ROCK ENGINEERING
CE 72505

Course Objectives:
The objective of the course is to equip with skills & tools required for analysis and design of underground opening and related structures applicable to Hydropower development.

1. Background
   (1 hour)
1. The role of rock engineering in hydropower development
2. Main elements of hydropower plants
2. Properties of Rocks and Rock Masses
   (4 hours)
1. Introduction
2. Physical properties of rocks
3. Strength of rocks
4. Jointing of the rock mass
5. Shear strength of joints
6. Weakness zones and faults
3. Rock Stresses
   (6 hours)
1. Introduction
2. Origin of rock stress
3. Stresses surrounding underground opening
4. Stability problem due to stress
5. Rock stress measurements
4. Groundwater in Rock Masses
   (4 hours)
1. Introduction
2. Permeability and hydraulic conductivity
3. Estimation of water leakages
4. Field measurements
5. Problems caused by water
5. Engineering Geological Investigation for Underground Structures
   (6hours)
1. Introduction
2. Investigation stages
3. Pre-construction phase investigations
4. Construction phase investigations
5. The Engineering Geological Report
6. Rock Mass Classification
   (6 hours)
1. Introduction
2. Quality rating and support estimation
   
1. The RMR system
2. The Q-system
3. The RMi-support method
3. Comments on classification systems for rock support estimates
7. Design Approach of Underground Opening
   (4 hours)
1. Introduction
2. Shallow seated and deep-seated opening
3. Design procedures
4. General Recommendations
8. Support and Lining
   (2 hours)
1. Introduction
2. Support methods and principles
3. Evaluation of support requirements
9. Stability of Rock Slopes
   (10 hours)
1. Classification of stability problems
2. Factors affecting the stability
3. Stability analysis
4. Consequences of erroneous input data
10. Improved and Cost Saving Solutions
    (2hours)
1. Introduction
2. Underground high-Pressure Tunnels and Shafts

Tutorial:

1. Stresses surrounding underground opening
2. Estimation of water leakages in rock mass
3. Presentation of geological data (Joint rosette, Mode of failures)
4. Estimation of the rock support for underground structures

Practical:

1. One day field visit
2. Rock slope stability analysis

Field Visit: (2 days)
Field Visit to hydropower project in the vicinity. Field report and group presentation is required.
References:

1. Nilsen, B, and Thidemann, A, "Rock Engineering", Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway, 156p.
2. Nilsen, B. and Palmstrom, A, "Engineering Geology and Rock Engineering", Norwegian Group of Rock Mechanics (NBG), Norway, 249p.
3. Hoek, E. and Bray, J. W. , "Rock Slope Engineering", Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, London, 358p

Evaluation Scheme:
The questions will cover all the chapters in the syllabus. The evaluation scheme will be as indicated in the table below:

Chapter	Hours	Marks Distribution*
1	1	0
2	4	8
3	6	12
4	4	8
5	6	12
6	6	12
7	4	12
8	2	4
9	10	8
10	2	4
Total	45	80

*There could be minor deviation in mark distribution.