course-details-portlet

TGB4212

Advanced Rock Mechanics

Choose study year
Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Aggregate score
Special deadlines for course registration
Autumn: 2025-06-01

About

About the course

Course content

Assessment of rockmass quality, Ground Response Curve, the observation method for tunnelling (NATM), rock mechanics for TBM tunnelling, underground geohazards related to high in situ rock stresses, rock support in difficult geological conditions, analytical and numerical stability analyses, rock mechanics in foundation engineering, excursions and project tasks. Focuses are put on applications of rock mechanical principles in engineering practice. Project tasks: group work, individual presentations and a group report.

Learning outcome

The students have an overview of the areas where rock mechanical principles are applied for design and stability analyses. They learn skills for interpretation of mechanical phenomena during underground rock excavation and for stability analyses aiming to optimum design of underground openings. The student should master the use of subject-specific digital tools including programming where relevant (RS2 and Examine2D).

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, guest lectures, excursion (8 hours) and self-study. The students work in groups on large project tasks. A joint report on the group project is submitted.

Compulsory assignments

  • Excursion

Further on evaluation

In order to be eligible to receive a grade in the course, both assessments (group project (49%) and individual final exam (51%)) 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, all assessments during the course must be re-taken.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

TGB4210 Rock and Soil Mechanics, Basic Course and TGB4185 Engineering Geology, Basic Course or equivalent basic courses in rock and soil mechanics and engineering geology. In addition TGB4260 Numerical Modelling for Rock Engineering, which can be taken in parallel.

Course materials

A lecture folder and presentation slides.

Subject areas

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

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Geoscience

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

School exam
Weighting 51/100 Examination aids Code D Date 2025-12-16 Time 15:00 Duration 2 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room for school exam

The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.

Sluppenvegen 14
Room SL110 turkis sone
10 candidates
Room SL310 turkis sone
2 candidates
Room SL111 blå sone
5 candidates
Group-based project report
Weighting 49/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Re-sit examination - Summer 2026

School exam
Weighting 51/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 2 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.