Geotechnical Assessments

Safe mining conditions are a focus of BOYD's geotechnical specialists. Geotechnical designs are provided for mine support systems, surface slopes, and extraction plans for mining worldwide. BOYD provides geotechnical designs that optimize safety and mining costs.

Geotechnical Analysis - Modeling Software

• Mine Slope Geotechnical Evaluation and Design
• Mine Roof Support Geotechnical Evaluation and Design
• Mine Injuries Investigations
• Equipment Losses and Claims

Example Projects Include:

• Provided preliminary recommended pillar design for a single seam Highwall Miner operation in British Columbia, based on the type of mine planned, opening widths employed and depth of mining. In addition, stand up time was estimated based on varying parameters, and a highwall action plan was recommended prior to the implementation of the Highwall Miner operation.



• Conducted numerous studies throughout the US for mining companies and surface structure owners involving surface subsidence monitoring, calculation of future subsidence, preparation of subsidence control plans, and recommendations of protective measures.



• Evaluated geotechnical factors for proposed longwall installations. Considerations were for:
  
  
  • Panel orientation.
  • Caving.
  • Pillar design and floor stability.
  • Support selection.
  
  
  
• Predicted vertical and horizontal movements along with tilt, curvature, and strain for a Pocahontas No. 3 Seam longwall mine that undermined a preparation plant, refuse bin, dump facility, shake-out, two refuse facilities, office building, maintenance shop, water tanks, lines, and wells. The expected damages and preventative measures were presented. Also determined the effects on two overlying active room and pillar operations.



• Determined the causes and sequence of events that led to the catastrophic flooding of the Meigs County, Ohio mine. The mine was longwalling the Clarion 4A Seam when inundated with over one billion gallons of water. Established the effects of short- and long-term flooding on mine stability; this information was used in establishing the timing of mine dewatering.



• Designed slopes for four mine areas, and designed haul and access roads to float on soft clays at this lignite mine removing various coal seams from the Wilcox Formation in Milam County, Texas. Included in the design were dewatering recommendations, standoff distances from a major fault, and a safe slope for subsequent augering operations.



• Evaluated mine stability, pillar performance, and subsidence for this mine removing 60 ft of the A2 Salt 1,800 ft below Lake Huron. The short- and long-term effects on the lake, a harbor, and water treatment plant were evaluated for this mine located in Huron County, Ontario.

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