Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Quarries and quarrying'

This thesis presents an historical geography of the British quarrying industry, c.1850- c.1950. During this time of significant spatial and structural change in British industry, the quarrying industry was important as an industry which achieved a dramatically increased level and value of output, was an important employer, and was highly significant in terms of supplying the raw materials required for industrialisation and urbanisation. Despite this, there is no existing account of overall spatial and structural change in this industrial sector for this period. The literature on this period comprises only isolated case studies of particular quarrying industries or firms. This thesis thus makes a contribution to knowledge in three key areas. First, it undertakes a description and evaluation of the sources available for the study of the quarrying industry. In particular it focuses on the neglected official statistics of the quarrying industry, outlining their nature and limitations and illustrating how they offer a unique insight into an industrial sector in this period, providing as they do, a systematic record of change at the county ani national level from 1895-1948. Second, after outlining the nature of the quarrying industry in the mid-nineteenth century, the thesis uses these statistics to present an analysis of change in the key characteristics of the industry, i.e. level and value of output, labour, number of firms and quarries between 1895-1948. The overall pattern for the quarrying industry is one of a dramatically increasing level and value of output, but a decrease in labour, firms and quarries. Thus the national picture is one of rationalisation to increase output, particularly rnsociated with mechanisation and the amalgamation of firms. Third, for the period 1895-1948 an analysis is presented of the spatial location of quarry production, and of the spatial variation in structural change within the industry, i.e. in output, employment and number of firms and quarries. This allows the identification of the spatial dynamics of change in the industry. A complex picture is revealed of how the dramatic increase in output was achieved by different regional dynamics, with spatial variation in the restructuring oflabour, number of firms and quarries.

Thesis (M. L. A.)--University of Hong Kong, 2009.
Includes special report study entitled: Slope protection : principles and techniques. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2003.
Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 347-375). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.

Thesis (M. L. A.)--University of Hong Kong, 2009.
Includes special report study entitled: Ecological restoration and tree species selection of quarry. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print.

The Warsaw Quarries of Coshocton County, Ohio, virtually ignored since Holmes' landmark papers of 1919, are investigated to achieve several goals: 1) to create a revised general typology of the material culture of bedded-chert lithic procurement sites; 2) to demonstrate that the occurrence of radiocarbon samples at lithic procurement sites is the norm rather than the exception; 3) to clarify the nature of activity at the site through a synthesis of functional and attribute analyses of material recovered from a peripheral spoils ridge; 4) to demonstrate that data collected at procurement sites by surface collection constitutes an insufficient database for analysis; 5) to test an hypothesis that the presumed absence of classic site elements (stratigraphy, diagnostic artifacts, dateable material) is incorrect. Since the completion of late 19`h and early 20`h century work in the field, analysis of quarry sites in North America has been limited to sporadic and usually very subject-specific research. By neglecting to evaluate the overall nature and function of lithic procurement sites, recent work has relegated lithic procurement to a sub-field of only secondary interest to archaeologists.
Department of Anthropology

Limestone and dolomite quarries were mapped to determine specific slope failure mechanisms for the various geological and structural conditions. Wedge failure and plane failure were determined to be the most influential mechanisms. Algorithms for analyzing these mechanisms were incorporated into the software package PSLOPE. The program is designed to facilitate progressive stability evaluation of quarry high walls as mining continues and permits calculation of safety factors and probabilistic reliability. Safety factor evaluations with the potential for back-analysis and sensitivity studies are included to investigate alternative high wall designs. Reliability analysis using Monte Carlo sampling minimizes uncertainty and allows the use of all available data in a stability evaluation. E~tensive "help" menus are incorporated into the program. The "help" menus include ranges of physical properties such as cohesion and friction angle for specific lithologic units determined from published research. This package includes an optimum design protocol that can be followed to avoid massive failure. The program was developed in conjunction with the quarry industry and is demonstrated through technical problem solving and a detailed case study. A large carbonate quarry in the eastern U.S. was studied in detail to demonstrate the utility of PSLOPE.
Master of Science

This thesis is mainly about how we read city as whole. City is a simple word with extremely complex information that interacts to each other. City is where we live. Though this thesis will not be in touch with some deeper topics about city, we can still read city in an unusual way. And this is the purpose for this thesis.
published_or_final_version
Architecture
Master
Master of Landscape Architecture

