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1 COURSE STRUCTURE & SYLLABI M. TECH. (MINING ENGINEERING) DEPARTMENT OF MINING ENGINEERING INDIAN SCHOOL OF MINES, DHANBAD
1
COURSE STRUCTURE & SYLLABI
M. TECH. (MINING ENGINEERING)
DEPARTMENT OF MINING ENGINEERING INDIAN SCHOOL OF MINES, DHANBAD
2
COURSE STRUCTURE FOR M. TECH.
(MINING ENGINEERING)
I-SEMESTER
Sl.
No.
Course Number Name of the Course Contact
Hours*
Credit
Hours
L T P
1. MEC-51101 Numerical Modelling in Ground Control 3 0 0 6
2. MEC-51201 Numerical Modelling in Ground Control
Practical
0 0 2 2
3. MEC-51103 Geomechanics 3 0 0 6
4. MEC-51203 Geomechanics Practical 0 0 2 2
5. AMC-51151 Advanced Numerical Methods and
Applied Statistics
3 1 0 7
6. MEC-51104 Surface Mining Operations and
Equipment
3 1 0 7
7. MEC-51102 Managerial Decision Making 3 1 0 7
8. MEC-51005 Term Paper 0 0 0 (2)
9. MEC-51506 Comprehensive viva voce 0 0 0 (3)
Total 15 3 4 37+(5)
II- SEMESTER
Sl.
No.
Course Number Name of the Course Contact
Hours*
Credit
Hours
L T P
1. GLC-52151 Mineral Exploration and Geostatistics 3 0 0 6
2 GLC-52251 Mineral Exploration and Geostatistics
Practical
0 0 2 2
3. MEC-52101 Computer Aided Mine Planning & Design
(S)
3 0 0 6
4. MEC-52102 Advanced Mine Safety Engineering 3 1 0 7
5. Professional Elective Groups– (any one)
MEE-52103
MEE-52104
ESR -52101
MEE-52005
MEE-52506
A. Opencast Mining
Planning and Design of Surface Mines
Analysis and Design of Slopes in Surface
Mines
Environmental Aspects of Mining
Term Paper
Comprehensive viva –voce
3 1 0
3 1 0
3 1 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
7
7
7
(2)
(3)
Total 18 – 4 -2 42+(5)
3
Sl.
No.
Course Number Name of the Course Contact
Hours*
Credit
Hours
L T P
MEE-52107
MEE-52108
MEE-52110
MEE-52011
MEE-52512
B. Mine Planning and Design
Design of Underground Structures in Rocks
Underground Mine Ventilation and
Environmental Engg.
Planning and Design of Underground
Methods of Exploitation for Coal &
Metalliferous Deposits
Term Paper
Comprehensive Viva-Voce
3 1 0
3 1 0
3 1 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
7
7
7
(2)
(3)
Total 18- 4-2 42+(5)
MEE-52113
MEE-52114
MEE-52115
MEE-52215
MEE-52016
MEE-52517
C. Rock Excavation Engineering
Blasting Technology in Rock Excavation
Tunnel Engineering
Rock Excavation Technology and Equipment
Rock Excavation Technology Practical
Term Paper
Composite Viva –Voce
3 1 0
3 1 0
3 1 0
0 0 2
0 0 0
0 0 0
7
7
7
2
(2)
(3)
Total 18- 4-2 42+(5)
III- SEMESTER
1 MEC-53001 Industrial training /minor project 0 0 0 5
2 MEC-53402 Seminar /viva-voce on industrial training/
viva-voce
0 0 0 5
4 MEC-53803 Dissertation (Interim) 0 0 0 15
5 MEC-53804 Seminar & viva-voce 0 0 0 10
6 MEC-53005 Evaluation of teaching assignment / lab.
development work
0 0 0 5
Total 0 0 0 40
IV SEMESTER
1 MEC-54801 Dissertation 0 0 0 20
2 MEC-54802 Seminar on dissertation 0 0 0 5
3 MEC-54803 Viva-voce on dissertation 0 0 0 10
4 MEC-54004 Evaluation of teaching assignment/ lab.
development work
0 0 0 5
Total 0 0 0 40
4
SYLLABUS
I SEMESTER
MEC-51101 NUMERICAL MODELING IN GROUND
CONTROL
L T P
3 0 0
Introduction: Numerical modelling techniques for rock mechanics and ground control,
excavation in rock and related rock mechanics problems, need of numerical modeling in
solving the ground control problem in mine design and underground space technology.
