SRK Consulting has further solidified its Australian presence by introducing a dedicated numerical modelling team to service its Australian clients.
Bringing together SRK’s numerical modelling experts from across the world, the dedicated team aims to offer unique numerical modelling solutions to complex geological problems that cannot be solved using traditional methods.
Dr Nicolás Agustín Labanda will head up the team from Perth. Labanda has 10 years’ industry and academic experience in numerical modelling, data analysis, risk quantification and computational simulation of physical processes, which has seen him service mining and infrastructure projects in the Americas, Africa and Oceania.
Labanda is joined by Roberto J Cier who has five years’ experience in numerical modelling and specialises in numerical analysis for tailings and mine waste structures, focusing on structural performance under static and dynamic conditions.
“Our team around the world is deeply connected to academic institutions where we share our discoveries, and we nurture our future stars,” Labanda said.
“As a result, we are continuously advancing the science and practice of geoengineering, as evidenced by the global team’s contributions of over 500 papers, lectures and presentations over the last two decades.”
Cier said SRK continually advances its capability to keep up with an ever-advancing mining industry.
“Offering computational solutions to our projects helps enhance and optimise our current consulting practices, aligning ourselves to the latest technology trends in numerical simulation and data analysis to provide advanced, customer-based solutions for the benefit of our clients,” he said.
The team will service several numerical modelling applications, including analysis of construction procedures for ground-structure interaction including port structures, excavations, tunnels, and underground engineering.
The group will also home in on ground structures such as earth and rockfill dams for water storage, tailings dams, waste dumps, and heap leach facilities. This will also extend to numerical probabilistic analysis, quantitative risk assessment, and forensic engineering.
Senior geotechnical consultant for SRK’s Brisbane team, Ignacio Vernengo, said as the mining industry further prioritises safety and durability, numerical modelling is increasingly important.
“Numerical modelling is quickly becoming an essential tool in the industry, significantly improving the reliability and safety of engineering design,” Vernengo said. “SRK is a global leader in the field, and I believe having a focused Australian team will expand on our goal to provide high-value, distinctive engineering to our clients.”