Michael Burkhardt completed numerous research and school projects while studying at the Colorado School of Mines, gaining skills in areas such as database management, rock testing, mechanical design, and environmental analysis. He contributed to projects involving rock mechanics testing, saturation methods, thermal stresses, concrete properties, surveying, grouting solutions, and pre-feasibility studies. Burkhardt also helped remodel his family's cabin, gaining experience estimating project costs and timelines.

1. List of Projects Completed
Michael Burkhardt
Below is a summary of research and school projects I have contributed to while
at the Colorado school of Mines. Details about my part in each project along with
skills demonstrated are included.
Research
EMI Database Research
A database was created at the Earth Mechanics Institute at the Colorado School
of Mines to record the summarized rock mechanics test results. I updated the
database and it now contains over 20,000 test records. Using the database, I
found trends between many of the tests. This was done using Microsoft Excel
and Access. A paper is in the publishing process with the findings. It was
submitted to the International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences.
Additionally, I presented the results to professors at the Colorado School of
Mines.
Brittle Rock Failure Research
Mechanical excavation is utilized in underground mining and tunneling. It disturbs
the surrounding area less than blasting but can have low productivity rates in
difficult ground. Shale is a problematic rock formation that shows strain softening
behavior. Moisture content and discontinuities within the rock can have a
significant effect on rock properties as well. Tests with shale have been
conducted to improve the current understanding of brittle rock fracture. These
tests include uniaxial compressive strength tests, indirect tensile strength tests,
punch penetration tests, moisture content tests, seismic velocity tests, and
cerchar abrasivity tests. The next step includes testing the shale with linear
cutting tests. This will help predict shale's performance under certain conditions
in mechanical excavation projects. This research is ongoing.
Indirect Tensile Strength Testing Standards
This research tested the effectiveness of the ASTM standards for indirect tensile
tests. The current ASTM standards have a wide range of acceptable sample
lengths at a constant diameter. I prepared and tested over sixty limestone
samples and concluded that the range of acceptable length to diameter ratios
should be lower. Tests were also conducted outside of the ASTM range to
support the overall trends in the data. I wrote a paper on the findings and
presented the results to professors at the Colorado School of Mines.

2. Saturating Rock Samples
I experimented with different methods of saturating shale samples. To determine
how effective each method was for each sample, the sample was then soaked in
a bucket of water to see if it increased in weight. Multiple methods were used
including using a vacuum to remove oxygen from the sample and water. The
experiment was conducted on shale and the sample's tensile strength was tested
along with the moisture content. As expected, the strength of the shale
decreased as the moisture content increased.
Newmont Innovation Challenge
As mining shifts deeper underground, temperatures increase. This creates a high
operating cost to cool working areas of the mine. To lower these operating costs,
my team developed an installation to reduce the amount of heat transferred. We
were awarded 2000 dollars to further develop and test our product. The project
made it into the finals and the president of the Colorado School of Mines, Paul
Johnson, recognized our efforts and awarded our team.
Thermal Stresses Research Project
The project aimed to show that thermal stresses could be created to weaken rock
strength. I was put in charge of preparing uniaxial compressive strength test
samples. This involved coring, cutting, and grinding dozens of samples in granite.
Samples had to meet ASTM standards. Cleaning up and caring for lab
equipment also had to be considered. The work took place in the Earth
Mechanics Institute at the Colorado School of Mines.
School Projects
Senior Design Project
This team project required writing a technical document. The project took place
at the CALX Mid-Continental Quarry in Glenwood, Colorado. For the limestone
mine, the team explored the economics of changing the drill and blast method to
a mechanical excavation method. The team focused on the market analysis. The
market analysis included listing realistic limestone buyers and the economics of
transporting the product. Professors edited and added recommendations to the
final document.

3. Mine of Tomorrow Final Class Project
Designing the mine of tomorrow was a class focused on innovation sponsored by
CAT. The project was centered around a key question: How can we do it
differently? With my team, we proposed a shovel that detects the grade of the
ore using displacements of x-ray waves. Autonomous trucks were filled with one
shovel full creating an efficient model for future surface mines. A technical paper
was written and results were presented to CAT representatives and professors at
the Colorado School of Mines.
Fracture Toughness Testing
Fracture toughness is useful for measuring wear on bits during mechanical
excavation. I wrote a test procedure and determined the best method for testing
samples. During this project, I cored and cut samples for the test. A steel wedge
was designed in Solid Works and created in the Colorado School of Mines
workshop. This was required to apply the breaking force to the sample. Data was
then collected and reduced into meaningful results.
Concrete Mixing and Properties
The purpose of the project was to explore the differences between concrete
recipes and additives. Concrete was mixed from sand, cement mix, and water. It
was then poured into molds and allowed to harden. The properties of the cement
were found using uniaxial compressive strength tests, and in indirect tensile
strength tests. Hollow cylinders were also tested and failed in tension. Data was
collected and reduced into significant results. A computer model was created to
show the stresses at the time of failure for each test in Solid Works Simulation.
PVC Scooter Pipe Project
During the mechanics of materials class, I was part of a small team that designed
and built a scooter using PVC pipe and wood. This required calculations for the
bending and shear stresses at points of weakness. Since it was the first time the
department has tried this project, I was able to provide feedback to help improve
the mechanical engineering department at the Colorado School of Mines.
Underground Mining Design Project
The underground mining class required a final project. The project included
designing and costing an underground mine design around a hypothetical ore
body. Due to the size of the project, the project was completed as a team.

