MEASURING GROUNDWATER PRESSURES USING THE FULLY-GROUTED PIEZOMETER METHOD:APPLICATIONS FOR MINING HYDROLOGY

摘要

Standard practices and procedures for piezometer installations were pioneered bygeotechnical engineers for evaluating and monitoring groundwater pressures nearearth embankments and dams. Historically, piezometer installation methodsfollowed standards using open standpipes installed in boreholes with sand packsand bentonite seals. In recent years, the fully-grouted piezometer method hasbeen gaining acceptance in the geotechnical industry for its cost-effectiveness andease of implementation. With the development of standard installation practicesand proven reliability and accuracy, the method is now successfully being utilizedto obtain groundwater pressures in the field of mining hydrology. In addition totheory and practice of the fully-grouted piezometer method, we show examplefield applications of fully-grouted nested piezometer installations that helpillustrate and define groundwater conditions for areas near deep undergroundmining operations, and walls and lakes at open-pit mines. Data sets obtainedfrom monitoring fully-grouted piezometers installed under varioushydrolgeological conditions are shown to be valuable for assisting in thecharacterization of groundwater movement, defining multiple aquifers, andcalibration of groundwater models.