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By Richard J. Mainiero, Michael J. Sapko, James H. Rowland III, Marcia L. Harris

All explosive materials produce a cloud of reaction products, the most toxic of which is nitrogen dioxide (NO2). In the study reported here, 4.5-kg (10-lb) charges of blasting agent confined in either thin-wall 10-cm (4-in) diameter galvanized pipe or 10-cm (4-in) schedule 80 seamless steel pipe were detonated in a closed chamber. The detonation gases were analyzed for NO2, nitric oxide (NO), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen (H2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2), and methane (CH4). Data were evaluated to determine the kinetics of the oxidation of NO to NO2. Analysis revealed that the only mechanism for NO loss for the conditions existing in the chamber was the reaction 2NO + O2 6 2 NO2. The rate constant was 2.08 @ 10-38 cm6 molecules-2 sec-1 for the rate equation -½d [NO]/dt = K @ [NO]2 @ [O2] for NO concentrations up to 100 ppm. The rate constant is in agreement with that recommended by Baulch, Drysdale, and Horne (1973).

By Adam Levy, Thomas Novak, Sampurna Arya, Joseph Sottile, Kozo Saito

The use of a woven wire-mesh screen as part of a flooded-bed dust-scrubbing system is very popular in the underground coal mining industry. It is used in combination with a demister (mist eliminator) to remove dust from the dust-laden air. A study was conducted to measure the pressure drop across a flooded-bed wire-mesh screen at different airflow rates in onephase (dry) and two-phase (wet) conditions. Two empirical relationships between pressure drop and air velocity were developed for dry and wet conditions, respectively. In both cases, the form of the empirical relationships was found to be similar to relationships given by Sabri Ergun for high velocity non-Darcy single and multi-phase flow through porous media. The experiments were repeated on a reduced-scale model of the wire-mesh screen, and the pressure-velocity relationships obtained from the full-scale prototype experiments were tested. The test results show validation of the full-scale empirical formulas on the small-scale model with an insignificant variation. This paper presents the empirical equations for pressure drop across the wire-mesh screen in dry and wet conditions. Researchers can use these equations as a tool to predict total pressure drops for wire-mesh screens of different scale sizes.

By Lori A. Simpson

A high-rise building, consisting of two tower structures occupying the entire site, is in construction in San Francisco. The North Tower will consist of 12 and 35 stories above a one-level basement. The South Tower will consist of 9 and 22 stories over one partially below-grade level of common space; a portion of the South Tower will have a three-level basement. The towers will be supported on mat foundations bearing on native very dense sand in the footprint of the three-level basement and on ground improved with soil-cement mixed (SCM) panels that extend through loose sand and marsh deposits into very dense sand. Shoring systems for the basement excavations include cantilevered and tied-back soldier-beam-and-lagging systems and SCM cutoff walls. Subsurface conditions include loose fill and Dune Sand and loose and soft marsh deposits overlying very dense sand of the Colma formation. Groundwater is approximately 15 to 22 feet deep; the three-level basement extends below groundwater. The site is on Market Street in San Francisco, with SF Municipal Railway (MUNI) and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) tunnels running below Market Street approximately 45 and 36 feet north of the site, respectively. Both tunnels are 16.5 feet in diameter. The top of MUNI and BART tunnels are 25 feet and 63.5 feet below street grade, respectively. BART has stringent requirements regarding construction adjacent to their facilities, including disallowing adding pressure to their tunnel, lowering groundwater by more than two feet, and vibrations from construction activities. Design of the shoring and the foundations within the BART zone of influence were subject to their design requirements. The project was also subject to a peer review, as required by the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection. We used FLAC to evaluate stresses at the BART and MUNI tunnels and on the SCM panels. This paper will present the mitigations needed to address seismic hazards and BART restrictions and to provide adequate foundation support for a tall building with high seismic loads.

