Rock mechanics
Objectives
Learning basic concepts related to rock mechanics in the framework of civil and mining engineering interventions, particularly with regard to the study of the state of stress, strength and deformability of intact rocks versus rock masses (RM), the relevance of joints and the characterization methods of such features, both in the field and in the lab; furthermore, aspects related to representativeness of sampling and scale effect problematic in the scope of RM, to the failure criterion and an introduction to modelling issues are also introduce.
General characterization
Code
10739
Credits
6.0
Responsible teacher
Ana Paula Fernandes da Silva
Hours
Weekly - 4
Total - 66
Teaching language
Português
Prerequisites
No special requirements but it´s advisable to dominate basic concepts in Engineering Geology and Soil Mechanics.
Bibliography
Comité Français de Mécanique des Roches, Manuel de mécanique des roches. École des Mines, Paris, Tome 1(2000) e Tome 2 (2003).
Feng X.-T. Rock Mechanics and Engineering, Volume 1: Principles. London: Taylor & Francis Group, 2017.
Feng X.-T. Rock Mechanics and Engineering, Volume 2: Laboratory and Field Testing. London: Taylor & Francis Group, 2017.
Hencher S. Practical Rock Mechanics. Boca Raton: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 2015.
Sivakugan N., Shukla S.K. & Das B.M. Rock mechanics, An introduction. Boca Raton: Taylor & Francis Group, 2013.
Teaching method
The teaching, supported in the use of multimedia projections and e-learning methods (Moodle program), embrace theoretical and practical lessons, namely with lab tests and the resolution of practical exercises on selected themes, complemented by seminaries (at least two) with specialists on rock mechanics field.
Evaluation method
The evaluation will have a continuous component and includes two tests - T (practical and theoretical) and a work task (W) – a special presentation and discussion of a real case study on the application of rock mechanics in a civil or mining engineering project.
Final grade: 0,8.(T1+T2) + 0, 2.(W) = 20 values
The frequency will be guaranteed in the case of a positive grade on the group task. The frequency of this unit will be valid for the corresponding academic year. In case of failure of approving at the written tests/exam, it will be valid too for the following academic year.
Subject matter
Rock Mechanics: fundamentals & contribution to sustainable development. Intact rock, discontinuities, and rock masses (RM). Index properties intact rocks. State stress: tensor, special cases; principal stresses, relationships. Stress and deformation. In situ stresses: around the world; ISRM in situ tests – scale effect and anisotropy. Strength and deformation of intact rock. Modes of failure; stress-strain curve. Triaxial solicitations. Rheological behaviors. In situ and laboratory testing. Discontinuities - relevance for the study of rock masses. Scale effect. Sampling and representativeness. Shear strength of discontinuity surfaces - laboratory and in situ tests. Scale effect. Models proposed for their evaluation. Influence on rock mass behavior. Strength and deformability of RM: empirical methods; correlations. Failure criterion: applicability and limitations. CHILE vs DIANE. Hydromechanical behavior of RM; assessment of hydraulic conductivity and modeling. Numerical methods; practical applications.