Risks of landslides and rock mechanics and Analysis of slope stability

Module Risks of landslides and rock mechanics

The course aims to provide complete overview on the main physical-mechanical properties of intact rock and its laboratory characterization through both direct and indirect instrumental tests. In addition, particular emphasis will be placed on the stereographic projection of discontinuity data in rock masses.

At the end of the course the student will be able to independently report discontinuity orientation data on stereograms and will have the necessary knowledge for their kinematic analysis, as well as for execution and interpretation of the main laboratory tests on rocks.

Generally, the class takes place through lessons in the classroom, with the support of multimedia material (slides shown during the lessons). The lecturer will also show some of the laboratory machines used for the physical-mechanical characterization of rock specimens. A practical exercise on the preparation of a geomechanical survey report, to be performed on the basis of data collected directly by students in the field as part of an educational trip, is also planned. If the educational trip cannot be carried out, the data for the preparation of the report will be provided by the lecturers. This exercise represents a useful opportunity giving the students the chance to practice, directly and personally, with the notions learned during the course.

If the teaching is given in a blended or remote way, the necessary changes will be introduced with respect to what was previously stated, in order to carry out the program reported in the syllabus.

Attendance to class is compulsory. Working students should refer to the University teaching regulations.

Information for students with disabilities and / or SLD:

To guarantee equal opportunities, in compliance with the laws in force, interested students can ask for a personal interview with the lecturer to plan any compensatory and / or dispensation measure, according to the didactic objectives and specific needs. It is also possible to contact the referent lecturer CInAP (Center for Active and Participatory Integration - Services for Disabilities and / or SLD) of our Department, prof. Giorgio De Guidi.

963 / 5.000

1. Stereographic projections of geostructural data and related interpretation and analysis (kinematic and stability analysis).

2. Hoek and Brown's failure criterion, for the study of the rock mass and intact rock strength, and relative linearization to the Mohr-Coulomb criterion.

3. Main physical properties of intact rock: definition and methods for the estimation of bulk and real density, total and effective porosity.

4. Main mechanical parameters of intact rock: definition and methods for the estimation of uniaxial and triaxial compressive strengths, tensile strength, flexural strength, axial and radial deformations.

5. Shear strength along discontinuity: definition of JCS, JRC and friction angle parameters . Direct shear test (Hoek box), Barton criterion, Patton model.

6. Study and monitoring of a landslide applied to one or more case studies.

Exam is oral and will be carried out in person through questions on the class program. The candidate will be required to deliver a written report on a geomechanical survey, see "teaching methods", to be sent via e-mail to both lecturers a few days before the scheduled date for the exam. The report contents, which will be commented by the student with the commission during the final exam, are relevant elements for the evaluation of the exam itself. Any negative evaluation of the report by the commission does not affect the possibility of carrying out the exam, whose  final mark  will represent the balanced evaluation of preparation and synthesis, as well as exposure and connection skills, shown by the candidate. The commitment, perseverance and interest shown by the student during the lectures will also be taken into account for evaluation. During the exam, the student may also be asked to write down some formulas, among those studied, and / or to outline some concepts (e.g. stereographic projections of geostructural data, stereograms with examples of kinematic analysis and Markland tests, test diagrams).

Exams could also be carried out remotely, depending on the health conditions related to Covid-19, in compliance with the current University provisions.

- What is the difference between total and effective porosity?

- Please, describe the laboratory test that allows to estimate the flexural strength of a rock specimen.

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

- What does "basic friction angle" means?

- What element does Patton introduced into his model of shear strength along a joint?

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

- What does JRC means?