course-details-portlet

GB8311

Stress Induced Instability in Tunnels and Caverns

New from the academic year 2026/2027

Credits 10
Level Doctoral degree level
Course start Autumn 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Oral exam

About

About the course

Course content

The course is given every second year. In general, it is expected to have student number more than one.

The course aims to enhance knowledge in the field of rock stress induced instability problems in tunnels and caverns with an aim to achieve stable, long-lasting and sustainable solution in the use of underground space.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE: The main aim of this course is to achieve international standard advance knowledge in stress induced instability in tunnels and caverns.

SKILLS: Students completing this course will gain skills in advance theory and/or methodologies within rock stresses and problems related to induced stresses in tunnels and underground caverns.

GENERAL COMPETENCE:

Students completing this course should have general competence in evaluating and assessing possible stress induced instability in tunnels and underground caverns so that students are capable in the design of tunnels and caverns that are both short-term and long-term stable and provide sustainable and cost effective solution.

After fulfilling the course, the student will have gained experience in familiarizing herself / himself with and presenting research results in a selected scientific topic as a basis for further research.

Learning methods and activities

Teaching will be in a form of guided self-study. The attendant shall write a review article in one of the selected topics. The topic must be approved by the convener of the course.

Compulsory assignments

  • Review paper

Further on evaluation

To pass the course a score of at least 70 percent is required.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Engineering (PHIV)

Required previous knowledge

Advance level knowledge in engineering geology, rock engineering, rock mechanics (corresponding to the course TGB4190 Engineering Geology of Rocks, Advanced Course).

Course materials

Compendium of recent relevant published scientific papers in the field and part of the book related to the theory in rock stresses (content may be changed as per need)

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From
GB8310 7.5 sp Autumn 2026
This course has academic overlap with the course in the table above. If you take overlapping courses, you will receive a credit reduction in the course where you have the lowest grade. If the grades are the same, the reduction will be applied to the course completed most recently.

Subject areas

  • Engineering Geology
  • Rock Mechanics
  • Rock Mechanics
  • Engineering Geology - Rocks

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Geoscience

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Oral exam
Grade: Passed / Not Passed

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2026

Oral exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Duration 1 hours

Ordinary examination - Spring 2027

Oral exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code E Duration 1 hours