MODULE TITLE Underground Excavation Design CREDIT VALUE 15

MODULE CODE CSMM187 MODULE CONVENER Prof John Coggan (Coordinator)

DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 6

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 20

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

Effective design is critical for the stability and creation of a safe working environment for underground excavations. The module commences with a critical review of
input data required for design of underground excavations (building on previous knowledge obtained in Excavation and Geomechanics or equivalent). The model
investigates factors influencing the design of underground excavations, including both discontinuity and stress-controlled instability. The module is not
recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.
AIMS - intentions of the module
The module provides specialist analysis and design skills associated with underground mining and related industries. The module provides problem-solving, data-
handling and evaluation skills. The module also provides an opportunity for students to develop an awareness of risk assessment applied to underground
excavation design.

Where appropriate, case history information is used to emphasize important aspects associated with data variability and its influence on design.

Computer-based design exercises are used to emphasize and consolidate key aspects of how stress redistribution and 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 use of rock engineering for the design underground excavations in the mining, civil, geotechnical, environmental and related industries.

2 evaluate critically the role and limitations of analytical and computer methods in underground excavation design.

3 assess critically the data requirements for the design of underground excavations, including considerations of data variability and risk assessment.

4 choose an appropriate stabilization system for varying rock mass conditions.

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.

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
The module commences with a review of critical input parameters for design of underground excavations, emphasising the differences between discontinuity
controlled behaviour and rock mass material controlled instability. Excavation results in a redistribution of the in-situ stress field, induced displacements within the
rock mass in response to excavation and perturbation of the groundwater.

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

The module covers factors influencing underground excavation design. Key subject areas studied include:

- design methodology (including empirical, analytical and observational design);

- use and application of rock mass classification for estimation of stabilization requirements;
- overview of underground mining methods and excavation dimensioning; empirical hangingwall design, including use Laubscher MRMR and Stability Graph Method;
- stereographic analysis of roof and sidewall instability; underground wedge analysis (UnWedge)

- stabilisation techniques/methods, including reinforcement and support, and a review of underground excavation monitoring and instrumentation;

- Kirsch equations, shape factors, non-circular stress redistribution, effects of discontinuities on excavation stability;
- design of excavations in sedimentary rock;
- rock mass-support interaction, excavation stabilization techniques and their interaction with ground deformation;

- pillar design, including estimation of pillar stress and pillar strength;

- rock engineering systems approach;

- large cavern design.
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 excavation design.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 45.00 Guided Independent Study 105.00 Placement / Study Abroad

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Hours of study
Category Description
time
Scheduled learning & teaching
30 Formal lectures delivering main syllabus
activities
Scheduled learning & teaching
6 Tutorial with staff member(s); approximately 1 hr a week throughout module
activities
Scheduled learning & teaching Scheduled IT related workshops allowing students to undertake formative and summative exercises introduced
9
 9
activities and supported by staff.
Guided Independent Study 105 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
Size of Assessment (e.g. ILOs
Form of Assessment Feedback Method
duration/length) Assessed
Series of in-class exercises designed to lead up to Worked model solutions and demonstration of
Variable 1-7 numerical modelling software
summative coursework assessment

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework 40 Written Exams 60 Practical Exams

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

% of ILOs Feedback
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)
Credit Assessed Method
Examination mark
Examination - provides a summative assessment of module reported back
content with questions requiring in-depth knowledge of specific 60 2 hours 1-7
aspects of the syllabus through tutor
system.
4-6 sides of A4 text plus supporting tables and Written feedback
Assignment 1 underground excavation design assignment 20 examples of calculations, spreadsheets, diagrams etc. 1-9 sheet with
in a short report format. comments
Written feedback
Assignment 2 Rock mass support interaction 20 4-6 sides of A4 text plus supporting tables and 1-9 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 assessment As Above Aug Ref/Def Period
Examination Additional Examination As Above Aug Ref/Def Period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

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:

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/

Web based and Electronic Resources:

https://www.rocscience.com/learning/hoek-s-corner Hoeks Corner
Other Resources:

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN Search
Set Brady, B and Brown, E.T. Rock mechanics for underground mining Chapman & Hall. 2004 [Library]
Set Harrison, J.P. and Hudson J.A Engineering Rock Mechanics Part II: Illustrative worked examples Elsevier 2000 [Library]
Set Hoek E and Brown ET Underground Excavations in Rock IMM London 1980 [Library]
Set Hoek, E., Kaiser, P.K. and Bawden W.F. Design of Support for Underground Hard Rock Mines. A.A.Balkema 1995 [Library]
Set Hudson J.A. and Harrison J.P. Engineering Rock Mechanics, An Introduction to the Principles Permagon 2005 [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 19 January 2017 LAST REVISION DATE Friday 23 June 2017

KEY WORDS SEARCH Underground excavation design; stress redistribution; tunnel support; roof stability;