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Rock Mechanics-Tunnels

Course Description:

Discontinuities and their effect on rockmass behaviour. Rock mass classification systems (Deere, RMR, NGI, GSI). In situ stresses. Models of mechanical behaviour. Failure criteria of intact rock and rockmass. Physical properties and mechanical parameters, laboratory and in situ tests. Stability of rock slopes (plane, wedge and circular failure).

Stress and deformation distributions around deep and shallow tunnels under elastic or elasto-plastic conditions. Rockmass loosening pressures, convergence-confinement curves, principles of the NATM method, temporary tunnel support and interaction with rockmass. Mechanical tunnelling methods (TBM). Pressures on the permanent lining of tunnels.

Prerequisite Knowledge

Engineering Geology, Soil Mechanics, Foundation Engineering

Course Units

# Title Description Hours
1 Rock Mechanics: Introduction Development and applications of Rock Mechanics. Rock and rockmass 1Χ4=4
2 In situ stresses In situ stresses. Origin and distribution with depth in regions with deferent tectonic regime. Methods of measurement. 1Χ4=4
3 Intact rock Physical characteristics; mechanical behavior (strength-deformability) and failure criteria of intact rock. Classification. 1Χ4=4
4 Rockmass Rockmass discontinuities. Physical and mechanical characteristics and shear strength of discontinuities. Rockmass mechanical behavior (strength-deformability) and failure criteria. Classification systems of rockmass (RMR, NGI, GSI). 1Χ4=4
5 Rock slope stability Types of rock slope failures (planar and wedge slide; circular slide; toppling).Calculation of the factor of safety. The effect of water pressure and seismicity. 2Χ4=8
6 Excavatability and foundations in rock Methods of rockmass excavation. Empirical systems for rockmass excavatability based on rockmass characteristics (strength, discontinuities condition, jointing). Foundation methods on rock and problems. Bearing capacity. 1Χ4=4
7 Introduction in Tunnels History of tunnelling, Conventional (NATM) and Mechanical (TBM) Tunnel Excavation 1Χ4=4
8 Convergence - Confinement Convergence – Confinement curves 1Χ4=4
9 Convergence - Confinement 2D Modelling using internal pressure reduction and modulus reduction 1Χ4=4
10 NATM Method Use of shotcrete, rock bolts and anchors, steel sets, multiple excavation stages 1Χ4=4
11 Numerical Methods Use of computer software PHASE2 in 2D numerical Analysis 1Χ4=4
12 Final Lining Loads on final lining of tunnels 1Χ4=4
13 Face stability Analysis of tunnel face stability 1Χ4=4

Learning Objectives

With the successful completion of the course, students will be able to: 1. know the principles of strength and deformability of rocks and their engineering behavior in the construction of engineering works and especially the tunnels. 2. know the basic principles of tunnel design and the main tunnel construction methoods 3. perform numerical and computer analyses in rock mechanics problems (slope stability, foundations, excavability) and in tunnel design.

Teaching Methods

Teaching methods Class lectures Solve simple examples and problems in class. Discuss case studies in class.
Teaching media Use of blackboard and PowerPoint presentations
Computer and software use Students solve in class simple and more advanced problems, with the assistance of tutors.
Problems - Applications Yes
Assignments (projects, reports) Students work on a case study in Tunnel Excavation using computer software PHASE2.

Student Assessment

  • Final written exam: 70%
  • Assignments (projects, reports): 30%

Textbooks - Bibliography

G. Tsiambaos, M. Kavvadas (2016) “Rock Mechanics – Tunnells” (university notes in Greek): and 1. Bieniawski, Z.T. (1984). "Rock Mechanics Design in Mining and Tunnelling". A.A. Balkema, 272p. 2. Brady, B.H.G., Brown, E.T. (2004). "Rock Mechanics for underground mining". Kluwer Academic Publishers, 628p. 3. Goodman, R.E. (1989). "Introduction to Rock Mechanics". John Wiley & Sons, 562p. 4. Hoek, E. (2014). "Practical Rock Engineering". http://www.rocscience.com /hoek/pdf/Practical_Rock_Engineering.pdf, 237p (διατίθεται δωρεάν) 5. Hoek, E., Bray, J.W. (1981). "Rock Slope Engineering". The Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 402p. 6. Hoek, E., Brown, Ε. Τ. (1980). "Underground Excavations in Rock", London, Inst. Mining Metallurgy, London, UK. 7. Hoek, E., Kaiser, P. K., Bawden, W. F. (1995). "Support of Underground Excavations in Hard Rock". Rotterdam, Balkema, 300p. 8. Hudson, J., Harrison, J. (1997). "Engineering Rock Mechanics". Pergamon, 444p. 9. Wyllie, D.C. (1999). "Foundations on Rock". EPFN SPON, 401p. 10. Wyllie, D.C., Mah, C.W. (2004). "Rock Slope Engineering: Civil and Mining". Based on the 3rd ed. by Hoek and Bray, Spon Press, 431p.

Lecture Time - Place:

  • Thursday, 08:45 – 10:30,
    Rooms:
    • Ζ. Κτ. 1 Πολ., Αιθ. 1