Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Civil Engineering School
This course aims to provide students with the basic knowledge required to undertake geomechanical investigations and design tasks. The course consists of several modules to cover the basics of rock-like materials behaviour; stress-strain, failure criteria, stress and strain tensors in rocks, rock mass behaviours, rock mass strength and deformability, strength of discontinuities, basic rock testing, rock mass classification systems, the response of rock mass to underground excavation, stress measurement, time dependant and dynamic behaviour of rocks, and rock slope stability.
The course also includes hands-on laboratory practicals and integration with industry practitioners to explore current industry approaches to rock engineering design. The course comprises two modules:
- Rock mechanics: Behaviour of intact rock & rock mass, failure criterion, in-situ stress & its measurement, collection & analysis of data, rock mass classification methods, time dependent & dynamic behaviour of rock, probabilistic & numerical methods, applications of geomechanics, andﾠrock strength and deformability.
- Deformable Materials:ﾠReview of basics of materials behaviour,ﾠstress-strain,ﾠelastic and inelastic behaviour.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that you have completed at least four semesters of an engineering program. This should include the recommended pre-requisite of ENGG1400ﾠEngineering Mechanics: Statics & Dynamics.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CIVL2210
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MINE3121
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Adjunct Professor Harry Asche
Dr Xiaohan Yang
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Lectures, tutorials, and practicals will be conducted during the scheduled contact times. PowerPoint slides of the course material will be provided to enrolled students via Blackboard. Please refer to the course Blackboard for more details.
Aims and outcomes
The course aims to provide students with a basic knowledge in geomechanics, which include mathematical and physical concepts associated with behaviour of intact rock & rock mass, in-situ stress & its measurement, collection & analysis of data, rock mass classification methods, time dependent & dynamic behaviour of rock, probabilistic & numerical methods, applications of geomechanics, andﾠreview of deformable materials.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Apply the basic principles of rock mechanics to real-world scenarios in mining and geotechnical disciplines.
LO2.
Evaluate the engineering properties and mechanical behaviour of rock under various geo-stresses and loading conditions.
LO3.
Relate stress and strain transformation concepts to solve problems in rock mechanics.
LO4.
Analyse 3D geotechnical structures as lines and planes using stress and strain transformation principles.
LO5.
Demonstrate differences between the classification and characterization of rocks and apply these concepts in practical contexts.
LO6.
Use the basics of stereographic projection techniques for mathematically modelling geological structures.
LO7.
Identify the origins of in situ stresses and argue the parameters influencing in practice.
LO8.
Develop the skills to access, evaluate, and integrate new theoretical knowledge and processes in the evolving field of rock mechanics.
LO9.
Demonstrate the different responses of intact rocks, rock masses, and rock discontinuities under externally applied stresses.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
In-class Quizzes
|
10% |
Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 12,
There is no late submission or deferred assessment for in-class quizzes, which must be completed live in the scheduled lecture sessions. This cannot be done in a delayed lecture viewing timeslot. |
| Practical/ Demonstration |
Rock Testing Practicals Lab Book
|
25% |
19/09/2024 4:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
IT Computing - Numerical Modelling
|
25% |
17/10/2024 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
Final Exam
|
40% |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
In-class Quizzes
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
Week 2,
Week 3,
Week 4,
Week 5,
Week 6,
Week 7,
Week 8,
Week 9,
Week 10,
Week 12,
There is no late submission or deferred assessment for in-class quizzes, which must be completed live in the scheduled lecture sessions. This cannot be done in a delayed lecture viewing timeslot.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03, L05, L06, L07
Task description
In-class quizzes will assess students' learning progress on a weekly basis throughout the semester. Each quiz will contain questions related to the material covered in tutorials, lectures, and course content. The aim is to provide feedback on students' understanding of the key concepts that underpin the course and exam questions. Solutions and explanations for the quiz questions will be provided immediately after each quiz, with opportunities for further discussion during tutorials and contact sessions. Quizzes will be conducted during lectures each week from Week 2 to Week 11, and students need to complete the best 6 of 10 quizzes. Any changes to the quiz schedule will be announced at least one week in advance.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
The format of in-class quizzes is multiple-choice and short answer questions, using online polling tools/virtual "clickers" on mobile phone, tablet or browser.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
There is no late submission or deferred assessment for in-class quizzes, and students need to complete the best 6 of 10 quizzes.
Rock Testing Practicals Lab Book
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Practical/ Demonstration
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
19/09/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L09
Task description
You need to sign-up for Practical 1 and 2 to be held in AEB #49, Rooms 412 and 106. Some important information includes:
- It will be assumed that you have studied the practical handout prior to your arrival in the laboratory, so you will be given minimal instruction.
