Pub Date : 2020-04-01DOI: 10.22044/JME.2020.8808.1770
M. Fayiah
Sierra Leone is blessed with abundant natural resources but yet prone to environmental degradation due to the mining operations. Most often, the mining communities are faced with social tensions, as a result of the possible trade-off between the expected employment impact and the cost of mining operations to the environment. Over the past decades, the contribution of the mining sector to the development of the country has been overshadowed by the fact that the mining operations have had adverse negative effects, mainly due to the country's weak environmental policies and the failure of the mine monitoring institutions, to supervise the operations of mining company operations. This article seeks to examine both the environmental and the social implication of mining operations on three mining edge communities in Sierra Leone. This paper also utilizes secondary data from the published articles, government’s reports, workshops and conference proceedings, policy documents of non-governmental organizations, newspapers, and the like to generate this writer's view on the topic under review. The thrust of the review will be on the following: Sierra Rutile Limited, Koidu Holdings Limited, and Shandong Iron Ore Mines. The above mining companies have been carefully selected due to the fact that they are located close to dwelling communities, and have been mining in Sierra Leone over a long period of time. The environmental performance index and the mining impact framework are used to clearly show the impact of mining operations on the environment in Sierra Leone. As a result of mining operations, deforestation is skyrocketing, public discomfort and air pollution has worsened, and social unrest has increased as a result of some unacceptable consequences including pollution of water source without recourse to short-term remedy. The literature reviewed by this writer reveals that the mining activities have two faces in Sierra Leone. One is that it serves as a resource curse. An example to this sad reality is the outbreak of civil war, social unrest among others. On the other hand, the mining sector is one of the principal backbones of the economy. It contributes to the livelihood of the country. This paper introduces three-way approaches of mining sector operation remedies that include but not limited to: 1) sound Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) adoption before mining operations starts; 2) carrying out Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA); 3) regular engagement with all stakeholders of mining-affected communities. This article recommends that restoration activities by mining companies go along with extraction and adequate compensation.
{"title":"Mining and Environmental Degradation: a Gift Brings Grief Scenario for Mining Communities in Sierra Leone","authors":"M. Fayiah","doi":"10.22044/JME.2020.8808.1770","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22044/JME.2020.8808.1770","url":null,"abstract":"Sierra Leone is blessed with abundant natural resources but yet prone to environmental degradation due to the mining operations. Most often, the mining communities are faced with social tensions, as a result of the possible trade-off between the expected employment impact and the cost of mining operations to the environment. Over the past decades, the contribution of the mining sector to the development of the country has been overshadowed by the fact that the mining operations have had adverse negative effects, mainly due to the country's weak environmental policies and the failure of the mine monitoring institutions, to supervise the operations of mining company operations. This article seeks to examine both the environmental and the social implication of mining operations on three mining edge communities in Sierra Leone. This paper also utilizes secondary data from the published articles, government’s reports, workshops and conference proceedings, policy documents of non-governmental organizations, newspapers, and the like to generate this writer's view on the topic under review. The thrust of the review will be on the following: Sierra Rutile Limited, Koidu Holdings Limited, and Shandong Iron Ore Mines. The above mining companies have been carefully selected due to the fact that they are located close to dwelling communities, and have been mining in Sierra Leone over a long period of time. The environmental performance index and the mining impact framework are used to clearly show the impact of mining operations on the environment in Sierra Leone. As a result of mining operations, deforestation is skyrocketing, public discomfort and air pollution has worsened, and social unrest has increased as a result of some unacceptable consequences including pollution of water source without recourse to short-term remedy. The literature reviewed by this writer reveals that the mining activities have two faces in Sierra Leone. One is that it serves as a resource curse. An example to this sad reality is the outbreak of civil war, social unrest among others. On the other hand, the mining sector is one of the principal backbones of the economy. It contributes to the livelihood of the country. This paper introduces three-way approaches of mining sector operation remedies that include but not limited to: 1) sound Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) adoption before mining operations starts; 2) carrying out Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA); 3) regular engagement with all stakeholders of mining-affected communities. This article recommends that restoration activities by mining companies go along with extraction and adequate compensation.","PeriodicalId":45259,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mining and Environment","volume":"11 1","pages":"347-361"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42001741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-04-01DOI: 10.22044/JME.2020.9109.1800
