course-details-portlet

TGB4260

Practical Use of Rock Mechanical Software

Credits 7.5
Level Third-year courses, level III
Course start Autumn 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Aggregate score

About

About the course

Course content

Numerical modelling in geomechanics, in 2D and 3D.

Practical use of RS2 for 2D elastic and plastic modelling, and EX3 for 3D elastic modelling. Hands-on experience with model construction, input parameters, computation, result analysis, post-processing and reporting. Simulation of rock excavation, in situ rock stress and rock support. Other types of relevant programs may also be used in the course.

Learning outcome

Expertise:

After the course is completed the student shall be able to:

- contribute to solving engineering geological and rock mechanical problems by using numerical tools (software programs), incl. RS2 and EX3;

- reflect on the role played by uncertainties in the input parameters in computational geomechanics;

- elaborate knowledge and skills acquired in the course and use them for more efficient use of rock mechanical software;

- learn quicker other software codes beyond those used in the course.

Knowledge and skills: After completing this course the student shall be able to:

- use numerical tools for rock mechanical computations;

- command modern methods used for visualization and analysis of rock mechanical data in 2D and 3D;

- understand and explain differences between, strengths and weaknesses of different geomechanical programs;

- choose the optimal programs for specific applications within computational geomechanics;

- understand the theory behind the most popular numerical methods used in modern computational geomechanics (FEM, BEM, DEM) and how it affects their application;

- model natural fractures, rock support and failure in rock masses;

- carry out a computational project in rock mechanics;

- report the results from a computational rock mechanical study;

- understand the principles behind verification and calibration of numerical models;

- utilize different failure criteria in numerical models.

Learning methods and activities

Weekly colloquia, compulsory exercises, and project assignment. The course is evaluated by a reference group or via a questionnaire.

Compulsory assignments

  • Exercises

Further on evaluation

All exercises throughout the semester must be approved to get access to the project and the exam.

The final grade in the course is based on an individual project (project report; counts 50% in the final grade) and written exam (counts 50% in the final grade). The report is to be written in English.

In order to pass the course, both assessments (report and exam) must receive a passing score. Students who have passed the course and would like to try to improve their grade will both re-do the project and re-take the written exam. Students who have failed the course but passed the project will only re-take the written exam. Students who have failed the course but passed the exam will only re-do the project. Students who failed the course by failing both the project and the exam will re-do the project and re-take the exam.

If there is a re-sit examination, the form of assessment may be changed from written to oral examination.

Required previous knowledge

TDT4111 Information Technology, Introduction (or TDT4110 Information Technology, Introduction) and TGB4210 Rock and Soil Mechanics, Basic Course of TPG4112 Geomechanics and Flow in Porous Media.

Course materials

1. On-line documentation for RS2, EX3, RockData and other relevant programs.

2. Additional articles and chapters placed in Canvas and related to the specific exercises and project.

Subject areas

  • Rock Mechanics
  • Technological subjects

Contact information

Course coordinator

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Geoscience

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2026

School exam
Weighting 50/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 3 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.
Report
Weighting 50/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Re-sit examination - Summer 2027

School exam
Weighting 50/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 3 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.