Drilling is a critical component in many segments of U.S. industry such as resource recovery (e.g., oil, gas, mining), civil infrastructure systems (e.g., sewers, highway tunnels, subways), environmental remediation, and for scientific purposes. Research undertaken for new and improved drilling systems and processes can have an enormous impact on U.S. productivity. This book provides an examination of the technical and scientific feasibility of substantial advances in drilling and related technologies. Concepts for new mechanical and non-mechanical drilling applicationsâ€"including advances in knowledge of the tool-rock interactionâ€"are reviewed, research opportunities are identified, and recommendations are made on the scope and direction needed to realize these opportunities for improved methods of drilling.

Uniquely comprehensive and up to date, this book covers terrestrial as well as extraterrestrial drilling and excavation, combining the technology of drilling with the state of the art in robotics. The authors come from industry and top ranking public and corporate research institutions and provide here real-life examples, problems, solutions and case studies, backed by color photographs throughout. The result is a must-have for oil companies and all scientists involved in planetary research with robotic probes. With a foreword by Harrison "Jack" Schmitt -- the first geologist to drill on the moon.

The Office of Industrial Technologies (OIT) of the U. S. Department of Energy commissioned the National Research Council (NRC) to undertake a study on required technologies for the Mining Industries of the Future Program to complement information provided to the program by the National Mining Association. Subsequently, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health also became a sponsor of this study, and the Statement of Task was expanded to include health and safety. The overall objectives of this study are: (a) to review available information on the U.S. mining industry; (b) to identify critical research and development needs related to the exploration, mining, and processing of coal, minerals, and metals; and (c) to examine the federal contribution to research and development in mining processes.

This book covers the fundamentals of tunneling machine technology: drilling, tunneling, waste removal and securing. It treats methods of rock classification for the machinery concerned as well as legal issues, using numerous example projects to reflect the state of technology, as well as problematic cases and solutions. The work is structured such that readers are led from the basics via the main functional elements of tunneling machinery to the different types of machine, together with their areas of application and equipment. The result is an overview of current developments. Close cooperation among the authors involved has created a book of equal interest to experienced tunnelers and newcomers.

Every two years, industry leaders and practitioners from around the world gather at the Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conference (RETC), the authoritative program for the tunneling profession, to learn about the most recent advances and breakthroughs in this unique field. The information presented helps professionals keep pace with the ever-changing and growing tunneling industry. This book includes the full text of 106 papers presented at the 2021 conference. Though the tunneling industry continues to develop both technically and contractually, one notable adaptation of the last two years has been the onset and management of COVID-19. The hallmarks of tunneling professionals include adaptability, resiliency, optimism, and management of change. These are traits that have been recently put to an entirely new challenge over the last year or so. We have truly witnessed why what we do is deemed “essential” infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted each of us, personally and professionally, and while times have been hard, we are fortunate to work in a field that is able to meet the challenge and thrive thereafter. Congratulations are in order to everyone in our industry for keeping the planning and development of projects moving forward and for maintaining safe and productive worksites in these challenging times.

On October 11, 2000, a breakthrough of Martin County Coal Corporation's coal waste impoundment released 250 million gallons of slurry in near Inez, Kentucky. The 72-acre surface impoundment for coal processing waste materials broke through into a nearby underground coal mine. Although the spill caused no loss of human life, environmental damage was significant, and local water supplies were disrupted. This incident prompted Congress to request the National Research Council to examine ways to reduce the potential for similar accidents in the future. This book covers the engineering practices and standards for coal waste impoundments and ways to evaluate, improve, and monitor them; the accuracy of mine maps and ways to improve surveying and mapping of mines; and alternative technologies for coal slurry disposal and utilization. The book contains advice for multiple audiences, including the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the Office of Surface Mining, and other federal agencies; state and local policymakers and regulators; the coal industry and its consultants; and scientists and engineers.

Tunnelling in Rock by Drilling and Blasting presents the latest developments in the excavation of tunnels using the drilling and blasting method. Examples of work conducted throughout the world including the Indian sub-continent, Australia, and Sweden amongst others are discussed. These tunnel projects serve to illustrate the challenges and i