The Influence of Rock Mass and Intact Rock Properties on the Design of Surface Mines with Particular Reference to the Excavatability of Rock

The main aim of this Thesis is to examine how the rock mass and intact rock properties influence the excavatability of rock in surface mine. One of the most important decisions in the design of surface mine is the selection of mine equipment and plant. Now that increasing effort is being invested in the design and manufacture of continuous surface miners it is appropriate to examine how their performance can be related to the physical properties of the rock mass and intact rock. Over the years many attempts have been made to develop a means of assessing the excavatability of rock. Most of them are based on an empirical rating system whilst some authorities still propose the use of seismic velocity as a direct predictor of the rippability of a rock mass. On the other hand there are a number of classical models which have been developed to define the cutting force required at the pick or tooth of continuous miners.