The course represents a link between the rock mechanics fundamentals and the rock engineering application. The course is based on the characterisation of rock materials and masses and on the solution of some typical conditions for surface-underground excavations, while the monitoring of natural - artificial structures is presented as a part of the design methodology in geomechanics. The content of the lessons represents a useful basis for other engineering oriented courses such as Tunnelling, Rock and soil reinforcing, Mining methods, Underground excavations, Landslides and slope stability.

The student will be able to define and obtain the main geomechanical properties of a rock material and of a rock mass as well. These elements contribute to understand the behavior of rock masses and materials: behaviour and technology are fundamental for the solution of the practical problems in the geoengineering field, aspect that is also developed in the course. The main competence for the student will therefore be related to stability assessment in the excavation engineering problems.

Basic knowledge of physics, mechanics and applied geology.

Fundamentals of elasticity in rock mechanics; stress and strain. Rock materials and rock masses. Geotechnical characterization in lab and in field. Strength criteria and behavior of rock materials. Geotechnical characterization of natural formations and behaviour of rock masses; geomechanical classifications. Design methods in rock engineering. Stereographic projections. Analyses of some basic geotechnical problems, such as the stability of underground excavation, surface excavation, application of limit equilibrium method, remedial works, mining problems, in order to focus and understand the theory. Monitoring issues for rock engineering. Classworks.

The course is based on lessons and worked examples during classworks. Some lab experience will be carried out in order to provide some ability in practical testing operations.

The presentations of the lessons are loaded on the website and they follow the program. Class notes taken directly during lessons are fundamental for the student. Reference textbooks are presented (and available in the DIATI library) for details. Among the others: Hoek E. Practical Rock Engineering, Rocscience; Brady B.H.G. Brown E.T. Rock Mechanics for Underground Mining.

Modalità di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Prova orale obbligatoria;

Exam: Written test; Compulsory oral exam;

... During the course two written tests will be carried out (half of the course and end of the course) aimed to student self verification (1,5+1,5 h); min score 18, max score 30. No didactical material is requested during the test. A final oral exam (with solution of both written questions and 3 oral questions) is regularly scheduled during the exam sessions, min score 18, max score 30 (+L) . Duration about 45’. The ability to understand the interaction between natural and excavated structures and to solve basic analytic problems is evaluated for the exam. The exam is based on the didactical material loaded on the website and developed during the lessons. The evaluation of the student skills is based on the ability to understand the key points to solve practical and common geo - engineering problems presented during the exam.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.