Effective design is critical for the stability and creation of a safe working environment for surface excavations. This module commences with a critical review of input data required for design of surface excavations (building on previous knowledge obtained in the year two module Geotechnics or equivalent).

By taking this module, you will acquire knowledge relating to both geotechnical design-related aspects and blast design of surface excavations. We will follow initial identification of potential slope failure modes with instability analyses and the identification of appropriate stabilisation methods/techniques.

The module is not recommended for interdisciplinary pathways. 

This module gives you the specialist analysis and design skills associated with civil, geotechnical, environmental and related industries.  It provides problem-solving skills and offers simulated industrial experience.

Where appropriate, we will use case history information to emphasise important aspects associated with data variability and its influence on design. In addition, we will use design-based assignments to emphasise and consolidate key aspects of hazard appraisal of slope faces and how discontinuity characteristics affect excavation stability and the choice of appropriate stabilisation methods. 

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to:
 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1 critically assess the role and limitations of analytical and computer methods in surface excavation stability analysis and design;

2 evaluate factors controlling instability and reinforcement design of slopes;

3 determine the data requirements for the design of surface excavations, including considerations of data variability and risk assessment;

4 understand and evaluate critically the key components for the design of blasting for surface excavations.
 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

5 evaluate and apply knowledge to specific design tasks;

6 choose appropriate design from critical evaluation of available data;

7 undertake synthesis of information and create responses based on advanced knowledge.
 

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

8 apply personal data-handling skills through critically evaluation of a design problem and produce, to a strict deadline, detailed recommendations/reasoned arguments for an appropriate solution;

9 utilise a full range of computer-based learning resources as an autonomous learner.

-  review of critical input parameters, such as shear strength, emphasising the differences between discontinuity controlled behaviour and rock mass material controlled instability;

- data visualisation, using design-based software for enhanced learning and awareness of discontinuity-related failure of slopes;

- stereographic analysis of kinematic failure modes;

- hazard appraisal and geotechnical assessment relating to the UK Quarries legislation;

- identification and analysis of planar, wedge, direct and flexural toppling, circular, non-circular failure modes, rockfall anlaysis;

- slope stabilisation techniques/methods and a review of slope monitoring and instrumentation;

- review and use of commercially available software for design purposes;

- deterministic versus probabilistic design and risk analysis applied to slope design;

- surface excavation-related blasting material, including: composition and characteristics of explosives; electronic and non-electronic detonating systems; misfires; blasting regulations; blast design; optimum blast specifications, including geometry; single and multi-row blasts.

If a student is referred or deferred, the failed / non-completed component(s) will be re-assessed at the same weighting as the original assessment.

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Reading list for this module: