LASER SCANNING TECHNOLOGY AS AN AID FOR STRUCTURAL GEOLOGY ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

Some leading practices commonly utilize structural geology models as input to mine design at every stage of a projects life cycle. These models are created by analysis of the brittle and ductile deformation that has affected the rock, an understanding of the rock mass properties, and lastly, the defining of a series of domains with similar properties. The use of laser scanning technology has allowed geologists to extract extremely detailed information regarding the rock mass and deformation patterns within it, and better define structural patterns. One important aspect of the data produced by laser scans is that geologists are able to examine structures that are hazardous to access or inaccessible in the field or mining environment, and accurately characterize their continuity. This has facilitated the construction of structural and rock mass models which contain significantly more detail than was previously possible. We present a number of case studies, at several different scales, which illustrate how the structural geologist can use laser scanning technology as an effective tool to produce high confidence models.