- Many of the practical classes in this course involve the use of machines and equipment in a laboratory environment. For safety reasons suitable clothing and covered footwear must be worn during the practical class. Thongs and open type sandals are not regarded as safe footwear. Safety glasses must be worn at all times.
- Students must wear safety shoes, long sleeves and long pants to all practical sessions. Shorts and T-shirts are not acceptable and you won't be admitted to the practical class without the correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) - SAFETY FIRST is the rule at all times.
- It is a condition of entry to practical classes that you have completed the Student Safety Declaration Form provided by your tutors before the class. When you arrive at the practical venue, it is also compulsory to sign in, and sign out as you leave the laboratory. If you do not sign in and sign out, we will assume you have not attended the session.
- You must bring drawing instruments including: a protractor, ruler, and compass to the practical class. These drawing instruments will also be required for the rock mechanics exam.
- You will not have time to read through the laboratory handout during the laboratory session, so it is important you study the provided handouts prior to your session.
- Obey the instruction of your tutor and standard procedures relating to the mine (e.g. use of safety tag).
- Report all accidents or high potential incidents immediately.
- NO SMOKING, DRINKING OR EATING during practical sessions.
- During practical classes, students are to remain in the areas designated by the tutor all the times.
- Leave the laboratory or work area in a clean state.
- Always be sure of what you are doing. If not sure, ask your tutor.
- Report any malfunction or damage so that it may be rectified before the next laboratory period.
- The tutor is given the responsibility to ensure compliance with these rules. As such, he or she may require a student to leave a practical for non-compliance. A student asked to leave would then need to seek permission to attend the practical at a later time if approved by the Course Coordinator.
- All practical last a full 3 hours. Each series of practical sessions is designed to supplement the formal lectures in the subjects. Generally, experiments have been selected to illustrate material presented in the lecture course. However, some experiments involve topics, which cannot be presented effectively in the lectures.
- Students arriving more than 10 minutes late will not be permitted to start a practical. Students unable to attend a practical because of extenuating circumstances must contact the Course Coordinator to obtain written authorisation to attend another practical.
- A report cannot be submitted on the results of a practical which has not been attended by the student, unless approved by the Course Coordinator in written before the relevant practical session(s).
The prac exercises have been designed to provide an introduction to, and an awareness of, basic measurements and test procedures in rock mechanics. You will be provided electronic access to Rock Testing Lab Book. This Rock Testing Lab Book must be printed out and brought to both rock testing practical classes. You will need to access the appendices during prac so you need to print the whole book. Five rock tests will be carried out over two laboratory sessions. Students will carry out laboratory testing of supplied rock samples, record the results and report them in the provided Lab Book. Some analysis outside of laboratory time will be required. Submissions received after the due date (or extended due date) without prior agreement will not be marked. You should use the electronic form of the Lab Book as a template for your report. Find the course profile 'Learning activities' for details and prac dates for each group.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Assessment must be submitted through the course BlackBoard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
IT Computing - Numerical Modelling
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 25%
- Due date
17/10/2024 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05, L08, L09
Task description
Students will conduct a numerical exercise reflecting the types of problems encountered in Underground Excavation. The details of the assignment and the tasks associated with it will be discussed in the class and they will be provided to the students. The marks will be allocated according to the tasks as outlined in the assignments/projects. Students will be evaluated based on their ability to solve the given numerical problem and demonstrate comprehension of the underlying mechanics. In general, mark distribution is of the form assignment criteria and may vary depending upon the tasks in the assignments. The Rock Mechanics Numerical Modelling assignment is an individual work.
