Course syllabus for Rock mechanics

The course syllabus contains changes
See changes

Course syllabus adopted 2021-02-26 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameBergmekanik
  • CodeACE140
  • Credits7.5 Credits
  • OwnerMPIEE
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyCivil and Environmental Engineering
  • DepartmentARCHITECTURE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 27120
  • Maximum participants60
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsYes

Credit distribution

0119 Examination 4.5 c
Grading: TH
4.5 c0 c0 c0 c0 c0 c
  • 26 Okt 2021 am DIST
  • 04 Jan 2022 pm J
  • 23 Aug 2022 am J
0219 Project 3 c
Grading: TH
3 c0 c0 c0 c0 c0 c

In programmes

Examiner

  • Eleni Gerolymatou
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Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

BSc in Civil Engineering or equivalent.

Aim

The objective of the course is to provide understanding of the mechanical behavior of fractured and intact rock and the methods used to measure and predict its mechanical properties.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

- describe the condition of rock mass
- explain the basic mechanical properties of rock and rock mass
- select suitable tests to determine the mechanical properties of rock and rock mass
- use different theoretical methods to assess the in situ stress state
- select suitable methods to measure the in situ stress state
- use simple criteria to assess the possibility of failure of rock
- evaluate the effect of fractures on the mechanical behavior of rock mass and account for fracture orientation as a factor affecting stability
- explain the basic principles concerning rock stability for tunnels and caverns
- select suitable methods for stabilization
- assess the significance of time effects, scale effects, anisotropy and fluid influence
- develop solutions to common problems in construction in rock mass

Content

The course includes an overview of the basic mechanics of intact rock and rock mass including fractures. The theoretical background linked to strength and stability is presented and explained. The experimental options for the determination of strength and stress state in situ and in the laboratory are discussed. Examples of applications are presented in the form of exercises in the class and home assignments.

Organisation

The course consists of lectures, in which smaller exercises are also incorporated. Tutorials are also offered. The group project consists of sub-projects. Sub-projects are submitted during the course and feedback is given on the sub-projects. At the end of the course, the sub-projects are put together into a complete report. This report is then graded.

Literature

1. B.H.G. Brady, E.T. Brown: Rock Mechanics for underground mining
2. J.A. Hudson, J.P. Harrisson: Engineering Rock Mechanics, an introduction to the principles

Examination including compulsory elements

The examination consists partly of the group project and partly of a written exam. The final grade consists by 34% of the group project and 66% of a written exam.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.

The course syllabus contains changes

  • Changes to examination:
    • 2021-10-18: Location Location changed from Johanneberg to Distance by Tentamensadm
      [2021-10-26 4,5 hec, 0119]