Rock and Soil Mechanics, Basic Course

Rock mechanics (70%): Rock material: mechanical properties, test methods and failure criteria. Rock joint: mechanical properties and failure criteria. Rock mass: assessment of rock mass quality and estimation of strength and deformation parameters. In situ stresses in the rock mass. Stress distributions around underground openings - tunnels and caverns. 2D elastic numerical modelling for stress analysis. Measurements of in situ rock stresses and rock deformations in the field. Rock failure modes in the field. Rock support: methodology, support devices, rock bolting. Use of rock mechanical principles in the design of underground spaces.

Soil mechanics (30%): Characterization of soil for engineering purposes. Stresses and deformations in soils. Experimental methods for determination of mechanical properties of soils. Case histories on soil mechanics problems.

The student will obtain knowledge and understanding of rock mechanical and geotechnical processes related to tunnelling, mining, slope stabilization and other constructions/excavations in rock.

Knowledge: The student will obtain knowledge in the mechanical properties and strength of rock and rock masses, the stress state in the rock mass and redistribution of the stress after excavation as well how the changes in rock stress influence the stability of underground structures. Furthermore, the student will obtain knowledge in the strength and stiffness of soils as well as the concepts of pore pressure and effective stress.

Skills: The student will be able to conduct evaluation of the rock mass quality, calculation of the stresses and deformation in the rock around underground openings, stability analysis and rock support design. Furthermore, the student will be able to make simplified calculations of settlement and bearing capacity of soil as well soil slope stability. The student will master numerical modelling in Examine2D.

General competence: The students will develop their capabilities in solving problems in a manner of cross-disciplines, in particular using their knowledge in engineering geology, rock mechanics, rock/mining engineering and soil mechanics.

Lectures, compulsory laboratory tests, class exercises and assignments. The course is evaluated by a reference group.