4. Electric vs. Diesel Drill Rig NPV Comparison
During my energy economics class, electric and diesel drills used in the mining
industry were evaluated on cost. Assumptions included the mine location, power
costs, and fuel costs. The team created a net present value analysis. We also
added a carbon cost into the analysis to determine the intangible cost on the
environment while using the drill. This analysis showed that the diesel drill was
more efficient than the electric drill under the assumptions.
Summer Field Session Surveying Project
The surveying class took place at the Edgar mine. Our team learned how to
measure and record data points that were later used to create a map in Autocad.
Loops were adjusted to connect all the points with errors assumed to be equal at
every point. Each team completed four surveying projects. My favorite project
was using surveying to determine the directions needed to mine a connecting
drift.
Thermo Dynamics Final Project
The thermo dynamics final project entailed solving variables for a power plant.
The variables included temperatures, pressures, enthalpy and entropy at
different states in the system. The project was beneficial because it connected
the information in the class to a large realistic example problem similar to one
seen in an industrial setting.
Colorado School of Mines EPICS 1
During EPICS 1, our team created a solar design for the Oriental Land Trust. The
goal was to create an off-grid energy system. The design included solar panels,
water heating elements, cost models and designs created in Solidworks. A final
presentation was given to the client and professors.
Colorado School of Mines EPICS 2
Our team designed a study lamp for students in Africa. This included researching
materials and designing the lamp. Solidworks was used for modeling the lamp.
The team created a cost estimate for production. The results were presented to
the client and professors.

5. Advanced Rock Mechanics Rock Fragmentation from Blasting
I created a java program that predicted the particle sizes using blast
fragmentation modeling. The program also visually displayed results in a 3D
model. The project explored techniques used in industry including the vibration
velocity method, KuzRam modeling, and photo analysis. Deliverables included a
written report, the computer software, and a presentation.
Grouting Solution Technical Proposal
Researched and proposed a technical solution to re-level a sinking foundation.
The complete solution involved the use of compaction grout, permeation grout
and contact grout. Equipment, hole distribution, and risks were included in the
project. Deliverables included a report and a presentation.
Small Mine Pre-feasibility Study with Environmental Audit
Worked in a team to assess the environmental liabilities around a hypothetical
potential mining project in Idaho Springs, Colorado. Remediation was included in
the economic analysis along with a mine plan, historic information, and
information on the mining method. The mine was an underground gold mining
operation. The project had challenges including understanding the geology and
ore body orientation. Deliverables included a detailed report of the results.
Additional Projects and Achievements
Home Remodeling Project
I assisted by adding a new roof, replacing the siding, and cutting down a nearby
tree at my family's cabin in Wisconsin. This task included estimating costs and
times for the construction. The size of the construction project put work ethic and
teamwork to the test. It included everything from hauling heavy loads to painting.
The largest challenge was nailing down roof tiles in the hot summer weather. The
money saved helped pay for college.
Game Programming
I programmed multiple games using java. This was done using the software
eclipse. Most of the games created were 2D. The graphics were mostly
composed of sprites created in paint.net. Creating games has always been a
fascination to me because of the multiple skills required to produce a game.
Producing a game requires the knowledge of coding, artistic ability to produce
graphics, creativity to develop a storyline, and musical talent if the game has
music. Additionally, I have briefly coded in HTML and C#.

6. Advanced Rock Mechanics Rock Fragmentation from Blasting
I created a java program that predicted the particle sizes using blast
fragmentation modeling. The program also visually displayed results in a 3D
model. The project explored techniques used in industry including the vibration
velocity method, KuzRam modeling, and photo analysis. Deliverables included a
written report, the computer software, and a presentation.
Grouting Solution Technical Proposal
Researched and proposed a technical solution to re-level a sinking foundation.
The complete solution involved the use of compaction grout, permeation grout
and contact grout. Equipment, hole distribution, and risks were included in the
project. Deliverables included a report and a presentation.
Small Mine Pre-feasibility Study with Environmental Audit
Worked in a team to assess the environmental liabilities around a hypothetical
potential mining project in Idaho Springs, Colorado. Remediation was included in
the economic analysis along with a mine plan, historic information, and
information on the mining method. The mine was an underground gold mining
operation. The project had challenges including understanding the geology and
ore body orientation. Deliverables included a detailed report of the results.
Additional Projects and Achievements
Home Remodeling Project
I assisted by adding a new roof, replacing the siding, and cutting down a nearby
tree at my family's cabin in Wisconsin. This task included estimating costs and
times for the construction. The size of the construction project put work ethic and
teamwork to the test. It included everything from hauling heavy loads to painting.
The largest challenge was nailing down roof tiles in the hot summer weather. The
money saved helped pay for college.
Game Programming
I programmed multiple games using java. This was done using the software
eclipse. Most of the games created were 2D. The graphics were mostly
composed of sprites created in paint.net. Creating games has always been a
fascination to me because of the multiple skills required to produce a game.
Producing a game requires the knowledge of coding, artistic ability to produce
graphics, creativity to develop a storyline, and musical talent if the game has
music. Additionally, I have briefly coded in HTML and C#.