Review: Theory of elasticity and failure criteria, estimation of rock mass property for
numerical modeling of excavations.
Finite element Method: Potential energy and Rayleigh-Ritz method, finite element form of
Rayleigh-Ritz method, isoperimetric formulation of FE, introduction to non-linear solution
method.
Finite Difference method: Derivation of finite difference equations, introduction to FDM
implementation in FLAC.
Constitutive modeling and their uses: Mohr’s Coulomb plasticity model for simulation of
rock failure, interfaces to simulate the bedding planes, simulation of support in rock: bolts,
props and lining.
Boundary Element method.
MEC-51201 NUMERICAL MODELLING IN GROUND
CONTROL PRACTICAL
L T P
0 0 2
Solving problems on excavation in rock and support.
Patch test and stress around simple openings and comparing the numerical solution with
closed form solution.
Modeling of typical open stope in metal mine and stability analysis of walls and pillars.
Modeling of mechanical behaviour of pillars under different geo-mining conditions.
Modeling of caving behaviour in strata.
Modelling of slope.
Modelling of supports in mines.
Modelling of a hydroelectric cavern and gas oil storage cavern.
MEC-51103 GEOMECHANICS L T P
3 0 0
Introduction, Application of Rock Mechanics in civil/mining industry
Concept of Stress and Strain in Rock
5
Analysis of stress, Analysis of strain, Constitutive relations, Strain energy, Stress-strain
behaviour of isotropic and anisotropic rock, Parameters influencing strength/stress-strain
behaviour
Physico-mechanical properties of Soil and Rock
Physical properties of the soil/rock, Strength properties of soil/rock (Compressive, tensile,
shear and triaxial strength), Strength indices of soil/rock (slake durability index, point load
strength index, rebound hammer), Static and dynamic elastic constants of rock, Abrasivity of
rock and its determination
Time dependent properties of Rock
Creep strain, Time –dependent deformation; Time –dependent strength reduction; Rheological
models
Engineering Classification of Rocks and Rock Masses
Classification systems in rock engineering; Classification of intact rocks; Classification of
rockmasss-Terzaghi’s rock load, RQD, Rock Structure Rating, Bieniawski’s RMR, Barton’s
Q-System, Laubscher’s-MRMR, Hoek’s-GSI, Palmstrom’s RMi, CMRI-ISM Rock mass
classification and Recent developments; Correlations between different classification systems;
Applications of Rockmass Classification in rock engineering
Failure Criteria for Rock and Rock Mass
Classical theories of rock failure: Coulomb’s criterion, Mohr’s criterion, Griffith’s theory,
Cook-Wiebol’s criteria; Empirical failure criteria
Pre-mining state of Stress
Stresses in rock mass, Factors influencing the in situ state of stress, Estimating in situ stresses;
Methods of Stress determination- Hydro fracturing, Relief, Jacking, Strain recovery and
Borehole breakout techniques; Presentation of in situ stress measurement results
Strength and Deformability of Rock Mass
In situ shear tests; Evaluation of shear strength; In situ bearing strength test; In situ
deformability tests- Plate Loading Test, Plate Jacking Test and Borehole Jack Tests
Groundwater flow: Permeability and pressure
Groundwater flow within soil and rock masses; Permeability conditions; Influence of
groundwater soil and rock masse behaviour; Measurement of groundwater pressure and
permeability
Response of Rockmass to Excavations Underground
Induced stresses and displacements around single and multiple excavations in rock mass;
Energy changes due to excavations in underground
Monitoring of Excavation Stability
Purpose and nature of monitoring excavation stability, Instrumentation and monitoring
systems of stability of rock excavation-Load; Stress and Deformation measuring devices;
Interpretation of monitoring data; Practical aspects of monitoring
6
Rock Slope Engineering
Slope failure and causes and process; General modes of slope failure; Parameters related to
slope stability; Basic approaches to slope stability analysis-circular, non-circular, planar,
wedge and topping failures; Monitoring of slope stability and stabilisation techniques
Rock bursts
Type, effect and causes of rock bursts; Mechanics of rock burst; Prediction of rock burst;
Control of rock burst incidence and damage
Subsidence
Types, causes and impacts of subsidence; Factors influencing subsidence; subsidence
prediction, Control, prevention and monitoring
MEC-51203 GEOMECHANICS PRACTICAL L T P
0 0 2
Methods for determination of compressive strength, tensile strength, shear strength and
triaxial strength of rock; Abrasivity of rock; Strength indices of rock; Modulus of elasticity
and Poisson’s ratio of rock; Slake durability of rock; Shear strength, consistency,
consolidation and compaction of soil; Dynamic Modulus of elasticity and Poisson’s ratio of
rock; Determination of in situ stresses in rock; Load cell, extensometer, vibrating wire stress
meter and convergence meter.
