DEPARTMENT MINING ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

SUBJECT:

TOTAL MARKS:

Short Course for Randgold Graduates

Assignment 1: 30
Assignment 2: 20
Assignment 3: 20

DUE DATE:
19 June 2015

Examiner:

Mr. J Maritz

NUMBER OF PAGES: 3
SPECIAL INSTUCTIONS:

Complete all three assignments

Assignment 1

(30)

1. As a first estimate, the virgin stress state at a point can be calculated assuming Heims Rule
apply. Explain Heims Rule and by using it, calculate the principal stresses at a depth of 1500 m
below surface in a rock mass with a density of 2700 kg/m3
(5)
2. Assuming a stress build-up due to Poissons ratio effect only, calculate the principle stresses at
1500 mbs in the rock mass with a density of 2700 kg/m3. Compare the results with that
calculated using Heims Rule. Assume a Poissons ratio of 0.2.
(4)
3. Name and discuss five factors that might play a significant role in the variation between the
measured stress levels and the empirical values.
(10)
4. By using the Mohr circle, find the magnitude and directions of the principle stresses for the
following state of stress:
(6)
[

5. A solid 20 tonne granite block is placed on a 1.3 m high, rigid working surface supported by four
legs (Assume the weight is distributed evenly between the four legs). The legs have a material
stiffness of 7.3 MN/m. Determine the height of the surface after the block has been placed on
the surface, assuming any even distribution of the weight to all four legs.
(5)

DEPARTMENT MINING ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

Assignment 2

(20)

1. Given stress state below,

1.1. Calculate the stress magnitudes on a plane rotated 40 clockwise to the given

scenario.

1.2. Graphically determine the principle stresses and orientation for the given scenario.

(4)

(4)

2. Two gauge marks are made 4 cm apart along the axis of a cylindrical rock specimen that is 6 cm
in length, with a cross-sectional area of 7 cm2. The specimen is then subjected to a uni-axial
compressive force of 100 kN. Given that E = 60 GPa and = 0.2, calculate the following:

2.1. the stress exerted on the specimen

[2]

2.2. the strain in the specimen

[2]

2.3. the contraction between the gauge marks

[2]

2.4. the total contraction of the specimen

[2]

2.5. the change in cross-sectional area of the specimen

[4]

DEPARTMENT MINING ENGINEERING

UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

Assignment 3

(20)

1. Discuss the four parameters that need to be considered when designing development
layouts?

(10)

2. What Six support system characteristics need to be considered when choosing a tendon
support unit?

(6)

3. A 15 m wide workshop for an underground mine is to be excavated in quartzite at a

depth of 2500 m below surface. Two sets of rough, planar and un-altered joints traverse
the workshop. Laboratory tests on core samples of intact rock provided an average uniaxial compressive strength of 210 MPa.

The principal stress directions are

approximately vertical and horizontal and the magnitude of the horizontal principal
stress is approximately 0.5 times that of the vertical principal stress. The rock mass is
moist but there is no evidence of flowing water. RQD values obtained from core logging
were calculated as 90%. Determine the Q Index rating for the rock mass exposed in the
excavation. Then determine the Q.

(4)