Edward Clifton Wellman

Interests

Research

Geomechanics, Observational Method, Non-destructive testing,

Teaching

Geomechanics, Rock Mechanics, Mining & Geological Engineering, Tunneling and Underground Construction, Site Investigation and Characterization, Geotechnical Monitoring

Courses

Scholarly Contributions

Journals/Publications

• Akbulut, N., Anani, A., Brown, L., Wellman, E., & Adewuyi, S. (2024). Building a 3D Digital Twin for Geotechnical Monitoring at San Xavier Mine. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. doi:10.1007/s00603-024-04044-9
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  Assessing ground conditions in underground mines during excavation can be difficult and unsafe for mine workers and engineers. A continuous monitoring system for ground conditions with minimum geohazard exposure to workers is needed to ensure rock mass stability in underground mines. A sensor-based geotechnical monitoring framework that deploys a three-dimensional digital twin for underground mines is proposed and developed. The monitoring framework consists of the determination of variables to be monitored, selection of sensors and layout design, installation of instrumentation, collection of data in near real-time, and visualization of data using a 3D digital twin. The proposed framework is implemented at the San Xavier (SX) Underground Mining Laboratory to develop a tool for monitoring ground displacement. The preliminary result shows that the framework is implemented effectively to collect data automatically for a 3D digital twin that updates visualizations in desired frequencies. This framework can be a significant aid for the mining industry to reduce injury and fatality due to ground fall.
• Rojas, C., Anani, A., Cordova, E., Nyaaba, W., Wellman, E., & Adewuyi, S. (2024). Analysis of Raise Boring with Grouting as an Optimal Method for Ore Pass Construction in Incompetent Rock Mass—A Case Study. Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, 41(4). doi:10.1007/s42461-024-01023-0
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  The construction of ore pass systems in underground mines is a high-risk activity, especially in an environment with incompetent rock mass. This study aims to investigate the optimal method for ore pass construction in incompetent rock masses. We evaluated the conventional and raise boring (RB) methods based on safety, efficiency, excavation control, and ground support for ore pass construction. We also performed a stability analysis using analytical Q-raise (QR method) and kinematic analysis methods for ore pass construction with a Raise Borer before and after grout injection of the rock mass. As a case study, an ore pass (diameter, 3 m; depth, 100 m) within an incompetent rock mass was considered to gain further insight. The rock mass was characterized according to the classification methods Q Barton, rock quality designation (RQD), rock mass rating (RMR), and geological strength index (GSI). The grout intensity number (GIN) method of grout injection is used. The safety factor (
• Wellman, E., Schafer, K., Williams, C., Ojum, G., Potter, J., Brown, L., Meyer, B., Ross, B., & Kemeny, J. (2024). Observation of Rockfall in the Thermal Infrared: Observation of Rockfall in the Thermal Infrared: E. C. Wellman et al.. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. doi:10.1007/s00603-024-04254-1
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  Rockfalls pose a significant risk to personnel and equipment in open pit mines, yet there is currently no widely adopted tool for the detection and real-time monitoring of these hazards. This paper explores the use of thermal infrared cameras to observe, detect, and record rockfall events in surface mining operations, with the aim of protecting mine workers from the dangers of rockfalls. The primary objective is to determine the effectiveness of thermal cameras in detecting rockfalls in a range of environmental conditions. A mobile monitoring platform (MMP) was developed and equipped with a variety of long-wave infrared (LWIR) thermal imaging systems, including both scientific and security-grade cameras. Data have since been collected from nine open pit mining operations across the western United States and southern British Columbia, Canada. Six thermal cameras have been deployed and determined effective in detecting rockfall across a temperature range from − 27 °C to 52 °C. Research findings confirm the utility of thermal infrared imagers in rockfall detection throughout the diurnal cycle (24 h/day), enhancing situational awareness for miners and the potential for integration into geotechnical slope monitoring systems. It was also observed that falling blocks smaller than camera pixel resolution can be detected from thermal video due to temperature/emissivity changes resulting from scours, craters, and dust plumes made by the blocks as they descended slopes. This paper demonstrates LWIR thermal cameras' practical applications and limitations for rockfall detection in various geologic and climate conditions, provides recommendations for collecting and analyzing rockfall-related thermal imaging data, and outlines a path forward for the development of rockfall detection algorithms.

Proceedings Publications

• Akbulut, N. B., Anani, A., Brown, L. D., & Wellman, E. C. (2023).

  Innovative Approach for Monitoring Underground Excavations at San Xavier Underground Mine Laboratory

  . In American Rock Mechanics Association.
• Wellman, E. C., Akbulut, N. A., & Kemeny, J. (2023).

  Ground Support Asset Management

  . In American Rock Mechanics Association.
• Wellman, E. C., Schafer, K. W., Williams, C. P., & Ross, B. J. (2022).

  Thermal Imaging for Rockfall Detection

  . In American Rock Mechanics Association, 56th US Rock Mechanics Symposium.