CSMM140 - Surface Excavation Design (2023)

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MODULE TITLESurface Excavation Design CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODECSMM140 MODULE CONVENERProf John Coggan (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 0 10 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 21
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Effective design is critical for the stability and creation of a safe working environment for surface excavations. The module commences with a critical review of input data required for design of surface excavations (building on previous knowledge obtained in ‘Excavation and Geomechanics’ or equivalent). The module provides knowledge relating to both geotechnical design-related aspects and blast-design of surface excavations. Initial identification of potential slope failure modes is followed by instability analyses and identification of appropriate stabilization methods/techniques. The module is not recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.

 

AIMS - intentions of the module

The module provides specialist analysis and design skills associated with civil, geotechnical, environmental and related industries. The module provides problem-solving skills and provides simulated industrial experience. Where appropriate, case history information is used to emphasize important aspects associated with data variability and its influence on design.

Field-based mapping exercises are used to emphasize and consolidate key aspects of hazard appraisal of slope faces and how discontinuity characteristics affect excavation stability and choice of appropriate stabilization methods.

 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

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

 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

1. Assess critically 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 critical 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.

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

The module commences with a review of critical input parameters such shear strength, emphasising the differences between discontinuity controlled behaviour and rock mass material controlled instability.

Data visualisation is a key part of the module, using design-based software for enhanced learning and awareness of discontinuity-related failure of slopes.

 

Key subject areas studied within the module include:

  • 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, rock-fall analysis;
  • Slope stabilization techniques/methods and a review of slope monitoring and instrumentation.
  • The module also includes a review and use of commercially available software for design purposes and an awareness of deterministic versus probabilistic design and risk analysis applied to slope design.

 

Surface excavation-related blasting material includes the following topics:

  • 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

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 40.00 Guided Independent Study 110.00 Placement / Study Abroad 0.00
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Lectures 30 Formal lectures delivering main syllabus
Tutorials 4 Tutorial with staff member(s); approximately 1 hr a week throughout module
Workshops/IT tutorial 6 Scheduled IT related workshops allowing students to undertake formative and summative exercises introduced and supported by staff.
Independent study time 110 Independent study; including directed learning on specific topics and completion of assessments.
     

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Series of in-class exercises designed to lead up to summative coursework assessment Variable 1-7 Worked  “model” solutions

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams 0
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Examination - provides a summative assessment of module content with questions requiring in-depth knowledge of specific aspects of the syllabus 60 2 hours 1-7 Examination mark reported back through tutor system.
Assignment 1 – Slope instability assignment, 40 6-8 sides of A4 text plus supporting tables and examples of calculations, spreadsheets, diagrams etc. in a short report format equivalent to 2,000 words 1-9 Written feedback sheet with comments
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Summative assessment Additional summative assignment Weighting as above MSc Ref/Def period
Examination Additional examination Weighting as above  MSc Ref/Def period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

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.

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

Reading List – available as e-books through University of Exeter Library

ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Hoek's Corner – http://www.rockeng.utoronto.ca/roc/Hoek/Hoek.htm

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN Search
Set Wyllie, D.C. and Mah, C.W. Rock Slope Engineering Electronic Spon Press 2004 [Library]
Set Harrison, J.P. and Hudson J.A Engineering Rock Mechanics Part II: Illustrative worked examples Elsevier 2000 [Library]
Set Hudson J.A. and Harrison J.P. Engineering Rock Mechanics and introduction to the principles. Permagon 2005 [Library]
Set Atlas Powder Company Explosives and Rock Blasting    Field Technical Operations, Atlas Powder Company 1987 [Library]
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 7 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 06 July 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Thursday 02 February 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Slope stability; hazard appraisal; slope failure; slope stabilisation; blasting.