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The challenge

Rock-mass characterisation is a difficult task

The safety and profitability of mining operations depends on the reliability of geotechnical data used in mine designs.

Rock-masses are complex and data from mines are often scarce, making accurate characterisation of rock mass in 3D challenging.

This adds additional complexity to modelling and prediction of rock mass-response to large-scale mining problems, which are already inherently difficult.

Consistent and theoretically sound processes are required to capture rock-mass complexity and variability.

Accurate modelling of rock-mass issues requires highly specialised software and tools that can be used only by experienced specialists/modellers.

Our response

Advanced solutions for real life mining problems

Our mathematicians, physicists, modellers, mining and geotechnical engineers have developed world-class expertise,tools and software. 

We have already developed:

  • an integrated approach to field monitoring and modelling
  • SirovisionTM: a 3D structural mapping and analysis system commercialised with DataMine
  • Siromodel: software that uses a discrete fracture network to provide a realistic representation of rock-mass heterogeneity.  This also includes polyhedral modelling techniques to represent sections of open-pit excavations for slope-stability analyses
  • Core profiler: core-logging technology commercialised with DataMine
  • COSFLOW: CSIRO propriety a fully parallelised three-dimensional coupled dual-porosity two-phase fluid flow and rock mass deformation-based FEM code. COSFLOW efficiently solves coal-mining related issues e.g. subsidence, mine-water interference, mine methane emission, multi-seam extraction, and more
  • MOOSE (mooseframework.org): a modern 3D code to solve general coupled fluid-mechanics, solid mechanics problems.  We have contributed advanced functionality for the accurate representation of rock failure, as well as modules to solve mine-related gas and water problems
  • FRACOD2D and FRACOD3D for modelling coupled rock fracturing processes
  • We have extensive experience in using commercial geomechanics simulation software e.g. FLAC, UDEC, PFC etc, and we have access to high-performance supercomputing.

We provide dedicated service to the mining industry to solve complex problems.

Our goal is to provide practical solutions, not just theoretical analysis.

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