R. Siyar, F. D. Ardejani, M. Farahbakhsh, M. Yavarzadeh, Soroush Maghsoudy
Copper smelting and refinery factories are the final stages of a pyrometallurgical processing chain, and they cause many environmental challenges around the world. One of the most common environmental problems of these factories is toxic emissions. These toxic gases have harmful effects on the vegetation, animal species, soils, and water resources around the factories. Phytoremediation can play an important role in the reduction of the adverse effects of environmental pollutions arising from copper smelting and refinery factories. In this paper, we first discuss different types of pollutions caused by copper metallurgical factories, and present the main research approaches and studies conducted on these factories. In the second part, we provide a summary and comparison of different remediation technologies used to reduce the environmental pollutions of these factories. Besides, the advantages and disadvantages of each method is also investigated. In the third part, we review the different aspects of the phytoremediation including the effective mechanisms, different types of plants, application environments, and the effective factors. The next part includes the selection of suitable plants for the phytoremediation process applied for copper metallurgical factories and investigation of the native and cultivated hyperaccumulator plants. In addition, different efficiency indices are introduced for evaluating the phytoremediation efficiency and selecting an appropriate hyperaccumulator plant. At the final stage, some appropriate plant species for various types of phytoremediation are introduced. The effects of different environmental stresses and the possibilities of integrating phytoremediation with other remediation technologies as well as the advantages and disadvantages of phytoremediation are eventually investigated.
{"title":"Application of Phytoremediation to Reduce Environmental Pollution of Copper Smelting and Refinery Factories: a Review","authors":"R. Siyar, F. D. Ardejani, M. Farahbakhsh, M. Yavarzadeh, Soroush Maghsoudy","doi":"10.22044/JME.2020.9109.1800","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22044/JME.2020.9109.1800","url":null,"abstract":"Copper smelting and refinery factories are the final stages of a pyrometallurgical processing chain, and they cause many environmental challenges around the world. One of the most common environmental problems of these factories is toxic emissions. These toxic gases have harmful effects on the vegetation, animal species, soils, and water resources around the factories. Phytoremediation can play an important role in the reduction of the adverse effects of environmental pollutions arising from copper smelting and refinery factories. In this paper, we first discuss different types of pollutions caused by copper metallurgical factories, and present the main research approaches and studies conducted on these factories. In the second part, we provide a summary and comparison of different remediation technologies used to reduce the environmental pollutions of these factories. Besides, the advantages and disadvantages of each method is also investigated. In the third part, we review the different aspects of the phytoremediation including the effective mechanisms, different types of plants, application environments, and the effective factors. The next part includes the selection of suitable plants for the phytoremediation process applied for copper metallurgical factories and investigation of the native and cultivated hyperaccumulator plants. In addition, different efficiency indices are introduced for evaluating the phytoremediation efficiency and selecting an appropriate hyperaccumulator plant. At the final stage, some appropriate plant species for various types of phytoremediation are introduced. The effects of different environmental stresses and the possibilities of integrating phytoremediation with other remediation technologies as well as the advantages and disadvantages of phytoremediation are eventually investigated.","PeriodicalId":45259,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mining and Environment","volume":"11 1","pages":"517-537"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42369408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-04-01DOI: 10.22044/JME.2020.9383.1841
N. Ahmadi, M. Jafari, M. Espahbod, N. Kohansal Ghadimvand
Identification of the vertical and horizontal distributions for elemental grades is of an important sign in different mineral exploration stages. The main aim of this work is to determine the vertical distribution directional properties of Cu values in the Milloieh Cu porphyry deposit, Kerman (SE Iran) using the power-law frequency fractal model. This work is carried out based on four mineralized boreholes. The Cu grade vertical distribution in mineralized boreholes indicates a positively skewed distribution in the former and multi-modal distribution in the latter types. The power-law frequency analysis in nature represents that the Cu values in four mineralized boreholes are bifractal. The two sections of these graphs outline a break point of about 0.5-1% for Cu values and fractal dimension range of 1.70-4.97 in the mineralized boreholes.
