Learning objectives
The student learns the fundamental of rock mechanics and the methods
to characterize the rock masses.
Knows how to design support elements for rock slopes and tunnels.
The students apply knowledge and understanding by solving exercices, in
teams in the classroom or as homework, that refer to engineering
practice.
Teamwork in the solution of exercices help students to make and
motivate choices, exchange opinions, draw conclusions. A written report
is also required to illustrate the results of the exercices.
Prerequisites
Calculus and geotechnics.
Course unit content
The mechanical behaviour of rock and rock masses. Definition of rock
mass, rock discontinuities. Quantitative description of discontinuities (insitu
surveys and drill cores); Shear strenght of discontinuities (strenght
criteria, measure in-situ and in laboratory); Mechanical properties of
unperturberd rocks (lab. tests); Rock masses classification methods;
empirical methods for rock mass characterization; in-situ tests for rock
mass characterization; groundwater flows in rocks (in situ-tests);
Numerical method for rock mass modeling.
Rock Engineering: use of stereographic projection for the analysis of
kinematic modes of blocks. Limit equilibrium analysis for the slope
stability analysis of open pits and excavations. Rock support systems and
their dimensioning. Numerical methods for the analysis of the mechanical
behaviour of rock structures. Examples of open pit mines, large building
and constructions.
Tunnels and underground engineering: design, excavation methods and
construction of surface and deep tunnels. Empirical methods to select the
construction method and the support type of deep tunnels. Analytical
solutions to compute stress and strain in undeground cavities; tunnel
support design with the characteristic curve method; supports for safety
conditions in tunnels; measurement and monitoring during tunnel
construction; distinct element method and finite elements method in the
project of tunnels and large underground cavities
Full programme
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Bibliography
J.A. Hudson, J.P. Harrison – Engineering Rock Mechanics: an introduction
to the principles – Pergamon.
Available at Biblioteca politecnica di Ingegneria e Architettura.
B. H. G. Brady, E. T. Brown - Rock mechanics for underground mining -
Chapman & Hall – London 1993- Available at Biblioteca politecnica di
Ingegneria e Architettura.
Teaching methods
Lectures, numerical exercises
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral examination with questions are about theoretical and
methodological aspects of rock mechanics; questions and discussion of
the results of numerical exercices.
Other information
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