ABSTRACT:
“Hazard” in this context is a relative index measuring risk of ground failure. We have developed a 3D GIS-based application that accepts a wide range of real-time data inputs to compute and display a user-defined hazard index on a mine model or other geotechnical model. It is applicable to underground and open-pit mines, tunnels, dams, slopes, and general seismic risk evaluation. In principle it can be used to estimate risk of ground failure of any type. We present a case study from an underground mine in which the system is used to create a relative hazard index as a function of direct observational reporting, microseismicity, excavation geometry, stress, geological structure, and rock type. It responds in real time to data updates and presents a full 3D visualization of hazard index with respect to all aspects of the mine geometry.
1 INTRODUCTION
This work is an extension and adaptation of previously successful work in multi-disciplinary, 3D integrated data interpretation in mineral exploration applications (McGaughey 2006). The previous work has resulted in significant exploration success, including new orebody discoveries based on the analysis of historical data. Here we apply a proven conceptual methodology for extracting optimum interpretation from complex, multi-disciplinary, 3D data and apply it to the difficult, general challenge of geotechnical hazard estimation.
2 THE “COMMON EARTH MODEL” Successful geotechnical understanding and monitoring of hazardous sites depends on the ability to evaluate dynamically changing ground conditions quickly and accurately. This depends on an accurate and timely understanding of multiple three-dimensional data sets from which we discern the relative level of geotechnical hazard. Whatever we are able to infer from our data becomes our geotechnical “model” of the site, which is used to justify both short-term and long-term safety and economic decisions.