AMC-51151 ADVANCED NUMERICAL METHODS AND
APPLIED STATISTICS
L T P
3 1 0
Section A: Advanced Numerical Methods: Solution of tridiagonal system; Evaluation of double and triple integrals by numerical method and its application, solution of non-linear simultaneous equations, numerical solution of integral equations; Advanced method of interpolation, Spline interpolation; Numerical solution of simultaneous first order ordinary differential equations (ODE); Initial and Boundary value problems; Numerical solution of partial differential equations; Laplace and Poisson equation; Heat conduction and wave equations.
Section B: Applied Statistics: Review of binomial, Poisson, normal and log normal distributions. Interval estimates, tests of
significance for mean, variance (one & two population case – Z, t, χ2 and F tests), tests for
correlation and regression coefficients. Non-parametric tests: Sign test, Mann-Whiteney Wilcoxon U-test, run test and test of randomness. One way and two way analysis of variance. Time series analysis, reliability and life testing experiments in engineering problems.
MEC-51104 SURFACE MINING OPERATIONS AND
EQUIPMENT
L T P
3 1 0
Introduction: types of surface mine; deposits amenable to surface mining vis-a-vis excavation
characteristics; applicability and limitations of surface mining; different unit operations in
surface mining; classification of surface mining systems and the corresponding equipment
systems.
7
Ground preparation: methods - ripping, drilling and blasting; equipment - rippers and blast
hole drills – their selection, operation application and limitations;
Excavation and loading methods: equipment - shovels, draglines, front-end-loaders, scrapers,
bucket wheel excavators and continuous surface miners – their operation, selection,
application and limitations.
Transportation: types of surface mine transport systems - applicability, limitation and
corresponding equipment; Operation, application and limitation of dumpers, conveyors
(shiftable, modular, highangle), and pipeline transport system.
In-pit crushing: types of in-pit crushers and corresponding crushing-conveying schemes - their
applications, limitations and selection.
Auxiliary/utility equipment – dozer, grader, front loader - their selection, operation,
application and limitations
Extraction methods for sub-surface deposits, hilly deposits, beach sand deposits, mining of
developed coal seams; mining of dimensional stones.
Dump formation: types and formation methods; corresponding equipment – dragline, dumper,
spreader, and stacker.
MEC-51102 MANAGERIAL DECISION MAKING L T P
3 1 0
Introduction
The origin, nature and impact of Managerial Decision Making tools. Decision making process.
Taxonomy of decision making models. Classical deterministic models.
Linear Programming
The Generalised Linear Programing LP model and its assumptions. Geometric & algebraic
solution to LP models, Simplex method, Sensitivity analysis and interpretation of Simplex
table.
Transportation and Assignment Problems
Mathematical models, Variation in classical Transportation and Assignment models,
Sensitivity analysis.
Goal Programing
Mathematical models & solution methods.
PERT & CPM
Project Planning & Scheduling with basic PERT model, Lowest cost schedule using CPM
model, Resource levelling and Resource Allocation, Cost control through PERT.
Network Models
Shortest route algorithin, Minimal spanning tree problem.
Inventory Model
Nature and economic parameters in inventory problems, Classic EOQ model, Extension of
classic EOQ model, Deterministic inventory models with constraints, stochastic inventory
models.
