After the course, the student will be able to: - define and obtain the main geomechanical properties of a rock material, of non conventional geo-materials and of a rock mass as well - carry out a geostructural survey and interpret a geostructural analysis. - recognize the behaviour of geological formations and materials as fundamental for the solution of practical problems in the geoengineering and geoenvironmental field. - evaluate the rock mass quality by following a classification system - evaluate safety factors for stability in basic problems (rock block, embankment, underground wedge) - recognize the role of a support system - manage some basic and worldwide used commercial codes for geomechanics - select parameters for monitoring of geological formations and structures (dumps and slides for example) is offered to the students.

Basic knowledge of physics, mechanics, statics and applied geology. The mentioned background helps to better and easily understand novelties of the course. Measurements fundamentals are also recommended. Specific seminars are organized for those students who want to equalize lack of pre-requirements.

Rock materials and rock masses. Applications of rock engineering in mining, tunnelling, environmental engineering and civil excavations. Non conventional geo-materials: waste rocks, muds, slurries, tailings, spoil, debris, slags, grout. Fundamentals of elasticity in rock mechanics; stress and strain. Ground formations and basic properties of soils. Geomechanical characterization in lab and in field. Experiences of testing in laboratory. Strength criteria and behavior of rock materials and non conventional geo-materials. Joint properties and related shear strength criteria Geomechanical characterization of natural formations and behaviour of rock masses. Scale effect, difference between continuous and discontinuous media. Induced stress – strain distribution in rock masses (Airy, Kirsch, elasto plastic conditions). Geomechanical classifications and correlations with rock mass properties and technological features (classes of support, unsupported span and self supporting time, excavability). Design methods in rock engineering (analytical, graphical, numerical, empirical). The concept of safety factor. Partial safety factors. Stereographic projections. Kinematics of failure modes in rock masses (translational, ravelling, slabbing, squeezing, rockburst etc) Fundamentals of in situ stress measurement methods Analyses of some basic geomechnical problems for natural conditions and excavations: stability of underground excavation, surface excavation, application of limit equilibrium method, bolting techniques, remedial works, embankments, mining problems, in order to focus and understand the theory. Stability of dumps and landfills in waste rocks and muck. Monitoring issues for mining, environmental, rock and soil engineering. Particular cases: large landslides, morainic cover and debris from glaciers, unexpected and large events in mining and environmental fields. 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. Basic numerical modelling of surface - underground - reinforced structures are carried out in lab. Seminars from eminent Authors (also online) are presented to spread different viewpoints and technical communication. If possible, a technical visit is organized on site.

The presentations of the lessons are loaded on the website and they follow the program. Class notes taken directly during lessons are recommended as 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.

Exam: Written test; Compulsory oral exam;

During the course period, 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 permitted during these tests. The official exam during the exam sessions is in written form, with 3 exercises (for example: stereonet, testing of specimen, Mohr's circle, kinematic of blocks); then correction and 3 oral questions about theory of the program. Oral part is compulsory. Min score for admittance of written part 18/30, max score 30/30 (+L) for each part; final mark is the average of scores. Duration: written part about 90’, oral part 30'. Criteria to pass the exam: 1) solve in correct mode the exercises 2) demonstrate the ability to understand the interaction between natural and excavated structures and to solve basic analytic problems. 3) The exam is based on the didactical material loaded on the website and developed during the lessons. 4) 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 oral part of the exam..

In addition to the message sent by the online system, students with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) are invited to directly inform the professor in charge of the course about the special arrangements for the exam that have been agreed with the Special Needs Unit. The professor has to be informed at least one week before the beginning of the examination session in order to provide students with the most suitable arrangements for each specific type of exam.