Services

Computational mechanics and numerical modelling for mining, geo-engineering and civil engineering.

Consulting

Numerical modelling assignments

Mincad Systems undertakes numerical modelling for Australian and international civil, hard-rock and coal mining companies. A number of projects use three-dimensional modelling.

Ken McNabb and Leigh Wardle have a long background in computational mechanics and engineering analysis. Examples of completed work are listed on the recent projects page.

Coal Mining

Major assignments for coal companies have included:

  • Longwall face support requirements
  • Chain pillar design and panel layout
  • Roadway stability
  • Aquifer interaction and connectivity
  • Surface and subsurface subsidence prediction for single-seam and multi-seam sites

Hard Rock Mining

Work in hard-rock mines has included:

  • Alternative extraction schemes
  • Shaft stability
  • Crown and buttress pillar design
  • Back-fill analysis
  • Instrumentation back-analysis

Civil Engineering

Modelling assignments have included design and analysis of:

  • Large underground chambers
  • Tunnels and tunnel intersections
  • Foundations and retaining structures
  • Driven-pile wharf stability

Methods

Tools chosen for the job

We use in-house three-dimensional modelling packages together with a range of specialist programs. The method is chosen to suit the engineering question, the ground conditions and the site information available.

Typical studies consider stress fields, rock properties, geological structures, joints, faults, yielding ground and the sequence of excavation.

Selected projects