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By Peter Chou, Pooyan Asadollahi, Danny Lin

To maintain flexibility and ductility of tunnels crossing active faults, various mitigation measures are being utilized depending on fault offset movements and seismic design criteria. Examples of those approaches are simple bell and spigot joint, articulated joint, and complex deformable longitudinal bolt and spring joint system with seismic isolation washer. This paper presents a summary of tunnel fault crossing mitigation approaches and design considerations using previous relevant experiences in California as well as case histories from Japan, Taiwan, Turkey, Greece, and Italy found in literatures. Comparisons are made between large and small diameter tunnels, transportation, and utility tunnels, as well as bored, mined and cut-and-cover tunnels. Recent innovations, such as Japanese and Italian techniques, for tunnels crossing active faults are also discussed.

Jun 13, 2021

By J. L. Kearns

The importance of optimizing equipment replacement decisions becomes more critical each year due to the rising costs of buying new equipment versus maintaining old equipment. Replacing equipment when it is physically worn out, or replacing it too soon or too late relative to its Economic Life (when it is economically worn out), is very costly. After extensive literature review and research, Kennecott has developed its Equipment Replacement Guide (ERG) system which identifies, evaluates, and justifies the replacement of uneconomical equipment. The system considers such critical factors as inflation, decreasing work capability, increasing maintenance/repair and operating costs, taxes, time value of money, return on investment, salvage value, and investment tax credit. These factors are used in a system of equations which balance the costs of new equipment against the total operating costs of old equipment. The solution of the equations determines the Economic Life of equipment. Replacement of equipment at the determined Economic Life will earn the specified, required return on investment that is used in the calculation of the Economic Life.

Jan 1, 1979

By Andrew J. Gaber

Beginning in 1961 the Coal Research Bureau of the West Virginia University School of Mines began a program of research to investigate the potential of the magnetic separation process to remove sulfur of the pyritic form from pulverized coal. Using a so-called isodynamic magnetic separator (1) it was demonstrated that significant quantities of pyritic sulfur could be removed from coal. Pulverized coal samples representing several different coal seams were individually screened into sizes in the 48 mesh by 200 mesh (297 to 74 microns) range, and untreated and steam-air treated samples of each were processed by the magnetic separator. The results of the investigations to magnetically remove pyrite from coal were published in two separate reports issued by the Coal Research Bureau (2,3), The isodynamic magnetic separator was designed about 30 years ago for use in geological and mineralogical laboratories (1,4,5) to isolate one or more minerals exhibiting only small differences in their magnetic propertiese Specifically, to accomplish this, the air gap of the unit was designed to provide a nearly constant magnetic gradient both laterally and longitudinally in the separating zone. It is reported that mineral concentrates of 99.5 percent purity can-be produced on closely-sized fractions after several cleanings through the unit. The isodynamic magnetic separator, therefore, was not expected to process coal containing sizes smaller than 200 mesh, or to demonstrate commercial capability to process pulverized coal. The primary purpose of the Coal Research Bureau in using the unit was that of determining if the magnetic process could remove pyrite from coal, and thereby encourage further research directed toward development of acceptable full-scale processing equipment.

Jan 1, 1969

By C. C. Hatch

As part of a general project to simulate a concentrator, the Brenda Mines Limited secondary crushing plant, located near Peachland, B. C., was sampled during the summer and winter of 1975 to develop a digital crushing plant simulator specific to the Brenda operation. The purpose of this simulator was to study the influence of manipulable process variables on important responses and to permit study of alternative circuit configurations if desired. This paper describes the simulation methodology employed and presents the results of a computer study of the secondary crushing plant (1).

Jan 1, 1979

By James A. Erdman

This overview briefly describes some examples of applications and difficulties in using plants that are drawn from the literature and from field experience. Because of the generally low Au concentra¬tions found in plants, the analysis of plant tissue is critical to the successful application of the biogeochemical method of prospecting. Neutron activation analysis is the most widely used method to detect Au in plants, due largely to its sensitivity; levels in the parts per billion range are easily attained. Two general types of sampling media are used in prospecting for Au: humus and living plants. Humus has been widely used in Canada, but the sampling of plants has increased there and elsewhere in recent years. The use of douglas-fir (Paeudotsuga menziesii) at a Au-bearing stockwork in Idaho is a prime example. A maximum Au concentration of 14 ppm was detected in the wood ash of this coniferous tree, well above the normal background concentration of about 0.15 ppm. Among shrubs that might be useful in Au prospecting, sagebrush or wormwood (genus Artemisia) could be sampled because it is extremely responsive to concealed mineralization. It has been used extensively in the Soviet Union and could be used in areas of the western United States where disseminated Au occurrences might be located. Among the problems one may encounter in using plants for Au prospecting are (1) physiological barriers, by which many plant species simply do not absorb Au at detectable levels; (2) misconceptions of soil-plant correlations; (3) localization of Au in plant tissue; and (4) the variation of Au concentrations due to season. Despite these limitations, biogeochemical techniques can complement or replace other geochemical methods currently used.