The purpose of this creative project was to derive and communicate the design process for the reclamation of an active quarry site to a residential community. An examination of existing land reclamation and housing design knowledge was conducted to form the basis for original design theories. The communication and presentation of study recommendations was applied to a case study site: an active sand, gravel, and limestone quarry located near Muncie, Indiana. A methodology was developed to analyze the site for its mining, housing and visual potential. Environmentally responsive strategies to determine rural community structure, lake form design, and housing character were developed. An integration of analyses and design strategies yielded the final land use concept and the associated site development concept. The final product of the study was a reclamation concept plan directing mineral extraction and reclamation efforts toward optimal mining and housing potential. It was the intention of this study to discuss and present its design theories, recommendations, and process in map form capable of explaining the study in its entirety without additional verbal or written communication.
Department of Landscape Architecture

Yu Chi Cheung.
Thesis submitted in: August 2005.
Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 156-169).
Abstracts in English and Chinese.
Abstract
Declaration --- p.i
Acknowledgement --- p.ii
Contents --- p.iv
List of Figures --- p.vi
List of Tables --- p.vii
List of Plates --- p.x
Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1
Chapter 1.1 --- About Hong Kong --- p.2
Chapter 1.1.1 --- Geography --- p.2
Chapter 1.1.2 --- Climate --- p.4
Chapter 1.1.3 --- Vegetation --- p.7
Chapter 1.1.4 --- Wildlife conservation in Hong Kong --- p.10
Chapter 1.2 --- Land Restoration --- p.12
Chapter 1.2.1 --- General processes of restoration --- p.13
Chapter 1.2.2 --- Plantation in Hong Kong quarries --- p.15
Chapter 1.2.3 --- Ecological succession in Hong Kong --- p.16
Chapter 1.2.4 --- Problems in quarry restoration --- p.17
Chapter 1.3 --- Objectives --- p.18
Chapter 1.3.1 --- Study sites --- p.18
Chapter 1.3.2 --- Soil-plant ecosystem --- p.27
Chapter 1.3.3 --- Insect study --- p.28
Chapter 1.3.4 --- Lepidopteran as a study group --- p.29
Chapter 1.3.5 --- Odonata as a study group --- p.31
Chapter 1.4 --- Project Significant --- p.32
Chapter Chapter 2 --- Soil Status in Restored Quarries in Hong Kong --- p.35
Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.35
Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.37
Chapter 2.2.1 --- Soil sampling --- p.37
Chapter 2.2.2 --- Soil analysis --- p.37
Chapter 2.3 --- Statistical Analysis --- p.39
Chapter 2.4 --- Results and Discussion --- p.39
Chapter 2.4.1 --- General properties of soil in the restored quarries --- p.39
Chapter 2.4.2 --- Soil description on different phases among the sites --- p.43
Chapter 2.4.3 --- Soil comparison on different phases with the same age --- p.45
Chapter 2.5 --- Conclusion --- p.47
Chapter Chapter 3 --- Vegetation Study of Restored Quarries --- p.49
Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.49
Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.52
Chapter 3.2.1 --- Vegetation survey --- p.52
Chapter 3.2.2 --- Quadrat analysis --- p.53
Chapter 3.2.3 --- Vegetation description --- p.53
Chapter 3.2.3.1 --- Similarity index --- p.53
Chapter 3.2.3.2 --- Species richness index --- p.53
Chapter 3.2.3.3 --- Diversity index --- p.54
Chapter 3.2.3.4 --- Evenness index --- p.54
Chapter 3.2.3.5 --- Effective number of species --- p.54
Chapter 3.3 --- Results and Discussion --- p.55
Chapter 3.3.1 --- Vegetation coverage on restored quarries --- p.55
Chapter 3.3.2 --- Vegetation structure and diversity on restored quarries --- p.58
Chapter 3.3.3 --- Ecological indices on various sites --- p.78
Chapter 3.3.4 --- Successful plants at various phases among the sites --- p.80
Chapter 3.3.5 --- "Tree vs shrubs, native vs exotic" --- p.85
Chapter 3.4 --- Conclusion --- p.87
Chapter Chapter 4 --- Butterfly Communities on Restored Quarries --- p.89
Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.89
Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.90
Chapter 4.2.1 --- Pollard-walk method --- p.90
Chapter 4.2.2 --- Statistical analysis --- p.95
Chapter 4.3 --- Results and Discussion --- p.95
Chapter 4.3.1 --- General description of the butterfly communities --- p.95
Chapter 4.3.2 --- Uncommon species found on the quarries --- p.99
Chapter 4.3.3 --- Butterfly species found on various phases of the sites --- p.102
Chapter 4.3.4 --- Ecological indices on various sites --- p.114
Chapter 4.4 --- Conclusions --- p.117
Chapter Chapter 5 --- Moth Communities on Restored Quarries --- p.118
Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.118
Chapter 5 2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.119
Chapter 5.2.1 --- Light trapping method --- p.119
Chapter 5.3 --- Results and Discussion --- p.120
Chapter 5.3.1 --- General description of moth community --- p.120
Chapter 5.3.2 --- Ecological indices of moth on various sites --- p.123
Chapter 5.3.3 --- Moth species found on various phases of the sites --- p.129
Chapter 5.3.4 --- Ecological importance of Lepidopterans --- p.142
Chapter 4.4 --- Conclusion --- p.143
Chapter Chapter 6 --- General Conclusion --- p.145
Chapter 6.1 --- Soil Development and Species Diversity --- p.145
Chapter 6.2 --- Current Status of Restored Quarries in Hong Kong --- p.148
Chapter 6.3 --- Conservation Value of Restored Quarries --- p.150
Chapter 6.4 --- Limitation of the study --- p.151
Chapter 6.4.1 --- Light trap --- p.151
Chapter 6.4.2 --- Correlation vs causation --- p.153
Chapter 6.5 --- Area for Further Investigation --- p.154
Chapter 6.4.1 --- Seed bank analysis --- p.154
Chapter 6.4.2 --- Other inventories --- p.154
References --- p.156
Appendix Odonate Communities on Restored Quarries --- p.170
Introduction --- p.170
Materials and Methods --- p.172
Visual encounter survey --- p.172
Statistical analysis --- p.172
Results and Discussion --- p.173
General description of odonate community --- p.173
Ecological indices of odonate on various sites --- p.175
Odonates species on various phases of the sites --- p.179
Conclusion --- p.183
References --- p.184

