Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

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Unit Overview

Description

This unit focuses on the fracture and deformation of rocks, rock joints and rock masses; the scale effect in rock strength; failure associated with underground and surface excavations; foundations on rock; dynamics; rock breakage and comminution; and regional stability and local stability issues for underground mines, rock bursts and mine fill. It also includes slope stability principles and applications in weathered and jointed rock. Students use simple mathematical models and mathematical software (Excel, Mathcad) for the evaluation of mining-induced stress concentrations and estimate the stability of simple rock engineering structures.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) estimate rock and rock mass properties ; (2) use e stereo-nets; (3) explain the mechanisms of deformation and failure in rocks and rock masses; (4) describe the mechanics of basic rock breakage methods and their application; (5) describe the nature of in situ stress fields and select appropriate methods of its determination; (6) develop simple models of stress concentrations induced by excavations; and (7) choose the mining methods relevant to the given geotechnical conditions.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments; (2) laboratories (group); and (3) a final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Arcady Dyskin
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
62550 Master of Professional Engineering (Mining Engineering specialisation)
Incompatibility
MINE3404 Rock Mechanics
Advisable prior study
(ENSC3004 Solid Mechanics
or GENG2004 Solid Mechanics) and (ENSC3009 Geomechanics
or GENG2009 Principles of Geomechanics) and (ENSC3011 Fundamentals of Mining Engineering
or MINE2001 Fundamentals of Mining Engineering)
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.