{"title":"Application of Power-Law Frequency Fractal Model for Recognition of Vertical Cu Distribution in Milloieh Porphyry Deposit, SE Iran","authors":"N. Ahmadi, M. Jafari, M. Espahbod, N. Kohansal Ghadimvand","doi":"10.22044/JME.2020.9383.1841","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22044/JME.2020.9383.1841","url":null,"abstract":"Identification of the vertical and horizontal distributions for elemental grades is of an important sign in different mineral exploration stages. The main aim of this work is to determine the vertical distribution directional properties of Cu values in the Milloieh Cu porphyry deposit, Kerman (SE Iran) using the power-law frequency fractal model. This work is carried out based on four mineralized boreholes. The Cu grade vertical distribution in mineralized boreholes indicates a positively skewed distribution in the former and multi-modal distribution in the latter types. The power-law frequency analysis in nature represents that the Cu values in four mineralized boreholes are bifractal. The two sections of these graphs outline a break point of about 0.5-1% for Cu values and fractal dimension range of 1.70-4.97 in the mineralized boreholes.","PeriodicalId":45259,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mining and Environment","volume":"11 1","pages":"555-562"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44487414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-04-01DOI: 10.22044/JME.2020.9293.1829
T. Ramezanalizadeh, M. Monjezi, A. Sayadi, A. Mousavinogholi
Waste rock dumping is very important in the production planning of open-pit mines. This subject is more crucial when there is a potential of acid-forming (PAF) by waste rocks. In such a type of mines, to protect the environment, the PAF materials should be encapsulated by non-harmful rocks. Therefore, block sequencing of the mined materials should be in such a way that both the environmental and economic considerations are considered. If non-acid forming (NAF) rocks are not mined in a proper time, then a stockpile is required for the NAF materials, which later on would be re-handled for encapsulation of PAF rocks. In the available models, the focus is on either block sequencing or waste dumping strategy. In this work, an attempt has been made to develop an integrated mathematical model for simultaneous optimization of block sequencing and waste rock dumping. The developed model not only maximizes the net present value (NPV) but also decreases the destructive environmental effects of inappropriate waste dumping. The proposed model, which is solved by a CPLEX engine, is applied to two different iron deposits. Also the performance of the proposed model is cross-checked by applying the available (traditional) models in a two-step manner. According to the results obtained, it can be considered that utilizing the developed model, because of extensive re-handling cost reduction, the NPV improvement is significant, especially when the overall stripping ratio is higher (deposit case A).