Ecological changes in soil covers were studied in terms of physical, chemical and biological properties in the three quarries. Results show that all soils were classified as sand loam in texture, and high bulk density and low total porosity were common problems. Soils were strongly acidic to moderately acidic in reaction. Organic C, total N, extractable NO3 - and extractable cations increased with increasing rehabilitation age, but others did not show similar trends. The results of mineral N flux in soil show that ammonification predominated over nitrification in TH and LT, while nitrification predominated in SO in wet season. In dry season, ammonification predominated over nitrification in all phases, except TH. Net N mineralization increased with age. The results of soil microbial study show that older sites had the highest total microbial abundance and biomass C and N, while those in younger sites were low. Metabolic abilities of soil microbes developed gradually with ages in SO, but TH and LT had the similar patterns of carbon source utilization. The group of G- bacteria dominated in all sites, in which cy19:0 represented more than 15% of the total extracted FAMEs. The group of fungi and AM fungi decreased with increasing ages in the three quarries.
Lacks of seed rain and seed bank were major factors limiting vegetation regeneration. Physical and chemical problems of cover soils are still severe even after 10 years of rehabilitation. Therefore, adding native species with fleshy fruits to attract birds, and leguminous species to assist in the buildup of nitrogen capital should be recommended. Application of organic composts should be considered by quarry contractors and managers during early rehabilitation period to improve soil structure and raise nutrient storage capacities.
To evaluate the ecological succession in the floristic composition and structure of closed quarries, studies of the current vegetation development and seed dynamics were carried out in the three quarries, namely Turret Hill Quarry (TH), Lam Tei Quarry (LT) and Shek O Quarry (SO). The floristic composition shows that the species richness and Shannon index were higher on older phases than other younger phases in the overstorey and understorey vegetation. Although planted exotic species dominated the overstorey at different phases, some native species became more dominant in the understorey, and the importance value of native species accounted for more than 50%. Seed rain results show that older sites had higher seed number and seed species than younger sites. In terms of number of seeds, half were dispersed by birds, while 23% and 27% were dispersed by wind and civets, respectively. Seed germination experiment shows that most species from all twelve woody species had higher germination in SO, though most emerging seedlings finally died under the field condition. In the soil seed bank study, high seed species and density were recorded on older sites. Non-woody species predominated on all phases of the three quarries, but some pioneer tree and shrub species were better represented on older sites.
Zhang, Hao.
Adviser: L.M. Chu.
Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 73-02, Section: B, page: .
Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 238-280).
Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web.
Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [201-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web.
Abstract also in Chinese.

