Engineering Rock Mechanics

(^6) introduction
Figure 1.8 Open-pit mine with slope instabilities.
The three photographs in Figs 1.9-1.11 also illustrate the large scale of
some of the existing precedent practice projects: a dam, a mine, and a civil
excavation. It is apparent from the pictures that there will be considerable
economic benefit in designing and constructing these structures in the
optimal way-given that we have the necessary rock mechanics principles
and rock engineering experience. It is also evident that one ignores such
information at considerable physical and financial peril. A good engineer
is one who can do the same job with the same professionalism at a lower
price: but this can only be achieved successfully by knowing the rock
mechanics principles and applications.
Figure 1.9 Large dam in Portugal.