Rock Mechanics (GEOL-450)

DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES

Rock mechanics is an important branch of Engineering Geology that deals with the engineering behavior of rock material. This course will provide students with understanding of fundamental principles of rock mechanics and develop skills that will allow them to apply such knowledge to solve real-life problems. In this course students will have opportunities to learn about the origin and role of geology in the formation of geotechnical properties of rocks. Students will also learn how to apply relevant theories into practice so that they can effectively conduct field surveys and laboratory examination of rock samples, correctly interpret and analyse results of such investigations, select appropriate parameters for numerical models, evaluate stability of rock slopes, and develop skills to write comprehensive and concise reports. After this course the students should have an overview of the areas where rock mechanics principles are applied for design and stability analyses. Students should know how to solve practical problems related to rock excavations.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Define the characteristics and the mechanical properties (strength and failure criteria) of rock mass, rock matrix and discontinuities

2. Explain methods for in situ investigation and laboratory testing of rock matrix and discontinuities.

3. Use rock mass classification systems (RMR, Q, GSI)

4. Conduct rock slope stability analyses.

5. Analyse the stress distribution (isotropic, anisotropic) in situ and around an opening in rock (competent rock, jointed rock mass, blocky rock)

6. Propose designs of excavation supports.

COURSE CONTENTS

Introduction & Scope of Rock Mechanics.
Determination of Rock Quality for Engineering Purpose
Failures of Rocks types / Defects in Rocks & Strength
Engineering Classification of Rocks & Rock Mass Classification
Distribution of Stresses in Rocks & Rock Foundations
Methods of Rock Exploration
Physical & Mechanical Properties of Rocks
Rock Testing & Strength of Rocks

READINGS

1. Verma, B. P. (2012). Rock mechanics for engineers. Khanna, New Delhi, 108.

2. Goodman, R. E. (2010). Introduction to rock mechanics (Vol. 2). India: Wiley

3. Jaeger, J. C., Cook, N. G., & Zimmerman, R. (2009). Fundamentals of rock mechanics. John Wiley & Sons.

COURSE SCHEDULE

Week	Topics and Readings	Reading and Materials
1 & 2	Introduction & Scope of Rock Mechnics	Week 1 & 2 a ,b, c, d
3 & 4	Determination of Rock Quality for Engineering Purpose	Week 3 & 4 a , b
5 & 6	Failures of Rocks types / Defects in Rocks & Strength	Week 5 & 6 a, b, c
7 & 8	Engineering Classification of Rocks & Rock Mass Classification	Week 7 & 8 a, b, c
9 & 10	Distribution of Stresses in Rocks & Rock Foundations	Week 9 & 10 a, b, c
11 & 12	Methods of Rock Exploration	Week 11 & 12 a , b
13 & 14	Physical & Mechanical Properties of Rocks	Week 13 & 14 a , b
15 & 16	Rock Testing & Strength of Rocks	Week 15 & 16 a, b