AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course introduces the principles of rock mechanics with the following purposes: a) designing a plan for investigation in the context of rock engineering, b) carrying out the hydro-mechanical characterisation of rock masses, c) identifying the failure mechanisms and analysing the stability conditions of rocky slopes, d) understanding the principles of deep excavation in rock masses, e) designing intervention and stabilisation measures in the context of rock engineering.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Define a Geotechnical Model in Rock Engineering
• Design an investigations plan
• Understanding the principles of Rock mechanics
• Be able to carry out a Geotechnical characterisation of rock masses
• Analysis the Stability conditions of slopes
• Analysis of Deep excavations in rock masses
• Design of intervention and stabilisation measures

TEACHING METHODS

The course has an approximate duration of 50 hours. It consists of a combination of theoretical lectures and class exercises. The language of the course is English.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Geological setting of rock materials
• Discontinuities and rock masses
• Stress and strains in the context of rock engineering
• Rock testing techniques
• Intact rock behaviour
• Features of discontinuities and joints
• Hydraulic features of rock masses
• Strength and Deformability of rock masses
• Foundations and slope instability mechanisms in rock masses
• Rock excavations
• Rock reinforcement and support

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

1) J. A. Hudson and  J.P. Harrison (1997) Engineering Rock Mechanics. Pergamon, ISBN 9780080438641

2) E. Hoek (2000) Practical Rock Engineering

3) oD.C. Wyllie (2018) Rock Slope Engineering

3) M. Barla (2010) Elementi di meccanica delle rocce

4) R. Ribacchi et al. (2018) Meccanica delle Rocce

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

19/02/2024

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Students are assessed through an individual oral examination, which include the written dissertaion of analitical problems and also the resolution and critical comment of the practicals carried out during the course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The examination is designed to assess student learning in different contexts. The written resolution of an analytical question allows students to demonstrate their knowledge in a context that favours reflective reasoning. The oral presentation allows students to demonstrate their knowledge in a context that favours communication and interaction skills. The students' understanding of practical rock engineering applications is evaluated by their critical comments on the exercises.