2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue
SOEE5045M Rock Engineering
30 creditsClass Size: 45
Module manager: Dr Mark Hildyard
Email: M.Hildyard@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2016/17
Co-requisites
SOEE5030M | Soils Engineering |
This module is mutually exclusive with
SOEE5047M | Rock Mechanics |
Module replaces
SOEE5040M Rock Engineering and TunnellingThis module is not approved as an Elective
Objectives
- To describe rocks and rock masses in a quantitative manner;- To describe the internal state of an element of rock in terms of stress and strain, and the mechanical behaviour of rock in terms of the relationship between stress and strain;
- To understand elasticity theory and its limitations ;
- To understand theories of rock failure;
- To understand and describe the state of stress around underground openings;
- To gain practical experience in applying numerical models;
- To appreciate the strengths and limitations of numerical models in interpreting stress and strain and failure around underground openings;
- To devise a testing program for the characterisation of rock materials;
- To use appropriate rock mass classification schemes to give first order design parameters for design, and to be aware of the limitations of such methodologies;
- To be capable of carrying out suitable stability analyses for surface and underground structures.
Syllabus
1. Stress analysis in two dimensions: tractions, internal state of stress, stress rotation, principal stresses; Mohr's circle. Strain analysis in two dimensions: Mohr circle; strain gauges and Rosette theory. Stress and strain in three dimensions.
2. Behaviour of materials; deformation under stress, full stress-strain relationship in rock; elasticity theory and elastic constants; anisotropy; non-elastic behaviour.
3. Brittle fracture; laboratory tests; acoustic emissions; ISRM standards; fracture criteria, Coulomb-Navier, Mohr, Griffiths, tensile strain.
4. The state of stress in a rockmass; stress fields around underground openings; Kirsch equations for circular openings; lining pressures, rock anisotropy, in situ stress measurement; support and pillars;
5. Practical numerical modelling. Hands-on experience with using three continuum codes (commercial codes RS2 and FLAC, and research code WAVE) to investigate simple rock mechanics problems. Influence of Boundary conditions; resolution; stress state around underground openings; modelling failure; localisation; path dependence;
6. Laboratory analysis. Uniaxial tests, triaxial tests, acoustic emissions; Determining UCS, elastic moduli, parameters in failure laws.
7. Rock mass classification, NGI Q index, RMR, GSI and other classification schemes, limitations of rock mass classification, foundations on rock.
8. Rock slope stability analysis, kinematics and limit equilibrium methods.
Outline Syllabus :
9. Tunnelling, tunnel support, NATM and tunnelling methods in soft ground.
Teaching methods
Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
Group learning | 1 | 65.00 | 65.00 |
Lecture | 25 | 3.00 | 75.00 |
Practical | 4 | 4.00 | 16.00 |
Tutorial | 6 | 4.00 | 24.00 |
Private study hours | 120.00 | ||
Total Contact hours | 180.00 | ||
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300.00 |
Private study
- Directed reading for lectures: 80 hours- self-study completing problem-solving tutorials: 18 hours
- self-study completing modelling practicals: 12 hours
- Laboratory analysis and reflective review: 10 hours.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Problem solving tutorials; practicals; in-class discussions.Methods of assessment
Coursework
Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
Practical | Assessed in-class modelling practical | 5.00 |
Group Project | Underground design project | 20.00 |
Tutorial Performance | Assessed in-class tutorial | 5.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 30.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 3 hr 00 mins | 70.00 |
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 70.00 |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 07/04/2016
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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