CREATING A GEOMECHANICS LAB COURSE FOR THE MINING AND GEOLOGICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

Abstract

The University of Arizona Mining and Geological Engineering Department does not currently have a course to teach geomechanics-track students about the installation and operation of geomechanical monitoring equipment. Industry contacts have noticed this, and do not wish to continue teaching new hires themselves. Dr. John Kemeny approached the author about creating a lab course to better prepare Mining Engineering graduates for work in the real world. Canary Systems and Geokon donated the necessary equipment, and a syllabus was created in Fall of 2017. In Spring of 2018, a test lab group of four students was formed, and in-class activities were developed for six labs and one field trip. Each in-class activity is contained in this thesis, accompanied by an introduction and answer key. Test apparatuses designed by the author had to be developed for five of the six labs. Initial lab sessions held throughout Spring 2018 were successful, with students reporting a greater understanding of the donated equipment. The intent is for this course to be officially listed, with the materials developed through this thesis used as the starting material.