Ng Pui Tsz, Peggy.
"Architecture Department, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Master of Architecture Programme 2006-2007, design report."
Includes bibliographical references (p. 70).
Text in English; abstracts in English and Chinese.
Thesis Statement --- p.2
Chapter I --- Research Intention --- p.3
Interpretation of quarry
Interpretation of rock
Literature study of rock
Chapter II --- Target site - Lei Yue Mun Point --- p.14
Chapter III --- Design Methodology --- p.22
Chapter IV --- Design Development --- p.26
Chapter V --- Weaving Surface --- p.52
Chapter VI --- Design Detail --- p.56
Circulation studies
Structural studies
Daylight simulation studies
Chapter VII --- Model Photo --- p.62

Chan, Hoi Weun Kilkenny.
Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2009.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 233-248).
Abstract also in Chinese.
ABSTRACT --- p.i
ABSTRACT (IN CHINESE) --- p.iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.viii
LIST OF TABLES --- p.xii
LIST OF FIGURES --- p.xiv
LIST OF PLATES --- p.xvi
LIST OF APPENDICES --- p.xvii
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS --- p.xviii
Chapter CHAPTER ONE --- INTRODUCTION
Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction --- p.1
Chapter 1.2 --- Conceptual framework --- p.4
Chapter 1.3 --- Study objectives --- p.9
Chapter 1.4 --- Significance of research --- p.10
Chapter 1.5 --- Organization of thesis --- p.12
Chapter CHAPTER TWO --- LITERATURE REVIEW
Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.14
Chapter 2.2 --- The geographical setting of Hong Kong --- p.14
Chapter 2.2.1 --- Climate of Hong Kong --- p.14
Chapter 2.2.2 --- Geology of Hong Kong --- p.16
Chapter 2.2.3 --- Soils of Hong Kong --- p.17
Chapter 2.2.4 --- Vegetation of Hong Kong --- p.18
Chapter 2.3 --- Forestry management in Hong Kong --- p.19
Chapter 2.4 --- Land degradation and growth constraints --- p.20
Chapter 2.5 --- Importance of ecological rehabilitation --- p.23
Chapter 2.6 --- Use of exotic and native species in ecological rehabilitation --- p.27
Chapter 2.7 --- Myths of native species --- p.32
Chapter 2.8 --- Quarrying and quarry rehabilitation in Hong Kong --- p.34
Chapter 2.8.1 --- Permit quarries --- p.34
Chapter 2.8.2 --- Contract quarries --- p.36
Chapter 2.8.3 --- Quarry rehabilitation contracts --- p.37
Chapter 2.9 --- Constraints of quarry rehabilitation --- p.39
Chapter 2.10 --- Characteristics of quarry growth substrates --- p.41
Chapter 2.11 --- Soil amendment materials --- p.42
Chapter 2.12 --- Summary --- p.43
Chapter CHAPTER THREE --- SCREENING OF SOIL AMENDMENT MATERIALS FOR THE GROWTH OF SCHIMA SUPERB A
Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.44
Chapter 3.2 --- Methodology --- p.46
Chapter 3.2.1 --- Experimental design --- p.46
Chapter 3.2.2 --- Post-planting care --- p.53
Chapter 3.2.3 --- Plant performance measurements --- p.53
Chapter 3.3 --- Laboratory analysis --- p.55
Chapter 3.3.1 --- Soils --- p.55
Chapter 3.3.2 --- Amendment materials --- p.59
Chapter 3.3.3 --- Foliar nutrient contents --- p.60
Chapter 3.4 --- Statistical analysis --- p.61
Chapter 3.5 --- Results and discussion --- p.61
Chapter 3.5.1 --- Physical and chemical properties of decomposed granite --- p.61
Chapter 3.5.2 --- Chemical properties of soil amendment materials --- p.64
Chapter 3.5.3 --- Plant growth performance --- p.68
