Mining and tunneling

Mining Industry and Tunnel Construction

When it comes to reducing time and effort, surveys in the context of mining and tunnel construction require sophisticated and special solutions because of difficult conditions, such as visibility, weather, geology or operational activities within plants. The ability to accurately drill hole-throughs and the control of machines have high demands on survey tasks. One method among others is laser scanning, which have been proved to be extremely effective and to work in such circumstances and for such tasks.

mining industry

Laser scanning is applicable for both below and above ground. Thanks to airborne and terrestrial laser scanning, 3D models of sites, terrains, buildings and technical facilities can be created. Both laser scanning methods allow creating digital elevation models and calculating volumes of stopes and working areas of a mine. Furthermore, terrestrial laser scanning can be used successfully for surveying plants and monitoring operational activities within facilities.

Laser scanning delivers accurate and reliable as-built plans while allowing engineers to perform exact volume calculations and quantity surveying tasks. The 3D model provides a complete documentation of all surfaces, installations and extensions. Complex cavities and openings, such as stopes and pits, can be scanned fast and efficiently. Moreover, it is possible to monitor construction works and detect narrow areas in advance. Even thickness of concrete structures can be measured.

Realistic work environments are achieved on the grounds of the 3D model. The digital model can then be used to plan the future development and upgrading of the real object. That way, sequence of operations and process dependencies can be determined in a time efficient and accurate manner.

Non-contact surveying makes it possible to continue work within the mines and the tunnels. Even data of hard to reach places or areas where access is restricted can be recorded. 3D scans that are performed repeatedly are also able to visualize gradual structural changes and earth displacements. That way, measures of protection will be implemented quickly and efficiently.

3D Scans in the Mining Industry and Tunnel Construction

The 3D scans provide a meaningful comparison between the plan and the obtained data. Corrections can be made immediately in case of deviations. It is important to repeatedly check the tunnel for deformations because of fast progresses of tunnel construction works. In the contrary case, drilling and blasting may lead to extremely high pressures.

Laser scanners are not dependent on ambient light. Consequently, 3D scans may be performed at or near darkness. In addition to the foregoing, it can be mentioned that time and effort for survey tasks are significantly reduced. And it is a fact that planning, design and construction processes are performed more efficiently and far more accurately.

An accurate survey of the object and a high degree in quantity surveying allow a detailed cost analysis. That way, terms and provisions specified within the contract can be easily verified on the basis of a final documentation. Additionally, all digital data collected will be available at a later date.

Data in PointCab 3.9 of a 3D surveying of a lime plantData in PointCab 3.9 of a 3D surveying of a lime plant   3D model of a lime plant (textured).3D model of a lime plant (textured).   3D ortho photo of a lime plant.3D ortho photo of a lime plant.

Laser scanning provides these advantages.

  • easy
  • quickly
  • accurate
  • photo realistic
  • complete
  • contact free
  • light independent
  • reproducible
  • cost saving
  • can be performed during the production

You can find more information about mining and tunneling here.