Simulation
Nature & process of Simulation, Fundamental of Monte Carlo Simulation, Simulation of
queing and inventory systems.
References 1. Quantitative approach to management by Richard I. Levin &
others.
2. Principles of Operations Research for Management by Frank S. Budnick & other.
3. Introduction to operations Research by Hillier &
Lieberman.
8
II SEMESTER
GLC-52151 MINERAL EXPLORATION AND GEOSTATISTICS L T P
3 0 0
Introduction to mineral exploration; Significance and necessity; Prospecting and exploration
criteria; Exploration strategy and design - stages of mineral exploration; theory and methods of
sampling; resources and reserves - terminology and classification schemes; conventional
methods of ore estimation.
Classical statistical distributions: normal and lognormal, and their applications in resource
evaluation.
Geostatistics: definition; schools of thought; stationarity assumptions and regionalised
variables; what, when and why of geostatistics.
Semi-variogram and co-variogram: definitions, characteristics, and computations in one, two
and three dimensions; mathematical models; associated difficulties viz. anisotropy,
non-stationarities, regularisation, presence of nugget effect and presence of trend.
Extension, estimation and dispersion variance; calculation by discretisation and auxiliary
functions.
Kriging: definition and derivation of kriging system of equations.
Practice of semi-variogram modelling; practice of kriging - steps and procedure.
An introduction to advanced geostatistics.
Geostatistical applications: optimisation of exploration drilling; calculation of mineral
inventory; establishment of grade-tonnage relations; misclassified tonnage; grade control plan.
Geostatistical conditional simulation - theory and approach.
Geostatistical case studies of selected mineral deposits.
GLC-52251 MINERAL EXPLORATION AND
GEOSTATISTICS PRACTICAL
L T P
0 0 2
Sampling and ore estimation by conventional methods; normal (Gaussion) distribution
modeling; lognormal distribution modeling; experimental semi-variogram; point/block
kriging; usage of geostastical softwares, Viz, ISATIS,GEO-EAS,GSLIB and GEXSYS.
MEC-52101 COMPUTER AIDED MINE PLANNING &
DESIGN(S)
L T P
3 0 0
Applications of CAD systems in mine design, Surface Modelling Concepts, Introduction to
Mine Planning software, Understanding data representation and processing tools, String File
Handling, External data import, Database Management and Geological Modelling, Reduction
of Data into Presentable form, Drill Hole Visualization, Creation of Digital Terrain Models,
DTM Volume Calculations, Contouring, Auto-plotting, Sectioning a DTM, Compositing,
Variogram modelling and Resource estimation using Mine Planning Software, Block
Modelling, Pit Design and Optimization, Computer Aided Drilling and Blast Simulation,
Computer Aided Underground Mine Design
9
MEC-52102 ADVANCED MINE SAFETY ENGINEERING L T P
3 0 0
Introduction: Definitions of safety, hazard, risk and accident, classification of
accident/injury, cost of accident, DGMS proposed risk analysis procedure, NIOSH proposed
risk analysis procedure
Risk Management: Risk Management related terms and definitions; Basic concept of risk;
Difference between hazards and risks; Risk components and types, Risk management
objectives, Risk management process; Risk analysis objectives in hazardous system life cycle;
Functions of a risk manager; Hazards Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA).
Risk Analysis Methods: Hazard and Operative (HAZOP) Analysis; Failure Mode and Effect
Analysis (FMEA); Failure Mode Effect and Critical Analysis (FMECA); Job Safety Analysis
(JSA); Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA); Appraisal of advanced techniques Fault Tree
Analysis (FTA); Probability Tree Method; Markov Method.
System Safety Engineering Approach: System safety engineering definitions; system safety
engineering approaches; Domino model, Souder behavioural accident model; Normal
accident theory; Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) using The
“Swiss Cheese” model; The Rasmussen Framework; Systems-Theoretic Accident Modeling and
Process (STAMP).
Risk assessment using different multivariate modeling –Logit and Logistic model,
Structural equation modeling, Fuzzy logic, Artificial Neural network (ANN), etc.
Recent trends of development of safety engineering approaches.
