2024 RTP round - Developing a stability analysis system of steep slopes for open pit mines

Status: Closed

Applications open: 7/07/2023
Applications close: 25/08/2023

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About this scholarship
Description/Applicant information

The height of mine slopes has gradually increased as the mining depth of open-pit mines around the world has increased, resulting in geological disasters such as instability, damage to local slopes, and landslides. In recent years, with the in-depth application of new-generation information technologies such as the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and big data in mining engineering, there is more needs to build a physical information fusion system for slope engineering, so that it can establish an automatic data flow association with slope entities, and realise functions such as state perception, real-time analysis, and scientific decision-making. This project conducts engineering geological analysis and in-situ stress field tests on steep slopes, analyses the instability mechanism of steep slopes and the deformation characteristics of slopes under blasting load disturbance, and develops data-driven slopes that integrate virtual simulation models. A stability analysis system is built using the advanced stability analysis method, and an experimental verification platform based on cloud plus terminal technology is established. 

The project's aim is to provide a robust methodology and associated numerical algorithms that can successfully analyse and predict slope stability, thereby supporting mining engineers and geotechnical professionals in making educated decisions about slope design, maintenance, and risk mitigation. 

Objective 1: Develop a strong and dependable system that incorporates geotechnical principles, geomechanical modelling, and relevant open pit mining elements.
Objective 2: Design a user-friendly numerical algorithm that uses the proposed stability analysis technique.
Objective 3: Validate the constructed stability analysis system by collecting field data and comparing it to current slope stability analyses. 

In open pit mines, steep slopes offer substantial dangers in terms of slope stability and potential slope failures. This research enables proactive risk management and the deployment of appropriate mitigation measures to prevent slope failures, thereby saving employees' lives and reducing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Then, in open pit mines, slope failures can cause large financial losses owing to production interruptions, equipment damage, and costly remediation measures. Furthermore, mining operators may make educated judgements about slope maintenance and monitoring with the use of a dependable stability analysis system. 

This project may provide an internship opportunity. 
 

Student type

• Future Students

Faculty

• Faculty of Science & Engineering
  • Science courses
  • Engineering courses

Course type

• Higher Degree by Research

Citizenship

• Australian Citizen
• Australian Permanent Resident
• New Zealand Citizen
• Permanent Humanitarian Visa

Scholarship base

• Merit Based

Value

The annual scholarship package (stipend and tuition fees) is approx. $60,000 - $70,000 p.a.

Successful HDR applicants for admission will receive a 100% fee offset for up to 4 years, stipend scholarships at the 2023 RTP rate valued at $32,250 p.a. for up to a maximum of 3 years, with a possible 6-month completion scholarship. Applicants are determined via a competitive selection process and will be notified of the scholarship outcome in November 2023. 

For detailed information, visit: Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships | Curtin University, Perth, Australia.

Scholarship Details
Maximum number awarded

1

Eligible courses

All applicable HDR courses

Eligibility criteria

We are looking for a self-motivated PhD candidate with excellent organisation, problem-solving and project management skills. Candidates with strong mathematical modelling and programming skills, including familiarity with slope stability are desired for this project. Must be eligible to enrol in PhD programs at Curtin.

Application process

This project has identified a preferred candidate and is no longer available.  Please review remaining scholarships projects .

Enrolment Requirements

Eligible to enrol in a Higher Degree by Research Course at Curtin University by March 2024.

Recipients must complete their milestone 1 within 6 months of enrolment and remain enrolled on a full-time basis for the duration of the scholarship.

Enquiries

The Project lead has identified a preferred candidate and is no longer accepting applications. Please click here to review remaining scholarships projects.

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