In-Person and Livestream presentation: Instrumentation and monitoring systems in tailings dam construction

Join the Southern Queensland Branch for their October In-Person and Livestream presentation: Instrumentation and monitoring systems in tailings dam construction.

About this event

The design process and implementation of effective construction plans are critical aspects of high-risk geotechnical structures such as tailings storage facilities (TSFs). Apart from legal, financial, environmental, and political considerations in the construction or upgrading of TSFs, comprehensive design approaches should address possible adverse impacts on the facility’s structural integrity.

Following recent TSF failures, guidelines by The Australian National Committee on Large Dams (ANCOLD) and Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) define a systematic approach to identifying and evaluating potential risk factors to causes of failure and practical mitigation measures to be implemented for long-term stability.

TSF performance assessment increases complexity when TSFs are located in highly seismic areas. This talk will present case studies of earthquake impacts on TSFs. Critical in the analysis are the practical consequences and the role of monitoring systems in the safe operation of the TSF. Real-time monitoring techniques enhance the risk management system to alert operators to any changes in the tailings dam’s external or internal structural components to assess new or residual risks influenced by earthquake loadings.

In the case studies, real-time data from the dam foundation and crest alignment were collected and studied, to assess geotechnical conditions and excess pore pressure development in conjunction with construction and seismic loadings.

The outcomes of this study provided critical guidance in management of the construction stages.

In-Person Program
5.30pm - 6.00pm: Pre-event networking at street-level Craft Bar
6.00pm - 7.00pm: Event presentation at upstairs Platform Level
Livestream Program
6.00pm - 7.00pm: Presentation

Speaker/s

Dr Morteza Ghamgosar

Senior Associate Engineer, ATC Williams

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Dr Morteza Ghamgosar is a Chartered Senior Associate Geotechnical Engineer with over 20 years of experience in major underground projects, design and construction of tailings facilities, wastewater dams, dredging, and landfill projects. He specialises in planning, design management, construction, and operation of large-scale national and international projects. Morteza has provided geotechnical input and project management across the entire project lifecycle, working under Alliancing, Design and Construction, Early Contractor Involvement, PPP, and more traditional formats.
Morteza enjoys collaborating closely with public and private sector stakeholders to assess and mitigate project geotechnical risks. He finds innovative ways to deliver value for clients and projects. His expertise includes hard and soft rock and soil studies and geotechnical modelling for slopes, underground, and deep excavations, integrating these aspects into mega-scale geotechnical projects. He offers leadership and technical advice on designs and engineering processes, focusing on innovative and cost-effective approaches.
Morteza has extensive experience in integrity assessments, QA/QC management, inspections, and risk assessments for conventional tunnels and dams, hydroelectric dams, and water resource projects.
Additionally, Morteza is the Chair of the Australian Tunnelling Society (ATS Queensland Chapter) and AusIMM (SEQ Chapter) committee member.