feed was obtained and used in comparative grinding tests with two types of grinding charges: 100% balls and a blend of 70% balls and 30% millpebs by weight. According to the balls charge, the grinding media mixture has showed the following benefits: reduction of the power draw, increase of the mill capacity, reduction of the circulating load and a slight increase of the ore blaine. Following the results obtained, CVRD is going to further explore the regrinding potential of millpebs.INTRODUCTIONCompanhnia Vale de Rio Doce (CVRD) is the largest mining company in Brazil. CVRD is involved in iron, base metals, gold and bauxite industries. Moreover, CVRD operates several pelletizing plants in Brazil and in other countries.CVRD’s Center for Mineral Development (CDM) is equipped with a comminution laboratory where studies are carried out that are aimed at the optimization of existing plants at several mining sites as well as the technical and economical feasibility of new projects. The laboratory is equipped with a complete pilot plant with several mills and classifiers, enabling continuous grinding tests in grinding circuits of almost any capacity and characteristics.In January 2004, CVRD undertook to conduct pilot tests at CDM for evaluating the effect of small grinding media on ball milling efficiency. Generally speaking, it is not unusual for operators to add oversize grinding media in a conventional regrind mill. This fact originates mainly from prohibitive prices of grinding media below 25 mm due to a production capacity decrease of grinding media producers. The size of the grinding media is an important variable affecting ball milling efficiency. Use of oversize balls decreases the number of contact surface between which particles can be caught and broken."

Jan 1, 2005

By O. Acaroglu

Selection of the most suitable roadheaders (boom type tunnelling machines) for the galleries/tunnels to be excavated in certain rock and under known project conditions is important for avoiding problems during application. This research utilized a multiple attribute decision-making method and studied how this will be applied for the selection of boom-type excavation machines. The Cayirhan Coal Basin was used for selecting roadheaders using the analytical hierarchy process, which is one of the multiple attribute decision-making methods. To conclude, this study reveals that decision-making methods can be used in the process of selecting roadheaders for the excavation of galleries. Keywords: roadheaders, multiple attribute decision-making, analytical hierarchy process.

Jan 1, 2006

By Adriaan van Seters

"Abstract The content of Eurocode 7 – Part 1 and Part 2 – with respect to piled foundations is outlined. The important role of pile testing is presented and the derivation of the characteristic value of pile bearing resistance is explained. Recommendations for the use of correlation factors are given. The ongoing work of the Evolution Groups on piling is to prepare a revision of Eurocode 7 after 2019. Future topics and changes are highlighted.General outline of pile design by Eurocode 7In his paper for this conference Frank (2014) outlined the various aspects of standardisation for pile foundations, which involves Eurocode 7 as leading for pile construction in Europe. Standards for pile testing and execution of piling works were established in the last 15 years.This paper focuses on the design of piled foundations according to the design code Eurocode 7, which consists of 2 parts:EN 1997-1 Geotechnical design - Part 1: General Rules (CEN, 2004);EN 1997-2 Geotechnical design – Part 2: Ground investigation and testing (CEN, 2007) In Eurocode 7-1, Section 7 – Pile Foundations - deals with the design of piles. The safety concept for pile design is given in Section 2 – Basis of Geotechnical Design - for the three Design Approaches.In Section 7 presents the design of piles according to four methods:1. Results of static load tests2. Empirical or analytical calculation methods3. Results of dynamic load tests4. Observed performance of a comparable pile foundation.Guidelines for the ground investigation for piles is provided in Eurocode 7-2, Annex B.3. In the Annexes of Eurocode 7-2 examples of analytical methods to determine the bearing resistance of a single pile based on the results of various ground investigation techniques are given. Thus calculation models are presented based on design using the results of Cone Penetration Tests (D.6 and D.7) and Pressuremeter Tests (E.3). The Annexes of Eurocode 7-2 are informative.For the interpretation of Eurocode 7, reference is made to Frank et al (2004) and Bond and Harris(2008)."