{"title":"Development of An Integrated Mathematical Model to Optimize Waste Rock dumping Satisfying Environmental Aspects","authors":"T. Ramezanalizadeh, M. Monjezi, A. Sayadi, A. Mousavinogholi","doi":"10.22044/JME.2020.9293.1829","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22044/JME.2020.9293.1829","url":null,"abstract":"Waste rock dumping is very important in the production planning of open-pit mines. This subject is more crucial when there is a potential of acid-forming (PAF) by waste rocks. In such a type of mines, to protect the environment, the PAF materials should be encapsulated by non-harmful rocks. Therefore, block sequencing of the mined materials should be in such a way that both the environmental and economic considerations are considered. If non-acid forming (NAF) rocks are not mined in a proper time, then a stockpile is required for the NAF materials, which later on would be re-handled for encapsulation of PAF rocks. In the available models, the focus is on either block sequencing or waste dumping strategy. In this work, an attempt has been made to develop an integrated mathematical model for simultaneous optimization of block sequencing and waste rock dumping. The developed model not only maximizes the net present value (NPV) but also decreases the destructive environmental effects of inappropriate waste dumping. The proposed model, which is solved by a CPLEX engine, is applied to two different iron deposits. Also the performance of the proposed model is cross-checked by applying the available (traditional) models in a two-step manner. According to the results obtained, it can be considered that utilizing the developed model, because of extensive re-handling cost reduction, the NPV improvement is significant, especially when the overall stripping ratio is higher (deposit case A).","PeriodicalId":45259,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mining and Environment","volume":"11 1","pages":"577-586"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47205602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-04-01DOI: 10.22044/JME.2020.9328.1835
H. Fattahi
The uniaxial compressive strength of weak rocks (UCSWR) is among the essential parameters involved for the design of underground excavations, surface and underground mines, foundations in/on rock masses, and oil wells as an input factor of some analytical and empirical methods such as RMR and RMI. The direct standard approaches are difficult, expensive, and time-consuming, especially with highly fractured, highly porous, weak, and homogeneous rocks. Numerous endeavors have been made to develop indirect approaches of predicting UCSWR. In this research work, a new intelligence method, namely relevance vector regression (RVR), improved by the cuckoo search (CS) and harmony search (HS) algorithms is introduced to forecast UCSWR. The HS and CS algorithms are combined with RVR to determine the optimal values for the RVR controlling factors. The optimized models (RVR-HS and RVR-CS) are employed to the available data given in the open-source literature. In these models, the bulk density, Brazilian tensile strength test, point load index test, and ultrasonic test are used as the inputs, while UCSWR is the output parameter. The performances of the suggested predictive models are tested according to two performance indices, i.e. mean square error and determination coefficient. The results obtained show that RVR optimized by the HS model can be successfully utilized for estimation of UCSWR with R2 = 0.9903 and MSE = 0.0031203.
{"title":"A New Method for Forecasting Uniaxial Compressive Strength of Weak Rocks","authors":"H. Fattahi","doi":"10.22044/JME.2020.9328.1835","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22044/JME.2020.9328.1835","url":null,"abstract":"The uniaxial compressive strength of weak rocks (UCSWR) is among the essential parameters involved for the design of underground excavations, surface and underground mines, foundations in/on rock masses, and oil wells as an input factor of some analytical and empirical methods such as RMR and RMI. The direct standard approaches are difficult, expensive, and time-consuming, especially with highly fractured, highly porous, weak, and homogeneous rocks. Numerous endeavors have been made to develop indirect approaches of predicting UCSWR. In this research work, a new intelligence method, namely relevance vector regression (RVR), improved by the cuckoo search (CS) and harmony search (HS) algorithms is introduced to forecast UCSWR. The HS and CS algorithms are combined with RVR to determine the optimal values for the RVR controlling factors. The optimized models (RVR-HS and RVR-CS) are employed to the available data given in the open-source literature. In these models, the bulk density, Brazilian tensile strength test, point load index test, and ultrasonic test are used as the inputs, while UCSWR is the output parameter. The performances of the suggested predictive models are tested according to two performance indices, i.e. mean square error and determination coefficient. The results obtained show that RVR optimized by the HS model can be successfully utilized for estimation of UCSWR with R2 = 0.9903 and MSE = 0.0031203.","PeriodicalId":45259,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mining and Environment","volume":"11 1","pages":"505-515"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42624918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-04-01DOI: 10.22044/JME.2020.8710.1757
S. T. Hosseini, O. Asghari, S. Torabi, M. Abedi
An accurate modeling of sophisticated geological units has a substantial impact on designing a mine extraction plan. Geostatistical simulation approaches, via defining a variogram model or incorporating a training image (TI), can tackle the construction of various geological units when a sparse pattern of drilling is available. The variogram-based techniques (derived from two-point geostatistics) usually suffer from reproducing complex and non-linear geological units as dyke. However, multipoint geostatistics (MPS) resolves this issue by incorporating a training image from a prior geological information. This work deals with the multi-step Single Normal Equation Simulation (SNESIM) algorithm of dyke structures in the Sungun Porphyry-Cu system, NW Iran. In order to perform a multi-step SNESIM algorithm, the multi-criteria decision-making and MPS approaches are used in a combined form. To this end, two TIs are considered, one for simulating dyke structures in the shallow depth, and two for simulating dyke structures in a deeper depth. In the first step, a TI is produced using geological map, which has been mined out during the previous exploration operations. After producing TI, the 35 realizations are simulated for the shallow depth of deposit in the area under study. To select the best realization (as a TI for the next step) of the simulation results, several statistical criteria are used and the results obtained are compared. To this end, a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making is designed on the basis of a group of statistical criteria. In the next step, the dyke structures in the deeper depth are also simulated by the new TI.
