Engineering Geology - Rock

Understand the behavior of the rock masses when building in/over rocks. Have the knowledge about the methods used to determine rock material properties and rock masses. Finding the right place to locate rock caverns and road tunnels. Earth/Rock weakness zones and joints. Gouge materials (filling materials inside joints), water and tension in rock masses. Topics also considered in the course are engineering geological investigations and tests, rock stresses, groundwater in rock masses, rock mass classification and design approach for underground openings, stability and rock support of underground openings and stability of rock slopes.

Knowledge: The course will provide students with an overview and understanding of the material characteristics of rocks and soil, water problems in the rock masses, engineering geological challenges, rock stresses, rock mass classification, support and lining methods in tunnels, design of underground caverns, slope stability, engineering geological conditions that affect stability of facilities above and underground.

Skills: The candidate should be able to map the weakness zones and discontinuities of rock masses, determine the effect and influence of rock stresses on tunnels and rock caverns, classify rock masses and determine the needed support, design underground openings, determine support and reinforcement of rock slopes. The candidate should also have skills in the most important investigation and test methods in lab and field, and be able to make basic engineering geological assessments.

General Competence: The candidate will develop the ability to undertake basic engineering geological designs and assessments, and understand the function and importance of engineering geology for projects above and underground.

Lectures, exercises and fieldwork. All exercises are mandatory.