Fast monitoring of mine waste embankments

Journal Article · Tue May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1979 · Bur. Mines Technol. News; (United States)

OSTI ID:6278528

Aerial photography, geotechnical instrumentation, and telephone or satellite data transmission are used to supplement walk-around inspections. Embankment stability and other indicators of structural integrity are evaluated using aerial photography, and on-site unattended instruments and data transmitting systems. Evidence of external movement and water seepage is obtained from aerial photography and photogrammetric evaluation techniques. Surface points marked by stake-mounted targets are monitored photographically at time intervals of several weeks or months. Photographic measurements of x, y, and z coordinates of these points are obtained from flying a series of photo-runs over the dam. The coordinates of individual targets are compared with their previous location coordinates. Movements as small as 1/2 foot can be detected. Infrared and color films aid in the recognition of moisture or seepage occurring at or within a few feet of the surface. Subsurface data such as signals from sensors measuring stress, strain, and pressure can be acquired through the use of various instruments installed on the embankment and programmed for continuous readout to a data acquisition terminal.

• OSTI ID: 6278528
• Journal Information: Bur. Mines Technol. News; (United States), Journal Name: Bur. Mines Technol. News; (United States) Vol. 67; ISSN TNBMD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010800* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Waste Management
010900 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Environmental Aspects
AERIAL MONITORING
COAL MINING
DAMS
DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEMS
EMBANKMENTS
MINERAL WASTES
MINING
MONITORING
PRESSURE MEASUREMENT
REMOTE SENSING
SOLID WASTES
SPOIL BANKS
STABILITY
STRAINS
STRESSES
WASTES