ROCK MASSES STUDY AND ROCK MECHANICS

The course is divided into 2 sub-modules:

The Study of rock masses module (lecturer Prof. Giovanna Pappalardo) aims to provide knowledge of the rock mass and its components through geomechanical survey and calculation of the main parameters. The ability to know how to characterise rock masses. The knowledge of shear resistance criteria in rock masses and their applications in the design of engineering works, in particular for tunnels and quarries. The ability to evaluate the effects of the presence of water both in stability and as infiltration into the subsurface. The ability to plan quarrying activities in rock masses.

The Rock Mechanics module (lecturer Prof. Simone Mineo) aims to provide students with a complete overview of the main physical-mechanical properties of rock and its laboratory characterisation through direct and indirect instrumental tests. Special emphasis will also be placed on the stereographic projection of giacitural data of discontinuities in rock masses and the use of computer applications for stability analysis.

At the end of the course, the student will be able to autonomously report on appropriate diagrams the data of the orientation of discontinuities and will have the necessary knowledge for the relative kinematic analysis, as well as the execution and interpretation of the main laboratory tests on rock.

In particular, and with reference to the so-called Dublin Descriptors, the course aims to provide the following knowledge and skills. Knowledge and ability to understand Knowledge of the main phenomenological aspects related to rock mechanics and understanding of their technical and practical applications. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding Ability to distinguish the purposes of different laboratory tests according to the required objectives, and to understand the geomechanical structure of rock masses studied. Autonomy of judgement Ability to autonomously interpret the information deriving from the execution of rock mass surveys and laboratory tests. Communication skills Ability to expound the concepts covered with properties of language to different interlocutors, both specialists and non-specialists. Ability to learn the concepts covered, necessary to undertake subsequent studies with a high degree of autonomy.

Generally, the teaching is carried out through lectures in the classroom and in the Applied Geology and Environmental Hydrogeology laboratory with the support of multimedia material (slides projected during the lectures) and possible handouts. The lecturer will also demonstrate some of the laboratory equipment used in the physical-mechanical characterisation of rock specimens.

A practical exercise is also planned on the drafting of a geomechanical survey report to be carried out on the basis of data collected directly by the students in the field during a teaching excursion. If the didactic excursion cannot be carried out, the data for drafting the report will be provided by the lecturers. This exercise is a useful opportunity for students to put into practice, directly and personally, the notions acquired during the course.

Attendance at lectures is compulsory as per teaching regulations.

For working students, please refer to the teaching regulations

Information for students with disabilities and/or DSA:

To guarantee equal opportunities and in compliance with the laws in force, interested students may request a

personal interview with the teacher in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures, depending on the

the educational objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact the teacher in charge

CInAP (Centre for Active and Participatory Inclusion - Services for Disabilities and/or SLDs) in our school.

Department, Prof. Giorgio De Guidi.

Module Study of Rock Clusters

1. Introduction to the course; explanation of teaching organisation; examination methods.

2. Introduction to rock mechanics and main fields of application.

3. Definition of rock mass, description and zoning of outcrop.

4. Continuous and discontinuous medium, scale effect.

5. Geomechanical survey and rock mass parameters according to ISRM.

6. Geomechanical classification of rock masses.

7. Kinematic analysis according to Hoek and Bray 1981 models.

8. Strength and deformability of rock masses.

9. Hydrogeology of fractured rock, evaluation of permeability and water pressures.

10. Influence of geological conditions and geomechanical design parameters in tunnels.

11.Geology for mining in rock masses

Rock Mechanics Module

1) Stereographic projections of geostructural data of rock masses and their interpretation.

2) Stability analysis through Markland, Matheson and Goodman tests also using specific software.

3) Main physical parameters of intact rock and their determination in the laboratory: definition and methods of determination of apparent and real density, total and effective porosity.

4) Main mechanical parameters of intact rock and their determination in the laboratory: definition and methods of determination of uniaxial and triaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, axial and radial deformations.

5) Hoek & Brown fracture criterion and data interpretation also by means of specific software.

6) Shear resistance along discontinuities: definition of JCS, JRC and friction angle parameters. Direct shear test (Hoek's box), Barton's criterion, Patton's model.

7) Calculation of the Factor of Safety along discontinuity planes using software on the limit equilibrium method.

Rock slope engineering civil and mining 4th edition, Duncan C.W. and Mah C.W., Spon Press Taylor &Francis Group

Cruden D.M. & Varnes D.J., Landslides Types and Processes. In: Turner A.K. & Schuster R.L. (Eds.)Landslides: Investigation and Mitigation.

Transportation Research Board Special Report 247. NationalAcademy Press, WA, 36-75.

Meccanica delle rocce, Alberto Bruschi, Dario Flaccovio Editore

Fenomeni franosi, Maurizio Tanzini, Dario Flaccovio Editore

Caratterizzazione geomeccanica per la progettazione ingegneristica, Bruno Giovanni, Dario FlaccovioEditore

Elementi di meccanica e ingegneria delle rocce, Marco Barla, CELID

Geologia Applicata all'ambiente. Canuti, Crescenti, Francani. Casa editrice Ambrosiana

Other teaching materials

Teaching materials (slides and handouts) will be made available to students on the Studium platform

The learning assessment is carried out orally, by means of questions on the syllabus. The candidate will be asked to submit a written paper in advance (report on geomechanical survey, see "Teaching methods") to be sent by e-mail to both course lecturers a few days before the date scheduled for the exam. The content and form of the paper, which will be discussed by the student with the committee during the exam, are relevant elements for the assessment of the exam. Any negative assessment of the paper by the committee will not prejudice the possibility of sitting the exam, the final grade of which will represent a balanced synthesis of the preparation and the candidate's ability to summarise, expound and link with the other subjects in the exam; the student's commitment, perseverance and interest during the lectures will also be taken into account. During the examination, the student may also be asked to write down any formulae studied and/or to freehand sketch some concepts of an applied nature (e.g. stereographic projections of geostructural data, stereograms with examples of kinematic analysis and Markland tests, test diagrams and graphs).

An in itinere test is planned with exercises on stereographic projections

- What is the difference between total porosity and effective porosity in a rock?

- Describe the laboratory test for estimating the flexural strength of a rock specimen.

- Freehand draw a stereographic projection of a discontinuity plane with a specific orientation.

- What is meant by a basic angle of friction?

- What element does Patton introduce in his model relating to shear resistance along a joint?

- How can deformations be measured during a uniaxial compression test?

- What is meant by JRC?

- How is a geomechanical survey performed?

- What is the difference between soil and rock mechanics?

- What types of geomechanical classifications do you know?

- How is permeability calculated in a rock mass?

- mining: geological-technical issues and quarry design