GEOMECHANICS
Stampa
Enrollment year
2018/2019
Academic year
2019/2020
Regulations
DM270
Academic discipline
GEO/05 (APPLIED GEOLOGY)
Department
DEPARTMENT OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Course
APPLIED GEOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Curriculum
PERCORSO COMUNE
Year of study
Period
1st semester (01/10/2019 - 15/01/2020)
ECTS
6
Lesson hours
48 lesson hours
Language
Italian
Activity type
ORAL TEST
Teacher
PEROTTI CESARE (titolare) - 2 ECTS
MEISINA CLAUDIA - 1 ECTS
MORELLI GIAN LUCA - 3 ECTS
Prerequisites
The course is part of the specialist geological training of students in Applied Geological Sciences. The course does not provide preparatory prerequisites with other courses of the Master's Degree Program. However, knowledge of the geological concepts acquired in the Degree in Geological Sciences and in particular of the basic concepts related to the deformation of rocks is required. The preliminary frequency of the course in Structural Geology is recommended.
Learning outcomes
Ability to describe quantitatively the physical-mechanical properties of rocks, discontinuities and rock masses.
Competence in field geomechanical surveys and geomechanical data processing in order to create thematic maps.
Knowledge of the methods of investigation and classification of rock masses.
Application of geomechanics to practical problems (choice and determination of parameters).
Course contents
1-Introduction
1.1. Definition of rock and rock mass;
1.2. Importance of geological modeling;
1.3.Fundamental properties of rock mass (intact rock, discontinuities and structure);
1.4.Continuous and discontinuous modeling of the rock mass.

2- Characterization of intact rock
2.1 Physical properties (tests and methods of determination);
2.2.Mechanical properties (tests and methods of determination).

3- Characterization of discontinuities
3.1 Geometric properties;
3.2.Mechanical properties.

4- Structure of the rock mass
4.1.Definition;
4.2.Parameters for rock mass classification.

5- Classification of rock mass
5.1.RMR;
5.2.Q;
5.3. Estimation of the resistance and deformability parameters of the rock mass on the basis of RMR and Q classification;
5.4.Correlation between major classification systems.
5.5. Classification indexes as empirical design tools for gallery excavation support.

6- Resistance Criteria for Discontinuities
5.1 Linear Criterion of Mohr-Coulomb;
5.2. Bilinear Criterion of Patton;
5.3.Baron-Bandis Curvilinear Criterion;

7- Intact rock strength criteria
7.1. Mohr-Coulomb Criterion;
7.2. Hoek-Brown Criterion;
7.3. Correlation between the Mohr-Coulomb and . Hoek-Brown criteria.

8- Rock mass resistance criteria
8.1. Hoek-Brown Criterion;
8.2. The Geological Strength Index;
8.2.1. Definition;
8.2.2. Use of the Index;
8.2.3. Estimation methods.
8.3. Deriving the Mohr-Coulomb criterion parameters by the Hoek-Brown envelope.
Teaching methods
The course includes lectures and real case studies carried out in class and in the field with the aim of applying the theoretical notions acquired to practical problems. During the lessons and exercises, numerous real examples of geomechanical interpretation of rock walls and geomechanical reconstructions of areas with different characteristics will also be illustrated and discussed, with the aim of making students acquire the ability to apply the typical techniques of geomechanics. Examples of geomechanical analyzes will also be illustrated digitally through the three-dimensional photointerpretation of virtual outcrops.
Reccomended or required readings
Evert Hoeck Practical-Rock-Engineering (https://www.rocscience.com/documents/hoek/corner/Practical-Rock-Engineering-Full-Text.pdf)
Lecture notes, scientific papers and slides provided by the teacher.
Assessment methods
The exam consists of two written tests with questions and exercises. The evaluation will be carried out to verify the achievement of the educational objectives of the course. The contents of the lectures and field trips are the subject of the examination. The tests will consist of a series of questions on the theoretical part of the course aimed at verifying the learning of the basic notions of geomechanics, and in some practical exercises on the stability of rock slopes to assess the student's ability to apply geomechanical analysis techniques of the rocks.
Further information
Sustainable development goals - Agenda 2030