course-details-portlet

TGB4260

Numerical Modelling for Rock Engineering

Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Written exam and report

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 be also used in the course.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: Students will acquire basic knowledge about techniques of numerical modelling in rock engineering. The student will learn how to complete an independent project within the discipline.

Skills: Students will be capable of using state-of-the-art digital tools, like the RS2 and EX3 programs, for simulation of tunnel excavation, in situ rock stress, rock failure, jointed rock, and rock support. The student will learn the use of different failure criteria in numerical models. The student will be able to carry out a project within computational geomechanics, process and analyze the results, and write a project report.

General expertise: Students will understand capabilities and limitations of various digital tools that are currently used in the industry.

Learning methods and activities

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

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 40% in final grade) and written exam (counts 60% in 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

TDT4110 Information Technology, Introduction (or TDT4105 Information Technology, Introduction) and TGB4210 Rock and Soil Mechanics, Basic Course.

Course materials

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

2. Additional articles placed on Blackboard 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: Written exam and report
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

School exam
Weighting 60/100 Examination aids Code D Date 2025-12-15 Time 09:00 Duration 4 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 lilla sone
1 candidate
Room SL110 turkis sone
10 candidates
Room SL510
1 candidate
Report
Weighting 40/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment

Re-sit examination - Summer 2026

School exam
Weighting 60/100 Examination aids Code D Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.