{"title":"An Optimum Selection of Simulated Geological Models by Multi-Point Geostatistics and Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approaches; a Case Study in Sungun Porphyry-Cu deposit, Iran","authors":"S. T. Hosseini, O. Asghari, S. Torabi, M. Abedi","doi":"10.22044/JME.2020.8710.1757","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22044/JME.2020.8710.1757","url":null,"abstract":"An accurate modeling of sophisticated geological units has a substantial impact on designing a mine extraction plan. Geostatistical simulation approaches, via defining a variogram model or incorporating a training image (TI), can tackle the construction of various geological units when a sparse pattern of drilling is available. The variogram-based techniques (derived from two-point geostatistics) usually suffer from reproducing complex and non-linear geological units as dyke. However, multipoint geostatistics (MPS) resolves this issue by incorporating a training image from a prior geological information. This work deals with the multi-step Single Normal Equation Simulation (SNESIM) algorithm of dyke structures in the Sungun Porphyry-Cu system, NW Iran. In order to perform a multi-step SNESIM algorithm, the multi-criteria decision-making and MPS approaches are used in a combined form. To this end, two TIs are considered, one for simulating dyke structures in the shallow depth, and two for simulating dyke structures in a deeper depth. In the first step, a TI is produced using geological map, which has been mined out during the previous exploration operations. After producing TI, the 35 realizations are simulated for the shallow depth of deposit in the area under study. To select the best realization (as a TI for the next step) of the simulation results, several statistical criteria are used and the results obtained are compared. To this end, a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making is designed on the basis of a group of statistical criteria. In the next step, the dyke structures in the deeper depth are also simulated by the new TI.","PeriodicalId":45259,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mining and Environment","volume":"11 1","pages":"481-503"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44093315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-04-01DOI: 10.22044/JME.2020.9385.1842
J. Sharif, A. Jafarpour, S. Yousefi
The computer-based 3D modeling of ore bodies is one of the most important steps in the resource estimation, grade determination, and production scheduling of open-pit mines. In the modeling phase, the volume of the orebody model is required to be filled by the blocks and sub-blocks. The determination of Block Size (BS) is important due to the dependence of the geostatistical issues and calculations related to mining capabilities on it. There are some factors effective in the determination of an optimal BS including the metal content, estimation error, recovery percentage, mining ability, safety, and dilution. In this work, an optimal BS is determined using a two-stage approach. In the proposed approach, the Fuzzy Delphi Analytic Hierarchy Process (FDAHP) and Fuzzy Multi-Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis (FMOORA) methods are used. In the first phase, the weight of each criterion is calculated based on the opinions of the experts using the FDAHP method. In the second phase, the FMOORA method is applied in order to determine a suitable BS for the design and operation of mining considering the extracted weights in the previous phase. The block model of the Sungun copper mine is studied as a case study to evaluate the capability of the proposed approach. The results of implementation of this approach are desirable because of converting the opinions of the experts to fuzzy values, weighing the experts according to the experience and technical knowledge, weighting the criteria by FDAHP, and choosing the optimal option with FMOORA. Furthermore, the 12.5×12.5×12.5 m3 block (A5) is chosen as an appropriate BS, which is compatible with the real conditions of the studied mine.
