Departmental Conferences

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Browsing Departmental Conferences by Conference "8 th National Conference of the Department of Earth Resources Engineering"

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    Determination of the Specific Charge in Sri Lankan Quarrying Industry and Tunnelling Practice
    (2015-08-14) Fainaz, MIM; Premathilaka, SDNN; Faslan, ACM; Gayan, WAMS; Gugathasan, N; Hemalal, PVA; Dharmaratne, PGR
    At present, Sri Lanka is investheavily on the development of the country’s infrastructure., facilitating the vast demand for construction materials particularly, aggregate metals. Blast fragmentation is one of the most important aspects in open pit blasting. Blasted rock should be easily loaded and transported and the rock fragments should be adequately pre-conditioned (i.e. weakened) in order to reduce the energy requirements in down-stream processes such as, crushing and grinding. In Sri Lanka, the geological parameters of rocks vary throughout the island. Currently, there is a large number of metal quarries and mining activities operating all over the country, but the lack of optimum blasting practice and specific charge selection is a drawback to achieve the optimum benefits. In this research, an investigation on specific charge values have been carried out for the required level of fragmentation in quarrying industry and tunneling practice throughout Sri Lanka depending on geological parameters varying from region to region. Rock sample collection from various geological locations, determination of rock strength and hence, building-up a relationship between rock strength and specific charge values, experimentation of a fragmentation model have been carried out.
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    Development of a Pore Pressure and Fracture Pressure Gradient Prediction Model for few exploration blocks in Mannar and Cauvery Basins, offshore Sri Lanka
    (2015-08-14) Jayasinghe, JMSTW; Kurukulasuriya, AC; Jayasinghe, WMTU; Wickrama, MADMG; Senadhira, AMADM; Ratnayake, NP
    Availability of a pore pressure and fracture pressure gradient prediction model for petroleum well drilling is a basis for safety, cost effectiveness and the efficiency of the overall drilling program. Petrophysical data and measured pressure data of four wells previously drilled in the Mannar basin and Cauvery basin were reviewed to establish such a model for few petroleum exploration blocks in Sri Lanka. The pore pressure gradient prediction strategies used for the analysis are, Hottman and Johnson method, Ben Eaton method and D-exponent method. Hubbert and Willis method, Ben Eaton method and Matthews and Kelly method are the fracture pressure gradient prediction strategies used. Area specific variables including Poisson ratio and matrix stress coefficient were determined prior to fracture pressure gradient prediction. After a statistical analysis and comparison with well log data, a combination of Hottman and Johnson method and D-exponent (Eaton) method was selected as the best suited pore pressure gradient prediction model for the drilling area. The analysis of fracture pressure gradient strategies found that the Ben Eaton method is the best suited method for the area. After determining the suitable prediction methods, the Petrel software was used to visually interpret and analyze the results obtained. The research findings will help for future drilling operations and well planning in the specified area in Mannar and Cauvery basins.
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    Development of an Algorithm for Optimum Allocation of Multiple Teams to Borehole Drilling Sites
    (2015-08-14) Dilanthi, UN; Fernando, JMMP; Dissanayake, DMDOK
    This research focuses on the allocation of teams to complete a set of time duration predefined borehole investigation jobs. An algorithm was developed, to output which team does which jobs and when. Initially, filtering the job list was done to group similar type of jobs together. Clustering the two dimensional drilling sites to a given number of teams were done to separate the jobs among the drilling teams. The total service time duration differences of the outcome drilling site clusters were minimized to a given accepted difference level by iteratively shifting jobs from the cluster, which has maximum total service time duration. The distance matrix of each drilling site locations cluster was modified by adding the ‘office location’ and replacing ‘big M’ values for main diagonal distances of each outcome cluster and, sent through the Hungarian method. The graphical representations of obtained sub routes were taken as a guide for designing of the shortest path of each clustered drilling sites. The developed algorithm was shown better optimization over the traditional practice of ‘instant team allocation for the nearest location’.
