The Hand of the Engraver

<p>The manner in which we dwell leaves scars upon the landscape. These scars are often left behind long after occupancy ceases. Countless derelict landscapes across New Zealand bear these scars left by human occupancy, but many are too advanced for remediation. Rather than removing scars, this thesis proposes allowing future generations to witness these scarred landscapes so that their intrinsic stories can provide important lessons for the future, while helping to provide unexpected new approaches to the revitalisation of these sites. Quartz Reef Point in Central Otago has been selected as the site for this design-led research investigation; it is an abandoned strip mine that appears so violated, that it has lost all apparent means of restoration or reuse. This design-led research project proposes that by building upon these scars, rather than ignoring or hiding them, these scars can be reinterpreted as lessons for the future that can help enable future generations to learn from past mistakes. The damage at Quartz Reef Point strip mine has been caused by ‘scratching’ the surface of the site so severely that natural systems have suffered inexorable damage. In the art of engraving, the surface of a copper plate is also deeply scratched––and the resulting ‘damage’ to the plate allows a story to unfold. This design research investigation looks at how the art of engraving can be applied to architectural design processes in ways that help tell the story of severely damaged sites such as Quartz Reef Point. Hans-Jörg Rheinberger’s book The Hand of the Engraver: Albert Flocon Meets Gaston Bachelard is used to establish a framework for this investigation. In this book, the architectural engraver, Albert Flocon, shares dialogues with the architectural philosopher, Gaston Bachelard––two distinct points of view about storytelling. The thesis proposes that when these two points of view are integrated with the voice of the architectural designer, the thesis author, new approaches for meaningful architectural interventions can be discovered to help bring the story of Quartz Reef Point to life for future generations. Using Hans-Jörg Rheinberger’s book The Hand of the Engraver as a generative starting point, the thesis investigation asks the research question: how can the engraver, the philosopher and the architectural designer be brought together to explore new ways of looking at scarred landscapes that not only reinvigorate them, but offer their tales as important lessons for the future? This investigation proposes that architecture can engage scars on the landscape in narrative ways that enhance visitors’ awareness about the site and its tragic history. Jerome Bruner, senior research fellow at New York University, outlines a framework that he argues is necessary to advance a successful fictional narrative. Architectural heritage theorist Jennifer Hill discusses how retaining visible scars in the built environment can offer insights into how the ongoing transformations of a site contribute actively to the narrative of place. Environmental psychologist Jonathan Sime argues that contextual elements of derelict sites, in combination with a fictional narrative, can culminate in an enhanced ‘sense of place’ through unexpected architectural responses. This thesis proposes to integrate the theoretical arguments of Jerome Bruner, Jennifer Hill, and Jonathan Sime in a design-led research approach to the reinvigoration of severely scarred landscapes. In the thesis investigation, architectural elements and environmental scars are conceptualised as overlapping, each line advising the other. In this way, the thesis looks to communicate contextual narratives in a way that not only revitalises place identity, but also enables us to fully engage a site’s heritage and learn from past mistakes.</p>

