Obtaining block samples from the Philippine Jungle for geotechnical testing and analysis in Australia

This paper presents the process involved in mobilising personnel from four global regions to the Philippine Jungle to undertake a geotechnical field investigation on an extreme consequence category tailings dam. The site was remote, and all equipment, supplies and materials had to be sourced in country, from locations approximately 14 hours away by vehicle. The team completed the works under budget, ahead of time with no injury and all 18 samples were shipped back to Australia successfully in good condition. The samples were tested and analysed in Australia for use in an advanced Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua (FLAC) model. This paper presents the purpose of the international field investigation, how the investigation was planned and executed, key logistical and financial considerations, and the methods used to both excavate and protect the undisturbed block samples during local and international transport. This paper presents a real-life case study for engineers and project managers tasked with organising international site investigations in the tailings sector.