PROFESSIONAL ELECTIVE GROUPS (ANY ONE)
GROUP-A OPENCAST MINING
MEE-52103 PLANNING AND DESIGN OF SURFACE MINES L T P
3 1 0
Introduction
Stages/Phases of mine life; Preliminary evaluation of surface mining prospects; Mine planning
and its importance; Mining revenues and costs, and their estimation; Mine planning
components, planning steps and planning inputs.
Ore reserve estimation
Ore zone and bench/level compositing; Objectives and principles of ore reserve estimation;
Estimation of grade at unknown point; Methods of ore reserve estimation - vertical cross
section method, horizontal cross section method and 3-D geological block method.
Stripping ratio
Concept of stripping ratio; Types of stripping ratios and their significance; Choice between
surface and underground mining.
Geometrical considerations
Basic bench geometry; Ore access; Pit expansion Process; Pit slope geometry, Final pit slope
angle and factors influencing it; Addition of haul road on pit plan; Pit layouts and factors
affecting them.
Pit Planning
Development of economic block model; Pit Cut-off grade and its estimation; Ultimate pit
configuration and its determination – hand method, floating cone technique,
Lerchs-Grossmann algorithm, 2-1/2 D method and computer assisted hand method.
10
Production planning
Determination of optimum mine size and Taylor’s mine life rule; Sequencing by nested pits;
Cash flow calculations; Mine and mill plant sizing, Lanes algorithm for estimation of optimum
mill cut of grade; Introduction to production scheduling.
Design of haul roads
Design of road cross section; Design of road width, curves and gradient; Haul road safety
features and their design.
Design of drainage system in surface mines.
Selection of mining system vis-à-vis equipment system.
Closure of surface mines.
Feasibility Report - Contents and preparation.
MEE-52104 ANALYSIS AND DESIGN OF SLOPES IN
SURFACE MINES
L T P
3 1 0
Introduction
Types and formation of slopes in surface mines, pit slope vis-à-vis mine economics,
mechanism of common modes of slope failure, factors influencing stability of slopes, and
planning of slope stability investigations.
Geotechnical Information
Geotechnical data required for highwall slope stability studies. Geological Data collection
techniques. Interpretation of structural data through stereonet projections for stability studies
of highwall slopes.
Shear Strength
Shear strength of intact rock; shear strength of discontinuity surfaces, surface roughness, joint
roughness coefficient – estimation and determination, and shear strength of filled
discontinuities; shear strength of rockmass - estimation and determination.
Water Flow
Concepts of water flow through a material and its permeability; water flow through rockmass
– flow in discontinuous and porous media, flow models, estimation and measurement of
permeability and water pressure; water flow through soil type material - measurement of
permeability, graphical solution of seepage problems (flow nets), seepage forces and seepage
patterns under different conditions; water flow through broken spoil material.
Analysis and Design of Slopes
Slope stability assessment methods and techniques; analysis and design of highwall slopes –
modes of failure and their analyses, slope design criteria and methodology, and factors
affecting such design; analysis and design of backfill and waste dumps – modes of failure and
their analyses, slope design criteria and methodology, and factors affecting such design;
probabilistic approaches of slope analysis and design.
Slope Stabilization and Protection Methods.
Slope Monitoring Methods.
11
ESE-52101 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF MINING L T P
3 1 0
Introduction: Sustainable development, environmental carrying capacity - concepts &
principles; Environmental impacts of mining and associated activities.
Ecology: Introduction to ecology, ecosystem structures and functions.
Air pollution: Atmospheric composition and meteorology; Sources of air pollution – point
and non-point; Emission factors; Control measures – extraction, suppression and
consolidation of dust.
Noise and vibration: Basic concepts, sources, monitoring and control measures.
Water pollution: Global hydrological cycle; Self-purification mechanism, sources of water
pollution, important parameters–pH, turbidity, oil & grease, nitrates, DO, BOD, COD;
Eutrophication, deoxygenation, acid mine drainage and heavy metal pollution– preventive and
control measures.
Land environment: Land degradation due to mining; Physical and biological reclamation.
Environmental administration: Laws related to mining environment; EIA of mining
projects.
Land Acquisition & Revenue: Concepts: Related laws and regulations.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Concepts and principles.
Mine closure: Concepts and principles.
