Newcastle University

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

The aim of the module is to provide an introduction to a variety of types of boreholes and wells, their use, design, and operation.
To provide a practical introduction to the main methods of drilling and borehole investigation techniques used to assess aquifer and well properties in the context of developing successful water supply boreholes.
To introduce methods of optimising borehole design, including selection of appropriate technology and types of pumps, well and aquifer development, test pumping.
To provide awareness of the need for long term maintenance and rehabilitation of water supply boreholes, and to provide details of appropriate methods.

The Borehole Design, Construction and Operation module provides a detailed understanding of the principles and practice of implementing all aspects of boreholes, including site selection, design, drilling, investigation, test pumping, and long-term maintenance. The focus is on water supply boreholes, although many of the techniques apply equally to other types of boreholes used for investigation, monitoring or water quality sampling. An emphasis is placed on optimisation of design for sustainable yield.

Outline Of Syllabus

- Background to groundwater investigation and development, sustainable yield
- Types of boreholes and their uses, appropriate technology water supply wells, boreholes for sampling and monitoring
- Borehole site location selection
- Drilling methods
- Borehole investigations, wireline geophysics, lithological analysis and sampling of cuttings
- Well design principles and practice, open holes, casing, screens, gravel packs
- Drilling processes, cementing, centralisers, verticality of wells
- Optimal design
- Aquifer and well development
- Pump selection for different purposes
- Test pumping for sustainable yield / deployable output, aquifer properties (step and constant rate tests)
- Well maintenance and rehabilitation
- Well design and operation for monitoring and water quality sampling

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should have an understanding of:

1. Types and uses of boreholes and wells;
2. Drilling and borehole investigation techniques;
3. The principles of optimal borehole design;
4. Awareness of the need for, and methods used in, long-term borehole maintenance.

Intended Skill Outcomes

At the end of this module, students should have achieved the following skills:-

General

1. Ability to apply appropriate methods to borehole design, construction and operation

Subject-specific / Practical Skills

1. Ability to select appropriate drilling and borehole geophysics techniques appropriate to different geological settings.
2. Ability to use borehole information including pumping test analysis to develop sustainable borehole designs and appropriate remediation strategies.
3. Ability to conduct field tests on boreholes.

Cognitive Skills

1. Ability to analyse data from a range of sources and interpret it systematically.
2. Use of scientific principles in the development of engineering and environmental solutions to practical problems in the water environment and water infrastructure operation.

Key (Transferable) Skills

1. Use of practical methods based on scientific evidence in the solution of problems.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

In order to provide the correct blend of theoretical background and hands-on experience as envisaged in the learning outcomes, the module is designed to be run as an intensive one-week block course. One afternoon of fieldwork will give the students experience of interpreting geological outcrops in the field. The substantial private study element will be necessary to complete the more demanding practical exercises and to consolidate all aspects of learning.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

This module covers practical application of specific techniques, and the development of ability to bring these together into integrated assessments of groundwater resource potential. A formal exam will ensure that a range of knowledge and skills can be tested. The case study will be designed to bring different components together and to develop and test the students' ability to assess a broad range of information.

General Notes

N/A