This unit focuses on the fracture and deformation of rocks, rock joints and rock masses; the scale effect in rock strength; failure associated with underground and surface excavations; foundations on rock; dynamics; rock breakage and comminution; regional stability and local stability issues for underground mines, rock bursts and mine fill. It also includes slope stability principles and applications in weathered and jointed rock. Students use simple mathematical models and mathematical software (Excel, MathCad) for the evaluation of mining-induced stress concentrations and estimate the stability of simple rock engineering structures. -- Course Website
Instructor: Professor Richard Durham
