Evaluating Multiple Mechanisms & Structural Forces in Slope Stabilization (2015)
Unlike slope stability analysis software based on the limit equilibrium method, Itasca’s numerical modeling software (FLAC, FLAC3D) is capable of predicting multiple interacting failure mechanisms and produces the structural forces in the stabilization features. These capabilities are critical to developing engineering judgment and in designing remedial measures.
Photogrammetric Joint Mapping for the Relocation of T.H. 53 (2015)
The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) relocated a portion of T.H. 53 between Eveleth and Virginia, MN. The preferred alignment crosses the existing Rouchleau iron ore pit on a 1,100-foot bridge. Two abutments and one pier of the bridge will be founded on bedrock. Future iron ore mining adjacent to the alignment will create rock slopes up to 500 ft high. After mining, the new roadway will be atop a trapezoidal cross-section 300 ft wide at the top and with downslopes of about 53 degrees.
Gold Heap-Leach Modeling (2015)
Itasca developed a numerical model to estimate gold (Au) production from heapleach operations. The objective was to simulate Au heap leaching using a model based on fluid flow and mass-transport (hydrodynamic modeling) in a partially saturated pad, and quantitatively assess monthly production of gold-cyanide production (AuCN).
3D-Analysis of the Stockholm By-Pass Road Tunnel (2014)
A new motorway west of Stockholm linking the north and south side of Stockholm is under development – the so-called "Stockholm By-Pass" ("Förbifart Stockholm"). The new link is a 21 km long highway, of which 18 km is in tunnels. At the interchange of Lovön, four intake and exhaust air stations are planned, being in close proximity to the main tunnels and ramps. In this area, there is also a deformation zone going through the intake and exhaust air station.
Extraction of Crown Pillar in Kittilä (2014)
Extraction of the crown pillar separating the open pit from the underground mining was to be conducted as a part of the transition from open pit to underground mining at the Kittilä mine. Itasca carried out a study of crown pillar mining on the stability of the open pit and underground infrastructure.
Long term behavior of claystone and its interaction with steel casing (2014)
Study of potential damage in the claystone surrounding a HLW disposal cell for storage of high-level radioactive waste (HLW waste).
Solid segregation of limestone-coal mix discharged on a conoid system (2014)
SOLVAY S.A. wanted to assess the capability of the discrete-modeling approach to reproduce the behavior and the segregation of a mix of blocks (limestone + coal) discharged on a spreading system (conoid). A PFC3D model was developed to reproduce this complex system.
Rock Mechanics Support for the Dannemora Mine (2014)
The Dannemora mine has been in production since (at least) 1481 until its first closure in 1992. The fact that the mine is very old, but also has been closed for some time, has influenced the infrastructure and mine planning during the earlier era of mining.
Simulation of a tunnel excavation at shallow depth (Ohio River Bridge) (2014)
The behavior, during excavation, of a shallow tunnel cutting densely fractured limestones and dolomites raised concerns.
Extension of a tramway in Nice, France - 3D dynamic calculations (2014)
FLAC3D models are conducted with the aim to simulate the response of underground tramway structures in Nice, France, under earthquake loading.
El Teniente Fragmentation Study (2013)
Fragmentation is an important aspect of all block caving operations. The primary fragmentation can be difficult to assess, in particular in complex geological environments, and for rock masses subjected to varying stress as is normally the case in block caving.
Laver Rock Mechanics Pre-Feasibility Study (2013)
Boliden is investigating the Laver low-grade copper deposit for potential future mining. The old Laver deposit was discovered in the 1930s, and was operated between 1938 and 1946. Mining was primarily conducted as small-scale underground mining, but a small open pit was also in operation at that time. The currently investigated deposit is of larger scale and with lower grades. Investigations have been on-going since 2008, including geophysical investigations, outcrop mapping, sampling of drill cuttings, and diamond core drilling. The mineralization is not defined at depth and/or in strike extension.
Improved Blasting through Precise Initiation (2013)
Using blasting caps with electronic delay units, and programmable delay times down to 1 ms, it has become possible to employ wave superposition in rock blasting. It has been hypothesized that fragmentation is improved in areas between blastholes where the tensile waves meet, overlap and interact. An improved fragmentation can, in turn, result in reduced costs for both blasting and transportation of the blasted rock, improved environmental aspects, and reductions in energy consumption during crushing and grinding of the blasted rock, as well as improved metal recovery. In this project, the above hypothesis was further studied in conjunction with developing computational tools for simulation of blasting with electronic programmable delay caps.
Crookston Landslide Stabilization (2013)
In 2003, a landslide developed along the Red Lake river bank inside the city of Crookston, Minnesota. Although several attempts were made to solve the problem, in 2008, a second event occurred, and extensive instrumentation was then put in place to monitor the slope and gain a better understanding of the situation. In 2013, the Minnesota Department of Transportation issued a design and build project to improve the stability of the river bank.
Stress Modeling Malmberget (2013)
LKAB plans to increase the production in Malmberget mine to 20 million metric tons of iron ore per year. The objective of this work was to create a detailed model of all orebodies to study the stress situation with continued ore production at depth.