AF2602 Rock Mechanics 7.5 credits

The course is conducted on campus and contains lectures on rock mechanical theory, as well as workshops in which the theory is trained in calculation exercises. Much of the work is conducted in smaller groups. The course includes a mandatory laboration and a site visit.

• Basic terms in engineering geology and rock mechanics
• Geological uncertainties and ground behavior
• Pre-investigation methods
• Mechanical properties of the rock mass
• Rock support
• Interaction between rock mass and rock support in tunnel engineering
• Block and arching stability in tunnels
• Slope stability
• Foundations on rock

After the course the students shall be able to:

• Account for the fundamental differences between the rock mass and other types of man-made construction materials.
• Describe ground behavior for different geological conditions and identify common geological uncertainties.
• Use different rock mass classification systems such as the Q system, the Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and the Geological Strength Index (GSI).
• Determine the mechanical properties of intact rock, joints, and rock masses to be used as input to the rock mechanical calculations.
• Calculate radial and tangential stresses and deformations around underground openings.
• Analyze the interaction between the rock mass and the installed support in tunnels with the ground reaction curve concept.
• Analyze typical stability problems in rock engineering such as block stability, arching stability and slope stability.

Documented knowledge in soil mechanics or foundation engineering 7,5 ECTS. corresponding to the content in course AF1601.

Eng B/6 according to the Swedish upper secondary school system.

Knowledge foundation engineering and structural mechanics, structural engineering corresponding to the content in course AF1005 and AF2609.

Rock Engineering by Arild Palmström and Håkan Stille

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

• LAB1 - Laboratory Work, 1.5 credits, grading scale: P, F
• TEN1 - Examination, 3.0 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
• ÖVN1 - Exercises, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

Written examination (TEN1; 3 hp),
approved exercises (ÖVN1; 3 hp) and laboratory work (LAB1; 1,5 hp)

Fredrik Johansson

• All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
• In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
• In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.