course-details-portlet

TGB4210 - Rock and Soil Mechanics, Basic Course

About

Examination arrangement

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Evaluation Weighting Duration Grade deviation Examination aids
School exam 100/100 4 hours D

Course content

Rock mechanics (70%): Rock material: mechanical properties, test methods and failure criteria. Rock joint: mechanical properties and failure criteria. Rock mass: assessment of rock mass quality and estimation of strength and deformation parameters. In situ stresses in the rock mass. Stress distributions around underground openings - tunnels and caverns. 2D elastic numerical modelling for stress analysis. Measurements of in situ rock stresses and rock deformations in the field. Rock failure modes in the field. Rock support: methodology, support devices, rock bolting. Use of rock mechanical principles in the design of underground spaces.

Soil mechanics (30%): Characterization of soil for engineering purposes. Stresses and deformations in soils. Experimental methods for determination of mechanical properties of soils. Case histories on soil mechanics problems.

Learning outcome

The student will obtain knowledge and understanding of rock mechanical and geotechnical processes related to tunnelling, mining, slope stabilization and other constructions/excavations in rock.

Knowledge: The student will obtain knowledge in the mechanical properties and strength of rock and rock masses, the stress state in the rock mass and redistribution of the stress after excavation as well how the changes in rock stress influence the stability of underground structures. Furthermore, the student will obtain knowledge in the strength and stiffness of soils as well as the concepts of pore pressure and effective stress.

Skills: The student will be able to conduct evaluation of the rock mass quality, calculation of the stresses and deformation in the rock around underground openings, stability analysis and rock support design. Furthermore, the student will be able to make simplified calculations of settlement and bearing capacity of soil as well soil slope stability. The student will master numerical modelling in Examine2D.

General competence: The student will develop their capabilities in solving problems in a manner of cross-disciplines, in particular using their knowledge in engineering geology, rock mechanics, rock/mining engineering and soil mechanics.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, compulsory laboratory tests, class exercises and assignments. The course is evaluated by a reference group.

Compulsory assignments

  • Exercises, lab tests

Further on evaluation

If there is a re-sit examination, the form of assessment may be changed from written to oral.

Required previous knowledge

Basis in mechanics, such as GEOL1007 Solid Mechanics for Geologists, TKT4126 Mechanics or other similar courses.

Course materials

A lecture folder in PDF-format and presentation slides.

Credit reductions

Course code Reduction From To
SIG0545 7.5
TBA4100 2.0 AUTUMN 2009
TBM4240 2.0 AUTUMN 2022
More on the course

No

Facts

Version: 1
Credits:  7.5 SP
Study level: Third-year courses, level III

Coursework

Term no.: 1
Teaching semester:  SPRING 2025

Language of instruction: Norwegian

Location: Trondheim

Subject area(s)
  • Engineering Geology
  • Mineral Production
  • Rock Mechanics
  • Rock Engineering
  • Rock Mechanics
  • Highway Engineering
  • Mining Engineering
  • Geotechnical Engineering
Contact information
Course coordinator: Lecturer(s):

Department with academic responsibility
Department of Geoscience

Timetable

List view
Calendar view

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam

Term Status code Evaluation Weighting Examination aids Date Time Examination system Room *
Spring ORD School exam 100/100 D INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
Summer UTS School exam 100/100 D INSPERA
Room Building Number of candidates
  • * The location (room) for a written examination is published 3 days before examination date. If more than one room is listed, you will find your room at Studentweb.
Examination

For more information regarding registration for examination and examination procedures, see "Innsida - Exams"

More on examinations at NTNU