CivE 697

Rock Engineering

Description

This course provides students with principles in rock engineering, including elements of structural geology, analysis of the geometry of rock defects, properties of intact rocks, properties of rock masses and stresses in rock masses, stability of rock slopes, and rock foundations and underground excavations in rock. Case studies are used to help students develop practical problem-solving skills and apply theoretical concepts to real-world rock engineering scenarios.

Learning Outcomes

- Describe key geological features and rock properties relevant to engineering applications and understand the significance of in-situ stress in rock masses.
- Compare continuum and discontinuum concepts in rock engineering analyses and apply concepts of energy and stress to rock fracturing.
- Provide geotechnical descriptions of rock discontinuities and assess their shear strength.
- Apply the Geological Strength Index (GSI), the Hoek-Brown criterion, and the Cohesion Weakening Friction Strengthening (CWFS) model to evaluate rock mass strength.
- Employ empirical rock mass classification systems such as Q and RMR, calculate the modulus of rock masses, and understand its significance in engineering design.
- Comprehend the concepts of Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) and Synthetic Rock Mass models and their applications, as well as analyze the interplay of thermal, hydraulic, and mechanical processes in rock masses for engineering purposes.

• Details
• Pre-Requisites
• Co-Requisites
• GA - Graduate Attributes
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Undergraduate Program(s)

Sections & Respective Instructors

A1 - 2026/2027 - Fall - Gonzalo Zambrano

A1 - 2025/2026 - Fall - Gonzalo Zambrano

B1 - 2024/2025 - Fall - Gonzalo Zambrano

B1 - 2023/2024 - Fall - Rick Chalaturnyk

A1 - 2022/2023 - Fall - Rick Chalaturnyk

A1 - 2020/2021 - Fall - Rick Chalaturnyk