2023
Advanced Rock Mechanics
Name: Advanced Rock Mechanics
Code: GEO14563M
6 ECTS
Duration: 15 weeks/156 hours
Scientific Area:
Geological Engineering
Teaching languages: Portuguese
Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English
Regime de Frequência: Presencial
Presentation
Advanced rock mechanics aims to study the mechanics applied to the mechanical behavior of rocks and rock masses, as well as the application of rock mechanics in the design and construction of engineering structures associated with civil construction, mining and the environment.
Sustainable Development Goals
Learning Goals
Acquisition of knowledge about the wide diversity of aspects that compose this science and understand the geomechanical behaviour of rock materials.
Acquisition of skills to: i) evaluate and interpret the relationships between the stresses and strains and the strength of rocks and rock masses, which determine the mechanical behaviour; ii) to propose and apply the methodologies to predict the behaviour of rocks and rock masses, when subjected to internal stresses and induced stresses in order to elaborate the design of structures to be implanted on or within the rock masses, developing their scientific spirit to the problems involved with the rock materials and enhance the development of their engineering skills in the application of the scientific knowledge, taught through the course. iii) analyze the applications of rock mechanics in the design and construction of rock engineering structures, associated with civil construction and mining activities.
Acquisition of skills to: i) evaluate and interpret the relationships between the stresses and strains and the strength of rocks and rock masses, which determine the mechanical behaviour; ii) to propose and apply the methodologies to predict the behaviour of rocks and rock masses, when subjected to internal stresses and induced stresses in order to elaborate the design of structures to be implanted on or within the rock masses, developing their scientific spirit to the problems involved with the rock materials and enhance the development of their engineering skills in the application of the scientific knowledge, taught through the course. iii) analyze the applications of rock mechanics in the design and construction of rock engineering structures, associated with civil construction and mining activities.
Contents
Objective and scope of Rock Mechanics.
Description and zoning of rock masses on outcrops. Rock mass global characterization.
In situ stress state. Origin and types of stresses. Methods for in situ determination of the initial stress state.
Deformability of rocks and rock masses. Stress-strain relationship: behavior models. Creep. Anisotropy and heterogeneity. Characterization of deformability.
Strength of rocks and rock masses. Failure criteria. Effect of anisotropy and pore pressure on strength. Shear strength of discontinuities. Characterization of the strength.
Geomechanical classifications of rock masses (RMR, Q, GSI).
Hydraulic and hydromechanical behavior of rock masses. Numerical modeling.
Monitoring of engineering structures in rock.
Applications of Rock Mechanics to engineering structures built in rock masses.
Laboratory tests. In-situ tests.
Solving various problems for the application of theoretical concepts.
Description and zoning of rock masses on outcrops. Rock mass global characterization.
In situ stress state. Origin and types of stresses. Methods for in situ determination of the initial stress state.
Deformability of rocks and rock masses. Stress-strain relationship: behavior models. Creep. Anisotropy and heterogeneity. Characterization of deformability.
Strength of rocks and rock masses. Failure criteria. Effect of anisotropy and pore pressure on strength. Shear strength of discontinuities. Characterization of the strength.
Geomechanical classifications of rock masses (RMR, Q, GSI).
Hydraulic and hydromechanical behavior of rock masses. Numerical modeling.
Monitoring of engineering structures in rock.
Applications of Rock Mechanics to engineering structures built in rock masses.
Laboratory tests. In-situ tests.
Solving various problems for the application of theoretical concepts.
Teaching Methods
Face-to-face and distance learning (blended learning). Theoretical classes and face-to-face laboratory practice classes and, whenever necessary, synchronous online classes, complemented with asynchronous learning activities, lectures and, sometimes, technical visits.
The teaching method is based on the presentation of theoretical concepts and associated methodologies.
In theoretical classes, students are encouraged to discuss the fundamental concepts and methodologies associated with the presentation topics. The laboratory practical classes aim to develop skills on the physical and mechanical characterization tests of rocks and carry out practical exercises for the application of theoretical concepts.
Evaluation: two tests (60%), laboratory practice group work report (30%), individual study visit report and/or individual practical work proposed throughout the semester (10%). The student who misses at least one of the elements of continuous assessment will be sent to the final exam.
The teaching method is based on the presentation of theoretical concepts and associated methodologies.
In theoretical classes, students are encouraged to discuss the fundamental concepts and methodologies associated with the presentation topics. The laboratory practical classes aim to develop skills on the physical and mechanical characterization tests of rocks and carry out practical exercises for the application of theoretical concepts.
Evaluation: two tests (60%), laboratory practice group work report (30%), individual study visit report and/or individual practical work proposed throughout the semester (10%). The student who misses at least one of the elements of continuous assessment will be sent to the final exam.
Teaching Staff
- António Bastos de Pinho [responsible]
Certificações
