CATCH BENCH DESIGN IN JOINTED ROCK MASSES

by Jim Mathis

24 - 25 September 2008 Vancouver Canada

Course Presenters Schedule General information

Summary

This course is part of an EduMine blended learning program that integrates online learning with classroom sessions by industry specialists.

The goal of the course is to provide instruction in how to statistically approach catch bench face design in jointed rock masses.  Delegates will be provided training regarding the necessary data collection and reduction processes for bench face evaluations to be conducted.  The course will also include methods to compare existing bench face performance with theoretical evaluations, as well as methods of determining required catch bench width.

Particular attention will be given to data collection and evaluation of discontinuity properties as they apply to bench design, as the proper description of these parameters is necessary for accurate analysis of such endeavors.

The course is organized by Zostrich Geotechnical and EduMine, the Professional Development Division of InfoMine Inc. (Vancouver BC, Canada).

Background

Catch bench design is a fundamental to surface excavation of rock slopes.  While the use of the methodology presented for this course has been primarily utilized in mining ventures, it could be applied to civil endeavors as well.  
Optimizing catch bench design may not only result in safer slopes, as a better estimate of bench failure is obtained and integrated with appropriate catch bench widths, but may also result in more economic slopes.  This can be attributed to improved characterization of the potential for face failure, whether the design benches result in a flatter, or steeper, slope than arrived at by other means.

Pre-Course e-Learning

Prior to the course, registered delegates are provided with an internet url, user name and password. This enables them to access online e-learning material from EduMine consisting of an introductory course titled Bench Design in Joint Rock Masses, authored by James Mathis This course provides delegates with important background material which increases their understanding and appreciation of the classroom course. Review of this material prior to the course, including completion of the interactive reviews, enables delegates to derive maximum benefit from the live sessions.

This course is part of a blended learning program, which integrates online learning with the dynamics of a classroom presentation by industry specialists.

To achieve maximum benefit you should complete the pre-course e-learning prior to attendance at the classroom component.

The interactive online reviews can be used to advantage to confirm that you have achieved the e-with important background material which increases their understanding and appreciation of the classroom course. Review of this material prior to the course, including completion of the interactive reviews, enables delegates to derive maximum benefit from the live sessions.

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Who Should Attend?

The course will be of particular interest to operating mine geotechnical engineers.  These are the practitioners that would benefit most from the application of the technology to immediate problems.