Geomechanics

Code:

MEMG0009

Acronym:

GM

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
CNAEF	Earth sciences

Instance: 2020/2021 - 2S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	https://moodle.up.pt/course/view.php?id=588
Responsible unit:	Mining Engineering Department
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Mining and Geo-Environmental Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
MEMG	6	Plano de estudos oficial a partir de 2008/09	1	-	6	56	162

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

To provide students with formal theoretical knowledge and concepts of immediate application, capable of acquainting them with an integrated approach of Structural Geology problems and Rock Mechanics.

Learning outcomes and competences

Rock Mechanics studies the mechanisms and behaviour of rock masses and rock materials when the in situ stress is affected. It deals with the natural stresses and those induced by human activities so that the strenght and deformability characteristics are evaluated. The students shall be able to understand the phenomenon involved and to interpret the results of different tests performed in situ and in laboratory.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

Linear Algebra, Soil Mechanics.

Program

A. Objectives. Program, evaluation criteria, and bibliography.

I -Geological setting: Origins and evolution of Geomechanics: The importance and necessity of study of this subject matter; fundamental concepts: terrain, mass, rock mass; classification of rocks and soils.

II- Formal instruments: index variables, vectors and tensor: Einstein notation; operations of index variables; indexed variables of a particular type; vectors; tensors; divergences and rotation of a vector; invariants; eigendirections; eigenvectors and eigenvalue; canonical form; isotope and tangential components; geometrical representations.

III- Stress and strain analysis: the concept of stress and strain; stress and strain tensor; conditions for stress components: equilibrium, displacement and finite and infinitesimal strain, elastic moduli; compliance matrix.
In-situ stress; methods of stress determination, statistical analysis of stress state data.

IV- Descontinuities: mechanical and geometrical proprieties, fracture phenomenology;

V- Rock masses: deformability/strain, strength;

VI – Anisotropy and heterogeneity: definitions;

VII – Mechanical tests: stress-strain curves, failure criteria;

VIII- Classification of rock masses;

If possible:

IX- Elementary applications in mine extraction: study of undefined mass; stress distribution in free masses; stress in wells; stress in galleries; revetment dimensioning; types of support; fields of application.

Mandatory literature

John A. Hudson, John P. Harrison; Engineering rock mechanics. ISBN: 978-0-08-043864-1
John R Harrison, John A. Hudson; Engineering rock mechanics: part 2- I I lustrative worked examples. ISBN: 08 04301 0 4
Evert Hoek; Practical Rock Engineering, 2007

Teaching methods and learning activities

There will be theoretical-practical classes being the more practical based on the illustration of the themes and concepts mentioned in theoretical-practical classes.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Trabalho escrito	35,00
Exame	40,00
Prova oral	25,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	82,00
Frequência das aulas	60,00
Trabalho escrito	20,00
Total:	162,00

Eligibility for exams

Attended classes in number equal to or exceeding the minimum allowed by FEUP General Evaluation Rules and a minimum final grade of 6,0 out of 20, in the student's continuous assessment, "Avaliação Distribuída".
The assessment comprises 100%, assignments, and students’ performance (see "Observações").
Students with special status have to perform the same practical assignments and attend the same tests as regular students, excepting attendance of classes.

Calculation formula of final grade

Final grade, for students having obtained attendance (as defined in the item "Obtenção de frequência"): Distributed Grade, 60% + Normal Season Exam, 40%.

Students without obtaining attendance "Obtenção de Frequência" will not have access to the Normal Season exam.
They may take a "Recurso" exam, possibly with an oral component. In these cases, the final mark will be calculated by assigning a weight of 75% to the "Recurso" exam and 25% to the Distributed Assessment - work and performance component.

Grades higher than 18 must be defended orally.

Examinations or Special Assignments

Not foreseen.

Internship work/project

Not applicable.

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

Not foreseen.

Classification improvement

"Recurso" Exam.

Observations

The convenience and feasibility of a test, as another component of the Distributed Assessment, may be evaluated.