Jan 1, 2013

By John B. Pate

In a recent issue of the Mining Congress Journal, J. L. Gilliland discussed the relationship of air quality criteria, standards, and regu¬lations (1). As he pointed out, The Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare is charged with issuing "Air Quality Criteria" which are statements concerning the concentration-effects relationship of an air pollutant. These "criteria" provide the states with a basis for their air quality "standards," which may lead in turn to emission "regulations." He further cites a list of major factors described by the National Air Pollution Control Administration, which must be considered in developing criteria. These are: properties of pollution; responses; measurement methods; exposure parameters; and characteristics of receptors. Although we briefly discuss the first two items, the principal concern of this paper is with the third item, the methods of measurements. In attempting to define responses, it has proven surprisingly difficult to establish a clear-cut cause-effect relationship between air pollutants and impairment of health. It is perhaps not too surprising that the ecological approach currently in fashion seems to be a much more powerful tool in defining cause-effects relationships. Without belaboring the point, we would like to point out that establishing such cause-effect relationships have tremendous legal and financial implications e.g., consider the possible establishment of such a relationship between pollution and inadvertent weather modification.

Jan 1, 1970

By George H. Willis

In the second half of the nineteenth century, bimetallism progressively replaced by gold standard. After World War I and 1931-33 depression, gold mainly reserved for official international transactions and internal use restricted. Changes since 1971 have shrunk official international use of gold. International payments deficits and surpluses now financed by private and official credit, rarely by gold. Historical review covers evolution of: (1) internal and external private use, (2) internal official use, (3) external official use, (4) role in IMF and (5) use as unit of account.

Jan 1, 1978

By A. K. Gangopadhyay

This paper discusses the effect of grinding media composition, mineral type and slurry environment on the wear rate of various grinding media (balls). Sufficient wear data have been obtained and correlated with the modes of wear determined from examination of the ball surfaces using scanning electron microscopy. Five modes of wear have been identified to be operative under certain slurry conditions for the various ball compositions studied.

Jan 1, 1984

By K. C. Watts

The Silver City mining region is located in Grant County, southwestern New Mexico (Fig. 1). This area is well known, having produced large tonnages of base and lesser amounts of precious metals over the past several years. Mining within the region continues today, as well as exploration activity, which seems to have been on the increase since the recent discovery of a large skarn-associated Zn-Pb-Cu replacement deposit near Pinos Altos, a mineral district within the region (McKnight and Fellows, 1978). Because the Silver City area contains a number of mineral districts and retains promise for additional deposits, as suggested by widespread hydrothermal alteration and favorable igneous rocks, it was selected as the focus of two independent geochemical studies, both seeking to enhance anomaly-to- background contrast in order to improve our abilities to detect blind metal deposits or subtle manifestations of near-surface occurrences. The first of these independent studies involved the systematic sampling of those secondary Fe-Mn oxides that occur within coatings, selvages, and fault fillings, and then the selective extraction of these oxides from the host-rock matrix by chemical methods. The second study sought to isolate clastic Fe-Mn-rich materials from the heavy fraction of stream alluvium. The ultimate source of the clastic Fe-Mn oxides is presumed to be the same coatings, selvages, and fault fillings sought by the direct sampling of joints, but has been transported as a result of lateral erosional processes.

Jan 1, 1981

By James A. Berberick

Research methods to develop an economic model for the determination of regional mineral advantage are discussed. An industrial complex conceptual framework is used to study potential mineral resource outputs of Kansas. A procedure for making a comparative cost analysis of potential outputs for a Kansas-based industrial complex is outlined and illustrated. Methods for estimating aggregate demand and for developing an input-output matrix for a hypothetical limestone complex are explained. The input-output matrix is expressed in physical units. A computer algorithm for converting physical production data and input cost data into total cost per unit of output information is briefly explained and flowcharted. Limitations and usefulness of this procedure in determining regional advantages are surveyed.

