Week 3 Tunnelling & TBM Course: Rock Mechanics and Charecterization

Week 3 (3rd Feb '14 to 7th Feb '14) of 2nd Level specializing course in Tunnelling and TBM was both eventful and special. We had a special lecture by the ITA-AITES president (more about that here) and also we had a nice party at one of our classmates place (photo here). 

The focus of this week's lecture was on Rock Mechanics (by Professor Monica Barbera) and Rock Mass Characterization (by Dr. Russo). Prof. Barbera introduced us to characterization of discontinuities, Stereographic representation, lab and field testing of rock samples. However, most part of her lecture was focussed on Non linear generalised Hoek & Brown criterion and analytical development of it.

As further reading, following papers are studies to understand the rock classification systems and the correlations between them:

[1] Barton, N. (2002). Some new Q-value correlations to assist in site characterisation and tunnel design. Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. Vol. 39.

[2] Palmström A. (2000) Recent developments in rock support estimates by the RMi. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Tunnelling Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1 May 2000, pp. 1 – 19

[3] Palmström A. (2005) Measurements of and correlations between block size and rock quality designation (RQD). Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 20, 362–377

[4] Palmström A. (2009) Combining the RMR, Q, and RMi classification systems. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 24, 491-492

[5] Russo, G. (2009) A new rational method for calculating the GSI. Tunnel. Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology, 24: 103-111.