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Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation
01WJSXG, 01WJSWO
A.A. 2026/27
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
The aim of the course is to provide the skills needed to address the interactions between engineering works and rock masses. The first part of the course introduces the fundamental elements of Rock Mechanics, starting with the description of the characteristics of a rock mass and continuing with the analysis of the mechanical behavior of the rock matrix, discontinuities, and the rock mass as a whole. The presence of natural discontinuities in rock masses, in fact, introduces experimental, theoretical, and practical challenges that differ in several respects from those encountered in Soil Mechanics and Structural Mechanics. In this context, the concepts of equivalent continuous and discontinuous media are presented. The course then provides procedures for tackling Rock Engineering problems, with a focus on surface and underground excavations and the stability of rock slopes.
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
This course provides advanced knowledge and analytical tools for understanding, assessing, and mitigating the stability problems of natural and engineered slopes. Students will explore the physical mechanisms that drive slope instability and learn how to analyze, model, and design effective stabilization strategies. Through a combination of theoretical lectures, case studies, and computational projects, the course trains students to identify the causes of slope failures, predict potential instabilities, and design structural and non-structural countermeasures for landslide risk mitigation. Special emphasis is given to the integration of monitoring data and numerical modeling within the framework of sustainable and resilient land management.
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
The aim of the course is to provide the skills needed to address the interactions between engineering works and rock masses. The first part of the course introduces the fundamental elements of Rock Mechanics, starting with the description of the characteristics of a rock mass and continuing with the analysis of the mechanical behavior of the rock matrix, discontinuities, and the rock mass as a whole. The presence of natural discontinuities in rock masses, in fact, introduces experimental, theoretical, and practical challenges that differ in several respects from those encountered in Soil Mechanics and Structural Mechanics. In this context, the concepts of equivalent continuous and discontinuous media are presented. The course then provides procedures for tackling Rock Engineering problems, with a focus on surface and underground excavations and the stability of rock slopes.
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
This course provides advanced knowledge and analytical tools for understanding, assessing, and mitigating the stability problems of natural and engineered slopes. Students will explore the physical mechanisms that drive slope instability and learn how to analyze, model, and design effective stabilization strategies. Through a combination of theoretical lectures, case studies, and computational projects, the course trains students to identify the causes of slope failures, predict potential instabilities, and design structural and non-structural countermeasures for landslide risk mitigation. Special emphasis is given to the integration of monitoring data and numerical modeling within the framework of sustainable and resilient land management.
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
At the end of the course, the students who have attended the teaching successfully will be able to: - Choose the best model for the interpretation of the mechanical behavior of a rock mass (equivalent continuum or discontinuum) - Interpret the results of the experimental tests for the estimation of the rock matrix and discontinuities strength and deformability parameters - Classify the rock mass quality (RMR, GSI and Q methods) and calculate the design geotechnical parameters for the rock mass - Analyze the stability of a rock slope for some of the most common mechanisms occurring according to the structure of the rock mass - Analyze the mechanical interaction between the rock mass and an underground structure, with particular reference to the construction of a tunnel and its support - Producing a complete and rigorous technical report.
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: • Identify and classify different slope instability mechanisms and their triggering factors; • Select and apply appropriate analytical and numerical methods for slope stability analysis; • Plan and interpret field investigations and monitoring campaigns for slope risk assessment; • Design and evaluate structural mitigation measures, considering both technical performance and environmental sustainability; • Develop and communicate slope hazard assessments, including risk maps and mitigation strategies.
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
At the end of the course, the students who have attended the teaching successfully will be able to: - Choose the best model for the interpretation of the mechanical behavior of a rock mass (equivalent continuum or discontinuum) - Interpret the results of the experimental tests for the estimation of the rock matrix and discontinuities strength and deformability parameters - Classify the rock mass quality (RMR, GSI and Q methods) and calculate the design geotechnical parameters for the rock mass - Analyze the stability of a rock slope for some of the most common mechanisms occurring according to the structure of the rock mass - Analyze the mechanical interaction between the rock mass and an underground structure, with particular reference to the construction of a tunnel and its support - Producing a complete and rigorous technical report.
