Solution-Mining Modeling (2016)
A confidential mining client was interested in evaluating various potential future solution-mining scenarios using a numerical model in order to assess potential ore recovery, capital costs, and cavern lifetimes, as well as to overall optimize the proposed mine plan. Modeling of solution mining requires that the key processes controlling the mineral dissolution are modeled; however, there are numerous factors that complicate the details of the dissolution process that are impractical or impossible to account for in a model.
Back-Analysis of Initial Stress at Shallow Depth – A Case Study (2016)
At shallow depth, the initial stress state can significantly affect the behavior of the rock mass around excavations, but stress measurements are usually subjected to high levels of uncertainty. This was the case at the Odenplan railway station in Stockholm where unexpectedly large deformations were measured during the excavation.
Discrete modelling of lime kilns (2016)
KERNEOS Aluminate Technologies wishes to exploit the bauxite fines generated during the extraction, conditioning and transport of bulk bauxite, which are currently unused. To achieve this objective, the PARC project was built around 2 academics and 4 industrial companies, experts in their field.
Numerical modeling of dredged sand filled geotextile tubes behavior under seismic loading (2016)
A nearshore 120m long causeway is planned for the Mozambique LNG TMOF Project. Geosintex S.R.L. proposes a structure composed by synthetic geotubes (see Figure) for protecting the road against erosion. The mechanical behavior of this structure must be understood better. The evaluation of the potential for liquefaction of the road sandy basement and the geotubes filling material is of particular interest.
Discrete modelling of lime kilns (2016)
KERNEOS Aluminate Technologies wishes to exploit the bauxite fines generated during the extraction, conditioning and transport of bulk bauxite, which are currently unused. To achieve this objective, the PARC project was built around 2 academics and 4 industrial companies, experts in their field.
Definition and flow analysis of UFM model for the Forsmark site (2016)
The Forsmark site is studied in the context of the Swedish nuclear disposal project. One key step is defining, at the relevant depths ‐ from 200 to 400m ‐ a Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) model. The DFN modeling framework is based on simplified rules that mimic the kinematic processes governing fracture nucleation, growth and arrest (models are named UFM for likely Universal Fracture Model).
Geometry Model for the Follo Line Project (2016)
The Follo Line project is the largest railway project in Norway in modern times. The Follo Line is a high-speed railway partly in tunnel from the traffic hub at Ski to Oslo central station. The project comprise a 20 km long tunnel. The new railway is passing through central Oslo, beneath existing infrastructure which creates challenging conditions due to overlapping tunnels and multiple intersections.
Regional-Scale Stress Model of the Stockholm Area (2016)
New metro lines are planned in Stockholm, comprising a total length of approximately 20 km with 10 new stations, mostly located underground. One of the new lines will pass under Saltsjön (a bay of the Baltic Sea) and through a major regional large-scale geological structure. The stress magnitudes and orientations around the structure are highly uncertain, and stress measurements are not practically possible near the structure. To quantify possible stress conditions near the structure, discontinuum threedimensional numerical modeling was conducted.
Liquefaction Risk Mitigation using Jet Grouting Cells (2016)
Trevi Group has been involved in the design-build of a commercial building in Turkey in an area prone to liquefaction. The foundation of the building is located approximately 10 m below original grade, which still leaves about 10-12 m of potentially liquefiable sand underneath the bottom slab.
Guidelines on Design of Rock Excavations (2015)
In 2009, the Swedish National Rail Administration presented a handbook with guidelines for the design of the load-bearing structure of rock tunnels. Following the merging of several transport administrations into The Swedish Transport Administration, an updated version of the handbook was required.
Tunneling in Mixed Face Conditions (2015)
A research project on tunneling in mixed face conditions (rock-soil) was carried out with the aim to increase the knowledge and to better understand deformation mechanisms when these particular conditions arise. A back analysis of a case study involving the tunnel passage under the Maria Magdalena church was performed as a second task of the project, in which soil stratigraphy, rock/soil reinforcement, and extraction sequence were simulated explicitly and in detail.
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).
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.
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.
Hopper charging with spherical particles including rolling resistance mechanism (2015)
Evaluate the feasibility of using the distinct‐ element modeling to study the flow and segregation of frictional particles without cohesion.
Simulate an experimental test corresponding to the charge/discharge of a scale model batch hopper.
Analyze the segregation observed in the hopper after its charge.