Jan 1, 2014

In a previous paper of this series (1) ,t it was shown that during the creep of single crystals of lead, deformation proceeded to some extent by means of slip on the octahedral plane. This was demonstrated by the formation of slip lines on the surface of the specimens. At first, a few broad bands appeared after a small amount of extension had taken place; then, as extension proceeded, more and finer lines made their appearance until the whole of the specimen surface was covered.The present paper deals with the process of deformation of the creep specimens as revealed by X-ray examination..By the use of this method, the changes taking place in the crystal structure can be observed.EXPERIMENTAL METHODThe method of preparation of the specimens, their size and the purity of the lead employed have been reported elsewhere (1). At frequent intervals, the specimens were dismantled from the test rack and X-ray back reflection photographs were taken. The specimens were so marked and set up on the X-ray machine that the same spot on the specimen surface was always examined.Copper radiation was employed, the tube voltage and current being 45 kV. and 25 m.a. respectively and the exposure time 2 hrs. The slit diameter was 1 mm.

Jan 1, 1941

By O. Leuangthong, M. Nowak

"The impact of high-grade data on resource estimation has been a longstanding topic of interest in the mining industry. Concerns related to possible over-estimation of resources in such cases have led many investigators to develop possible solutions to limit the influence of highgrade data. It is interesting to note that the risk associated with including high-grade data in estimation appears to be one of the most broadly appreciated concepts understood by the general public, and not only professionals in the resource modelling sector. Many consider grade capping or cutting as the primary approach to dealing with high-grade data; however, other methods and potentially better solutions have been proposed for different stages throughout the resource modelling workflow.This paper reviews the various methods that geomodellers have used to mitigate the impact of high-grade data on resource estimation. In particular, the methods are organized into three categories depending on the stage of the estimation workflow when they may be invoked: (1) domain determination; (2) grade capping; and (3) estimation methods and implementation. It will be emphasized in this paper that any treatment of high-grade data should not lead to undue lowering of the estimated grades, and that limiting the influence of high grades by grade capping should be considered as a last resort. A much better approach is related to domain design or invoking a proper estimation methodology. An example data-set from a gold deposit in Ontario, Canada is used to illustrate the impact of controlling high-grade data in each phase of a study. We note that the case study is by no means comprehensive; it is used to illustrate the place of each method and the manner in which it is possible to mitigate the impact of high-grade data at various stages in resource estimation."

Jan 1, 2015

By AIME AIME

WITH the recent increase in the price of gold, its economic recovery at depths formerly considered impractical has become a present possibility. Two important difficulties must be met: pressure bursts of the rock, and the reduced efficiency of human labor subjected to the higher temperatures and the increased humidity at the greater depths. In the following abstract of a paper by J. H. Dobson, presented before the South African Institution of Engineers on

Jan 1, 1935

By J. Rogans

This paper discusses the comparative performances of the three activated carbon adsorption circuits at the West Wits operations of Anglogold. These circuits consist of two pump-cell circuits (at Two Plant, formerly Elandsrand and at Three plant) and a conventional counter-current adsorption circuit (at Mponeng plant). The implications of the improved performance of the pump-cell plants are discussed.

Jan 1, 2002

By P. Tsang

The mechanisms and functions of yield pillar are analyzed by employing finite element method that takes time dependent and plastic failure of rock into consideration. The design criteria for different geological conditions are discussed. The results provide further evidences that yield pillar design will improve floor or roof condition, especially when the floor and/or roof strata are weaker than the coal. Based on this study, the yield pillar size is determined for one cod1 mine located in southern West Virginia.

Jan 1, 1989

The Martha Hill project operates with a nett surplus of water, due to the catchment of rainwater on the tailings dam and the requirement to de-water the open pit mine. It is necessary to discharge this surplus, treated as required, to the Ohinemuri River which flows past the process plant.   The treatment plant, adjacent to the process plant, handles all effluent from the Martha Hill operation including water pumped from the mine, excess water from the tailings decant, and seepage from the tailings dam underdrains. To-date the plant has treated and discharged over 800 000 tonnes of water.

