Chapter 1.

Introduction
1.1 Definition and application of rock mechanics
The subject of rock mechanics started in the 1950s from a rock physics base and gradually became a discipline in its own right during the 1960s.

Definition: According to ISRM the field of rock mechanics is taken to include all studies relative to the physical and mechanical behaviour of rocks and rock masses and the application of this knowledge for the better understanding of the geological processes and in the field of engineering.

The main factor that distinguishes Rock Mechanics from other engineering disciplines is the application of mechanics on a larger scale to a pre-stressed naturally occurring discontinuum.

Rock mechanics is, therefore, a discipline that uses the principles of mechanics to describe the behaviour of rock of engineering scale. 2

Fields of applications of rock mechanics

(a) Deep excavations: Mines (Temporary and permanent), Tunnels (Roads, H.E.P), Underground chambers (power stations, storage, recreational). (b) Surface/near surface engineering works: Dams, Slopes, Buildings, Roads and bridges. (c) Energy Development: Petroleum, Geothermal, Nuclear (power plants, waste disposal), Energy storage caverns. (d) Military (recent development):
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Rock Mechanics problems:

How are rocks formed? What are the factors that affect the engineering properties of rocks and rock masses? How will rock react when put to mens use? What is the bearing capacity of rock on surface and at depths? What is the shear strength of rocks? What is the response of rocks under dynamic /earthquake type loading? What is the modulus of elasticity of rock and how to get it? What are the effects of rock defects (jointing bedding planes, schistocity, fissures, cavities and other discontinuities) on its strength? What are the mechanisms of failure of rocks?
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1.2 Origin of rocks and geological structures

Definition: A rock is a solid mixture of two or more minerals.

1.2.1 Types of rocks Igneous rocks Sedimentary rocks Metamorphic rocks

The Rock Cycle

The way one kind of rock (sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic) can turn 6 into another kind of rock.

(a) Igneous rocks Igneous rock is defined as any rock that has cooled from molten rock.

Magma - Liquid rock under the ground. Lava - Liquid rock above the ground. Intrusive Igneous Rocks - Rocks that cool from a melt below the ground. Extrusive Igneous Rocks Rocks that cool from a melt above the ground

(b) Sedimentary rocks Formed by compaction of clasts, a chemical precipitate, or and evaporative residue. Clast A particle of a rock. Chemical precipitate a fine powder that comes out of solution.

Evaporative residue a fine powder left over when water with minerals dissolved in it evaporates.

Clastic and Non-Clastic Sedimentary Rocks

Clastic Sedimentary Rocks - Sedimentary rocks formed from

compacted clasts (particles of rock) Non-Clastic Sedimentary Rocks - Sedimentary rocks formed from compacted precipitates or evaporate residues. Sedimentary rocks can contain fossils.

Conglomerate clasts are gravel sized or larger.

Sandstone clasts are sand grain sized.

Shale-clasts are the size of clay grains.

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(c) Metamorphic rocks

Rocks that have been changed by heat and pressure without melting. Deep under the earth there is a lot of pressure from the overlying weight of layers above and there is heat).

Almost any rock, if metamorphosed enough can turn into schist or gneiss.

Schist has a lot of mica in it and sparkles.

Gneiss has banding (layers of dark and light minerals)

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Remarks: Any rock can become an igneous rock if it is melted to a liquid and then is cooled back into a solid. Any rock can become a metamorphic rock if it is changed by heat and pressure but not melted. Any rock can become a sedimentary rock if it is weathered into clasts (particles) and then the clasts are compacted. Any rock can become a non-clastic sedimentary rock if it is dissolved in water. Then the dissolved minerals could come out of the water by evaporation or as a precipitate. And finally the evaporate residue or precipitate is compacted into rock.

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1.2.2 Geological structures

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Fractures in rock: Joints: break in rock along which no movement has taken place
Faults: break in rock along which movement has taken place.

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Faults

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How faults look like?

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(b) Folds: Bends or wave-like features in layered rock.

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(C) Foliations/schistocity in metamorphic rocks

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(d) Bedding planes

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