GROUP-B MINE PLANNING AND DESIGN
MEE-52107 DESIGN OF UNDERGROUND STRUCTURES IN
ROCK
L T P
3 1 0
Design process for excavations in rocks: general design methodology; site characterisation;
excavation shape and boundary stresses; identification of failure; stability analysis.
Design methods in massive, stratified and jointed rock.
Design of roadways, large excavations and excavation at shaft bottom.
Rock support: principles of supports; support design criteria; rock - support interaction
analysis; design of support systems.
Design of underground structures in swelling and squeezing rocks: swelling and squeezing
mechanism; design methods for swelling and squeezing ground.
Design of underground structures in rock mass prone to rockburst and earthquake: effect of
ground vibration on underground opening; seismic design of underground structures.
Design of underground structures in soft ground: stability of opening in soft ground; design
and stabilization methods; Shotcrete for underground openings: design and method of
shotcreting.
Rock reinforcement: rock bolt types and application; theories of rock bolting; design of rock
reinforcement.
Design of mine pillars and shaft pillar: stresses acting on pillars; stress distribution in pillars;
mechanics of pillar failure; interaction of pillar, floor and roof; design of rooms and pillars;
design of barrier and yield pillars.
12
Rock mechanics aspects of mine pillar: factors influencing pillar extraction; planning of shaft
and mine pillar extraction; stresses and displacements induced by extraction of pillar.
Design of hard rock mine stopes: criteria for evaluating stope layout; stope in tabular deposits.
Mining induced surface subsidence: types and effects of subsidence; theories and prediction of
subsidence; subsidence management; management and utilisation of subsided land.
Operational geotechnical management: Risk assessment methodologies and core geotechnical
risks in underground mining/excavation; geotechnical risk management strategies; preparation
of strata control management plans; geotechnical hazard mapping; geotechnical
instrumentation; role and design of geotechnical measurement and monitoring systems;
underground data collection; rock fall recovery techniques; geotechnical audits, quality
assurance; geotechnical variability and dealing with non-compliance; geotechnical training;
safe operating procedures; geotechnical reporting and management interaction; professional
responsibilities and accountabilities
MEE-52108 UNDERGROUND MINE VENTILATION AND
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
L T P
3 1 0
Ventilation network analysis for incompressible flow: computation of volume flow using
equivalent resistance and direct analysis methods; application of Kirchoff’s laws to solve
ventilation problems; Hardy-Cross iterative formula for solving complex mine ventilation
network problems; Relevant numerical problems.
Ventilation thermodynamics: basics of mine thermodynamics; computation of psychometric
properties of mine air; heat transfer in mine airways due to conduction, convection and
radiation; heat transfer at wet surfaces; computation of rate of condensation and evaporation in
mine airways; simple method of heat transfer in tunnels; heat and mass transfer in Bord and
Pillar panels and development of equations for designing climatic condition; sources of heat in
longwall panels; computation of heat load in mines; simulation of the climatic condition in
longwall panels.
Thermodynamic analysis of mine ventilation systems: equations for air flow analysis in
dry and wet mine airways; computation of resistance of mine roadways; thermodynamic
network analysis models for solving mine ventilation problems.
Mine fire, gases and dust: different methods of pressure balancing; fires in developed coal
seams worked by opencast method and the control measures; gas content in coal seams;
methods of determination of desorbable gas content; control of air borne respirable dust;
environmental monitoring.
MEE-52110 PLANNING AND DESIGN OF UNDERGROUND
METHODS OF EXPLOITATION FOR COAL &
METALLIFEROUS DEPOSITS
L T P
3 1 0
Section-A: Coal Deposits
Classification of methods of mining coal; factors governing choice of mining methods.
Pillar mining systems: design of panels, rooms and pillars for stability; design and methods
of pillar extraction; mechanisation in bord and pillar mining; criteria for selection of different
mining equipment; design of blasting gallery layout.
Design and methods of longwall mining: longwall layouts for thin and medium thick seams;
methods and design considerations for exploitation of thick seams by inclined slicing,
13
horizontal slicing and cross-inclined slicing methods; sub-level caving and integrated caving
methods.