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: • Identify and classify different slope instability mechanisms and their triggering factors; • Select and apply appropriate analytical and numerical methods for slope stability analysis; • Plan and interpret field investigations and monitoring campaigns for slope risk assessment; • Design and evaluate structural mitigation measures, considering both technical performance and environmental sustainability; • Develop and communicate slope hazard assessments, including risk maps and mitigation strategies.
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
For a fruitful use of the teaching the following knowledge are particularly useful and suggested: - soil mechanics - structural mechanics
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
Fundamentals of Hydraulics and Soil Mechanics are required
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
For a fruitful use of the teaching the following knowledge are particularly useful and suggested: - soil mechanics - structural mechanics
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
Fundamentals of Hydraulics and Soil Mechanics are required
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
The course consists of lectures (about 45 hours) and tutorials (about 15 hours). Lectures: 1. Mechanical behavior of rock discontinuities: lab tests, strength criteria 2. Mechanical behavior of rock matrix: lab tests, strength criteria, deformability, stress-strain criteria 3. Rock mass classification: RMR, GSI, Q methods 4. Mechanical behavior of the rock mass: strength criteria, deformability 5. Rock slope stability by means of Limit Equilibrium Methods: the cases of sliding of a rock block along one or two planes 6. Rock slope stability by means of a stochastic approach: the case of rockfall 7. Some systems for the stabilization and defence of rock slopes 8. Design and excavation methods for shallow and deep tunnels 9. Analytical solutions for the estimation of the state of stress and strain around the tunnel 10. Empirical methods for the preliminary choice of tunnel supports 11. Convergence-confinement method for tunnels and supports Tutorials: 1. Quantitative description of natural rock discontinuities (on site surveys) and their stereographic representation 2. First project on rock mass characterization: to be carried on autonomously (in groups) and delivered in the form of a technical report 3. Rockfall stability analysis: second project on rock slope stability, to be carried on autonomously (in groups) also by means of software dedicated, and delivered in the form of a technical report 4. Exercises on tunnel/rock mass interaction, to be solved autonomously (individually or in groups).
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
• Landslide Inventory and Classification: Systematic identification, mapping, and typological classification of landslides. Recognition of key kinematic mechanisms and triggering factors (hydrological, geological, seismic, and anthropogenic). • Monitoring and Data Interpretation: Analysis of monitoring systems integrating geotechnical, geophysical, and remote-sensing technologies. Data processing and interpretation for detecting slope movements and characterizing instability processes. • Slope Stability Analysis: Application of limit equilibrium and numerical methods for assessing slope stability. • Temporal and Probabilistic Prediction: Statistical and mechanical approaches for estimating landslide recurrence, failure probability, and evolution over time. • Dynamic Modelling: Numerical modelling of landslide motion and runout using rheological laws and digital terrain models. Analysis of flow-like movements, debris flow dynamics. • Risk Assessment, Hazard Mapping, and Land-Use Planning: Integrated analysis of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability for the production of quantitative risk maps. • Design of Mitigation and Stabilization Works: Design principles, selection criteria and sizing methods for structural countermeasures, including drainage systems, check dams, and protective barriers.
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
The course consists of lectures (about 45 hours) and tutorials (about 15 hours). Lectures: 1. Mechanical behavior of rock discontinuities: lab tests, strength criteria 2. Mechanical behavior of rock matrix: lab tests, strength criteria, deformability, stress-strain criteria 3. Rock mass classification: RMR, GSI, Q methods 4. Mechanical behavior of the rock mass: strength criteria, deformability 5. Rock slope stability by means of Limit Equilibrium Methods: the cases of sliding of a rock block along one or two planes 6. Rock slope stability by means of a stochastic approach: the case of rockfall 7. Some systems for the stabilization and defence of rock slopes 8. Design and excavation methods for shallow and deep tunnels 9. Analytical solutions for the estimation of the state of stress and strain around the tunnel 10. Empirical methods for the preliminary choice of tunnel supports 11. Convergence-confinement method for tunnels and supports Tutorials: 1. Quantitative description of natural rock discontinuities (on site surveys) and their stereographic representation 2. First project on rock mass characterization: to be carried on autonomously (in groups) and delivered in the form of a technical report 3. Rockfall stability analysis: second project on rock slope stability, to be carried on autonomously (in groups) also by means of software dedicated, and delivered in the form of a technical report 4. Exercises on tunnel/rock mass interaction, to be solved autonomously (individually or in groups).