The Hand of the Engraver

<p>The manner in which we dwell leaves scars upon the landscape. These scars are often left behind long after occupancy ceases. Countless derelict landscapes across New Zealand bear these scars left by human occupancy, but many are too advanced for remediation. Rather than removing scars, this thesis proposes allowing future generations to witness these scarred landscapes so that their intrinsic stories can provide important lessons for the future, while helping to provide unexpected new approaches to the revitalisation of these sites. Quartz Reef Point in Central Otago has been selected as the site for this design-led research investigation; it is an abandoned strip mine that appears so violated, that it has lost all apparent means of restoration or reuse. This design-led research project proposes that by building upon these scars, rather than ignoring or hiding them, these scars can be reinterpreted as lessons for the future that can help enable future generations to learn from past mistakes. The damage at Quartz Reef Point strip mine has been caused by ‘scratching’ the surface of the site so severely that natural systems have suffered inexorable damage. In the art of engraving, the surface of a copper plate is also deeply scratched––and the resulting ‘damage’ to the plate allows a story to unfold. This design research investigation looks at how the art of engraving can be applied to architectural design processes in ways that help tell the story of severely damaged sites such as Quartz Reef Point. Hans-Jörg Rheinberger’s book The Hand of the Engraver: Albert Flocon Meets Gaston Bachelard is used to establish a framework for this investigation. In this book, the architectural engraver, Albert Flocon, shares dialogues with the architectural philosopher, Gaston Bachelard––two distinct points of view about storytelling. The thesis proposes that when these two points of view are integrated with the voice of the architectural designer, the thesis author, new approaches for meaningful architectural interventions can be discovered to help bring the story of Quartz Reef Point to life for future generations. Using Hans-Jörg Rheinberger’s book The Hand of the Engraver as a generative starting point, the thesis investigation asks the research question: how can the engraver, the philosopher and the architectural designer be brought together to explore new ways of looking at scarred landscapes that not only reinvigorate them, but offer their tales as important lessons for the future? This investigation proposes that architecture can engage scars on the landscape in narrative ways that enhance visitors’ awareness about the site and its tragic history. Jerome Bruner, senior research fellow at New York University, outlines a framework that he argues is necessary to advance a successful fictional narrative. Architectural heritage theorist Jennifer Hill discusses how retaining visible scars in the built environment can offer insights into how the ongoing transformations of a site contribute actively to the narrative of place. Environmental psychologist Jonathan Sime argues that contextual elements of derelict sites, in combination with a fictional narrative, can culminate in an enhanced ‘sense of place’ through unexpected architectural responses. This thesis proposes to integrate the theoretical arguments of Jerome Bruner, Jennifer Hill, and Jonathan Sime in a design-led research approach to the reinvigoration of severely scarred landscapes. In the thesis investigation, architectural elements and environmental scars are conceptualised as overlapping, each line advising the other. In this way, the thesis looks to communicate contextual narratives in a way that not only revitalises place identity, but also enables us to fully engage a site’s heritage and learn from past mistakes.</p>

Optimalisasi Spasi Ripping Bulldozer terhadap Fragmentasi Batubara Seam B2 di Tambang Banko Barat PT X Desa Tanjung Enim, Kecamatan Lawang Kidul, Kabupaten Muara Enim, Provinsi Sumatera Selatan

