Geotechnical instrumentation assumes a vital role in upholding the stability and safety of underground mines. The challenging and dynamic conditions beneath the Earth’s surface necessitate comprehensive monitoring systems, vital for detecting potential risks and safeguarding both miners and infrastructure. Below are key geotechnical instruments Terra Monitoring typically installs for underground mine stability monitoring:
- Inclinometers measures the angle of slope or tilt in the underground structure and aid in detecting ground movements and potential instability in tunnels and mineshafts.
- Rock stress measurement devices detects stress in the rock mass surrounding underground excavations to help predict rock failures and assess the stability of mine walls and roofs.
- Strain Gauges monitor deformation and strain in rock and support structures, to offer insights into the structural health of underground components and aid in identifying potential failure points.
- Extensometers are quite versatile in their application as they can measure changes in the length of rock or support structure typically anchored between two positions to monitor deformation in tunnels and mine works.
- Piezometers measures pore water pressure in the subsurface, essential for assessing groundwater conditions that can influence the stability of underground structures.
Wireless monitoring systems are a power addition to the monitoring family. This enables remote monitoring of various parameters of the above-mentioned instruments and provide flexibility and accessibility, especially in large and complex underground mine networks.
Over the years, many serious incidents have been recorded as a result of a tunnel collapses. Not only do you fear the damage to machinery and equipment, you also fear for the safety of mine workers. With effective integration and analysis of data from these geotechnical instruments; preventative maintenance principles can be applied to identify critical areas of danger, reducing risks and in effect saving lives.
The insights these instruments provide furnish mine engineers and managers with crucial data for making well-informed decisions. This not only enhances safety but also contributes to the efficient and sustainable operation of underground mines.
Continuous advancements in technology are further improving the accuracy, efficiency, and near real-time nature of geotechnical monitoring, making it an indispensable aspect of modern mining practices.
Terra Monitoring, with a track record since the 1980’s, revolutionizes infrastructure resilience by integrating diverse geotechnical instruments. Allowing for quick and accessible data for engineers and to setup early warning systems.
“Terra monitoring also forms part of the Geogroup and is proud to state that we can offer a turnkey solution for geotechnical instrumentation from supply and installation through to maintenance and in-situ testing services.”
For more information, visit www.geogroup.co.za
