1 30, 2023

April Mining Engineering Department,

UET Lahore

Ground Control
Engineering
Homework Number 04

The Ground Control Engineer will ensure the

safe and economically sound development and
operations of the underground mine. The role
combines an understanding of the effects of
these structures on their surrounding
environment and technical knowledge.

Coordinator: Dr. Zaka Emad

Submitted by: 2020-MIN-11(Haidar Ali)

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Ground Control Engineering, Homework 4

Contents
Abstract ..................................................................................................................................................... 2
Question No. 01 ........................................................................................................................................ 3
Question No. 02 ........................................................................................................................................ 3
References .................................................................................................................................................... 4
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Ground Control Engineering, Homework 4

Abstract
Recent work on assessing rock slopes has yielded valuable insights into their stability through
enhanced spatial analysis techniques and optimized rockfall hazard rating systems. The GIS-based
spatial analysis approach described in several studies proved useful in pinpointing precisely where
unstable areas might develop along these sloping landforms. On a different note, recent papers
illustrate how researchers are putting forth new efforts towards perfecting current mechanisms for
assessing risk based on existing frameworks for determining hazardous conditions. In order to
ensure the safety of transportation corridors and other areas at risk of rockfall events, a
comprehensive approach that considers both frequency and magnitude, as well as likelihood and
consequences, is crucial. This was highlighted in the research reviewed in this report which
emphasized the need for accurate and effective methods of assessing rock slopes and hazards.
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Ground Control Engineering, Homework 4

Question No. 01
Incorporating GIS in the analysis of rock slopes has been increasingly prevalent due to its advanced
capabilities in data gathering, processing, and visualization.
A crucial advantage of using GIS is its ability to combine diverse sets of data such as geological,
topographical, remote sensing, and engineering data. By integrating various forms of data, it offers
a deeper understanding of the potential risks associated with rock slope stability assessments.
Studies supporting this argument include Atzeni et al.'s [1] research. In their study titled
"Assessment of rock slope stability using GIS-based spatial analysis: a case study in Sardinia",
Nandy et al. [2] created a spatial database featuring geological, topographical, and geotechnical
data that was then analyzed to identify areas with high risk of unstable rock slopes.
This approach allowed for efficient pinpointing of potentially hazardous regions. GIS technology
can play a significant role in the assessment of rock slopes by providing a comprehensive
understanding of the risks associated with these natural formations, as demonstrated by numerous
research papers.
This newfound knowledge can also enable engineers to make better informed decisions about slope
stabilization techniques that can enhance slope stability predictions and improve public safety.

Question No. 02
To determine the risk of rockfalls accurately and efficiently has been the focal point of recent
research efforts.
A case study, conducted by Zhang et al. [3], named “Rockfall Hazard Rating System (RHRS) for
transportation corridors: A case study on the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver, Canada,”
suggests a novel RHRS approach that evaluates both frequency and magnitude data points when
assessing potential risks from falling rocks. According to analysis performed during an experiment
in Vancouver area using RHRS method as opposed to previous methods resulted in more precise
evaluations.
The identification of areas prone to rockfall incidents is crucial in facilitating mitigation efforts
aimed at enhancing safety along transportation routes and other susceptible locations. Field
research and remote sensing techniques were utilized by Singh et al. [4] in their investigation
entitled "Assessment of Rockfall Hazards Along Highways: A Case Study in the Western
Himalayas, India." With a focus on prioritizing regions for intervention measures, the authors
developed a hazard rating system based on probability and impact assessments of potential rockfall
events.
As such, accurate and practical rockfall hazard rating systems are paramount for mitigating hazards
along highways. A newly published study emphasizes the importance of crafting a meticulous plan
that accounts for both the likelihood and extent of conceivable calamities.
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Ground Control Engineering, Homework 4

References

[1] C. C. G. M. U. &. P. M. Atzeni, "Assessment of rock slope stability using GIS-based spatial
analysis: A case study in Sardinia," Geomatics, Natural Hazards and Risk, vol. 10, pp. 1510-
1530., 2019.

[2] S. B. A. K. &. G. P. (. Nandy, " Application of remote sensing and GIS techniques for landslide
hazard assessment in parts of Eastern Himalayas, India.," Journal of the Geological Society
of India,, pp. 559-569, 2017.

[3] X. J. Y. Z. L. Z. C. L. J. &. Z. T. Zhang, "Rockfall Hazard Rating System (RHRS) for

transportation corridors: A case study on the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver, Canada,"
Engineering Geology, vol. 292, p. 106023, 2021.

[4] R. K. A. K. A. &. S. T. N. Singh, "Assessment of rockfall hazards along highways: A case

study in the western Himalayas, India," Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical
Engineering, vol. 12, pp. 578-593, 2020.