Course - Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering - TGB4209
Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering
Lessons are not given in the academic year 2026/2027
About
About the course
Course content
This course consists of advanced rock mechanics and rock engineering. The course focuses on the application of rock mechanics principles in tunnelling, mining and other types of rock excavations.
The contents include estimating av the mechanical properties of rock mass, interpretation of field rock deformation measurement data, rock support (support elements, support principles, methodology, bolting mechanics, rock bolting, cable bolting), rock mechanics challenges related to conventional tunneling, TBM tunnelling and observational tunnelling method NATM, handling av underground geohazards related to high rock stresses, and rock mass stability analysis with the help of numerical modelling.
The course also introduces mining-induced stresses and consequences, dimensioning of production openings, mining rock mechanics, risk-based design approaches.
Mandatory assignments in the course are exercises, field excursions and group projects.
Learning outcome
Competence
After completing the course, the student will be able to:
- Carry out stability analyses for the optimal design of underground excavations.
- Carry out stability analyses to tunnels, cavers and underground mining stopes with the help of digital tools RS2, Dips, RS3, etc.
- Develop a methodology for rock mechanics investigations for a specific rock engineering project.
- Select optimale rock support methods for a specific rock engineering project.
- Assess the in situ rock stress state in the rock mass based on the rock deformation measurement data.
- Handle rock mechanics challenges, such as rock burst and squeezing rock deformation, in complex geological conditions.
- Carry out independent rock mechanics investigations connected to rock falls and collapse in tunnels and underground mines.
Knowledge and skills
After completing the course, the student will be able to:
- Describe tunnelling methods.
- Describe ore extraction methods.
- Describe rock support principles and methods.
- Describe rock mechanics challenges in complex geological conditions.
- Understand the possible rock failure modes in the field and the rock support methods usually applied in practice.
- Understand what numerical modelling codes RS2 and Dips can be used for.
- Understand the relationship between the rock deformation and rock mass failure types.
- Interpret the mechanics of various rock mass failure forms observed in the field.
- Master the use of numerical modelling codes RS2, Dips, Swedge, Unwedge, Examine2D, etc.
Learning methods and activities
Lectures, guest lectures, excursions, exercices, group work on a prosjekt.
Compulsory assignments
- Exercises
- Feild excursion
Further on evaluation
The final grade in the course is based on a group project (project report; counts 49% in final grade) and individual written exam (counts 51% in final grade). In order to pass the course, both assessments (report and exam) must receive a passing score. If there is a re-sit examination, the form of assessment may be changed from written to oral examination. For a re-take of an examination, both assessments during the course must be re-taken.
Recommended previous knowledge
Basic courses in engineering geology, rock engineering, tunnelling, foundation engineering, dam engineering, or other relevant courses.
Required previous knowledge
TGB4208 Geomechanics or TGB4210 Rock and soil mechanics, and TGB4260 Practical Use of Rock Mechanical Software, or equivalent courses.
Course materials
Lecture folders in PDF-format and presentation slides.
Subject areas
- Engineering Geology
- Rock Mechanics
- Rock Engineering
- Rock Mechanics
- Construction Engineering
- Engineering Geology - Rocks
- Mining Engineering