A Rock Mass Assessment Procedure Based on Quantitative Geophysical Log Analysis of Coal Measure Sequences

Peter Hatherly; Terry Medhurst; Renate Sliwa; Roland Turner

doi:10.1071/EG05112

ISSN: 0812-3985
E-ISSN: 1834-7533

A Rock Mass Assessment Procedure Based on Quantitative Geophysical Log Analysis of Coal Measure Sequences
Authors Peter Hatherly^a, Terry Medhurst^b, Renate Sliwa^c and Roland Turner^d
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^a CRC Mining, University of Sydney Australia formerly CSIRO Exploration & Mining, Email: [email protected] ^b AMC Consultants, , Brisbane, , Australia ^c CSIRO Exploration & Mining, , Australia ^d Borehole Logging Consultancy Services, , Australia
Publisher: Australian Society of Exploration Geophysicists
Source: Exploration Geophysics, Volume 36, Issue 1, Mar 2005, p. 112 - 117
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/EG05112
- Received: 17 Aug 2004
- Accepted: 20 Dec 2004
- Published online: 01 Mar 2005

Abstract

Geophysical logging is routinely undertaken as part of most coal mine exploration programs. Currently, the main application for the logs is to determine coal seam depth and to qualitatively estimate coal quality, lithology, and rock strength. However, further information can be obtained, if quantitative log interpretation is made.

To assist in the uptake of quantitative interpretation, we discuss log responses in terms of the mineralogy of the clastic sedimentary rocks frequently found in the Australian black coal mining areas of the Sydney and Bowen Basins. We find that the log responses can be tied to the mineralogy with reasonable confidence. Ambiguities in the interpretation will be better resolved if a full suite of logs is run. A method for checking for internal consistency, by comparing calculated and observed velocities, is also described.

A key driver for quantitative interpretation is geotechnical characterisation. We propose a classification system for clastic rocks that takes into consideration physical rock properties that can be inferred from geophysical logs.

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References

Asten, M.W., 1983, Borehole log analysis using an interactive computer: Exploration Geophysics, 14, 3-10.
Barton, N., Lien, R., and Lunde, J., 1974, Engineering classification of rock masses for the design of tunnel support: Rock Mechanics, 6, 183-236.
Beniawski, Z.T., 1976, Rock mass classifications in rock engineering: in Beniawski, Z.T. (ed.), Exploration for Rock Engineering: Balkema, 1, 97-106.
Buchanan, D.J., and Jackson, L.J., 1986, Coal Geophysics: Geophysics Reprint Series, Number 6, Society of Exploration Geophysicists.
Eberhart-Phillips, D., Han, D.H., and Zoback, M.D., 1989, Empirical relationships among sonic velocity, effective pressure, porosity and clay content in sandstone: Geophysics, 54, 82-89.
Hatherly, P., Sliwa, R., Turner, R., and Medhurst, T., 2004, Quantitative geophysical log interpretation for rock mass characterisation: End-of-Grant Report, Australian Coal Association Research Program, Project C11037 (unpubl.).
Hearst, J.R., Nelson, P.H., and Paillett, F.L., 2000, Well logging for physical properties: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
McNally, G.H., 1990, The prediction of geotechnical rock properties from sonic and neutron logs: Exploration Geophysics, 21, 67-71.
Molinda, G.M., and Mark, C., 1994, Coal mine roof rating (CMRR): a practical rock mass classification for coal mines: US Bureau of Mines Information Circular 9387.
Rider, M., 1996, The geological interpretation of well logs: Whittles Publishing.

/content/journals/10.1071/EG05112

Article Type: Research Article

Keyword(s): coal mining; geotechnical classification; logging

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A Rock Mass Assessment Procedure Based on Quantitative Geophysical Log Analysis of Coal Measure Sequences

Abstract

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