Publications

17
Nov 2021

Using the NorSand Constitutive Model as a Tool in Assessing the Static and Dynamic Stability of Tailings Slopes Containing Contractive Material- Presenter & WINNER of the YOUNG PROFESSIONAL FORUM AWARD -KATY O’BRIEN

SANCOLD 2021 By K O’Brien1, T O’Brien2 and B Robinson3 1.& 2. ARQ Geotech (Pty) Ltd 3. BRT The ICOLD Tailings Dam Safety Bulletin 2020 Draft, advocates that if tailings material is classified as contractive, then post-peak/residual strengths must be considered in stability analyses. Should the target Factor of Safety (generally 1.1) not be achieved for […]

12
Jul 2021

Blasting and excavation of a new highwall- Dorstfontein Coal Mine East

By Gerrie van Jaarsveld, Principal Engineering Geologist, Rockland Geoscience; Werner Britz, Geotechnical Engineer, ARQ Geotech (Pty) Ltd; Thomas O’Brien, Geotechnical Engineer, HOD, ARQ Geotech (Pty) Ltd Exxaro Resources is developing a new bord and pillar underground mine at its Dorstfontein Coal Mine East (DCME), 10 km north-east of the town of Kriel in Mpumalanga. The […]

02
Jul 2019

Reinstating Abel Erasmus

By Hannes Taljaard, Geotechnical Engineer and Thomas O’Brien, Director: ARQ Geotech (Pty) Ltd. South-eastern Limpopo provides spectacular landscapes, ranging from mountains and deep valleys to the well-known bushveld. The Abel Erasmus Mountain Pass, on the R36 between Ohrigstad and Hoedspruit, boasts just such picturesque settings as it winds through mountainous terrain before passing through the 136 […]

02
Jul 2019

Port Louis Ring Road – Construction of a post-failure stabilisation design for a mechanically stabilised earth wall

By Marie Basson, Geotechnical Director: ARQ Mauritius (Pty) Ltd; Coert van Dyk, Geotechnical Engineer, ARQ Geotech (Pty) Ltd; Alan Parrock, Specialist Geotechnical Engineer, ARQ Geotech (Pty) Ltd. For Phase 1 of the Ring Road, steep natural topology necessitated the construction of several large cuts and fills. Space restrictions justified implementation of large mechanically stabilised earth (MSE) walls instead of traditional fills. […]

02
Jul 2019

Booysendal Platinum Expansion Project

By Georges-Steve Mandumba, Engineering Geologist; Menzi Mabunda, Geotechnical Engineer; Thomas O’Brien, Director: ARQ Geotech (Pty) Ltd. Northam Platinum has embarked on one of the largest expansions undertaken in the platinum sector at its Booysendal operation. The mine plans to increase its current production of 160 000 oz/year to 500 000 oz/year. The big expansion programme will focus […]