Chapter 3.5.4 --- Effect of SAMs on growth performance of the seedlings --- p.78
Chapter 3.6 --- Summary --- p.81
Chapter CHAPTER FOUR --- SOILS AND VEGETATION CHARACTERISTICS OF THREE RESTORED QUARRY SITES
Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.85
Chapter 4.2 --- Study area --- p.87
Chapter 4.3 --- Methodology --- p.92
Chapter 4.3.1 --- Experimental design --- p.92
Chapter 4.3.2 --- Soil sampling --- p.93
Chapter 4.3.3 --- Vegetation survey --- p.94
Chapter 4.4 --- Data processing and statistical analysis --- p.95
Chapter 4.5 --- Results and discussion --- p.96
Chapter 4.5.1 --- Characteristics and properties of the restored soils --- p.96
Chapter 4.5.2 --- Vegetation survey --- p.110
Chapter 4.6 --- Summary --- p.130
Chapter CHAPTER FIVE --- EFFECT OF ENGINEERING DESIGN AND RAINSTORM ON ECOLOGICAL REHABILITATION
Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.133
Chapter 5.2 --- Methodology --- p.135
Chapter 5.2.1 --- Experimental design --- p.135
Chapter 5.2.2 --- Assessment of plant growth and storm damage --- p.142
Chapter 5.2.3 --- Laboratory analysis --- p.143
Chapter 5.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.143
Chapter 5.4 --- Results and discussion --- p.143
Chapter 5.4.1 --- Physical and chemical properties of the growth substrate --- p.143
Chapter 5.4.2 --- Chemical properties of the soil amendment materials --- p.146
Chapter 5.4.3 --- The weather and growth conditions in ARQ --- p.149
Chapter 5.4.4 --- Damage caused by the rainstorm --- p.155
Chapter 5.4.5 --- Survival rates of the seedlings --- p.161
Chapter 5.4.6 --- Growth performance of seedlings 3 months after planting --- p.163
Chapter 5.4.7 --- Lessons learnt from this experiment --- p.167
Chapter 5.5 --- Summary --- p.174
Chapter CHAPTER SIX --- GROWTH OF SCHIMA SUPERBA AND RHAPHIOLEPIS INDICA ON DECOMPOSED GRANITE (DG) AND DECOMPOSED VOLCANIC (DV)
Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.177
Chapter 6.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.179
Chapter 6.2.1 --- Experimental design --- p.179
Chapter 6.2.2 --- Plant performance measurements and data processing --- p.181
Chapter 6.2.3 --- Laboratory analysis --- p.182
Chapter 6.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.182
Chapter 6.4 --- Results and discussion --- p.183
Chapter 6.4.1 --- Properties of decomposed granite and decomposed volcanic --- p.183
Chapter 6.4.2 --- Properties of the soil amendment materials --- p.186
Chapter 6.4.3 --- Survival rates of the seedlings --- p.188
Chapter 6.4.4 --- Height growth of seedlings --- p.198
Chapter 6.4.5 --- Stem basal diameter growth of seedlings --- p.201
Chapter 6.4.6 --- Overall growth performance of seedlings --- p.203
Chapter 6.5 --- Summary --- p.204
Chapter CHAPTER SEVEN --- CONCLUSIONS
Chapter 7.1 --- Introduction --- p.207
Chapter 7.2 --- Summary of major findings --- p.207
Chapter 7.3 --- Implications of the study --- p.216
Chapter 7.3.1 --- Screening of soil amendment materials to promote early growth of seedlings in decomposed granite --- p.216
Chapter 7.3.2 --- Successional development in the restored quarry sites under existing revegetation programme --- p.218
Chapter 7.3.3 --- Constraints of quarry rehabilitation --- p.221
Chapter 7.3.4 --- Potential use of native species in quarry rehabilitation --- p.225
Chapter 7.4 --- Limitations of the study --- p.228
Chapter 7.5 --- Suggestions for further study --- p.230
REFERENCES --- p.233
APPENDICES --- p.249