Jan 1, 1991

By Sandin E. Phillipson

The Mine Safety and Health Administration?s Roof Control Division responded to a massive ground failure at an underground marble mine in northern Georgia. The ground failure occurred in a benched area that had been abandoned in the early 1990s. It involved the failure of an estimated 19 pillars, in conjunction with a massive roof fall of an undetermined extent that was at least 60 ft high. Pillars in the benched area had been mined nominally 40 x 40 feet to a height of 50 feet ft, with 40-ft mining widths, although it seems likely from measurements and accounts from mining personnel that pillars were even smaller than intended. Average overburden depth was 500 ft, and the rock mass was characterized by three sets of intersecting geological discontinuities that not only defined very blocky conditions that were conducive to pillar spalling and volume loss, but they were also adversely oriented in such a way as to cut diagonally through pillars at a high angle. The recently released S-Pillar software from NIOSH was used to determine pillar safety factors in the failure area and indicated that pillars were undersized for the conditions. S-Pillar was used to assess pillar stability in active areas to evaluate the likelihood of experiencing similar collapses in the future. S-Pillar correctly identified the pillars in the bench area as having been at risk for instability, in light of their ultimate failure. A two-dimensional finite element model was used to evaluate the possible stages of failure and to assess the likelihood of continued failure in the benched area that might affect more distal mine openings. Although stone mines are generally characterized as having more forgiving conditions than those found in softer sedimentary rocks, the failure shares some characteristics with domino-style massive pillar collapses experienced in coal and trona mines. First, the minimum dimension of the benched area approached 350 ft; second, the pillars defined by benching had small width-to-height ratios (0.8), and; third, the pillar failure area was slightly greater than 4 acres. The massive pillar collapse and associated roof fall illustrate the importance of incorporating pillars that have been properly sized for depth and for the final bench height. Furthermore, the designed dimensions must be adhered to during the actual mining process. Finally, the importance of understanding the geological conditions and their effect on the rock mass is critical.

Jan 1, 2012

By George D. Raitt

Anyone who has spent any time in and around the drilling and blasting profession knows that probably the most critical part is the drilling portion. A blasthole is nothing more than a cylindrical vehicle designed and strategically situated to hold and contain an explosive charge so that it can be detonated in the most efficient and optimum manner possible. It matters very little if the latest “State-of-the-Art” explosive or detonation system Is employed if the hole is poorly placed; i.e. excessive burden and spacing, sized incorrectly for desired results, insufficient in depth etc.. This is not to mention that the drilling phase is the most expensive, requiring sizeable initial outlays and upkeep. It’s also true that improper drilling can cause costs to skyrocket throughout the remainder of the work cycles such as excavating and hauling, crushing, screening and so on.

Jan 1, 1990

By W. W. Adams

"The ninth yearly National Safety Competition covering the calendar year 1933, conducted by the United States Bureau of Mines, w participated in by 332 mines and quarries situated in 35 States. Enrollment represented as increase of 10 plants over 1932, and one addition was made to the number of States represented.The primary purpose of the United. States Bureau of Mines in conducting the contest is to promote safety in United States mineral industries. This purpose is accomplished directly through the efforts of the competing companies and their employees to win first place in the competition and thereupon receive recognition on a national scale for their achievement the purpose is accomplished indirectly through studies by the United States Bureau of Mines of the facts contained in the accident reports the competing companies furnish to enable the Bureau to compute the accident rates that are the basis for determining the winners of the contest.The statistics which constitute the basis for determining the winning companies and the relative standing of all companies are prepared uniformly without regard to the States in which the companies operate, or to differences in classes of accidents covered by State laws relating to compensation for injuries resulting, from industrial accidents.Bronze trophies, known as 'Sentinels of Safety', which were provided by The Explosives Engineer magazine to be awarded annually by the Bureau of Mines, were presented to five companies in the contest of 1933, each company having established the best accident-prevention record within one of the five classes into which all companies were divided, namely, anthracite-mining companies, bituminous-coal-mining companies, metal-mining companies, operators of nonmetallic-mineral mines other than coal mines, and quarries or opencut mines. The trophies are awarded for 1 year and are then transferred to the winners of the succeeding year's contest.The trophy for bituincus-coal mines was won by a company in Wyoming. A company in Tennessee won the trophy for metal mining. In the nonmetal-mine group the trophy was again won by a company in New York. A quarry in Michigan won the trophy for the quarry-and-opencut-mine group. The trophy for anthracite mines remains in Pennsylvania, as all anthracite mines in the contest are in that State."

