ENGINEERING AND GEOSCIENCE IN THE RESOURCE SECTOR
New Load Equivalency Equations Account for Steering Axle Tire Size
Speaker: Allan Bradley, P.Eng.
This presentation discusses the recent project to develop 8 tire-specific equivalent single axle load (ESAL) equations for steering axles based on the original TAC work, and how they are used to optimize the steering axle weight of B.C.’s new tridem-drive 9-axle log hauling B-train configuration. In order to optimize high efficiency truck configurations in Canada, accurate estimates of wide-base steering tire ESALs are needed.
Next Generation Communication Technologies to Improve Safety and Efficiency in Forest Operations
Speaker: Mithun Shetty, P.Eng.
Natural resources sector contributes about 17% of GDP in Canada’s economy. In this sector, forest industry is planning for fourth industrial revolution by bring automation in remote locations. Currently, operations conducted in remote locations are with very limited or without internet access. Therefore, there is a strong need to improve connectivity in remote operations in order to enable the adoption of autonomous off-road machines and other innovations in forest operations. In this presentation, research to-date on advanced communication to bring internet access in remote operations and to improve road safety will be presented.
InSAR for Mining
Speaker: Murray Down, EIT
This presentation will provide an overview of InSAR ground displacement monitoring in the mining industry. This includes the basics of the technology, benefits, limitations, and some case studies.
Steep Creek Hazard Assessments
Speaker: Dr. Matthias Jakob, P.Geo.
There are tens of thousands of steep creeks with some development, usually on their alluvial fans or fan-deltas. Steep creeks are unique in terms of their morphodynamics and hydrology. While much research has been conducted on debris floods and debris flows, there is still a disconnect between the academic understanding and management of such creeks in practice. This session aims to highlight some analytical approaches and tools to quantify steep creek hazards. It also emphasizes the direct and indirect effects of climate change on steep creek frequency-magnitude relationships.
Bridge Planning, Design, and Construction in the Forest Sector
Speaker: Garth Lord, P.Eng and Chris Oman
This session will review the results of a special investigation of bridge planning, design, and construction within the forest sector, conducted in the 2019 field season. In addition, an update on the recent audit findings within the forest sector in British Columbia will be provided.