Computational modelling of hydraulic fracture. The project aims to develop new computational methods and software for simulating hydraulic fracture (commonly known as 'fracking'), which is now being used to extract natural gas from some Australian coal seams. This form of natural gas recovery has the potential to be a major economic driver, but the benefits are currently being tempered by widespread community concern over possible adverse impacts on the environment. The expected outcome is new m ....Computational modelling of hydraulic fracture. The project aims to develop new computational methods and software for simulating hydraulic fracture (commonly known as 'fracking'), which is now being used to extract natural gas from some Australian coal seams. This form of natural gas recovery has the potential to be a major economic driver, but the benefits are currently being tempered by widespread community concern over possible adverse impacts on the environment. The expected outcome is new methods, supported by scientific publications and software, which can be used to guide the natural gas industry and inform regulatory authorities of the risks inherent in hydraulic fracturing.Read moreRead less
Impact of rolling dynamic compaction. The project will lead to improved understanding and greater use of rolling dynamic compaction (RDC). RDC is a relatively new compaction technique that can be used to improve soft and derelict ground prior to the construction of roads, railways, subdivisions and structures. This project will also lead to greatly reduced ground improvement costs.
Accelerating Consolidation and Closure of Mine Tailings Storage Facilities. All mining operations involve the production of waste. Many regard such waste (tailings) and their environmentally acceptable storage as constituting the largest waste problem on Earth because of the enormous damage and loss-of-life that have resulted from failures of tailings storage facilities. This project focuses on a dewatering technology, electro-osmosis (EO), which has yet to be fully operationalised, for improvin ....Accelerating Consolidation and Closure of Mine Tailings Storage Facilities. All mining operations involve the production of waste. Many regard such waste (tailings) and their environmentally acceptable storage as constituting the largest waste problem on Earth because of the enormous damage and loss-of-life that have resulted from failures of tailings storage facilities. This project focuses on a dewatering technology, electro-osmosis (EO), which has yet to be fully operationalised, for improving the strength, stability and settlement characteristics of the tailings. Sophisticated testing will be undertaken at three scales (lab, meso and, most importantly, field), as well as the development of generic numerical models, to create practical guidelines to facilitate the implementation of EO in mines around the world.Read moreRead less