By Matthew D. Marks

The Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency initiated the Natomas Levee Improvement Program in 2006 which would bring the entire 42 mile Natomas Basin perimeter levee system into compliance with applicable Federal and State standards for levee protecting urban areas. The soil-bentonite slurry cutoff has been utilized as the primary construction method for addressing the under seepage deficiencies. To date, a combined total of over 4,500,000 square feet of slurry cutoff wall have been constructed utilizing excavation methods to a maximum depth of 75 feet and deep soil mixing methods to a depth of 90 feet. The construction of these cutoff walls has required the use of newly designed and custom built long boom and stick attachments for large hydraulic excavators and additional resource will be required to complete future phases. Key components of the NLIP program have included advancements in the development of soil-bentonite backfill mix designs, specified ranges on the soil backfill gradation to address concerns of long term consolidation of the backfill material, evaluation of the trench slurry filtrate loss with regard to cutoff wall acceptance, maintenance high slurry densities to provide greater trench stability, and continued development of backfill mixing procedures.

By Federico Pagliacci

Continuous Flight Auger (CFA) technique represents an important technological advance in the construction of piles in soft soils. The possibility of excavation under the water table with no need for drilling fluids, along with high productivity, have resulted in this technique?s becoming widespread in many countries. However, CFA technology has limitations because of its difficulty in penetrating hard layers and cross strata with cobbles and boulders. In these situations, pile verticality may be an additional problem. The Cased Augered Pile (CAP) technique consists of penetrating the soil with an auger housed in a casing. Two independent rotary heads sliding along the rig mast operate the auger and the casing. By adjusting the height of the casing shoe and auger bit according to soil type, it is possible to drill piles in very severe conditions - in the presence of cobbles and boulders - and to socket the pile into the rock. The use of a steel casing enables improved pile verticality. Therefore, the CAP technique is also used to construct secant piles to be used as diaphragm walls. The limitations of this technology are the depth, usually no more than 27 m (88 feet), and the size of the rig that supports the drilling tool, no less than 70 t (77 short tons) in working conditions. This paper illustrates CAP technology, the drilling system, and the characteristics of concrete and steel reinforcement and offers a case study of the Palermo-Carini second railway line, which used CAP to construct the new 30 km (18.6 mi) railway line, 20 km (12.4 mi) of which passes through the very congested downtown area of Palermo. More than 300,000 m (186.4 mi) of piles have been drilled in dense calcarenite formations with unconfined compressive strength of 15-25 MPa (2,200-3,600 lb/inch2), soft clay, and silt formations.

By Michael Oakland

This paper will discuss the design analysis of sheet pile cofferdams for static and dynamic blast loads. Following construction of the new Willis Avenue Bridge across the East River between Brooklyn and Manhattan, in-river piers No. 9 and No. 10 from the former bridge were demolished, partially by explosive charges. The blast at Pier 10 was conducted first and though the demolition charge was relatively small, it gave confidence that the sheeting could be designed to resist the blast load. This paper primarily summarizes our analysis and performance of a sheet pile cofferdam at Pier 9 used to withstand the larger blast loads, contain the blast debris, and allow excavation of the pier below the existing river bed mudline. The program NLFlex was used to predict stresses and deformations of the cofferdams under dynamic blast loads, using simplified equations to estimate the underwater blast pressures. Specifically, the analysis focused on the stresses in the struts, waler beam, sheet pile interlocks and connection of the sheeting to the waler beam. Design included allowing plastic deformations and limited rupture of the sheet pile interlocks under the blast loading. Comparisons are made between stresses assessed by the dynamic finite element modeling and empirical relationships used within the industry. The performance of the system after the actual blast is discussed as well as details of the performance of welded vs. bolted connections within the system.

By Donald T. Robertson

This paper presents case histories of driven concrete pile damage detected with dynamic testing methods utilizing strain gages and accelerometers embedded in the pile at the prestressing yard during pile construction. Data from the embedded instrumentation is compared with data taken with external bolt on instrumentation and other test methods such as low strain testing on the same pile. In the most severe cases, the piles were extracted revealing and corroborating the embedded data collector results.