{"title":"A Hybrid Fuzzy MCDM Approach to Determine an Optimal Block Size in Open-Pit Mine Modeling: a Case Study","authors":"J. Sharif, A. Jafarpour, S. Yousefi","doi":"10.22044/JME.2020.9385.1842","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22044/JME.2020.9385.1842","url":null,"abstract":"The computer-based 3D modeling of ore bodies is one of the most important steps in the resource estimation, grade determination, and production scheduling of open-pit mines. In the modeling phase, the volume of the orebody model is required to be filled by the blocks and sub-blocks. The determination of Block Size (BS) is important due to the dependence of the geostatistical issues and calculations related to mining capabilities on it. There are some factors effective in the determination of an optimal BS including the metal content, estimation error, recovery percentage, mining ability, safety, and dilution. In this work, an optimal BS is determined using a two-stage approach. In the proposed approach, the Fuzzy Delphi Analytic Hierarchy Process (FDAHP) and Fuzzy Multi-Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis (FMOORA) methods are used. In the first phase, the weight of each criterion is calculated based on the opinions of the experts using the FDAHP method. In the second phase, the FMOORA method is applied in order to determine a suitable BS for the design and operation of mining considering the extracted weights in the previous phase. The block model of the Sungun copper mine is studied as a case study to evaluate the capability of the proposed approach. The results of implementation of this approach are desirable because of converting the opinions of the experts to fuzzy values, weighing the experts according to the experience and technical knowledge, weighting the criteria by FDAHP, and choosing the optimal option with FMOORA. Furthermore, the 12.5×12.5×12.5 m3 block (A5) is chosen as an appropriate BS, which is compatible with the real conditions of the studied mine.","PeriodicalId":45259,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mining and Environment","volume":"11 1","pages":"611-627"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47210965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-04-01DOI: 10.22044/JME.2020.7864.1650
A. Dadi-givshad, M. Ahmadi, H. Nejati
One of the methods used to investigate the damaged zone in rock structure is the acoustic emission method. This method is based on receiving the elastic waves that are produced by deformation and cracking of the rock mass around the underground excavation. In this research, a study is conducted on the rock samples by a numerical method to investigate the damaged zone caused by the excavation of circular space on it. For this purpose, 33 cube samples of three different material types including sandstone, concrete, and cement-plaster mortar are prepared. A circular hole is drilled in the center of each sample. The hole diameter is 20 or 25 mm. The samples are loaded uniaxially or biaxially with different stress rates. It is tried to study the acoustic events occurring in the samples during the test, and their locations are investigated. Then the experiments are evaluated by a numerical method using the FLAC3D software and some developed codes. The relation between the sample damaged zone where the acoustic events have occurred during the loading period and the numerical elements that reach a degree of tensile and shear yield is studied. The results obtained show that the amount of cumulative acoustic parameters in cement-plaster mortar specimens is more than the others. In fact, the finer grains, the more amounts of energy and counts will be produced. Also, the results show that with increase in the lateral pressure and loading rate, the amount of cumulative energy and counts decreases.
