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651-4025-00L 4 Credits MSC D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-ERDW , D-ITET

Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Valentin Gischig, Dr. Paul Antony Selvadurai

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:44

Abstract

This course focusses on the principles (fundamentals) and basic concepts of rock mechanics and rock engineering (e.g. tunnelling, rock slope stability).

Objective

The course aims to introduce the fundamentals and basic concepts of rock mechanics and generic rock engineering. The student shall understand how rocks behave at different scales, under various artificial loads and in the shallow subsurface (a few km below ground). The link between rock mechanics, geology, hydrogeology and tectonics (i.e. the conditions under which the rock formed) will be clearly established. The student shall understand basic principles of rock mechanics and rock engineering. In addition, the student shall learn how to apply the results from lab and field investigations to simple engineering problems.This knowledge is required for subsequent integration courses (Landslide Analysis and Hazard Mitigation; Engineering Geology of Underground Excavations).

Content

This course focusses on the principles (fundamentals) and basic concepts of rock mechanics and generic rock engineering. The course is compulsory for the MSc Eng Geol. The applications of rock mechanical principles and rock engineering methods are extensively covered in subsequent courses.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Written course documentation available on our homepage:Link

General Information

Language: English
Levels: MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: graded semester performance

Registration & Places

Max Places: 18

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering	No time listed	4 h weekly

Offered In

Earth Sciences Master
- Major in Engineering Geology
  - Compulsory Modules Engineering Geology
    - Engineering Geology: Fundamentals
Space Systems Master
- Deep Track Courses (At least 20 credits must be completed within the deep track courses. Surplus credit points can be counted towards the electives.)
  - Planetary Science
    - Deep Track Planetary Science (These courses can be credited either as a specialization subject or as an elective subject.)