Advancing geotechnical monitoring and 3D Digital Twins
By SYSTRA Subterra
The MASTERMINE project continues to advance in the implementation of innovative technologies to improve the sustainability and efficiency of mining operations in Europe. This summary highlights the progress made by SYSTRA Subterra, focusing on geotechnical monitoring in mines and the development of 3D models for geotechnical digital twins.
In the geotechnical monitoring task of the Tharsis mine, work is being carried out through an online platform that collects and stores real-time data from inclinometers installed in the mine. This technology enables continuous and precise monitoring of critical mine parameters, enhancing the ability to anticipate risks and make informed decisions.
In the TERNA MAG underground mine, the installation of a telltale sensor and a datalogger has been completed. These devices measure convergences — the relative movements between referenced points within the mine — providing real-time data. This will allow us in the future to identify structural changes and respond quickly to potential geotechnical risks.
On the left, the telltale sensor, and on the right, the datalogger.
The development of three-dimensional models is an essential part of geotechnical analysis. These geological models, created from data collected from the mines, allow us a detailed understanding of geological structures, facilitating analysis and simulation within digital twins (DT).
These models, shown in the following figures, illustrate the different geological bodies that constitute the mines. These geometries must be considered with special attention when integrating them into the modelling software for further processing and analysis.
In Tharsis mine, the 3D models allow visualisation of the unique geological features of this area, providing a solid basis for stability simulations and mine design.
In the Los Frailes mine, modelling has been essential to identify risks and optimise operating strategies.
Lastly, in the TERNA MAG underground mine, the creation of an accurate point cloud has enabled the integration of the location of geotechnical monitoring sensors with the underground gallery network, providing a detailed and complete view of the mining environment.
