MNE 401
Rock Mechanics
3
Course Description
At the end of this course, the students should be able to:
1. determine physical properties of rock (density, porosity, permeability, and hardness.);
2. determine mechanical properties of rock (uniaxial compressive strength, triaxial
compressive strength, point load strength and slake durability.);
3. explain and measure the elastic behaviour of rocks;
4. carry out stability analysis of various natural and artificial rock slopes;
5. apply RocScience software to:
a. produce the Mohr envelope;
b. analyse various slopes; and
c. determine factor of safety;
6. use the point load tester;
7. use the uniaxial compressive test machine;
8. prepare rock samples using Masonry saw and rock-grinding machine;
9. prepare rock sample slide for petrographic analysis; and
10. prepare good core samples using coring machine for qualitative and quantitative analyses.
Course Outline
Introduction to Rock Mechanics – Definition of terms and importance of rock mechanics. Field
applications in mining, civil and petroleum engineering. Classification and Index properties of
rocks – geological classification of rocks (crystalline rocks and organic rocks); porosity density;
permeability; strength: Slaking and Durability; sonic velocity as an index to degree of fissuring;
classification of rock masses for engineering purposes. Rock strength and failure; criteria
modes of failure of rocks common laboratory strength tests (uniaxial, triaxial, Brazilian, flexural
tests); stress-strain behaviour in compression; effect of confining pressure; the meaning of
rock strength; application of the complete stress-strain curve. The Mohr Coulomb failure
criterion. The effect of water. The influence of the principal stress ration on failure; empirical
criteria of failure; Coulom-Navier criterion of failure of rocks; Griffith brittle failure criterion.
Elastic properties. Applications of rock mechanics in engineering or underground openings.
Rock slope stability. Support systems design and selection – caving and subsidence.
Observation of mass deformations – extensometers and strain transducers. Case studies.