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    Dynamic Model to Forecast Slope Stability A Case Study: Geradiella Lanslide Site
    (2015-08-14) Abeygunasekara, WAHA; Hewavidana, SM; Jananthan, T; Madawala, RMS; Vaheeshan, K; Premasiri, HMR; Abeysinghe, AMKB; Weerawarnakula, S
    Forecasting the potential for disastrous events such as landslides has become one of the major necessities in the current world. Most of the landslides occurring in Sri Lanka are found to be triggered by intense rainfall events. This study was carried out on a landslide that occurred near Gerandiella waterfall, located in Kotmale Divisional secretariat in Sri Lanka. This project investigates the possibility of developing a dynamic model to map the spatial distribution of the slope stability using Geographic Information System (GIS). The model incorporates several theoretical models including the infinite slope model, Green Ampt infiltration model and Perched ground water flow model. A series of rainfall values can be fed to the model as the main input to simulate the dynamics of slope stability. Hydrological model developed using GIS is used to quantify the perched water table height. Infinite slope stability model is used to quantify the degree of slope stability in terms of factor of safety. DEM was built with the use of digitized contour data. Stratigraphy was modelled in Surfer software using borehole data and resistivity images. This model equipped with the predicted rainfall values can be used to forecast the slope dynamics of the area of interest.
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    Effects of Recycled Fine Aggregate Content on Cementitious Mortar
    (2015-08-14) Subasinghe, IS; Madusanka, VPS; Jayasinghe, VRDK; Sundarapperuma, SMAP; Fernando, WSSR; Chandrasiriand, SAKN; Karunarathne, S
    Properties of the recycled fine aggregates and the suitability of the same in cementitious mortar were studied and compared with those of natural fine aggregates. The results showed that the particle size distribution of recycled fine aggregates is compatible with those of natural fine aggregates. The recycled fine aggregates had fine fraction and bulk density of 13.47% and 1407kg/m3, respectively while those of the natural fine aggregates were 1.51% and 1453kg/m3, respectively. Specific Gravity of recycled fine aggregates was 2.499with compared to 2.408 of Natural fine aggregates and the water absorption was 6.325% with compared to 0.71% of Natural fine aggregates. Chloride Content of recycled fine aggregate was 0.0150% with compared to 0.0005% of natural fine aggregate. Properties of mortar made fewer than five testing scenarios consisting different proportions of natural fine aggregate to recycle fine aggregate as 100%-0%,75%-25%,50% -50%, 25%-75%, and 0%-100% were compared with those of 100% natural fine aggregates. With increasing percentage of recycled aggregate content, compressive strength increased in 0.7 Water cement ratio while the workability decreased. According to the results, mortar properties could be achieved with mix proportions of 50% natural fine aggregate and 50% recycled fine aggregate, without significantly affecting the mortar properties, indicating a 50% saving of natural fine aggregates thus reducing environmental impacts and enhancing sustainability.
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    Identifying Garnet Bearing Rocks Suitable for Mining and Processing of Manufactured Garnet Sand
    (2015-08-14) Senthuran, S; Boyagoda, EMRCL; Rukshan, AMM; Sathiyaparathan, T; Wannisinghe, WMVK; Weerawanakula, S; Premasiri, HMR; Rohitha, LPS; Abeysinghe, AMKB
    Garnet sand has a wide range of applications in mineral industry, mainly as an abrasive. The demand for garnet sand has been increasing rapidly during recent past. Industrial quality garnet can be recovered from beach sand deposits and crushing and processing of garnet rich rocks. In Sri Lanka, there are several garnet rich beach sand deposits. However, due to negative environmental effects, mining has not been carried out for recovery of garnet from such deposits. In this study, the objective being to identify suitable garnet rich rocks to recover manufactured garnet sand, geological map of the country was studied in detail. Out of several locations, Thanikotuwa village in Dewaladeniya GS division in Lakgala - Pallegama divisional secretariat of Matale district was selected. Detailed work was carried out in this location having 30.39% garnet recovery whereas. Garnet cut-off grade of only 15.68% is expected for a project for obtaining manufactured garnet sand only. Also in the processing stage, remaining crushed rock material can be used directly as fine aggregates in the construction industry. Economic feasibility studies show commencement of a manufactured garnet sand project including IML - A grade quarry, crushing and processing plant in this location is economically viable.