By C. Vipulanandan

Installation procedure and the quality of the material used in the construction have significant effects on the behavior of the Auger Cast in Place (ACIP) piles. In this study, Installation and curing of a 760 mm (30 in.) diameter and 12 m (39 ft) long ACIP pile with a design capacity of 1140 kN (128 tons) in hard clay was investigated. Construction quality was monitored using the automated monitoring system where the volume of grout pumped and the pressures were monitored with depth. The curing of the pile was monitored using axial vibrating wire strain gages at four levels and lateral vibrating wire strain gages at two levels. The residual strain and temperature profile in the curing pile was monitored over a period of week to determine the appropriate time for load testing the pile. Axial behavior of Auger Cast in Place (ACIP) Piles in hard clay was studied using full scale load test on an instrumented pile. The load-settlement and load transfer relationships of the pile was investigated based on the load test results. Development of skin friction in the load test pile and the reaction pile was also investigated.

By Brendan Demich, Brendan Macdonald, Timothy J. Orr, Jason Navoyski, Jennica L. Bellanca, William J. Helfrich

Recent advances in computing, rendering, and display technologies have generated increased accessibility for virtual reality (VR). VR allows the creation of dynamic, high-fidelity environments to simulate dangerous situations, test conditions, and visualize concepts. Consequently, numerous products have been developed, but many of these are limited in scope. Therefore, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health researchers developed a VR framework, called VR Mine, to rapidly create an underground mine for human data collection, simulation, visualization, and training. This paper describes the features of VR Mine using self-escape and proximity detection as case studies. Features include mine generation, simulated networks, proximity detection systems, and the integration and visualization of real-time ventilation models.

By Miguel Reyes, Bruce Whisner, Joseph Bickson, Lincan Yan, David Yantek, Justin Srednicki, Nicholas Damiano, Eric Bauer

Built-in-place (BIP) refuge alternatives (RAs) are designed to provide a secure space for miners who cannot escape during a mine emergency. Heat and humidity buildup within RAs may expose miners to physiological hazards such as heat stress. To minimize the risk of heat stress, Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), or 30 CFR, mandates a maximum allowable apparent temperature (AT) for an occupied RA of 35 °C (95 °F). The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has conducted extensive research on the thermal environment of occupied RAs intended for use in underground coal mines. NIOSH research has demonstrated that a fully occupied BIP RA can exceed the AT limit by more than 5.6 °C (10 °F) in mines with elevated mine strata and air temperatures. In this circumstance, an RA cooling system could provide a solution. This paper provides an overview of test methodology and findings as well as guidance on improving the performance of a cryogenic air system prototype by optimizing the flow rate, increasing the tank storage capacity, and improving the efficiency of the heat exchanger of the cryogenic system. This may enable BIP RAs to meet the 35 °C (95 °F) AT limit in mines with elevated temperatures. The information in this paper is useful for RA manufacturers and mines that may choose to implement a cryogenic air system as a heat mitigation strategy.

By Richard J. Mainiero, Marcia L. Harris, James H. Rowland

In the past several years, there have been a number of blasting-related carbon monoxide migration incidents. In each case, there have been some common factors that appear to be related to carbon monoxide migration. Geology, heavy confinement of the blast, close proximity to the affected structure, and open pathways into the affected structure are just a few. Prince William County, VA is an area undergoing a boom in suburban development. In the year 2001, more than 4,050 new homes were constructed within the county.1 In the new housing development located in Bristow,VA, trench blasting was utilized to excavate proposed sewage and utility lines. On November 8, 2002, a trench blast was conducted for the installation of utility lines. Later that evening a carbon monoxide detector alarmed in a nearby house. The gas company and fire department sampled for carbon monoxide and measured 100 ppm and more than 200 ppm on the first floor and in the basement respectively. Subsequent efforts to prevent migration of CO into the nearby homes met with mixed results. The only reliable technique for protecting neighbors from CO appears to be the placement of CO monitors in the homes. The events are presented and discussed.

