University of Liege | Version française
Study programmes 2011-2012Last update : 14/06/2012
GCIV0045-4  Rock mechanics, tunnels, rock slopes, rock foundations

Duration :  30h Th, 30h Pr, 1d FW
Number of credits :  
Master in Geological and Mining Enginneering, in-deph approach, 1st yearSecond semester5
Master in Geological and Mining Enginneering, in-deph approach, 1st yearToute l'année5
Master in Geological and Mining Engineering, specialized approach, 1st yearToute l'année5
Master in Geological and Mining Engineering, specialized approach, 1st yearSecond semester5
Lecturer :  Robert Charlier
Language(s) of instruction :  
French language
Course contents :  
The course presents concepts and tools for rock mechanics. Then the design and building methods of rock works are considered, with special attention to tunnelling.
The course combines part presented by the teacher, presentations by the students, and personal practical works.
Course content : Rock mechanics : Basic principles, determining the mechanical properties of rock masses, experimental investigations, constitutive models, Earthwork : stability of underground opening, design procedures, tunnelling methodology, rock slope stability, rock foundation engineering, etc.
Learning outcomes of the course :  
At the end of the course, students will master the basic concepts in rock mechanics and in design of rock work. They will be able to design a testing procedure and to analyse the experimental results. Thy will be able to design a tunnel lining and a slope stability for simple cases.
Students will be able to analyse scientific papers, to present results written or orally, clearly, in a synthetic and structured way.
Prerequisites and co-requisites/ Recommended optional programme components :  
The course is using concepts teach in solid mechanics and in basic geotechnic. The concepts must be mastered before the course beginning.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :  
On the one hand, the theoretical part will be taught orally ex-cathedra.
On the other hand, the student will produce a series of personal works, mostly face-to-face :
  • an analytical computation of tunnel convergence and support loading (Excel file to be developed),
  • a rock slope stability analysis
  • a literature review, leading to 2 oral presentation with ppt or poster supports
  • analysis of outcrops on site and samples testing in lab
  • report writing
Eventually, visits of earthwork will be organised.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :  
Face-to-face
Recommended or required readings :  
Notes concerning the rock mechanics part are available at the "Centrale des cours de l'AEES". The other part, concerning the rock works, will be given as an pdf file.
Assessment methods and criteria :  
The evaluation is based based on report related to practical works (50%) and on an oral exam (50%).
The oral exam concerns the theoretical part. No support, no course material is allowed. The student answers to 2 questions by doing synthesis.
The practical works contributes to the evaluation though :
  • oral presentations of literature reviews
  • written report on convergence - confinement exercise
  • written report on outcrops analysis and on lab testing.
In case of second session, the written reports related to practical works may be rewritten. The theoretical exam may be presented again.
Organizational remarks :  
The course is organised during the 2nd semester, on Tuesday morning.
Assistance to practical part is mandatory.
Contacts :  
Prof. Robert Charlier, Robert.Charlier@ULg.ac.be P. Gérard, chargé de recherche FNRS, pgerard@ULg.ac.be


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