Rock Mechanics Theoretical Fundamentals

This book presents some fundamental concepts behind the basic theories and tools of discrete element methods (DEM), its historical development, and its wide scope of applications in geology, geophysics and rock engineering. Unlike almost all books available on the general subject of DEM, this book includes coverage of both explicit and implicit DEM approaches, namely the Distinct Element Methods and Discontinuous Deformation Analysis (DDA) for both rigid and deformable blocks and particle systems, and also the Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) approach for fluid flow and solute transport simulations. The latter is actually also a discrete approach of importance for rock mechanics and rock engineering. In addition, brief introductions to some alternative approaches are also provided, such as percolation theory and Cosserat micromechanics equivalence to particle systems, which often appear hand-in-hand with the DEM in the literature. Fundamentals of the particle mechanics approach using DEM for granular media is also presented. · Presents the fundamental concepts of the discrete models for fractured rocks, including constitutive models of rock fractures and rock masses for stress, deformation and fluid flow · Provides a comprehensive presentation on discrete element methods, including distinct elements, discontinuous deformation analysis, discrete fracture networks, particle mechanics and Cosserat representation of granular media · Features constitutive models of rock fractures and fracture system characterization methods detaiing their significant impacts on the performance and uncertainty of the DEM models

Introduces a new approach to rock mechanics called ``block theory,'' which formalizes procedures for selecting proper shapes and orientations for excavations in hard jointed rock. Applies block theory to rock slopes and underground excavations, and covers the Q theory of rock classification, the empirical criterion of joint shear strength, rock bolting, properties of weak rocks, statistical frequency of jointing, an empirical criterion of rock strength, and design of underground supports. Contains many new problems with worked-out solutions.

Rock physics encompasses practically all aspects of solid and fluid state physics. This book provides a unified presentation of the underlying physical principles of rock physics, covering elements of mineral physics, petrology and rock mechanics. After a short introduction on rocks and minerals, the subsequent chapters cover rock density, porosity, stress and strain relationships, permeability, poroelasticity, acoustics, conductivity, polarizability, magnetism, thermal properties and natural radioactivity. Each chapter includes problem sets and focus boxes with in-depth explanations of the physical and mathematical aspects of underlying processes. The book is also supplemented by online MATLAB exercises to help students apply their knowledge to numerically solve rock physics problems. Covering laboratory and field-based measurement methods, as well as theoretical models, this textbook is ideal for upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses in rock physics. It will also make a useful reference for researchers and professional scientists working in geoscience and petroleum engineering.

Traditional textbooks on rock mechanics often fail to engage students in the learning process as such books are packed with theory that students are unlikely to use in their future employment. In contrast, this book delivers the fundamentals of rock mechanics using a more practical and engaging project-based approach which simulates what practitioners do in their real-life practice. This book will be of great help to those who would like to learn practical aspects of rock mechanics and better understand how to apply theory to solve real engineering problems. This book covers geology, rock mechanics principles, and practical applications such as rock falls, slope stability analysis and engineering problems in tunnels. Throughout the whole book, the reader is engaged in project-based work so that the reader can experience what rock mechanics is like and clearly see why it is an important part of geotechnical engineering. The project utilizes real field and laboratory data while the relevant theory needed to execute the project is linked to each project task. In addition, each section of the book contains several exercises and quiz questions to scaffold learning. Some problems include open-ended questions to encourage the reader to exercise their judgement and develop practical skills. To foster the learning process, solutions to all questions are provided to allow for learning feedback.

The book introduces the reader to the fundamentals of rock mechanics and to its application to economic construction in rock. Models describe the mechanical properties and the permeability of rock. Numerical methods for evaluating the stability of structures in rock are given to solve special problems related to tunnels, caverns, pressure tunnels, dam foundations and slopes. Methods for testing the rock mechanical properties are described. A number of case histories enable the reader to make use of the content in his or her own work.

Widely regarded as the most authoritative and comprehensive book inits field, the fourth edition of Fundamentals of RockMechanics includes new and substantially updated chapters tothis highly praised text. Extensively updated throughout, this new edition containssubstantially expanded chapters on poroelasticity, wavepropogation, and subsurface stresses Features entirely new chapters on rock fractures andmicromechanical models of rock behaviour Discusses fundamental concepts such as stress and strain Offers a thorough introduction to the subject before expertlydelving into a fundamental, self-contained discussion of specifictopics Unavailable for many years, now back by popular demand. An Instructor manual CD-ROM for this title is available. Pleasecontact our Higher Education team at ahref="mailto:[email protected]"[email protected]/afor more information. Reviews: “With this attention to detail, and rigorous adherence toclarity and exactness in description, this edition will consolidatethe standing achieved by the earlier editions as a mostauthoritative and comprehensive book in its field. It will continueto serve as a leading reference work for geoscientists interestedin structural geology, tectonics and petrophysics as well as forcivil, mining and petroleum engineers.” (PetroleumGeoscience) "...I consider this book to be an invaluable reference forstudying and understanding the fundamental science at the base ofrock mechanics. I believe this to be a must-have textbook and Istrongly recommend it to anyone, student or professional,interested in the subject." (Rock Mechanics and RockEngineering) "An excellent book, very well presented, and is a must for theshelves of serious engineers and scientists active or interested inthe fields of rock mechanics and rock engineering.... Highlyrecommended." (South African Geographical Journal, 2008)