The course aims at introducing the fundamentals of the mechanical behaviour of hard soils/soft rocks; intact rocks and rock masses. The relevant features of such materials, as well as the theoretical and numerical tools available for their modelling will also be discussed. In particular, as far as rock masses are concerned, both the continuum and the discerete approaches will be introduced. The final part of the course focuses on practical solution of relevant problems, by using numerical tools.

The purpose of the course is to give students knowledge of the theoretical issues, capability to perform structural design analyses and choose the appropariate methods, capability to present their conclusions. With reference to the European descriptors:

• Knowledge and understanding (DdD1): knowledge of theories for modelling soils, hard soils/soft rocks, rocks and rock masses. Knowlwdge of the discrete numerical methods for rock masses
  
• Applying knowledge and understanding (DdD2): ability to choose the appropriate modelling approach and the design parameters of the problems under investigation.
• Communication skills (DdD4): capability to report the conclusions of the analyses and the outcomes of the design procedure in a clear and consistent way.
• Learning skills (DdD5): ability to elaborate information on the basis of the provided teaching.

Hard soils/soft rocks rocks

Review of mechanical behaviour of soils. Mechanical behaviour of hard soils and soft rocks; bonding and weathering

Intact rocks

Diagenesis and classification of rocks. Mechanical behaviour of intact rocks; influence of confining pressure; time dependent behaviour and viscosity; size effect.

Rock masses

Discontiuities and rock mass classification. Mechanical behaviour of discontinuities. Mechanical behaviour of the rock mass; continuum equivalent models. Seepage in rock masses. Stabilty of rock slopes; reinforcements; effect of permafrost degradation.

Numerical analysis of rock masses

Principles and application of the Discrete Elements Method. Numerical implementation; choice of numerical parameters; modelling of joint seepage. Back analysis of failures and design of reinforcements.

Principles of soil mechanics and of geotechnical engineering problems.

• Home assignment: individual evaluation of report regarding design calculations performed with numerical codes, as introduced during specific sessions of the course.
• Oral exam: questions on all theoretical topics treated during the lectures.

The oral exam will start with the discussion of the report.

Alternative ISBN 04-19-16010-8

Altrnative ISBNs: 04-19-16030-2; 09-00-48854-9