Susceptibility of mine rehabilitation surfaces to mass movement

Student

• Tristan Allen

Supervisors

• Professor Rae Mackay
• Dr Jianfeng Xue

Project (MSc)

In collaboration with Monash University and Federation University, AGL Loy Yang is undertaking studies aimed at gaining insights into the potential for using constructed soils for rehabilitation and the appropriate formula for such soils. Field trials are being progressed to examine alternative constructed soils for their suitability for final rehabilitation of the mine. A research team is being put together to explore soil-plant-water relations, soil reinforcement, soil physics as well as environmental chemistry and soil leaching for a range of constructed soils derived from the following raw materials overburden, coal wastes, power station ash and composted water treatment wastes.

The susceptibility of mass movements forms one component of the overall research program. The goals of the research are to quantify the processes and controls governing mass movement and the rates of mass movement for different soil profiles and land forms and from these to develop guidance on the choice of soils and the limits of application of the soils for rehabilitation.

The research will involve laboratory and field testing in conjunction with numerical modelling to develop the necessary knowledge and understanding on which to develop the guidance. In addition to quantifying the structural and mechanical properties of a rehabilitated slope, a major component of the study is likely to be concerned with understanding the time dependent changes in water stresses within the slope profile and their impact on stability.