Design and methods of exploitation of contiguous seams; exploitation of seams under water
bodies and seams liable to bumps.
Design and method of underground hydraulic mining.
Underground gassification of coal.
Ground control measures and relevant safety considerations for different mining methods.
Section B: Metalliferous Deposits
General engineering design; design methods in mining; input parameter for design - geological
and other rock mass parameters; empirical, observational and analytical methods of design;
design of excavations in massive elastic, stratified and jointed rocks.
Classification of exploitation methods; choice of mining systems - geomechanical,
techno-economical, environmental and safety considerations.
Design of stoping layouts for mining of different types of ore deposits.
Unit operations of stoping.
Mining in rockburst prone areas.
Novel and innovative mining methods: hydraulic, thermal, hydrochemical and biochemical
methods; marine mining and nuclear device mining systems.
Mine closure, sealing and abandonment.
GROUP-C ROCK EXCAVATION ENGINEERING
MEE-52113 BLASTING TECHNOLOGY IN ROCK
EXCAVATION
L T P
3 1 0
Explosives: Chemistry and physics of explosives; Properties of explosives; Explosives and
blasting agents; Initiation and priming systems; Bulk explosives; Explosives selection.
Rock breakage by explosives: theories, laws of comminution, methods for prediction and
assessment of fragmentation; Design of blasting rounds for surface and underground
excavations.
Special blasting techniques: Advanced theory and application of explosives in excavation.
Secondary breakage, pre-splitting, profiling, trenching, Throw/cast blasting. Handling and
storage of explosives. Blasting in mixed rock types, hard/soft rock,
Selection of Initiating system : Electric, Non electric initiating system, digital detonators,
selection of initiating system. Safety in usages and handling of explosives & initiating systems
Priming and Charging: Selection of primer and its effect on the blast performance. Influence
of shape, size and quantity of primer on explosive performance.
Environmental considerations: Control of noise, vibration, air blast and fly rock.
Blast Instrumentation: Blast instrumentation for blast performance assessment and
modification.
14
MEE-52114 TUNNEL ENGINEERING L T P
3 1 0
Types of underground excavations: tunnel, shaft, cavern, etc.
Parameters influencing location of a tunnel and its design; planning and site investigation for
tunnelling, methods of tunnelling; selection of method of excavation.
Tunnelling in soft ground.
Tunnelling in rock by drilling and blasting - method of excavation and design of blasting
rounds.
Tunnelling in rock by roadheading machines: cutting principles, method of excavation,
selection, performance, limitations and problems.
Tunnelling in rock by tunnel boring machines: boring principles, method of excavation,
selection, performance, limitations and problems; TBM application in coal mines.
Excavation of large tunnels, special storage and underground space.
Shaft Sinking Methods – vertical, inclined, decline, shaft boring machines and their
applications.
Tunnelling Methods, Muck disposal, Ground treatment, supports in tunnels - operational
criteria and principal types of supports. Tunnel services: ventilation, drainage and lighting.
Hazards in Tunnelling
MEE-52115 ROCK EXCAVATION TECHNOLOGY AND
EQUIPMENT
L T P
3 1 0
Review of rock excavation techniques.
Mechanical rock cutting: basic cutting methods and application to excavating equipment,
mechanics of rock cutting by tools and cutting heads; parameters influencing cutting
performance; Selection of excavating systems.
Rock tunnel boring: boring methods, mechanics of tunnel boring; parameters influencing
boring performance; determination of boreability and production rates.
Ripping of rock: ripping tools, mechanics of ripping, parameters influencing performance of a
ripper, determination of rippability and production rate.
Rock drilling: basic drilling methods; drill tools; mechanics of rock drilling, parameters
influencing drilling performance; determination of drillability and rate of drilling.
Rock cutting by water jet and abrasive water jet: techniques of cutting; mechanics of cutting;
factors influencing performance, limitations of the technique.
Water jet assisted cutting of rocks.
Flame jet cutting of rocks: mechanism and techniques.
Electrical cutting of rocks: mechanism and techniques.
Laser cutting of rocks: mechanics and techniques; Hybrid cutting systems.
Wear in rock cutting and drilling tools: tool material; factors influencing wear; wear
mechanism and methods of estimating/predicting tool wear.
