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Rock mechanics & rock engineering
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:06:12
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 carry out laboratory test, to interpret these tests and 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 behavior of different rock types is studied with laboratory investigations which are linked to the theoretical aspects discussed in lectures and applied in exercises. 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.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Rock Mechanics & Rock Engineering |
|
8 h weekly |