Jul 1, 1934

By Bruce Jago, Joe Zhou, Chris Martin

"From the perspective of metallurgical processing, gold ores can be classified into free-milling and refractory ores. Their extractive metallurgy are largely driven by mineralogical factors such as: gold particle size, association with other minerals, coatings and rimmings, presence of cyanicides, oxygen consumers and preg-robbers, presence of refractory gold minerals and locking of submicroscopic gold in sulfide mineral structure etc. Gold process mineralogy helps address issues and problems related to gold ore processing. It provides useful information on process selection, flowsheet development, recovery improvement and reagent consumption optimization. By combining classic mineralogical techniques, modern instrumental analysis and diagnostic metallurgy, the mineralogist is able to balance the various types of gold occurrence in an ore. This paper will provide a broad review of gold process mineralogy and the techniques available, and use case studies to describe how they can be used together, to provide the complete picture of gold process mineralogy in an ore. Examples will be used where applicable.INTRODUCTIONSince the early 1980’s, a great deal of work has been done in the characterization of gold ores, particularly refractory ores (Gasparrini, 1983; Wang, 1984; Hausen, 1985; Haines, 1986; Henley, 1989; Chryssoulis et al., 1990; Wang et al., 1992, 1994; Kojonen, 1999; Simon et al., 1999; Hong et al., 2000; Pals et al, 2003). Process mineralogy has come into its own as a respected inter-discipline in the fields of mineralogy and metallurgy – a subject that occupies an important place in both research and industry. As the free-milling gold ores are being depleted and more refractory ores are being discovered and processed, gold process mineralogy receives more and more attention from both the mineralogist and metallurgist as it helps to solve various problems encountered during gold ore processing. Steadily rising gold prices are also stimulating the need for gold process mineralogy due to the increasing demand for and production of the yellow metal. At SGS Lakefield Research, gold process mineralogy studies are conducted routinely on all types of gold ores and mill products to assist in a wide variety of metallurgical projects. This paper will briefly discuss the gold ore types and gold mineralogy, review the common mineralogical factors affecting gold extractive metallurgy and the techniques available to gold process mineralogy, introduce the procedure employed at SGS Lakefield Researc"

Jan 1, 2004

By John P. Carter

The U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted research to determine suitable construction materials for use in brine and steam environments produced from high-salinity geothermal brines. The high-temperature, high-salinity geothermal brines in the Salton Sea Known Geothermal Resources Area (KGRA) are a valuable source of energy and mineral values. The brine and steam produced from them are corrosive and cause early failure of many common materials of construction. Mass-loss and electrochemical corrosion measurements were conducted on over 60 metal alloys in brine and steam environments produced from geothermal well Magmamax No.1, located at the Salton Sea KGRA, at temperatures from 1800 to 2150 C, and in synthetic Magmamax brine at 105° and 232° C. General corrosion, crevice and pitting corrosion, and stress corrosion were examined along with the effects of dissolved gases. The alloys with the most acceptable corrosion performance in high-temperature, high-salinity geothermal environments were the high-chromium ferritic stainless steels, the Inconels and Hastelloys, and the titanium alloys. Specific alloys that performed well in wellhead brine included Fe29Cr4Mo, E-Brite 26-1, stabilized Fe26Cr1Mo, 6X, Inconel 625, Hastelloy C-276, Hastelloy S, Hastelloy G, Ti5OA, TiO.2Pd, and TiCode 12.

Jan 1, 2010