course-details-portlet

GB8406

Failure Mechanics of Rock and Rock Mass

Choose study year

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 7.5
Level Doctoral degree level
Course start Spring 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Oral exam and report(s)

About

About the course

Course content

The course is taught every other year.

The course deals with initiation and propagation of single fractures and failure types in rock and rock mass. It involves theories, testing methods, laboratory/field observations, fracture modes in rock, failure types in rock mass, scale effect, and acoustic monitoring technique. It includes both fundamentals of fracture mechanics and advances in the subject. The knowledge one acquires in the course is useful for understanding and interpretation of fracturing in rocks and rock masses.

Learning outcome

INGRESS: The student will obtain knowledge and understanding of rock fracture related to underground excavations.

KNOWLEDGE: The student will obtain knowledge in basic fracture mechanics, characteristics of fracture in rock, constitutive modeling, testing methods and the new research trends in rock fracture mechanics.

SKILLS: The students will be able to assess the loading conditions underground openings are subjected to on the basis of the rock fracture/failure modes observed in situ. They will also be able to measure the fracture parameters of rock.

GENERAL COMPETENCE: The students will develop their capabilities in solving problems related to fracture in rock and rock-like materials, in particular using their knowledge in fracture mechanics and rock mechanics.

Learning methods and activities

Teaching will be in forms of lecture and self reading. The weight is put on discussions on individually assigned reading. The students are given up to three assignments each during the semester. They should be presented as reports, which form the basis for course evaluation and grading.

Further on evaluation

In order to pass the course, both the up to three assignment reports (50%) and a final oral exam (50%) have to receive a passing score. To pass a score of at least 70 percent is required. Students who have failed the course will only re-take the failed part(s).

Specific conditions

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

Required previous knowledge

TGB4210 Rock and Soil Mechanics, Basic Course, TGB4212 Advanced Rock Mechanics, or other relevant courses related to rock and rock mass, mechanics and material strength. The course requires admittance to the PhD programme Engineering (PHIV or PHGEOL), or approval by the person who is responsible for the course.

Course materials

Article collections and lecture notes.

Subject areas

  • Rock Mechanics
  • Technological subjects

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Geoscience

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Oral exam and report(s)
Grade: Passed / Not Passed

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

Report
Weighting 50/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment
Oral exam
Weighting 50/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 1 hours