Coal mining at PT X Banko Barat site uses the Strip Mine type Open Mine System using mechanical equipment. To breaking coal from Pit 1 Timur using ripping with the Komatsu D 375 Bulldozer A. As for the digging and loading using Backhoe Komatsu PC 400 and Backhoe Hitachi ZX 470 Lc The problem with the company is the large size of the fragmentation of ripping coal which is greater than 20 cm which is not in accordance with the specifications of the grizzly dump hopper, so there must be a reduction in the size of the coal back by the backhoe so that production is getting lower. This study aims to optimize the ripping bulldozer space on coal so that it will produce coal fragmentation smaller than the actual ripping and the effect of coal fragmentation on bulldozer and backhoe production. The research included taking data of bulldozer cycle time ripping, backhoe cycle time, bulldozer obstacle time, backhoe obstacle time, coal density and coal fragmentation. From these data we will know the effect of bulldozer ripping spacing on the fragmentation of coal produced and the effect on bulldozer and backhoe production. For the East Pit coal production target, West Banko is 360,000 tons/ month. The actual bulldozer ripping space is 80 cm with B2 coal fragmentation yield of more than 20 cm is 11.36% with 363,476.74 tons/month ripping bulldozer and backhoe production 363,477.32 tons/month. For the 60 cm ripping spacing improvement, the B2 coal fragmentation yield of more than 20 cm is 3.05% with a bulldozer ripping production of 347,670.27 tons/month and backhoe production of 347,670.7 tons/month. As for the 40 cm ripping spacing improvement, B2 coal fragmentation which is more than 20 cm is 1.58% with a bulldozer ripping production of 288,922.03 tons / month and backhoe production of 288,922.9 tons/month. Based on the results of the study, coal fragmentation of more than 20 cm has reached the Company's SOP, which is less than 2%, but the production target has not been reached, so efforts must be made to improve. The improvement effort is by adding a bulldozer and increasing the bulldozer work efficiency. Bulldozer production was obtained at 385,229.37 tons/month and backhoe production at 385,229.60 tons/month so as to reach the production target. Abstrak. Penambangan batubara pada PT X Site Banko Barat menggunakan Sistem Tambang Terbuka tipe Strip Mine dengan menggunakan peralatan mekanis. Untuk memberaikan batubara pada Pit 1 Timur menggunakan ripping dengan Bulldozer Komatsu D 375 A. Sedangkan untuk penggalian dan pemuatannya menggunakan Backhoe Komatsu PC 400 dan Backhoe Hitachi ZX 470 Lc. Adapun masalah pada perusahaan adalah banyaknya ukuran fragmentasi batubara hasil ripping yang lebih besar dari 20 cm yang tidak sesuai dengan spesifikasi grizzly dump hopper, sehingga harus ada pengecilan ukuran batubara kembali oleh backhoe sehingga produksinya semakin rendah. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengoptimalkan spasi ripping bulldozer pada batubara sehingga akan menghasilkan fragmentasi batubara yang lebih kecil dibandingkan dengan ripping aktualnya dan pengaruh fragmentasi batubara terhadap produksi bulldozer dan backhoe. Penelitian meliputi pengambilan data cycle time ripping bulldozer, cycle time backhoe, waktu hambatan bulldozer, waktu hambatan backhoe, densitas batubara dan fragmentasi batubara. Dari data tersebut akan diketahui pengaruh dari spasi ripping bulldozer terhadap fragmentasi batubara yang dihasilkan serta pengaruh terhadap produksi bulldozer dan backhoe. Untuk target produksi batubara Pit Timur, Banko Barat adalah 360.000 ton/bulan. Spasi ripping bulldozer aktual adalah sebesar 80 cm dengan hasil fragmentasi batubara B2 yang lebih dari 20 cm adalah 11,36% dengan produksi ripping bulldozer sebesar 363.476,74 ton/bulan dan produksi backhoe sebesar 363.477,32 ton/bulan. Untuk spasi ripping perbaikan 60 cm dengan hasil fragmentasi batubara B2 yang lebih dari 20 cm adalah 3,05% dengan produksi ripping bulldozer sebesar 347.670,27 ton/bulan dan produksi backhoe sebesar 347.670,7 ton/bulan. Sedangkan untuk spasi ripping perbaikan 40 cm dihasilkan fragmentasi batubara B2 yang lebih dari 20 cm adalah 1,58% dengan produksi ripping bulldozer sebesar 288.922,03 ton/bulan dan produksi backhoe sebesar 288.922,9 ton/bulan. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, fragmentasi batubara yang lebih dari 20 cm telah mencapai SOP Perusahaan yaitu kurang dari 2%, tetapi target produksinya tidak tercapai, sehingga harus ada upaya perbaikan. Adapun upaya perbaikannya adalah dengan menambahkan satu alat bulldozer dan meningkatkan efisiensi kerja bulldozer. Didapatkan produksi bulldozer sebesar 385.229,37 ton/bulan dan produksi backhoe sebesar 385.229,60 ton/bulan sehingga telah mencapai target produksi.

Functional responses of zooplankton communities to depth, trophic status, and ion content in mine pit lakes

Functional traits can be used to identify various ecosystem processes that are influenced by natural and anthropogenic factors. We tested the hypothesis that the species composition and functional feeding traits of zooplankton are influenced by environmental gradients, such as depth, trophic status, and ion content. This hypothesis was tested in three lignite strip mine lakes in Central Poland. Two shallow, polymictic lakes were reclaimed (1994 and 2008), and the third deep, stratified lake has been reclaimed during the flooding process, since 2011. Samples were collected monthly in 2016 and 2017. The functional responses of zooplankton communities to environmental variables were tested through redundancy analyses. Both eutrophy and oligotrophy contributed to the taxonomic heterogeneity and functional homogeneity of zooplankton. In eutrophic condition small microphagous rotifers and small-sized crustaceans dominated, while oligotrophy and high ion concentrations favored dominance of large microphagous and stationary/suspended feeders. In turn, the depth gradient of a newly emerging, stratified lake resulted in taxonomic and functional heterogeneity of zooplankton. Our results complement existing knowledge about zooplankton in post-industrial areas, and also provide new information on the mechanisms of formation and functioning of mine pit lake ecosystems.

NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF THE STABILITY OF THE SIDES OF COAL MINES UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DISTRIBUTED LOADS

The open method of solid minerals winning occupies a significant place in the total opening of the mining complex deposits of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In the energy band, a prominent role belongs to the Ekibastuz coal basin, where a number of large coal strip mine operates. The level of subsurface, equal parts of spoil bank of the external and internal stripping after a while lead to complex problems of ensuring the stability and safety of mining operations. The location of large external rock dumps on the bead surface has a negative effect on the stability of the latter. The purpose of the work was to establish the degree of the external rock dump influence located on the bead surface on the stability of adjacent rock mass of the coalmine depending on the distance of the dump to the upper edge of the side. There was numerical simulation of stress-strain state of adjacent rock mass under action of distributed load from rock dump carried out. It has been shown that studies of any point stability of the array from this type of load should be carried out on the basis of elasticity and the use of the finite element method theory implemented in packages of programs oriented specifically to scientific and engineering applications. There are the methodology and results of numerical modeling of quantitative assessments of various sections stability of the side loaded with an external rock dump with a height of 160m presented on the example of «Ekibastuz» coal mine. Based on a certain theory of rock strength and the criteria for their discontinuity, limit estimates of the critical distance of the external rock dump from the upper edge of the side were obtained, at which the latter may lose stability.

Bachatskiy induced earthquake on June 18, 2013, ML=6.1, I0=7 (Kuzbass)

The Bachatsky earthquake of 18 June 2013 and a seismic activation of the same name coal strip mine, started several years before the earthquake and still persists today, have been studied using temporal local seismic arrays in the area. It was found experimentally that the seismic process area is closely connected to open workings, and the earthquakes are extend-ed from the working bed to a depth of 4-5 km. Adjacent to the mine depression sedimentary rocks were activated. The technogenic seismic regime is continuous and not stationary: intervals of background seismicity with relatively weak and seldom events are disturbed by bursts of activity with a rise in the magnitude of stronger earthquakes and frequency of occurrence of weak events. The seismic activation may last for 1–3 months. During the last five years, four seismic activations have been recorded, three of which were generated by large earthquakes of 09.02.2012, ML4.3; 04.03.2013, ML3.9; 18.06.2013, ML6.1. The last one was completed by a series of perceptible earthquakes with local magnitude of 3.0–3.5. The focal mechanism of the Bachatsky earthquake is a thrust fault with one of the motion planes corresponding to the anthropogenic impact. The earthquake flow forms a single process in the space with the b-value of the Gutenberg-Richter relationship different from the natural seismicity. The studied induced seismicity does not correspond to the structural regularities of natural seismicity in the Altai-Sayan mountain area. The findings prove that the Bachatsky earthquake and associated activation can be considered as man-made events.

TRAIL Spotlight: Fires in Abandoned Coal Mines and Waste Banks

Coal is a readily combustible rock of carbon and hydrocarbons that is found all across the United States. Due to its combustive properties and relative abundance, burning coal has been and still is a substantial fraction of the US energy market. However, also due its combustive properties, coal veins and mines tend to, well, catch fire. Lewis and Clark reported seeing burning veins of coal in 1805 when they were exploring the Missouri River in what is now central North Dakota. Maybe you have heard of the still burning mine fire in Centralia, Pennsylvania where a strip mine has been burning since 1962 and could continue to burn for over 250 years. Abandoned coal mines that catch fire are serious health, safety, and environmental hazards that the US government has been trying to address for decades.

Morphological variation in the Pennsylvanian horseshoe crab Euproops danae (Meek & Worthen, 1865) (Xiphosurida, Euproopidae) from the lower Mercer Shale, Windber, Pennsylvania, USA

Examination of 36 specimens of the Pennsylvanian horseshoe crab Euproops danae (Meek & Worthen, 1865) from a previously unreported occurrence in the lower Mercer Shale exposed in an abandoned strip mine south from Windber, Pennsylvania, USA, document ontogenetic changes in prosomal morphology. Intercardiophthalmic transverse bars become less pronounced as ophthalmic spines become longer in larger, older specimens through approximately seven instar stages. It remains unclear if the presence or absence of ophthalmic spines is taphonomic, regardless of developmental stage. The holotype of E. danae is illustrated photographically for the first time.