Jan 1, 1969

By Ted T. Biddle

The world energy crisis has created a greatly expanded exploration program for energy fuels. The demand for materials required for drilling operations such as barite, which is the primary component of drilling fluids, has increased proportionally. As in the case of many other minerals, existing high grade barite mines are no longer capable of producing the required tonnage. Consequently, exploration and development of lower grade ore bodies has been increased. The need to produce a high quality product at maximum recovery rates, along with the ever changing economics affecting both selling price and production costs has triggered accelerated research programs toward more sophisticated and efficient beneficiation methods. Taking into account the specific gravity differential between barite (4.5) and the normal gangue minerals such as silica and calcite (2.7), gravity concentration methods are the prime consideration with flotation as a scavenging process. Greater emphasis on particle size liberation, size reduction and concentration is also indicated. In order to accomplish these objectives, it has been necessary to revert back to the old adage, "Recover your minerals as soon as they are free."

Jan 1, 1980

By William P. Shell

An important part of process control engineering is the implementation of the basic control system design through commissioning to routine operation. This is a period when basic concepts can be reviewed and improvements either implemented or recorded for application in future systems. The experience of commissioning the process control systems in the Homer City coal cleaning plant are described and discussed. The current level of operating control performance in individual sections and the overall system are also reported and discussed.

Jan 1, 1983

By Louis W. Cope

Many Americans have seen Greenland while flying over it on their way to or from Europe. Few have visited this largest island in the world. Portions of the 20 percent of the territory that are not ice-covered are highly mineralized. Greenland could become very productive if the present interest in exploration increases. The people and Greenland’s history The population of Greenland is 57,000. Twenty percent are Europeans, mainly of Danish decent, while 80percent are native Greenlandic or mixed Greenlandic-European. The native population is the same as the Inuit of the Canadian Arctic. They speak the same language.

Jan 1, 2004

By Zephaniah Varley, Satoshi Akai, Richard Sage, Steve Redmond, Mike Murray, Rohit Shetty, Gerald Skalla

One would be hard pressed to find another project as complex as this one given its configuration, the variety of issues to address and the required construction techniques. Contract C710 is currently under construction as part of Sound Transit’s Link Light Rail, connecting downtown Seattle with Sea-Tac Airport. The paper describes the construction-to-date of the deep mined station under Beacon Hill using the Sequential Excavation Method (SEM). This deep “binocular” station is being mined through some of the most challenging soft ground conditions in the USA. The excavated volume of the station is approximately 60,000 cy (46,000 m3) and the station comprises a variety of geometries and cross sections ranging from 235 sf (22 m2) up to 1,670 sf (155 m2). This underground complex includes platform, concourse, cross-passage and emergency ventilation tunnels together with station egress and ventilation shafts. Various excavation sequences are in use for the different tunnels including the twin-sidewall drifts for the impressive45 ft (13.7 m) wide by 42 ft ( 12.8 m) high concourse cross adits. This station has two train platforms approximately 165 feet (50m) below the surface. This station, constructed in highly variable glacial deposits including water bearing sands and silts approximately 50 ft below multiple perched water tables in an urban setting, creates a very unique and challenging situation. The ground is being managed with various types of ground improvements such as jet grouting and vacuum assisted deep dewatering wells from the surface, and from underground by use of “SEM Tool-box Items” such as barrel vault canopy, grouted pipe and rebar spiling, chemical grout,

Jan 1, 2007

By Leon Maday, Robert Robinson, Judy Cochran, Don Davis

Over the past 20 years, several soft-ground tunnels have been successfully completed in the Seattle area. These tunnels were built using design-bid-build contracting methods, and have benefited from advancing technologies in exploration, design and construction methods. Owners have utilized various contractual means to share some of the risks that are inherent to tunneling projects. This has helped to foster a competitive bidding environment and to resolve issues related to unanticipated underground conditions in a fair manner. This paper presents case histories of tunnels constructed by King County and the Washington Dept. of Transportation that illustrate a common approach to design and construction issues. The common thread is successful project completion with minor cost changes under the design-bid-build contracting method. Lessons learned from these projects are being applied to the upcoming King County Brightwater Project tunnels, Sound Transit’s Light “Link” Rail tunnels and other tunnel projects.