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
• Landslide Inventory and Classification: Systematic identification, mapping, and typological classification of landslides. Recognition of key kinematic mechanisms and triggering factors (hydrological, geological, seismic, and anthropogenic). • Monitoring and Data Interpretation: Analysis of monitoring systems integrating geotechnical, geophysical, and remote-sensing technologies. Data processing and interpretation for detecting slope movements and characterizing instability processes. • Slope Stability Analysis: Application of limit equilibrium and numerical methods for assessing slope stability. • Temporal and Probabilistic Prediction: Statistical and mechanical approaches for estimating landslide recurrence, failure probability, and evolution over time. • Dynamic Modelling: Numerical modelling of landslide motion and runout using rheological laws and digital terrain models. Analysis of flow-like movements, debris flow dynamics. • Risk Assessment, Hazard Mapping, and Land-Use Planning: Integrated analysis of hazard, exposure, and vulnerability for the production of quantitative risk maps. • Design of Mitigation and Stabilization Works: Design principles, selection criteria and sizing methods for structural countermeasures, including drainage systems, check dams, and protective barriers.
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
The course consists of in-person lectures, in which the theoretical topics are covered, and in-person tutorials in the Computer Lab, dedicated to applying the theoretical concepts in practice. Homework assignments include the preparation of two projects and several exercises. The final output of the two projects is the drafting of complete technical reports to be submitted by the students.
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
The course combines lectures, hands-on computer labs, and group design projects. Students will apply theoretical concepts using specialized software to analyze real-world case studies
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
The course consists of in-person lectures, in which the theoretical topics are covered, and in-person tutorials in the Computer Lab, dedicated to applying the theoretical concepts in practice. Homework assignments include the preparation of two projects and several exercises. The final output of the two projects is the drafting of complete technical reports to be submitted by the students.
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
The course combines lectures, hands-on computer labs, and group design projects. Students will apply theoretical concepts using specialized software to analyze real-world case studies
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
The slides shown during the lectures will be available on the portal. The following textbooks are suggested for further readings: • J. A. Hudson and J. P. Harrison. "Engineering rock mechanics – Part 2: Illustrative worked examples ", Pergamon, 2000 • E. Hoek, J. Bray, "Rock slope Engineering - third Edition", Inst. Mining Metallurgy, London, 1981 • E. Hoek, E.T. Brown. "Underground excavation in rock ", Inst. Mining Metallurgy, London, 1980 • J. A. Hudson and J. P. Harrison. "Engineering rock mechanics – Part 1: An introduction to the principles ", Pergamon, 1997 • T. Rotonda and other Authors. “Meccanica delle Rocce. Teoria e Applicazioni nell’Ingegneria”, Efesto Ed and Hevelius Ed., 2018 • M. Barla, “Elementi di Meccanica e Ingegneria delle Rocce”, CELID, 2012
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
Lecture notes and slides provided on the course platform. Suggested Textbook: Transportation Research Board, National Academy Press (1996), “Landslides: Investigation and Mitigation.
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
The slides shown during the lectures will be available on the portal. The following textbooks are suggested for further readings: • J. A. Hudson and J. P. Harrison. "Engineering rock mechanics – Part 2: Illustrative worked examples ", Pergamon, 2000 • E. Hoek, J. Bray, "Rock slope Engineering - third Edition", Inst. Mining Metallurgy, London, 1981 • E. Hoek, E.T. Brown. "Underground excavation in rock ", Inst. Mining Metallurgy, London, 1980 • J. A. Hudson and J. P. Harrison. "Engineering rock mechanics – Part 1: An introduction to the principles ", Pergamon, 1997 • T. Rotonda and other Authors. “Meccanica delle Rocce. Teoria e Applicazioni nell’Ingegneria”, Efesto Ed and Hevelius Ed., 2018 • M. Barla, “Elementi di Meccanica e Ingegneria delle Rocce”, CELID, 2012
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
Lecture notes and slides provided on the course platform. Suggested Textbook: Transportation Research Board, National Academy Press (1996), “Landslides: Investigation and Mitigation.
