Galym-Galam: Ali Mortazavi, Professor of NU SMG

Our new guest of ‘Galym-Galam’ rubric is Ali Mortazavi, Professor of NU SMG. He shares a patent titled “Development, design, and construction of a true triaxial system for reservoir depletion simulation under real rock stress and fluid pressure fields”. Ali Mortazavi has over 20 years of experience in teaching, research, and managing industry projects in mining, geotechnical, and petroleum engineering applications internationally.

Could you please tell us about your educational and professional background?

I received my B.Eng. in mining engineering from the Amirkabir University of Technology in Iran, M.Sc. in Rock Mechanics from McGill University, Canada, and Ph.D. in Rock Blasting from Queen’s University, Canada. Before joining NU, I worked at the Amirkabir University of Technology as a Professor and supervised to completion of over 48 Masters and Ph.D. students. While working as a research fellow with the Department of Mining & Materials Engineering, McGill University, Canada, I have published over 100 papers and reports in prestigious international journals. 

Could you please tell us about your current research project?

My primary research interests are in the areas of geomechanical mine design and rock mechanics. During the past 20 years, I have actively participated in a variety of applied mining engineering projects associated with geomechanics design. The complex and relatively unpredictable behavior of geomaterials renders most geomechanics problems case- and site-specific. I have gained deep insight into novel research ideas in geomechanics related to the geotechnical design of underground and open-pit mines, design and stability analysis of high rock slopes, design of large underground structures at depth, underground and surface civil structures such as metro lines, water conveyance, and road tunnels; dynamic analysis of mining and civil structures and; design and analysis of underground oil and gas storage chambers.

A primary focus of my research is the Development of a Geomechanical Risk Assessment Model for Underground Mining. The main objective of this research project is to delve into the multitude of geomechanical risks associated with various mining methods employed within the underground mining industry. 

The development of numerical methods in geomechanics is indispensable, given the complexities of geotechnical problems and the challenges of using conventional design methodologies. Therefore, the second focus of my research is to develop, promote, and apply numerical methods, specifically discontinuum modeling, as advanced design tools in mine design projects. I have over 20 years of experience with discontinuum mechanics, Distinct Element Method (DEM), and Discontinuous Deformation Analysis (DDA). A key objective of my future research is to predict the actual field behavior of geomaterials, and geotechnical structures using numerical methods and promote applied modeling.

What are the key research findings? 

So far, we have managed to compile a good database of geomechanics design parameters from Kazakh major underground mines. The focus of my research team is on the development of weighting procedures aimed at the development of a risk assessment model for underground mining selection. The initial steps toward achieving this goal have been taken and the work is in progress. 

Why did you choose to join NU?

NU is a leading institution in Kazakhstan and provides excellent support for fundamental research. These supports are in the form of research fundings, state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, and opportunities to attend international scientific forums at all levels. Moreover, the Kazakhstan mining industry has a high rank at the international level and is developing at a rapid pace. This creates many great opportunities for development of novel mining techniques in harmony with the developments within the mining industry.

What are your future plans?

As a professor, I intend to further develop the aforementioned research avenues and promote fundamental research associated with the mining engineering discipline. I also want to promote an industry-driven research agenda focusing on design challenges faced by the Kazakh mining industry.