Jan 1, 2005

By Patrick J. Doig

In mid-1991, the design/build contractor set to work on the Pergau HEP in a remote corner of Malaysia, armed with only a slim volume of conceptual drawings. The next five years saw roads, power lines, buildings, dams, and over 30 kilometers of tunnel constructed, followed by two years of E&M installation and commissioning. Along the way, the project overcame geothermal groundwater, faults, land disputes, monsoon rains, marauding tigers, and those most fearsome of foes, politicians and the press. This paper is a testament to the ingenuity, commitment, and persistence of the construction industry professionals who brought this massive project to fruition.

Jan 1, 2001

By Graham Jones

During 1982 Ash Grove Cement Company contracted with Wagester, Walker, Thornton & Company to convert a Calcimatic rotating hearth kiln at its Portland, Oregon lime plant from gas/oil to coal firing. Increasing costs of natural gas and No. 6 fuel oil made this conversion mandatory if the plant was to remain competitive. Unique features of this project are 1) the distributors of pulverized coal to eighteen small burners around the inner and outer perimeters of the doughnut-shaped kiln, and 2) the attrition-dryer-pulverizer mill. Ash Grove, a century-old lime and cement producer headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas (Kansas City area), looked at various schemes for multiple burner firing before employing Wagester, Walker, Thornton & Company. W.W.T. of Pitts- burgh, Pennsylvania was formed in 1980 by acquiring the Solid Fuels Division of the Pullman Swindell Corporation. This division had been active in developing solid fuel firing for brick tunnel kilns, principally in the Southeast. They continue to supply such systems firing wood waste as well as coal to the brick industry and have also converted two Calcimatic lime kilns for Dixie Lime, Sumterville, Florida, a fluid bed calciner for Texas Gulf in Aurora, North Carolina, and a chrome concentrate kiln for Diamond Chemicals at Castle Hayne, North Carolina. Testing and a proposal have been made for INMETCO, Elwood City, Pennsylvania, on an annular hearth furnace for direct reduction of iron ore to metallic iron.

Jan 1, 1984

By A. W. Khair

This paper deals with the causes and mechanisms of pillar failure in a southern West Virginia coal mine. The conclusions are based on in-mine observations and analysis of mining methods, eyewitness account of the sequence of events, topographic and geologic conditions, and mechanical properties of mine roof, coal, and floor. The study indicated that massive pillar failure was caused by the collapse of the mine roof. The collapse of the mine roof was due to the combined effects of high lateral compressive stress and high extraction ratio causing excessive bending of the roof beyond its limit. It was assumed that the higher lateral compressive stress under such a shallow cover was probably due to the drastic change in the structural geology of the area and possible residual stresses. Eased on the analytical study it was concluded that the sudden release of elastic energy (shock) due to the rupture of the roof caused the squeezing of approximately eighty mine pillars.

Jan 1, 1983

By H. Lowers, P. Hageman, S. Diehl, D. Fey

Understanding relationships between mineralogy, texture, microstructural features, and element distribution and residence in minerals, is critical for accurate modeling of mineral weathering in waste-rock piles. The morphology of minerals and deformation structures, such as veins and faults, are important factors that control: (1) fluid access to the mineral surface to initiate dissolution, (2) the distribution of trace elements, and (3) formation of secondary minerals. We characterized the mineralogy, textures, and chemical properties of waste-rock material at three sites at scales ranging from outcrop to micrometer scale. A comprehensive hand-sample to thin-section scale methodology utilizing light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe, and laser ablation ICP-MS was used to thoroughly characterize the waste-rock material.

Jan 1, 2007

By Bijan Taheri, Behrouz Maghsodi, Monireh Heshami, Reza Kohan

A common problem recently encountered with the increase in the rate of input feed at Enrichment Plant 2 of the Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex is the loss of value to the tails, translating to lower recoveries. The feasibility of the direct transfer of part of the high-grade concentrate from rougher stages to an appropriate position along the circuit was studied, and two positions were proposed for direct transfer of the concentrate. One position was the feed flow into cleaner cells, and the other was the feed flow into the recleaner cell. The results indicated that transferring the concentrate from the first unit of the rougher stage to the feed flow into the cleaner cells was feasible, with no limitations, while the second position required the installation of a set of hydrocyclones. It was found that the transfer of concentrate to the proposed positions not only addressed the problem of limited cell capacity, resulting in debottlenecking of the circuit, but also improved metallurgical separation efficiency up to 1.4%.