Tunnels and Rock Mechanics (250423) – Course 2024/25 PDF
Syllabus
Learning Objectives
Specialization subject in which knowledge on specific competences is intensified. Knowledge and skills at specialization level that permit the development and application of techniques and methodologies at advanced level. Contents of specialization at master level related to research or innovation in the field of engineering. Acquiring the necessary knowledge for the interpretation of the behavior of rocks and the ability to design geotechnical constructions, especially underground excavations, both in soil and rocks. The contents of the course will provide the student with knowledge and skills related to: - Characterization of the mechanical and hydrological behavior of rock masses. - Characterization of the behavior of the rock matrix. - Characterization of the behavior of the discontinuities based on the theories of fracture mechanics. - Characterization, interpretation and estimation of the stress-strain behavior around an excavation taking into account the elastic and plastic behavior of the terrain using analytical, empirical and numerical solutions. - Interpretation and prediction of the mechanical behavior of different types of tunnel supports (shotcrete, bolts, steel ribs and concrete rings) and their interaction with the ground. - Understanding, interpretation and prediction of the movements induced by underground excavations. - Knowledge of the different procedures of excavation of tunnels. - Knowledge of specific real cases.
Competencies
Especific
The ability to apply knowledge of soil and rock mechanics to the study, design, construction and operation of foundations, cuts, fills, tunnels and other constructions over or through land, whatever its nature and state, and whatever the purpose of the work.
Transversal
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION: Being aware of and understanding the mechanisms on which scientific research is based, as well as the mechanisms and instruments for transferring results among socio-economic agents involved in research, development and innovation processes.
SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL COMMITMENT: Being aware of and understanding the complexity of the economic and social phenomena typical of a welfare society, and being able to relate social welfare to globalisation and sustainability and to use technique, technology, economics and sustainability in a balanced and compatible manner.
TEAMWORK: Being able to work in an interdisciplinary team, whether as a member or as a leader, with the aim of contributing to projects pragmatically and responsibly and making commitments in view of the resources that are available.
Total hours of student work
| Hours | Percentage | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supervised Learning | Large group | 25.5h | 56.67 % | |
| Medium group | 9.8h | 21.67 % | ||
| Laboratory classes | 9.8h | 21.67 % | ||
| Self Study | 80h | |||
Teaching Methodology
The course consists of 3 class hours devoted to theory and exercises, and some case studies will also be presented. Although most of the sessions will be given in the language indicated, sessions supported by other occasional guest experts may be held in other languages.
Grading Rules
The evaluation calendar and grading rules will be approved before the start of the course.
The final course grade will be calculated on the basis of the geometric average of two parts: rock mechanics (MarkRM) and tunneling (MarkT). These marks will be obtained from the marks of the exams and other activities (visit to the laboratory and home work) proposed during the course. There will be two exams during the course. The first one will cover the first part of the course (Rock Mechanics) and the second one will cover the second part (Underground Excavations): The final grade will be calculated as the weighted arithmetic mean of the grades relative to each part.
Test Rules
Failure to perform the second test will result in a mark of zero. It is not possible to advice with notes during the exams
Office Hours
During lecture breaks, at the end of the class, or during office hours previously agreed with the instructors.
Bibliography
Basic
- Atkinson, Barry Kean. Fracture mechanics of rock. London: Academic Press, 1987. ISBN 0120662655.
- López Jimeno, C. (ed.). Manual de túneles y obras subterráneas. Maddrid: E.T.S.I. Minas - Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 2011. ISBN 9788496140370.
- Maidl, Bernard [et al.]. Mechanised shield tunnelling. Berlin: Ernst & Sohn, 2012. ISBN 9783433029954.
- Hudson, J.A.; Harrison, J.P. Engineering rock mechanics : an introduction to the principles. Oxford: Elsevier, 1997. ISBN 9780080419121.
Complementary
- Bieniawski, Z.T. Design methodology in rock engineering: theory, education and practice. Rotterdam: A.A. Balkema, 1992. ISBN 9054101261.
- Broek, David. The Practical use of fracture mechanics. Dordrecht (Netherlands): Kluiwer Academic Publishers, 1989. ISBN 0792302230.
- Broek, David. Elementary engineering fracture mechanics. 4th ed. The Hague [etc.]: Martinus Nijhoff, 1986. ISBN 9024725801.
- Chernyshev, Sergei N.; Dearman, W.R. Rock fractures. Londres [etc]: Butterworth-Heinemann, 1991. ISBN 0750610174.
- González de Vallejo, Luís I .. [et al.]. Ingeniería geológica. Madrid etc.]: Prentice Hall, 2002. ISBN 8420531049.
- Goodman, Richard E. Introduction to rock mechanics. 2nd ed. New York [etc.]: John Wiley and Sons, 1989. ISBN 0471812005.
- Goodman, R.E. Engineering geology : rock in engineering construction. New York: J. Wiley, 1993. ISBN 0471544248.
- Jumikis, A.R. Rock mechanics. 2nd ed. Rockport, MA: Trans-Tech, 1983.
- Hoek, E. Practical rock engineering. [s.l.]: [s.n.], 2000.
- Hoek, E.; Brown, E.T. Underground excavations in rock. London: Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, 1990. ISBN 0419160302.
- Jaeger, J.C.; Cook, N.G.W.; Zimmerman, R.W. Fundamentals of rock mechanics. 4th ed. Malden: Blackwell, 2007. ISBN 9780632057597.