MEM 425/525 Advanced Rock Mechanics

Credits: (3-0) 3

A discussion of advanced topics in static and dynamic rock mechanics: elasticity theory, failure theories, and fracture mechanics applied to rock, stress wave propagation, and dynamic elastic constants, rock mass classification methods for support design. Discussions will include advanced analytical, numerical modeling and empirical design methods and probabilistic and deterministic approaches to rock engineering designs. Presented will be excavation design examples for shafts, tunnels, large chambers and mine pillars in coal and metal mines. Also discussed will be seismic loading of structures in rock and the phenomenon of rock burst and its alleviation.

Prerequisites: MEM 304/304L or equivalent or permission of instructor.
Notes: Students enrolled in MEM 525 will be held to a higher standard than those enrolled in MEM 425.

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