{"title":"Study of Damaged Zone around Circular Opening Using Acoustic Emission Technique","authors":"A. Dadi-givshad, M. Ahmadi, H. Nejati","doi":"10.22044/JME.2020.7864.1650","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22044/JME.2020.7864.1650","url":null,"abstract":"One of the methods used to investigate the damaged zone in rock structure is the acoustic emission method. This method is based on receiving the elastic waves that are produced by deformation and cracking of the rock mass around the underground excavation. In this research, a study is conducted on the rock samples by a numerical method to investigate the damaged zone caused by the excavation of circular space on it. For this purpose, 33 cube samples of three different material types including sandstone, concrete, and cement-plaster mortar are prepared. A circular hole is drilled in the center of each sample. The hole diameter is 20 or 25 mm. The samples are loaded uniaxially or biaxially with different stress rates. It is tried to study the acoustic events occurring in the samples during the test, and their locations are investigated. Then the experiments are evaluated by a numerical method using the FLAC3D software and some developed codes. The relation between the sample damaged zone where the acoustic events have occurred during the loading period and the numerical elements that reach a degree of tensile and shear yield is studied. The results obtained show that the amount of cumulative acoustic parameters in cement-plaster mortar specimens is more than the others. In fact, the finer grains, the more amounts of energy and counts will be produced. Also, the results show that with increase in the lateral pressure and loading rate, the amount of cumulative energy and counts decreases.","PeriodicalId":45259,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mining and Environment","volume":"11 1","pages":"433-451"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46774908","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-04-01DOI: 10.22044/JME.2020.9041.1792
E. Farrokh
In every tunnel boring machine (TBM) tunneling project, there is an initial low production phase so-called the Learning Phase Period (LPP), in which low utilization is experienced and the operational parameters are adjusted to match the working conditions. LPP can be crucial in scheduling and evaluating the final project time and cost, especially for short tunnels for which it may constitute a major percentage of the total project completion time. The contractors are required to have a better understanding of the initial phase of a project to provide better estimates in the bidding documents. While evaluating and shortening of this phase of low production is important for increasing the productivity and daily advance rate of the machine, there has been limited a direct study and assessment of this period. In this work, we discuss the parameters impacting LPP, and introduce a new methodology for its evaluation. In this regard, an algorithm is introduced for estimation of the approximate extent of LPP based on some TBM tunneling case histories. On the basis of many statistical analyses conducted on the actual data and application of two different shapes of linear and polynomial for the description of LPP, a linear function is proposed for estimation of the learning phase parameters. The major parameters of this function are the learning conditions’ rating and the proportion of LPP to tunnel diameter (X1/D). Analysis of the correlation between these two parameters show a very good coefficient of determination (R2 = 92%). This function can be used for the evaluation of TBM advance rates in LPP and for adjusting the TBM utilization factor in the initial stages of a TBM tunneling project. The learning phase can affect the overall utilization rate and completion time of the tunnels, especially when their lengths are around a couple of kilometers. A true understanding of the LPP characteristics can help the contractors to come up with a more accurate bidding time and cost evaluation, and may also benefit the clients to arrange a better schedule for the final project delivery to the public.
