Preface
With the title Engineering Rock Mechanics, what is this book about? It is about
the discipline, based on mechanics, which is used to design structures built
on or in rock masses. These structures, which encompass building foun-
dations, dams, rock slopes, tunnel, caverns, hydroelectric schemes, mines,
etc., depend critically on the rock mass properties and the interaction
between the rock mass and the engineered structure. As a result, the
distinct discipline of engineering rock mechanics has developed. The term
’rock mechanics’ refers to the basic science of mechanics applied to rocks;
whilst the term ’rock engineering’ refers to any engineering activity
involving rocks. Thus, the term ’engineering rock mechanics’ refers to the
use of rock mechanics in rock engineering-within the context of civil,
mining and petroleum enpeering. Because rock mechanics can also be
used to study structural geology, we emphasize through the title that it is
the rock mechanics principles in the engineering context that we are
presenting.
The book is based on the content of the integrated enpeering rock
mechanics course given at Imperial College and on the authors’ engi-
neering experience. Chapters 1-13 cover rock mechanics, Chapter 14
discusses the principles of rock engineering systems, and Chapters 15-
cover major applications in rock engineering. The philosophy of the
presentation is to provide comprehension of all the subjects discussed. In
all aspects, and particularly in the mathematics, we have included some
physical explanations of the meaning behind the relations. Also, our
philosophy is that although rock mechanics and the associated principles
are a science, their application is an art. To paint a good picture, one must
know the basic techniques. Knowing these techniques will not necessarily
make a good painter, but it will optimize everyone’s attempts.
Thus, the book is intended to be an understandable ’across-the-board
source of information for the benefit of anyone involved in rock mechanics
and rock enpeering: students, teachers, researchers, clients, consulting
engineers and contractors. It will be of particular use in the civil, mining
and petroleum subject areas: the objectives of the engmeering may be
different but the principles are the same.