Comparison of truck and conveyor haulage for drill and blast operation following Ceneri Base tunnel case study

Mark Thomas Campbell

Research output: ThesisMaster's Thesis (University Course)

Abstract

This project report has been prepared as part of the SIMACS mining and construction course, the topic area chosen was tunnelling and with specific attention to trucks and conveyors for the muck haulage out of the tunnel. An overview of the tunnelling process is given with reference to literature, and a study into topic areas that have been research by other authors and by Sandvik is discussed. This helped to drive the project in the right direction, showing research for continuous advancing conveyor systems used in drill and blast operations was very difficult to find and work is required in this area The Ceneri Base tunnel in Switzerland was used as a case study for a site currently using conveyors on a drill and blast operation. Visits to the site gave a good understanding of a complex tunnelling project, and details about the methods and equipment used are documented within the report along with a description of the conveying system. From the site visit a new solution for conveying the muck out of a tunnel being constructed via a drill and blast operation was detailed, a standard solution was then detailed and compared with the new solution. From this comparison it was fond that there are high capex costs involved with the new solution, but there are areas that could save money for example a 49 % reduction in energy consumption was calculated. These comparisons then show if the new solution is competitive with current standard solutions and whether or not there would be any added value for Sandvik. Closing with conclusions on the findings of the results from the comparisons, a review of the objects set out from the beginning and some recommendations for further work.
Translated title of the contributionComparison of truck and conveyor haulage for drill and blast operation following Ceneri Base tunnel case study
Original languageEnglish
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Moser, Peter, Supervisor (internal)
Award date25 Oct 2012
Publication statusPublished - 2012

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