Wong Cheuk Yuet.
Thesis submitted in: July 2003.
Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2004.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 223-233).
Abstracts in English and Chinese.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS --- p.i
ABSTRACT --- p.iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.ix
LIST OF FIGURES --- p.xii
LIST OF PLATES --- p.xiv
LIST OF TABLES --- p.xv
Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- Introduction --- p.1
Chapter 1.1 --- About the thesis --- p.1
Chapter 1.2 --- Background of Hong Kong --- p.1
Chapter 1.2.1 --- Geography --- p.1
Chapter 1.2.2 --- Climate --- p.3
Chapter 1.2.3 --- Vegetation and their distribution --- p.7
Chapter 1.2.4 --- Floristic composition --- p.10
Chapter 1.2.5 --- Urban development and forestry history --- p.11
Chapter 1.3 --- Restoration of degraded lands --- p.13
Chapter 1.3.1 --- Importance of restoration --- p.13
Chapter 1.3.2 --- Sites for restoration --- p.16
Chapter 1.3.3 --- Substratum for restoration in Hong Kong --- p.16
Chapter 1.3.4 --- Revegetation --- p.19
Chapter 1.4 --- Species for plantation --- p.20
Chapter 1.4.1 --- Exotics vs. natives --- p.20
Chapter 1.4.2 --- Fields of controversy --- p.23
Chapter 1.5 --- Project objectives and significances --- p.26
Chapter 1.6 --- Study sites --- p.27
Chapter 1.6.1 --- Criteria for site selection --- p.27
Chapter 1.6.2 --- Shek O Quarry and Lam Tei Quarry --- p.27
Chapter 1.6.3 --- Rehabilitation of the quarries --- p.31
Chapter 1.6.4 --- Site specificity and representativeness --- p.33
Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- Characterization of CDG on Site --- p.37
Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.37
Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.39
Chapter 2.2.1 --- Soil sampling --- p.39
Chapter 2.2.2 --- Soil analysis --- p.40
Chapter 2.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.42
Chapter 2.4 --- Results and discussion --- p.43
Chapter 2.4.1 --- Characterization and comparison of soil stock between two sites --- p.43
Chapter 2.4.2 --- Comparison between raw soil and grassed soil --- p.46
Chapter 2.4.3 --- Comparison among phases --- p.49
Chapter 2.4.4 --- Comparison with other studies --- p.56
Chapter 2.4.5 --- Soil development in two quarries --- p.58
Chapter 2.5 --- Conclusions --- p.59
Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- Natives Performance in Revegetation on CDG - I. Common PlantationSpecies --- p.61
Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.61
Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.64
Chapter 3.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.66
Chapter 3.4 --- Results and discussion --- p.68
Chapter 3.4.1 --- Height and basal diameter at the beginning of study --- p.68
Chapter 3.4.2 --- Relative growth rates of different ages --- p.72
Chapter 3.4.3 --- Comparison between sites --- p.84
Chapter 3.5 --- Conclusions --- p.89
Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- Natives Performance in Revegetation on CDG ´ؤ II. the Neglected Species --- p.91
Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.91
Chapter 4.1.1 --- Seed dispersal and rehabilitation --- p.91
Chapter 4.1.2 --- Conservation and rehabilitation --- p.92
Chapter 4.1.3 --- Framework species --- p.93
Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.95
Chapter 4.2.1 --- Species selection --- p.95
Chapter 4.2.2 --- Planting area --- p.97
Chapter 4.2.3 --- Planting scheme --- p.97
Chapter 4.2.4 --- Planting protocol --- p.100
Chapter 4.2.5 --- Field measurements --- p.102
Chapter 4.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.106
Chapter 4.4 --- Results and discussion --- p.107
Chapter 4.4.1 --- General performance of the planted species --- p.107
Chapter 4.4.2 --- General inter-specific comparison --- p.116
Chapter 4.4.3 --- Effect of aspect on seedling performance --- p.120
Chapter 4.4.4 --- Effect of elevation on seedling performance --- p.140
Chapter 4.4.5 --- Overall species evaluation --- p.147
Chapter 4.5 --- Conclusions --- p.151
Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- Further Exploration of Other Potential Pioneer Natives --- p.153
Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.153
Chapter 5.2 --- Materials and methods --- p.155
Chapter 5.3 --- Results and discussion --- p.156
Chapter 5.3.1 --- Inter-site comparison --- p.161
Chapter 5.3.2 --- Inter-phase comparison --- p.163
Chapter 5.3.3 --- Ranking of species --- p.171
Chapter 5.3.4 --- Invaders for exploration --- p.171
Chapter 5.4 --- Conclusions --- p.177
Chapter CHAPTER 6 --- Performance of Five Natives under Different N:P Combinations --- p.180
Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.180
Chapter 6.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.181
Chapter 6.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.185
Chapter 6.4 --- Results and discussion --- p.186
Chapter 6.4.1 --- Height --- p.186
Chapter 6.4.2 --- Basal diameter --- p.193
Chapter 6.4.3 --- Leaf number --- p.200
Chapter 6.4.4 --- Total dry weight --- p.200
Chapter 6.4.5 --- Aerial and underground dry weight --- p.202
Chapter 6.4.6 --- "Chlorophyll florescence, stomatal conductance and transpiration" --- p.207
Chapter 6.4.7 --- General species performance in treatments --- p.214
Chapter 6.4.8 --- Comparison with seedling performance in field trial --- p.215
Chapter 6.5 --- Conclusions --- p.216
Chapter CHAPTER 7 --- General Conclusions --- p.217
REFERENCES --- p.223
APPENDIX I --- p.234
APPENDIX II --- p.235
APPENDIX III --- p.237
APPENDIX IV --- p.238
APPENDIX V --- p.241
APPENDIX VI --- p.242