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    Integrated Remote Sensing and GIS Approach for Demarcation of Groundwater Potential Zones in Ambalantota Divisional Secretariat
    (2015-08-14) Mayadunna, BB; Weerasekera, WL; Senanayake, IP; Dissanayake, DMDOK
    Demand for water in Hambantota district is increasing rapidly due to agricultural activities, massive on-going development projects, industrialization and consequent population growth. Implementation of a proper water management system is essential in facing predicted water stress conditions where groundwater resources can play an important role. Delineation of groundwater potential zones, recharge zones and groundwater quality assessment can be identified as the three main segments of groundwater management. Geospatial technologies can be successfully utilized in such endeavours due to the cost and time effectiveness. Ambalantota Divisional Secretariat was selected as the study area in this research work. Rainfall, contour, geology, geomorphology, soil and drainage network data along with Landsat 7 ETM+ image were utilized to develop relevant thematic layers in delineating groundwater potential zones and recharging sites through a weighted overlay model on a GIS platform. Field studies were carried out to collect samples for water quality analysis and to verify the results. Groundwater quality map of the area was generated based on the results of laboratory analysis, depicting suitability level for drinking. The results indicate that Ambalantota DS has significant groundwater potential and recharge potential, hence can be effectively utilized as a hub for a water management system in Hambantota district.
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    Investigation into off-the-road tire performance at Aruwakkalu Quarry
    (2015-08-14) Walpita, S; Priyankara, I; Wickrama, M; Jayawardena, C
    The performance of heavy mobile equipment used in the mining industry is often restricted by the capabilities of their tires. These off-the-road tires experience highly variable and complex working conditions in comparison to other commercially used tires. As a result, expenditures on tires occupy a reasonable portion of the total mining cost and off-the-road tires are prone to complex failure modes, which the studies have been limited. Lack of quantitative analysis on the performance characteristics of these tires hinders the overall productivity in mining industry, specially in local context. The paper presents a study on off-the-road tire performance conducted at two selected mine sites in Sri Lanka. Site specific operational and environmental conditions encountered by the off-the-roads tires were taken into account, to determine the modes of failure and optimum tire performance through best practices.
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    Parameters which affect the Flow Rate of Minerals through Silos with varying Silo angles and Particle Size
    (2015-08-14) Kankanamge, LUM; Siriwardene, KM; Sairudeen, MI; Rangana, WGL; Chathurange, KJVM; Rohitha, LPS
    The study was carried out to develop a model for mineral flow rate through conical silos. Dominant factors governing the flow behaviour of minerals through silos were studied. Silo angle and the outlet diameter were identified as the dominant factors of the mineral flow behaviour. Silos were fabricated with half angles varying from 450 to 800. The range of selection was based on preliminary studies and literature survey. Experiments were carried out for Garnet, Ilmenite, Zircon and Quartz. The initial outlet diameter of the silo was set at 15mm and, then increased gradually by 5mm up to 30mm. Each silo was designed to support up to 15 kg of the mineral. Time taken for a flow 10kg’s of each mineral through the silos was obtained while varying the orifice diameter. Results were analysed using Mat-lab and, models were developed for each mineral separately. They show an optimum flow rate of each mineral when the half angle varying in the range between 500 to 600. The models can be further extended by considering more parameters.