By O. T. Rämö, E. Suikkanen

Episyenites are sub-solidus, quartz-depleted alkali-feldspar-rich rocks. They form veins and lenticular bodies in granitoid rocks and migmatites in a late- to post-orogenic or anorogenic setting. Leaching of quartz is usually a response to a flux of weakly saline hydrothermal solution in circulation cells above cooling intrusions, where sufficient fluid-rock ratios and thermal gradients are achieved. Fluid Si-undersaturation is achieved by rapid cooling within the field of retrograde Si solubility or by temperature and pressure increase outside retrograde conditions. Some quartz may also be consumed in metasomatic reactions and in response to pressure fluctuation in sealed episyenite bodies. The small size and overall rarity of episyenites imply that conditions for episyenite formation are not commonly encountered in the crust. In addition to quartz depletion, episyenites record complex histories of metasomatic alteration and hydrothermal mineral growth. Nearly all episyenites have undergone Na-metasomatism, which may have led to the formation of nearly monomineralic albitite, and which is occasionally followed by late K-metasomatism, phyllic alteration, and argillization. Depending on the effectiveness of later compaction, recrystallization and vug-filling episyenites may preserve the macroscopic porosity formed by quartz dissolution and brittle deformation. Vuggy episyenites can act as significant sinks for metals carried by crustal fluids and host many significant U, Sn, and Au deposits worldwide. Rare earth-critical syenitic fenites around alkaline intrusions share mineralogical and genetic traits with episyenites.

By Jack S. Watson, Rasika Nimkar, Robert M. Counce, BRADLEY BENNETT, Patrick Zhang

The purpose of this work is to develop a conceptual recovery process for thorium dioxide (ThO2) from its primary source, monazite. The study-level design presented in this paper represents an economically viable method for conducting ThO2 extraction from monazite ore while also recovering byproducts that include P2O5 and other rare earth element oxides rather than producing unnecessary waste streams. Three key points to note in the development of this process design are: (1) the process economics relied heavily on recovery of rare earth byproducts, (2) the thorium handling portions of the process could effectively be segregated from the rare earth and phosphate handling portions of the process, and (3) the thorium and uranium content in waste streams should be carefully managed and eliminated where possible.

By Aleksandar D. Bugarski, Robert J. Timko

Despite extensive research efforts conducted in the past decades, occupational health risks associated with exposure to nano and ultrafine aerosols emitted by diesel power equipment are still not completely understood. The complexity of physical and chemical properties of diesel aerosols, constantly changing with the implementation of advanced diesel emissions control technologies, make this task rather challenging. The objective of this paper is to identify and characterize nanometer and ultrafine aerosols emitted by diesel engines in the underground environment and evaluate the effects of selected contemporary control technologies on physical properties, chemical composition, and in-vitro toxicology of diesel aerosols. The physical and chemical properties of the nanometer and ultrafine diesel aerosols are to be characterized through a test series in the NIOSH Lake Lynn Laboratory experimental mine. The crucial part of the study has been development of a facility that allows researchers to generate field results with precision and accuracy characteristics of a laboratory environment. The knowledge obtained from this study should strengthen our understanding of the health implications related to exposure to diesel particulate matter and aid in assessing the potential of various control technologies for reducing this exposure.

By Thomas A. Gray, Lynn M. Crayne, Michael A. Trevits, Phil Glogowski

Mine seals can be remotely constructed in underground coal mines, through vertical boreholes, when direct access to a fire is impossible or considered to be too dangerous. This method has great merit because boreholes can be drilled to specific mine areas and seals can be positioned close to a fire zone. The technology however, can be largely ineffective if the constructed seals do not provide effective barriers to airflow or cannot be used to impound water and other inert materials. Unfortunately, no viable alternatives exist to sealing the entire mine at the ground surface. Full-scale remote mine seal construction research is being conducted at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) Lake Lynn Laboratory (LLL). Under this effort, Howard Concrete Pumping Company and GAI Consultants, Inc. have joined forces to evaluate a potentially significant improvement to the current state-of-the-art. This paper will cover development of novel technology for remote mine seal construction, evaluation of the materials used, construction practice, and follow-up testing.

Book reviews Fiftieth Annual Report (1971) of the Safety in Mines Research Establishment, published by H. M. Stationery Office, London on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry. Advances in extractive metallurgy and refining. This excellent volume, published by the Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, contains all the thirty papers presented at the International Symposium held in London in October, 1971. Electric Melting Practice by A. G. E. Robiette, Charles Griffin and Co. 412 pp. In recent years the application of electric furnaces to melting processes has expanded to such an extent that it has become a topic in its own right, quite distinct from the related subject of electric smelting which is still limited, for the most part, to those areas where inexpensive electrical power is available. Optimum use of manpower by A. J. van Zyl. The sixties represented one of the longest periods of sustained economic growth South Africa has experienced. At the same time it caused a certain amount of inflation and an acute manpower shortage.

