Biography:
Sepide has been a Ph.D. student researching rock mechanics and rock engineering at the University of British Columbia since September 2020. Her background includes a B.Sc. in Mining Engineering from the University of Tehran, Iran, and an M.A.Sc. in Geological Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan. Her M.A.Sc. thesis investigated the influence of geological anisotropy (e.g., bedding) on borehole sonic logging data, with a focus on the Montney Formation in BC’s Northeast Region. Her Ph.D. thesis focuses on the application of fibre optics on in-situ stress measurement within boreholes.
Project: Fibre Optics Application for Underground Monitoring and Mine Surveillance; In-situ Stress Monitoring and Instability Hazard Pre-warning
This project introduces an innovative idea to develop a new, non-destructive, in-situ stress measurement technique utilizing directionally sensitive fibre 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. This project has the potential for meaningful step change in the measurement of in-situ stresses, as well as stress change in response to engineering activities.
