Engineering rock mechanics an introduction to the principles By John A. Hudson and John P. Harrison

Engineering rock mechanics an introduction to the principles By John A. Hudson and John P. Harrison

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 15-20 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.