COUNCIL The following served on Council during the year under review: Office bearers: Prof D. D. Howat (President), Dr J. P. Hugo and P. W. J. van Rensburg (Vice-Presidents), V. C. Robinson (Immediate Past President) and D. G. Maxwell (Honorary Treasurer). Ordinary Members of Council: H. P. Carlisle, R. C. Espley-Jones, G. H. Grange, Dr D. I. Legge, W. W. Malan, Prof R. P. Plewman, Dr R. E. Robinson, Dr M. D. G. Salamon, L. W. P. van den Bosch and P. A. von Wielligh. Branch Chairmen: A. Bain (Witbank-Middelburg Branch), J. M. Meyer (O.F.S. Branch). Past Presidents serving on Council: R. J. Adamson, M. Barcza, H. Britten, H. E. Cross, J. K. E. Douglas, R. C. J. Goode, P. Lambooy, Prof J. de V. Lambrechts, Dr J. T. McIntyre, J. F. Reid and H. Simon (until March 1972). Ten Council meetings were held during the year with an average attendance of nineteen, and the standing committees held 27 meetings. FINANCE The annual accounts which are attached to this report show an excess of income over expenditure of R21 519. It is very gratifying to be able to report that Council's efforts to stop the depletion of our accumulated funds are meeting with success. The most important contributors to our surplus this year are symposia and colloquia, sales of publications, Company Affiliate subscriptions and the profit on the journal. While we do not expect continued profits from all these sources in the future we do feel that we are now in the process of accumulating a substantial financial foundation. This will give the Council the necessary confidence to initiate the new developments in the activities of the Institute which are now under consideration. The decision to create a new grade of membership, Company Affiliate, is dealt with elsewhere in this report. There has been a generous initial response from companies and this is the cornerstone of our improved financial expectations. The MacArthur Forrest Memorial Fund shows an excess of income over expenditure of R91 and the total fund was, therefore, increased by this amount to R4 502. The balance sheet shows that the market value of quoted shares and debentures increased during the year from R9 160 to RH 331, which is R2 134 in excess of the book value. Accumulated funds now amount to RH 529 compared with R23 010 a year ago. MEMBERSHIP Sixteen Fellows, twenty Members, six Graduates, nine Associates, twelve Students and twenty-four Company Affiliates were elected during the year. One Member and two Associates were reinstated. Twelve members were admitted to retired membership. Transfers: Member to Fellow, three. Graduate to Member, seven Associate to Fellow, one. Student to Member, one. Student to Graduate, four. Student to Fellow, one. Your Council records with deep regret the death during the year of the following: Dr A. J. Orenstein (Honorary Life Fellow), R. A. Cooper, R. J. Spargo, H. Simon and F. Meyer (Life Fellows), S. D. Loxton, W. P. Arnold, G. C. Needham, W. G. Pyne-Mercier, J. Innes and O. T. Wright (Fellows), E. P. Mennell and O. B. Prentis (Members), J. Brits (Associate). After careful consideration of all the implications it was decided during the year to create a new grade of membership to be known as Company Affiliate, in order that there might be a formal and permanent channel for companies to contribute to the important work of the Institute. As recorded above, 24 companies had joined by the end of the year and many further applications have been received since. We extend a hearty welcome to all our new members. A comparative statement of membership as at 30th June, 1972, and the end of the previous year is shown in the following tabulation:-