The health risk of breathing very fine particles of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust, resulting in poor lung health is not well defined in Australia, even though many hundreds of thousands of workers are exposed to uncontrolled dusty activities daily. It is now clear from international studies that lung health of workers continues to be affected at relatively low exposures to RCS, even at occupational exposure limits (OEL) including the current Safe Work Australia Exposure Standard (SWA-ES). This has prompted the United States to reduce their permissible exposure limit (PEL) to one half of the Australian SWA-ES, to 0.05 mg/m3, and challenges the adequacy of the current Australian SWA-ES, which is 0.1 mg/m3. In terms of numbers of workers affected, the mining industry employs approximately 267,000 workers, which is 2.3 percent of the total workforce, and accounts for about 10.2 % of Australia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Approximately 55,000 workers are employed in Queensland mining, many of whom work in quarries and dimension stone mines where exposure to RCS is known to be elevated. A recent assessment estimated that about 440,000 deaths from cancer attributable to RCS exposure will occur throughout Europe from 2010 to 2069. Unless exposure to RCS is well controlled, many hundreds of thousands of lives will also be cut short from silicosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). As the weight of evidence grows in Australia, the disease risks attributable to RCS will increasingly become more obvious. This study evaluated the health risk from exposure to RCS for 47 quarry and dimension stone mine workers throughout Queensland, Australia. Personal exposures to RCS were measured across a range of exposures, and lung function testing was carried out in parallel. Findings revealed that about one in four workers were exposed to RCS above the SWA-ES, and more than one in ten were being exposed at a concentration of more than twice this limit. A major finding for those workers exposed to RCS at the SWA-ES was loss of lung function greater than 20%. The increased loss of lung function was positively correlated with jobs associated with increased RCS exposure. When similar exposure groups were combined into three RCS exposure ranges categorised as high (≥ 0.09 - ≤ 0.20 mg/m3), medium (≥ 0.04 - ≤ 0.08 mg/m3) and low (< 0.04 mg/m3), analysis of variance (ANOVA) confirmed that the loss of lung function below the lower limit of normal (LLN) at the current SWA-ES, is significant (p < 0.05). Abnormal lung function patterns were also more pronounced for smokers who were exposed to RCS ≥ 0.04 mg/m3 and not as obvious for smokers exposed to RCS < 0.04 mg/m3. This demonstrated that both smoking and RCS had a combined impact resulting in poor lung health. In this study, vehicles fitted with standard heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems (HVAC) were tested for ingress of respirable dust into the operator’s cabin, and compared with more recent technology. Evaluation of the effectiveness of newer technology, a RESPA® pre-cleaner, filter and pressurization (PFP) unit, demonstrated up to a four-fold reduction in RCS entering the cabin, when compared with standard air-conditioning systems. Electron microscopy (EM) was used to describe the physical characteristics of respirable silica and dust particles collected on respirable sample filters previously analysed for silica by infrared spectroscopy. Data revealed that silica particles were generally less than 5 μm in physical diameter and many particles were elongated. These smaller particles are known to be most hazardous to lung health. Findings also demonstrated that larger length elongated particles were collected by the cyclone sampler, which influenced the particle size distribution curve. There was a good fit between the physical cumulative silica particle size distribution, representing particle counts for selected workplace samples, when plotted against the theoretical AS2985-2009 (density dependent) Equivalent Aerodynamic Diameter (EAD) sampling efficiency curve. This means that density is not the only factor for particle capture in the cyclone sampler. These silica particles do not behave as perfect spheres, which is the premise underpinning the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 7708-1995, sampling efficiency curve and AS2985-2009, adopted by the Australian Standard for sampling respirable dust. The science for these standards is based on information that is at least twenty years old, and results from the current study confirmed that particle shape must be considered in the sampling efficiency curve and lung health risk assessment. An unexpected finding from analysis of RCS dust by EM was the identification of fibrous mineral particles in several samples, with both morphology and elemental composition similar to erionite. Erionite is known to cause mesothelioma, which is typically associated with asbestos when inhaled at high enough concentrations. Further investigation and characterization of respirable dusts at mining sites where erionite is a potential contaminant is recommended. Confirmation of the presence and extent of erionite, and further characterization of exposure will assist in determining the extent of health risk to quarry and dimension stone mine workers in Queensland and elsewhere. Overall, the findings from this study challenge the adequacy of RCS health risk assessment standards in Australia. In addition, typical operator cabin air-conditioning technology will not reduce exposure to RCS where silica is present in dusty workplaces. The study also demonstrates the importance of health surveillance, to identify gaps, raise awareness about primary prevention, and drive timely intervention.