{"title":"TBM Tunneling Construction Time with Respect to Learning Phase Period and Normal Phase Period","authors":"E. Farrokh","doi":"10.22044/JME.2020.9041.1792","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22044/JME.2020.9041.1792","url":null,"abstract":"In every tunnel boring machine (TBM) tunneling project, there is an initial low production phase so-called the Learning Phase Period (LPP), in which low utilization is experienced and the operational parameters are adjusted to match the working conditions. LPP can be crucial in scheduling and evaluating the final project time and cost, especially for short tunnels for which it may constitute a major percentage of the total project completion time. The contractors are required to have a better understanding of the initial phase of a project to provide better estimates in the bidding documents. While evaluating and shortening of this phase of low production is important for increasing the productivity and daily advance rate of the machine, there has been limited a direct study and assessment of this period. In this work, we discuss the parameters impacting LPP, and introduce a new methodology for its evaluation. In this regard, an algorithm is introduced for estimation of the approximate extent of LPP based on some TBM tunneling case histories. On the basis of many statistical analyses conducted on the actual data and application of two different shapes of linear and polynomial for the description of LPP, a linear function is proposed for estimation of the learning phase parameters. The major parameters of this function are the learning conditions’ rating and the proportion of LPP to tunnel diameter (X1/D). Analysis of the correlation between these two parameters show a very good coefficient of determination (R2 = 92%). This function can be used for the evaluation of TBM advance rates in LPP and for adjusting the TBM utilization factor in the initial stages of a TBM tunneling project. The learning phase can affect the overall utilization rate and completion time of the tunnels, especially when their lengths are around a couple of kilometers. A true understanding of the LPP characteristics can help the contractors to come up with a more accurate bidding time and cost evaluation, and may also benefit the clients to arrange a better schedule for the final project delivery to the public.","PeriodicalId":45259,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mining and Environment","volume":"11 1","pages":"539-554"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43918958","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2020-04-01DOI: 10.22044/JME.2020.9368.1838
M. Hosseini, H. Madani, K. Shahriar
Stations are the main components of the subway systems. Despite the progress in the construction and maintenance, stations have always been exposed to the natural and man-made disasters. In such incidents, the station’s evacuation capability has a direct relation with a passenger's life. Various factors affect the station's evacuation capability. Investigation of these factors and evaluation of the station’s evacuation capability have important roles in protecting a passenger's life. For this purpose, the catastrophic events that lead to the evacuation of a station and the factors affecting the evacuation of the station are identified. Due to the difference in the catastrophic event probabilities at each station, the risk of catastrophic events is evaluated. Then the station score is calculated according to the value and weight of the evacuation factors and the wighted influence of the catastrophic events. Accordingly, the proposed model is implemented in the Tehran subway. Based on the results obtained, uncrowded stations, even though served by a small number of passengers, may also have a low evacuation capacity and lead to casualties in an emergency situation. This is due to the lack of emergency management and safety facilities. Also by assessing the risk of catastrophic events at stations and equipping stations on its basis, the degree of safety and evacuation capability can be improved more effectively. The sensitivity analysis of the evacuation factors show that the most effective way to increase the station’s evacuation capability is to improve its status in management factors. Using the proposed model to evaluate the station's evacuation capability is an appropriate method for identifying the stations that have a poor evacuation capability.
{"title":"Method of Grading Subway Stations Based on Evacuation Capability: A Quantitative Method","authors":"M. Hosseini, H. Madani, K. Shahriar","doi":"10.22044/JME.2020.9368.1838","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.22044/JME.2020.9368.1838","url":null,"abstract":"Stations are the main components of the subway systems. Despite the progress in the construction and maintenance, stations have always been exposed to the natural and man-made disasters. In such incidents, the station’s evacuation capability has a direct relation with a passenger's life. Various factors affect the station's evacuation capability. Investigation of these factors and evaluation of the station’s evacuation capability have important roles in protecting a passenger's life. For this purpose, the catastrophic events that lead to the evacuation of a station and the factors affecting the evacuation of the station are identified. Due to the difference in the catastrophic event probabilities at each station, the risk of catastrophic events is evaluated. Then the station score is calculated according to the value and weight of the evacuation factors and the wighted influence of the catastrophic events. Accordingly, the proposed model is implemented in the Tehran subway. Based on the results obtained, uncrowded stations, even though served by a small number of passengers, may also have a low evacuation capacity and lead to casualties in an emergency situation. This is due to the lack of emergency management and safety facilities. Also by assessing the risk of catastrophic events at stations and equipping stations on its basis, the degree of safety and evacuation capability can be improved more effectively. The sensitivity analysis of the evacuation factors show that the most effective way to increase the station’s evacuation capability is to improve its status in management factors. Using the proposed model to evaluate the station's evacuation capability is an appropriate method for identifying the stations that have a poor evacuation capability.","PeriodicalId":45259,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Mining and Environment","volume":"11 1","pages":"587-609"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48021596","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}