Sepide Hendi, PhD Student, University of British Columbia

Biography:

Sepide is a PhD student in rock mechanics and rock engineering group at UBC who began in September 2020. Her background includes a BSc in Mining Engineering from the University of Tehran and MASc in Geological Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. Her MASc thesis investigated the influence of geological anisotropy (e.g., bedding) on borehole sonic logging data, with focus on the Montney Formation in NEBC. Her PhD thesis focuses on the application of fibre optic on in-situ stress measurement.

Project: Fibre Optics Application for Underground Monitoring and Mine Surveillance; In-situ Stress Monitoring and Instability Hazard Pre-warning

In her thesis, she brings an innovative idea to develop a new non-destructive in-situ stress measurement technique utilizing directionally sensitive fiber optic sensors integrated with borehole geophysical techniques. The in-situ stress state is one of the most important inputs in rock engineering design. It dictates many important decisions such as the optimal orientation of horizontal wells for geothermal and unconventional gas development, as well as the orientation, dimensioning, and support of excavation for underground mining to ensure safety. Yet despite its importance, it is also the most difficult parameter in rock engineering design to reliably measure. The ideas have the potential for true step change in the measurement of in-situ stresses, as well as stress change in response to engineering activities.

Deliverables