Book Description | An Ideal Source for Geologists and Others with Little Background in Engineering or Mechanics Practical Rock Mechanics provides an introduction for graduate students as well as a reference guide for practicing engineering geologists and geotechnical engineers. The book considers fundamental geological processes that give rise to the nature of rock masses and control their mechanical behavior. Stresses in the earth's crust are discussed and methods of measurement and prediction explained. Ways to investigate, describe, test, and characterize rocks in the laboratory and at project scale are reviewed. The application of rock mechanics principles to the design of engineering structures including tunnels, foundations, and slopes is addressed. The book is illustrated throughout with simple figures and photographs, and important concepts are illustrated by modern case examples. Mathematical equations are kept to the minimum necessary and are explained fully-the book leans towards practice rather than theory. This text: Addresses the principles of rock mechanics as it applies to both structural geology and engineering practice Demonstrates the importance of and methods of geological characterisation to rock engineering Examines the standard methods of rock mechanics testing and measurement as well as interpretation of data in practice Explains connections between main parameters both empirically as well as on the basis of scientific theory Provides examples of the practice of rock mechanics to major engineering projects Practical Rock Mechanics teaches from first principles and aids readers' understanding of the concepts of stress and stress transformation and the practical application of rock mechanics theory. This text can help ensure that ground models and designs are correct, realistic, and produced cost-effectively. |
Editorial Review | in my opinion, the great strength of this book, and the feature that distinguishes it from any other book that I am familiar with in the field of rock mechanics and rock engineering, is its emphasis on (these) basic geological factors and their influence, often their over-riding influence, on the design and performance of engineering projects constructed in and on rock. ... I know of no other book that explains as thoroughly or as well the centrally important relationship between the geological history and the resulting geological features of a site on the one hand, and the investigation, design, construction and performance on an engineering project on the other. -Professor Edwin T Brown AC, Senior Consultant, Golder Associates Pty Ltd, Brisbane, Australia, Emeritus Professor, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia, President, International Society for Rock Mechanics, 1983-87 "Steve Hencher's book has an Earth scientists approach to practical rock mechanics and his in-depth knowledge of geological structures and mechanical properties of rock material offer an excellent introduction to rock mechanics and rock engineering. ... excellent case studies from civic works, mines and underground constructions. ... written so that students with a basic knowledge in geology can follow the more mechanistic parts and apply the knowledge to rock engineering problems and field cases. -Ove Stephansson, GFZ Potsdam, Germany and SRC Berlin "... gives very good description of the rock materials and rock mass. It is very suitable for civil engineers." -Jian Zhao, Monash University |