Application of rock mechanics, hydrogeology, and engineering design tools in realistically complex geological environments. Influence and treatment of geological uncertainty, and use of field data, geotechnical monitoring, and numerical analyses for tunnelling, mining and rock slope engineering projects. Case histories. [2-2-0]
Prerequisite: All of EOSC 329, CIVL 210, MINE 303.
1) Explain the essential methods of rock engineering design and practice, including the integration of site characterization, monitoring and analysis, hazard and risk assessment, and professional issues such as loss control, worker safety and professional ethics.
2) Recognize and differentiate the adverse effects that geology and geological processes can have on site conditions and rock engineering designs, and that rock engineering designs can have on the natural environment.
3) Compare and contrast different analytical, empirical and numerical tools used in rock engineering design, and identify their strengths and limitations in managing uncertainty and reducing risk related to geological variability and uncertainty.
4) Justify design assumptions and level of detail in design calculations relative to the project stage (from pre-feasibility through to construction, implementation and performance), and update accordingly through iterative design as new data and knowledge is gained.
5) Compare and contrast examples of true life rock engineering design problems, solutions implemented and lessons learned, and argue the value of case histories and need for lifelong learning and professional development for Geological/Geotechnical Engineers.
Engineering design is defined as a creative, iterative and open-ended process, subject to constraints imposed through legislative codes, project economics, health, safety, environmental and societal considerations. This course will examine different principles, approaches, and tools used in geotechnical design. The examples and case histories reviewed will focus primarily on rock engineering problems, although many of the analytical, empirical and numerical techniques reviewed are also used in other areas of geotechnical engineering.
Through this course, you will develop an awareness of the different design methodologies and tools available to practicing geotechnical engineers. More importantly, you will learn how to approach problem solving in the context of geological complexity and uncertainty. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of using design tools to aid in the thought and decision making process, as opposed to relying on them for outright predictions.
By the end of this course you will be able to:
1) Explain the essential methods of rock engineering design and practice, including the integration of site characterization, monitoring and analysis, hazard and risk assessment, and professional issues such as loss control, worker safety and professional ethics.
2) Recognize and differentiate the adverse effects that geology and geological processes can have on site conditions and rock engineering designs, and that rock engineering designs can have on the natural environment.
3) Compare and contrast different analytical, empirical and numerical tools used in rock engineering design, and identify their strengths and limitations in managing uncertainty and reducing risk related to geological variability and uncertainty.
4) Justify design assumptions and level of detail in design calculations relative to the project stage (from pre-feasibility through to construction, implementation and performance), and update accordingly through iterative design as new data and knowledge is gained.
5) Compare and contrast examples of true life rock engineering design problems, solutions implemented and lessons learned, and argue the value of case histories and need for lifelong learning and professional development for Geological Engineers.
Erik Eberhardt, P.Eng.
Hoek - Practical Rock Engineering
Labs will include problem solving exercises using different engineering design tools commonly used in practice, together with a series of open-ended design problems.