The design and construction of water impounding plugs using sprayed concrete

Authors: Singh, U; Abraham, P; Bellamy, E; Swart, A

DOI https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1201_20_singh

Cite As:
Singh, U, Abraham, P, Bellamy, E & Swart, A 2012, 'The design and construction of water impounding plugs using sprayed concrete', in Y Potvin (ed.), Deep Mining 2012: Proceedings of the Sixth International Seminar on Deep and High Stress Mining, Australian Centre for Geomechanics, Perth, pp. 279-296, https://doi.org/10.36487/ACG_rep/1201_20_singh

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Abstract:
Water containment plugs for the management of an uncontrolled inflow of water are common in coal mines but not a usual requirement for hard rock mines. An underground operation beneath an operating open pit requires water plugs to be constructed to isolate the active underground workings from potential uncontrolled inflow of water from the open pit during high rainfall events. The site had previous experience in constructing two concrete plugs using formwork and poured concrete. Construction hazards and leakage around the constructed plug lead the site to explore alternative construction methods which would provide a better seal and expose construction crews to fewer hazards. A method for using sprayed concrete to construct the plugs was developed. This method provides a better seal between the plug and the rock; however, it raises challenges to control the heat generation from the sprayed concrete while maintaining sufficient binder content to allow for spraying and build-up of concrete. The paper discusses the design and construction of these plugs.

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