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Ph.D. Geological Engineering

Research Interests

Underground Stability, Numerical Modelling, Jointed Rock, Ground Support, Grouted Rebar, Bolt Modelling, Observational Design

¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Caitlin

Caitlin Fischer completed a B.A.Sc. degree in Geological Engineering at Queen’s University with coursework focusing on geomechanics and geotechnical engineering. Caitlin’s work experience as a Rock Mechanics Specialist with the Mine Stability West Team at WSP (previously Golder) includes geotechnical data processing and numerical modelling for the assessment of rockmass stability in underground mines, open pit mines, and waste dumps.

Caitlin’s Ph.D. research involves developing numerical modelling techniques to realistically represent jointed rock for the design of underground excavations. She has compared the performance of available support elements in numerical models to fiber-optic laboratory testing data of grouted rebar to calibrate performance mechanisms for the practical implementation of rockbolt models in excavation design. Caitlin aims to integrate the developed explicit numerical modelling techniques for jointed rock and the realistic representation of ground support for application in observational design procedures.

Awards

• NSERC Ph.D. CGS-D Scholarship, NSERC, 2022-2025
• Doctoral Tri-Agency Recipient Recognition Award (TARRA), Queen’s University, 2022-2023
• Dan Eisenstein Memorial Scholarship, Tunnelling Association of Canada, 2022
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), Government of Ontario, 2021-2022
• Dr. Al Gorman Teaching Assistant Excellence Award, 2021-2022
• Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS), Government of Ontario, 2021-2022
• Canada Graduate Scholarship - Master’s (CGS-M), NSERC, 2020-2021
• Canadian Geotechnical Society Group Report Competition Winner, Canadian Geotechnical Society, 2020
• Medal in Geological Engineering, Queen’s University, 2020
• Parsons Award in Geotechnical Engineering, Queen’s University, 2020
• Highest GPA in Geological Engineering, 2017-2018, 2019-2020
• Dean’s Scholar, Queen’s University, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020
• IAMGOLD Woman in Mining Scholarship Winner, YMP, 2019
• William E. White Scholarship in Geological Engineering, Queen’s University, 2018, 2019
• The WAMIC Scholarship, Queen’s University, 2019
• Robert Bruce Scholarship, Queen’s University, 2017, 2018, 2019
• Mineralogical Association Undergraduate Award, Mineralogical Association of Canada, 2018
• P.E. Newbury Prize in Geological Sciences, Queen’s University, 2018
• James H. Rattray Memorial Scholarship in Applied Science, Queen’s University, 2018
• J.J. Denny Memorial Scholarship in Geological Engineering, Queen’s University, 2018
• Raymond H and Phyllis J Smart Scholarship in Applied Science, Queen’s University, 2017
• Science 45’ Memorial Scholarship, Queen’s University, 2017
• A.J. McNab Scholarship, Queen’s University, 2017
• Principal’s Scholarship, Queen’s University, 2016

Publications

Fischer, C.P., Diederichs, M.S., Forbes, B. 2024. Calibration of 2D Finite Element Method Rockbolt Models to Fiber-Optic Axial Load Testing Data for Grouted Rebar Rockbolts. ARMA Conference Proceedings, Golden, CO, USA, p 7. Submitted.

Fischer, C.P., and Diederichs, M.S. 2024. Elasto-Plastic and Post-Yield Weakening Jointed Rockmass Response in a Comparison of Equivalent-Continuum and Explicit Structural Models. Canadian Geotechnical Journal. doi: 10.1139/cgj-2022-0190.

Fischer, C.P., and Diederichs, M.S. 2023. Analyzing numerical grouted rockbolt behaviour in jointed pseudo discontinuum models. ISRM 2023 Conference Proceedings, Salzburg, Austria, p 6.

Ethemam, H., and Fischer, C.P. 2023. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Workplace: Scenarios. Workshop Technical Session, TAC 2023, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Fischer, C.P. 2023. Reconciling traditional continuum and pseudo-discontinuum numerical modelling for excavation design in jointed rock. Presentation, GeoColloquium, Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥. March 3, 2023.

Fischer, C.P., and Diederichs, M.S. 2022. Explicit numerical models for the prediction and calibration of plastic and weakening rockmass behaviour around a circular tunnel in isotropic and anisotropic stress conditions. Eurock 2022 Conference Proceedings, Helsinki, Finland. doi:10.1088/1755-1315/1124/1/012061.

Fischer, C.P., Dressel E. J., Diederichs, M.S. 2022. Excavation and Pillar Analysis with Peak and Residual Rockmass Properties in Implicit and Explicit Rockmass Models. Poster, RockEng22, Kingston, ON, Canada.

Fischer, C.P., and Diederichs, M.S. 2022. Exploring the Limits of Validity of Equivalent-Continuum Analysis for Elasto-Plastic and Post-Yield Weakening Rockmasses Using Explicit Structure Models. Poster, NWMO Annual General Meeting, King City, ON, Canada.

Fischer, C.P., and Diederichs, M.S. 2021. The use of explicit numerical models for the prediction of residual rockmass behaviour around a circular tunnel. GeoNiagara 2021, Niagara Falls, ON, Canada, p 8.

Fischer, C.P., and Diederichs, M.S. 2021. Comparison between GSI-based implicit and explicit structure models. Rocscience International Conference 2021 Proceedings, CRC Press, 527-532.

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