Projects / Programmes
January 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.16.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Mining and geotechnology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T340 |
Technological sciences |
Mining |
| T270 |
Technological sciences |
Environmental technology, pollution control |
geotechnology, mining, underground constructions, waste management, secondary raw materials, environmental protection
Researchers (8)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Mining and geotechnology are two related fields; the first being primarily oriented towards mineral production, the other applying the science of mining for the remediation and environmental activities. What both fields have in common is characterisation of coarse disperse systems of solid phase. Due to an ever increasing importance of environmental protection issues, and with implementing new geotechnological techniques, geotechnology encompasses a large field which has become relevant to mineral production as well. e.g. the studies of replacing fly ash with a stabiliser in electro power stations, which is the product of exhaust gas purification in the Šoštanj electro power station. Another example is a new technology of mixing, transporting and depositing of waste and the use of energy with minimal impacts on the environment. The concept of environmental protection and characterisation of dispergated systems are combined with studies on the impact of magnetic processing of water supplies for industrial and household use.
The research into stress deformation changes in natural and synthetic materials (i.e. in dispersed systems) in the Earth crust are underpinned with analytical and numerical analyses and laboratory measurements in situ and in laboratories, where we study the correlations between physical and mechanical properties of materials. A complex approach in studying the changes in rocks and soils is closely related with the distribution of measured and calculated stress values and geological structure on the one hand, and technological activities on the other. Geotechnology deals with the systems which occur on the surface of the earth or under the surface. This also involves the management of waste materials which occur as secondary raw materials and need mechanical pre-processing.
Underground waters play an important role in the majority of geotechnological problems. There is hardly any geotechnological activity which does not involve the problems of underground waters. Thus geotechnological activities have large impact on underground waters from the ecological engineering point of view. It is important to protect water resources, particularly in Karst terrain and in farming fields which represent major water resources in Slovenia.
Significance for science
The field of geotechnology is becoming the key player in the study and in the permanent envirnonment care. The reaserch methods are complex, from advanced numerical modeling to laboratory investigations. As it can be seen from our publications, the past research and scientific are well verified internationaly, while several pratical approaches have been implemented in Slovenian environmental program. Two special areas should be set out: the numerical simulations using meshless methods and the newly established Laboratory for Geomechanical Research and Modeling. These two activities were not financialy covered through the pprogram's budget but did contribute to overall final results.
Significance for the country
The field of geotechnology can - due to its diversity and the complex knowledges that it encompasses - make a significant contribution to the improvment of the local environment in Slovenia and to the permanent development of the country. The field is getting more and more involved in the energy and the traffic development of the country what should also guarantee the development of the geotechnology in Slovenia.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