The Annual General Meeting of the Institute was held in Kelvin House, Johannesburg, on Wednesday, 26th August, 1970, at 4.15 p.m. Mr. J. K. E. Douglas (President) was in the Chair. There were also present sixty-three Fellows, thirty-five Members, one Graduate, eight Associates, five Students and nineteen Visitors, making a total of one hundred and thirty-two. The President declared the meeting open at 4.20 p.m. OBITUARIES The President: 'It is my sad duty to announce the deaths of the following members of the Institute. Dr J. A. Papenfus, Fellow, who joined the Institute in 1942 and passed away on the 28th of May, 1970. Mr D. G. Beadle, Fellow, who joined the Institute in 1946 and passed away on the 17th of June, 1970. Gentlemen, Derek Beadle was very well known in this Institute. His papers on dust will be remembered and, at the time of his untimely death, he was one of our assistant editors. As a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased and in sympathy with the bereaved, I would ask you to rise and observe a few moments' silence.' MINUTES The President: 'May we confirm the minutes of the General Meeting held on 15th April, 1970, as published in the July, 1970, issue of the Journal'. Agreed. WELCOME TO VISITORS The President: 'Ladies and Gentlemen, we are honoured this afternoon by the presence of many distinguished guests and I extend to you all a most cordial welcome. We are happy to have with us Dr A. A. von Maltitz, President of the Chamber of Mines of South Africa, who is also Honorary President of this Institute. We also have one of our Honorary Vice- Presidents, Mr T. L. Gibbs, the Government Mining Engineer; Mr D. E. Hamm, President, Institution of Certificated Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, S.A.; Mr S. C. M. Naude, Director, Witwatersrand Technical College; Mr I. R. G. Stephen, Senior Vice-President, The S.A. Institute of Electrical Engineers; Mr G. M. Tompkins, President, The S.A. Institution of Mechanical Engineers; Professor P. B. Ackermann, President of the Geological Society of S.A.; Mr A. S. Robinson, Vice-President of the S.A. Institute of Civil Engineers; Professor W. Mare, President of the Institute of Land Surveyors of the Transvaal; Mr B. D. Charlton, President of the S.A. Institute of Assayers and Analysts; Mr R. Hemp, The President, The Mine Ventilation Society of S.A.; Mr L. J. Prince, The President, The S.A. Association of Mine Managers; Mr J. Botha, The President, The S.A. Institute of Foundrymen; Mr G. Niterl, The President, The Institute of Welding; Mr M. R. Gericke, President, S.A. Council of Professional Engineers; Mr N. A. Honnet, Chairman, Orange Free State Branch; Mr P. R. C. Cooke, Chairman. The South African Chemical Institute (S. Tvl' Section). Gentlemen, we are very honoured indeed, to have these distinguished gentlemen with us this afternoon, as our honoured guests. We are also pleased to have with us, one of our Honorary Fellows, Mr F. G. Hill, and several Past-Presidents. I also extend a very warm welcome to all our lady guests and to all our other visitors.' MEMBERSHIP The President: 'I have pleasure in announcing that the names of the following candidates, having been published in accordance with By-Law 5.2.2, Council has elected them to membership in the following grades: NEW APPLICATIONS Fellows: Herbert Dalton-Brown, Stephen William Morel. Members: Clive Lester Workman-Davies, Basil James Russell Botha. Students: Timothy Nigel Watson, John William Hairbottle. I wish to welcome the new members to the Institute and to congratulate those members who have been transferred to a higher grade.' ANNUAL REPORTOFTHE COUNCILAND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30th JUNE, 1970 The President: 'I now have pleasure in presenting to you, the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for the year ended June, 1970. These have been handed to you this afternoon and, as is customary, I propose they be taken as read. Before moving their adoption, however, I would like to refer to some of the salient features, leaving as is usual, the task of dealing with the finances, to our Honorary Treasurer. It is encouraging that membership has continued to grow, and now stands at 1,613, an increase of 61 over last year's total. Your Council, however, is aware that there are still people in our mining and metallurgical industries, who could qualify for membership, but who have not yet joined the Institute. A drive to increase membership was accordingly organised, and members of Council were given the responsibility for campaigning in sections of industry, and for publicising the objectives and advantages of belonging to the Institute. Up to now there has not been much reaction to this campaign, but I hope we will see results in the coming year. At the same time, Council has recognised the need for change in the conduct of the Institute's affairs in order to meet the changing needs of our membership. Our members, both mining and metallurgical, are in the first place, geographically more widely dispersed than they used to be, and secondly, with the growth of the metallurgical industry, their technical interests are now more diversified. The Institute must cope with these changing needs if we are to continue to perform a useful function. The