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    Phlogopite Mica Mineralization in the Central Part of Sri Lanka and Identify Suitable Areas for Mining
    (2015-08-14) Senanayake, HPSD; Pitawala, WWSM; Piratheep, B; Nivethan, T; Vinothan, K; Jotheesvaran, K; Weerawarnakula, S; Abeysinghe, AMKB; Premasiri, HMR
    Phlogopite mica has a significant importance as it has excellent thermal and electrical properties when compared to other types of mica. Sri Lanka is blessed with high quality Phlogopite mica mineralization and such deposits occur in Kebithigollawa, Medawachchiya, Rathnapura, Matale, Dambulla, Ambilipitiya, Kollonne, Dehiaththakandiya, Naula and Mailapitiya of Kandy. Mica mining in the central part of Sri Lanka in Mailapitiya off Kady has been carried out during the British regime before 1948. Investigations carried out in the area around Kandy - Mailapitiya shows occurrence of economically minable Phlogopite mica mineralization. The vein thickness of the Phlogopite mica varies from 0.1 cm – 0.8m and extends in N10º-20ºW direction. They generally follow the joint pattern of the metamorphic country rocks. Mica found in the area have similar properties although show slight variation in quality due to difference in degree of weathering. Phlogopite mineralization occurs in association with a pyroxenite body which has been intruded into the area prior to Phlogopite mica mineralization. The pyroxenite bodies show higher concentration of Nickel and Gold. Thus, it is worth to carry out detailed investigations of the pyroxenite body while conducting the mining operations in the area.
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    Replenishment Mechanism atVerugal Beach Heavy Mineral Deposit
    (2015-08-14) Dissanayake, DMCJB; Igalawithana, TD; Karunarathne, AVPI; Maduranga, SWM; Udayakumara, PWG; Amalan, K; Rathnayake, NP
    Eastern coast of Sri Lanka is abundant with heavy minerals, particularly at Pullmuddai where Sri Lanka’s only heavy mineral processing plant is situated. Verugal is one other areas where there is a rich, heavy mineral deposit that has the potential to be exploited.Heavy mineral beach sand deposits are dynamic in which the composition and the amount of reserves vary with time due to changes in coastal waves and currents. Therefore, a proper understanding of the replenishment dynamics is required to develop a comprehensive mine plan for the extraction of heavy mineral sand. This study focuses on the understanding replenishment mechanism at Verugal Beach Heavy Mineral Deposit. Samples from test pits were collected along the transect perpendicular to the beach at approximately 500 m interval from visible deposit at Verugal area representing bothsouthwestern monsoon and northwestern monsoon. Collected samples were subjected to sieve analysis to understand the grain size distribution and grain counting through reflected microscope to understand the heavy mineral concentration. Variations in deposit dimensions with seasonal weather changes along withspecific heavy mineral concentrations andreplenishment rates can be used to develop a proper mining plan to commence sustainable extraction.
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    Underground Mine Cost Control through Proper Mine Drainage- Bogala Mines
    (2015-08-14) Ahmed, AI; Norbertsan, JR; Sabry, MIM; Sandaruwan, MWMS; Morayas, MMST; Dharmaratne, PGR; Hemalal, PVA
    A Bogala graphite mine is located in the Kegalle district, Sri Lanka. Bogala mines has been experiencing a considerable water inflow during the past many years, involving a significant cost on mine dewatering compared to other production costs. Daily mine dewatering data shows that the average volume of water to be pumped out from the mine is approximately 1.5 million gallons per day and, the cost incurred for mine dewatering is approximately Rs. 1.3 million a month. This research focuses on identifying the interconnection between the leakage points in two levels, with major water seepage takes place above 72 fathom levels and significant intrusion is at 52 fathoms level. Environmental isotope analysis were carried out in underground seepage locations to identify the exact locations where water recharging takes place inside the mine. Water samples were collected from leakage locations. They were analysed to measure the Oxygen-18 and Deuterium contents. The local meteoric water line was drawn with the help of rain water samples. The Oxygen-18 and Deuterium content was plotted in a graph in various suspected combinations. The clustered locations were analysed in a graph and tried to identify the interconnection between leakage points in two levels. Some possible interconnections were identified between 52 and 72 fathom levels.