Notice: Tutor will provide instructions on the IT assignment on 27 August 2024 in-person - See Lecture #1 for details.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Assessment must be submitted through the course BlackBoard site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Final Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L06, L07, L08, L09
Task description
The final exam will include a combination of short answer and problem solving questions.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
To receive an overall grade of 4 or more, a student must achieve at least 40% on the final exam.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | A formula sheet (typed or handwritten), compiled by the student, is allowed subject to the following requirements:
|
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Each question's mark will be indicated on the question sheet.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Some engagement with the assessment tasks; however, no demonstrated evidence of understanding of the concepts in the field of study |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 44.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: - Deficiencies in understanding the fundamental concepts of the field of study - Inability to identify data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications - Presents inappropriate or unsupported arguments - Inability to apply knowledge and skills - Communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete, confusing and not appropriate to the conventions of the discipline |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: -Superficial understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study - Attempts to identify data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications - Presents undeveloped arguments - Emerging ability to apply knowledge and skills - Communicates information or ideas with limited clarity and inconsistent adherence to the conventions of the discipline</p> |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: - Adequate knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study - Identifies data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications - Develops routine arguments or decisions - Acceptable application of knowledge and skills - Uses some of the conventions of the discipline to communicate appropriately |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: - Good knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study - Considered evaluation of data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications - Develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification - Effective application of knowledge and skills - Uses the conventions of the discipline to communicate at an effective level |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: - Substantial knowledge of fundamental concepts of the field of study - Critical evaluation of data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications - Perceptive insights in identifying, generating and synthesising competing arguments or perspectives - Extensive application of knowledge and skills - Uses the conventions of the discipline to communicate at a professional level |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: - Mastery of content - Expert and critical evaluation of data, cases, problems and their solutions, and implications - Significant and sophisticated insights in identifying, generating and synthesising competing arguments or perspectives - Original, novel and/or creative application of knowledge and skills - Exploits the conventions of the discipline to communicate at an expert level |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Other course materials
Recommended
| Item | Description | Further Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| PPE | Students must wear safety shoes (steel-capped footwear), long sleeves and long pants during all practical sessions. Shorts and T-shirts are not acceptable, and you won't be admitted to the practical class without the correct PPE (Personal Protective Equipment). ALWAYS wear the appropriate PPE when working in the laboratory. |
Additional learning resources information
Please access Blackboard for additional course resources. Powerpoint presentations of all lectures will also be made available to enrolled students through Blackboard.ﾠ
Additional Sources:
- Lancelotta R (1995).ﾠGeotechnical Engineering, Balkema.(TA710 .L26 1995)
- Priest S.D. (1985).ﾠHemispherical Projection Methods in rock Mechanics, George Allen & Unwin. (TA706 .P74 1985)
- Priest S.D. (1993).ﾠDiscontinuity Analysis for Rock Engineering, Chapman and Hall.(TA706 .P73 1993)
- Goodman R.E. (1989).ﾠIntroduction to Rock Mechanics,ﾠ2nd Ed, John Wiley & Sons (TA706 .G65 1989)
- ISRMﾠOnline Lectures atﾠhttps://isrm.net/isrm/page/show/1104
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Lectures All lectures will be given in the timetabled lecture times. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07, L08, L09 |
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 13 |
Tutorial |
Tutorials Tutorials will be given in the timetabled tutorial times, to support the lecture material and the practicals, as advised during the preceding lectures. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05, L09 |
Multiple weeks From Week 4 To Week 5 |
Practical |
Rock Testing Practicals You need to sign-up for a practical session to be held at AEB 49, Rooms 412 & 106. Learning outcomes: L01, L06, L08, L09 |
Week 6 (26 Aug - 01 Sep) |
Information technology session |
IT Computing Rocscience software applications Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L05, L08, L09 |
Additional learning activity information
Risk Assessment/s Relevant to the course
- 62590: Conducting Tests in a Instron Electromechanical Test Frame (5584, 4505)
- 63739: Use of a Point Load Tester
These risk assessments are used to manage students and tutors during practical activities.
Assignments: Students have the opportunity to search for more knowledge, learn in more detail, integrate their knowledge and apply it to solve problems given in their assignments.
Case history discussions: Laboratory/Field/Case examples are discussed to appreciate the importance of the theory and how it can be applied to solve some field problems or to provide engineering judgement.
Consultation: Students should take advantage of scheduled contact times, and may consult with the lecturers or coordinator by email at any time or, personally, preferably on Friday afternoons. Otherwise, consultation times can be arranged via email.
Discussion: Students are encouraged to ask questions during Lectures/Tutorials and Laboratory exercises, and to discuss the course material with staff members and other students. Please also use the discussion board on Blackboard.
Examples and exercises: Several tutorial problems to reinforce theory to solve some problems.
Lectures: A series of lectures is used to explain fundamental concepts using theory and practicals. Some lecture topics may take more or less time than indicated in the table above. Thus, the lecture schedule is subjected to changes. Please check regularly Blackboard announcements.
Lecture notes: Copies of Lecture notes, Tutorial exercises and Laboratory Practical notes will be made available to students. Students may supplement the lecture notes with their own notes taken during lectures and by reading the prescribed textbook.
Problem solving focus: Students learn materials through examples and exercises provided during the lectures, tutorials and practical experiments (demonstrated during their group laboratory prac sessions). During the entire semester, they have the opportunity to search for more knowledge, learn in more details, apply and integrate their knowledge and independent learning to solve their assignments.
Self Study: It is expected that an average student will need to spend approximately 10 hours per week working on this course to obtain a grade of 4. These 10 hours a week includes time spent at lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes. Students should use the remaining time (around 6 to 8 hours a week) to review notes; complete tutorial submissions; self-check tutorial work against the solutions provided; and complete additional reading and/or problems form the textbook as and if required.
Tutorials: Tutorial problems reinforce fundamental rock mechanics theory and give practice in its application. Worked examples will be given during Lectures/Tutorials.
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:
- Laboratory Occupational Health and Safety
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: