Course syllabus
Bergmekanik och bergbyggnad
Rock Mechanics and Construction
VTGF01, 7,5 credits, G2 (First Cycle)
Valid for: 2021/22
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering, LTH
Decided by: PLED V
Date of Decision: 2021-04-15
General Information
Main field: Technology.
Elective Compulsory for: V3
Language of instruction: The course will be given in Swedish
Aim
The aim of the course is to enhance the student's knowledge and
skills in rock geology and rock engineering as a tool to handle
infrastructure and building projects and to take into account
the general goals for development of a sustainable society. The
course is of value for all civil engineers and particularly
appropriate for the specializations towards civil engineering and
water resources within the civil engineering programme.
Learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must
- be able to define and explain basic conceptions and principles
regarding rock characteristics and structural features and also
how rock discontinuities influence the localisation, orientation
and design of for example tunnels, caverns and bridges.
- be able to describe the basic principles for rock engineering
classification, rock mechanics, tunnelling techniques and
construction techniques in rocks.
Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must
- be able to interpret a geological map and erect a geological
cross-section with geological strata and also be able to apply a
conceptual engineering geological expectation model in three
dimensions, taking into account other civil engineering and
construction aspects.
- show an ability to evaluate engineering geological
preinvestigation methodology, in particular drilling, sampling and
geophysical investigations.
- be able to outline a rock engineering proposal for drilling,
blasting, tunnelling and rock support based on the mechanical
properties of the rocks and a conceptual engineering geological
model of the rock characteristics.
- be able to estimate, discuss and also to present orally and
in written form information from archive material and field
investigations, concerning engineering geology, rock mechanics and
rock construction. The presentation shall be directed to engineers,
politicians as well as to the public.
Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must
- indicate an understanding of the need for alternate
localisation and construction proposals and also an analysis of the
consequences regarding the technical, climatic and environmental
requirements on constructions in rock.
Contents
The following is included in the course contents:
- Basic rock geology emphasizing characteristics of rocks, in
particular structural features and the importance of
discontinuities in rock construction works. Examples on situations
with magmatic, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks of various age and
in different parts of the world. Weathering, clay alteration,
fracturation and hardness. Engineering geological prognosis of the
rock characteristics.
- Rock mechanics. Reasons for variation in strength of rock and
rock mass. Load, strain and deformation of rock, the response
curve of the rock mass (reference to descriptions of soil
mechanics in the course VGTF05). Influence of discontinuities and
anisotropy on the strength of the rock mass and on the
possibilities of building constructions.
- Rock construction. Techniques for rock foundation works and
anchorage of e.g. dams, bridges and embankment sides and also for
construction of rock caverns and tunnels. Methods for rock support.
Proposals for support of strength and running of construction works
in rocks based on conceptual engineering geological models,
assessment of the Q-value and of the mechanical characteristics of
the rock mass.
- The influence of the groundwater conditions on the
characteristics of the rock mass, in particular concerning strength
and stability but also rock construction technique and
environmental consequences.
- Techniques for drilling and rock sampling and also field
investigations. Borehole investigations including geophysical
logging.
- Environmental requirements and influence on the climate.
At least two field exercises and study visits in rock quarries
and at rock construction sites. A comprehensive rock construction
assignment is running in parallell with the course. The students
get the responsibility for a particular part of the assignment in
groups of about three-four persons. The assignment is presented as
a written report and orally at the final seminar of the course.
Each student group is offered a detailed written and oral
supervision and feedback. Each group shall also carry out a written
peer review of a report dealing with another part of the
assignment.
Examination details
Grading scale: TH - (U,3,4,5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment: Both parts of the course (0117, 0217) have to be approved to obtain a final mark. The final mark is a weighted average of the assesment of the written test (80%) and the written and oral presentation of a rock engineering tasks (20%) rounded off downwards to an integer.
The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.
Parts
Code: 0119. Name: Written Examination.
Credits: 5. Grading scale: TH. Assessment: Assessment of answers on a written examination. Contents: The written examination consists of one theory part which is solved without any books, and one problem part where listed books and similar are allowed.
Code: 0219. Name: Presentations of Assignments, Excursions and Study Visits..
Credits: 2,5. Grading scale: UG. Assessment: Approved written report and oral presentation of assignment. Active participation in compulsory excursions, study visit and final seminar.
Admission
Admission requirements:
Assumed prior knowledge: VSMA05 Structural Mechanics AND
VBKF15 Structural Engineering, Basic Course AND
VVRA05 Water AND
FMIF50 Environmental Science, Especially Environmental Chemistry AND
VGTF05 Soil Mechanics.
The number of participants is limited to: No
Reading list
- Svensson, C.: Större makrostrukturer i berggrunden. Kompendium säljes av teknisk geologi, 2001. Available in Swedish only.
- Svensson, C.: Kompendium i Teknisk geologi AK. KFS, 2012. Available in Swedish only.
- Lindblom, U.: Bergbyggnad. Liber, 2010, ISBN: 978-91-47-09409-7.
Contact and other information
Course coordinator: Universitetsadjunkt Peter Jonsson, Peter.Jonsson@tg.lth.se
Course homepage: http://www.tg.lth.se/grundutbildning/kurser
Further information: Field exercises, excursions and study visits are accounted as laboratory work in the time plan.