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
Slides; Esercizi; Esercitazioni di laboratorio; Strumenti di collaborazione tra studenti;
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
Slides; Esercitazioni di laboratorio;
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
Lecture slides; Exercises; Lab exercises; Student collaboration tools;
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
Lecture slides; Lab exercises;
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
Modalita di esame: Prova orale obbligatoria; Elaborato progettuale in gruppo; Prova scritta in aula tramite PC con l'utilizzo della piattaforma di ateneo;
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
Modalita di esame: Prova orale obbligatoria; Elaborato progettuale in gruppo;
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
Exam: Compulsory oral exam; Group project; Computer-based written test in class using POLITO platform;
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
Exam: Compulsory oral exam; Group project;
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
Compulsory: • Computer-based written test in the Computer Lab. The written exam lasts approximately 1.5 hours and covers the topics addressed during the tutorials, according to the “Expected Learning Outcomes” section. The maximum score is 30/30. A minimum score of 18/30 is required to be admitted to the oral exam. • Oral exam. The oral exam aims to assess, in line with the “Expected Learning Outcomes” section: clarity of explanation, appropriate use of terminology, ability to apply the concepts learned, ability to propose solutions to the questions posed, and ability to discuss the approaches and justify the choices made in the projects. The maximum score is 33/30. • Group projects. Each project must be submitted by the deadline specified during the course; punctual submission is mandatory. Evaluation is based on the accuracy of the results and on the structure and clarity of the report, which must be written in accordance with the standards of a rigorous technical paper. The maximum score is 30/30. The final project grade will be the average of the scores obtained on the two projects. The final grade is calculated as: 0.5 (oral exam) + 0.4 (written exam) + 0.1 (projects).
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
• Group projects (4 total): each involving numerical analysis or design of slope stabilization solutions, developed during lab sessions and completed independently. • Oral examination: focused on project discussion and theoretical topics. To be admitted to the oral exam, all projects must be completed and submitted on time. The final grade reflects both the quality of the project work and the oral exam performance, assessing technical understanding, analytical ability, and critical reasoning.
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
Exam: Compulsory oral exam; Group project; Computer-based written test in class using POLITO platform;
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
Exam: Compulsory oral exam; Group project;
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Rock Engineering)
Compulsory: • Computer-based written test in the Computer Lab. The written exam lasts approximately 1.5 hours and covers the topics addressed during the tutorials, according to the “Expected Learning Outcomes” section. The maximum score is 30/30. A minimum score of 18/30 is required to be admitted to the oral exam. • Oral exam. The oral exam aims to assess, in line with the “Expected Learning Outcomes” section: clarity of explanation, appropriate use of terminology, ability to apply the concepts learned, ability to propose solutions to the questions posed, and ability to discuss the approaches and justify the choices made in the projects. The maximum score is 33/30. • Group projects. Each project must be submitted by the deadline specified during the course; punctual submission is mandatory. Evaluation is based on the accuracy of the results and on the structure and clarity of the report, which must be written in accordance with the standards of a rigorous technical paper. The maximum score is 30/30. The final project grade will be the average of the scores obtained on the two projects. The final grade is calculated as: 0.5 (oral exam) + 0.4 (written exam) + 0.1 (projects).
Rock Engineering/Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation (Slope Engineering for Landslide Risk Mitigation)
• Group projects (4 total): each involving numerical analysis or design of slope stabilization solutions, developed during lab sessions and completed independently. • Oral examination: focused on project discussion and theoretical topics. To be admitted to the oral exam, all projects must be completed and submitted on time. The final grade reflects both the quality of the project work and the oral exam performance, assessing technical understanding, analytical ability, and critical reasoning.