The course focuses on the characterization of rock as a basis for describing rock mass behaviour used in the planning and construction of underground excavations.

Introduction to the principles of rock mechanics. Fundamentals of engineering of structures built on rock.Introduction to planning, design and mechanics of underground structures in rock or soft ground.

In-depth study of selected types of structures and topics in underground construction, as well as practical exercises in conceptual approaches to complex problems.

The lecture fosters the understanding of basic aspects of design and construction of underground structures. Students gain insight to numerical analysis of underground structures, geotechnical aspects of tunnelling methods and of auxiliary construction measures (grouting, drainage, forepoling and face reinforcement).

Geotechnical aspects of mechanized tunnelling in soft ground or hard rock. Underground construction in squeezing rock. Underground construction in swelling rock.