Mine and civil engineers often make use of a variety of geotechnical instruments to monitor the status and movement within geological features and man-made structures, mostly as part of their safety management programs. The data from these installed instruments is collected one of three ways: Manual Data Collection – A staff member moves through the site and connects a datalogger to each instrument in...
Using an array of geotechnical instruments within an underground mine is a highly effective but relatively simple way to gather a lot of accurate data that can be used by mine engineers who are responsible for making decisions that affect safety and productivity. Who should be using geotechnical instruments? All mine owners/managers who take the safety of their personnel seriously...
One of the hallmarks of the hi-tech, interconnected age in which we live and do business is the way in which new technologies are developed and then continue to evolve, often in a direction not envisaged or anticipated by their creators. An example of this is wireless connectivity. Initially used most to connect devices like computers, printers, and cell phones to...
When planning and designing a new mining or civil engineering project, engineers usually have to make some theoretical assumptions because it is impossible to establish in advance all conditions or potential changes to natural materials affected by the work. Rock and earth can sometimes behave in an unexpected or unpredictable manner during excavations or other large-scale workings. When this happens, engineers...
“No man is an island” is an old saying that many people are familiar with. Essentially, it means that we are better off when we are connected to others than in isolation. It is for this reason that social and professional networks are a popular and important part of our society. Although they are inanimate objects rather than human beings, the...
