Engineering geological characterization of intact rock, discontinuities and rock masses. Geomechanical classifications. In situ stress and groundwater in rock masses. Geological aspects of the rock excavation, reinforcement and support. Geological problems of tunnels and surface excavations. Stability of slopes in rock. Kinematic analysis of the stability of blocks.
Hoek E, Rock Engineering (1999);
Hudson J.A. & Harrison J.P. Engineering Rock Mechanics, Pergamon (1997).
Wylie D., Mah C.W. Rock Slope Engineering Civil and mining, Spon Press (2005)
Handouts and training aid supplied on web platform
Learning Objectives
Knowledge acquired:
Geomechanical properties of rock masses and methods for their characterization through in situ and laboratory tests. Engineering geological applications in the field of rock works amd kinematically admissible instability mechanisms.
Competences acquired: To perform a complete geomechanical survey for a quantitative characterization of rock masses aimed at performing stability analyses and for the design of engineering works in rock masses, such as surface and underground excavations and structures for rock reinforcement and support.
Skills acquired: To solve practical problems in the field of the technical rock characterization for different engineering works. To interpret correctly the results of engineering geological tests on rock materials. To report, orally and in written form, knowledge and competences acquired. To work in team,
Prerequisites
Knowledge acquired in the courses of Physics, Mathematics, Engineering Geology
Teaching Methods
Lectures, Seminars, and Field/Laboratory Activities
Further information
Course attendance is highly recommended, but not mandatory
Type of Assessment
Oral test
Course program
Technical properties of intact rock. Stereographic projection. Geological-technical characterization of discontinuities in rock. Geomechanical properties of discontinuities. Rock masses. In situ stress. Permeability and seepage in rock masses. Geological aspects of excavation, reinforcement and support of rock masses. Geomechanical classifications. Rock slope stability. Tunneling and related geological problems. Kinematic analysis of block stability.