Dwyka tillite quarries in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal have shown remarkable stable slopes faces even though some of them were quarried over 30 years ago. This can be attributed to their resistance to weathering, the high degree of joint surface roughness, the general lack of any joint infill and the limonitic staining found on most weathered joint surfaces. The latter appears to increase joint roughness. The high percentages of joints terminating within the rock mass or against other discontinuities as well as their low persistence results in a high degree of joint interlocking. These are shown to be very important factors contributing to the overall slope stability. Detailed discontinuity surveys were carried out at five different quarries located throughout the KwaZulu-Natal region. Only three of these quarries are presently being quarried. This allowed the study and comparison of joint and slope stability characteristics for both the older, more weathered rock faces and those of the recently quarried, and thus fairly unweathered rock faces. Joint orientation data from the various sites show that two to three sets of high angle joints and one low angle joint set are common. The potential of wedge and planar failure is therefore very high. The steeply dipping discontinuities also promote the potential for flexural toppling failure and this was noted in several of the quarry faces. Recognised geotechnical techniques and computer models were used to establish potential modes of failure and to estimate factors of safety. Wedge failure, at partially saturated and saturated conditions, was identified as being the main source of potential slope instability on the quarry rock faces. The quality of the rock mass of each slope was also classified according to various rock mass classification systems. The rock mass quality generally was rated as being 'fair' to 'good', meaning that slopes are partially stable to stable. The results of each rating system were also compared.
Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

Economic development is one of the main objectives of developed and developing nations worldwide. Development comes with growth of urban areas. Urban growth is achieved through sand and gravel mining for construction of modern, attractive and durable structures. The study examined positive and negative environmental impacts of the continuous removal of river sand, pit sand and gravel from sampled rivers and open areas surrounding Gaborone developing Central Business District, malls and private properties in city. Quantitative and qualitative research designs that is questionnaire survey, oral interviews, field observation and measurements were used to collect data from selected sampled points. Metsimotlhabe and Ditlhakane rivers were selected because they are nearer to Gaborone and most river sand is mined from these rivers. More points were sampled from open areas in Kumakwane, Kopong and Bela Bela farms where pit sand and gravel are mined. Convenience and purposive sampling methods were used to pick questionnaire survey respondents (175) from Kumakwane and Metsimotlhabe villages where people affected lives. Findings of the study highlighted that river sand was mined most from rivers near Gaborone compared to pit sand and gravel because of its multi uses. Mining is important for economic development, to construct durable, modern structures, employment creation and revenue collection but removal of river sand leads to deepening and widening of rivers. Artificial rivulets are formed as resource is extracted uncontrollably. Pit sand and gravel are extracted from open areas creating uncovered deep pits, which caused of accidents to children and livestock. Erosion and environmental degradation occur due to continuous mining. Miners dispose waste on open areas and riverbeds causing land pollution. Dust and noise pollution from tipper trucks ferrying sand and gravel are a cause of concern to villagers as the trucks move even at night, disturbing sleep. Solutions to uncontrolled mining include 24 hour security and regular raids on illegal miners. The author recommends that heavy penalties should be imposed to curb illegal mining. High level decision making forum involving all stakeholders is necessary to discuss problems of illegal mining and how to limit negative impacts. Department of Mines need to develop an Environmental Management Plan and a close monitoring program nationwide.
Environmental Sciences
M. Sc. (Environmental Management)