Rock mechanics is a theoretical and applied science of the mechanical behavior of rocks and rock masses.
thumb|right|[[Grus (geology)|Grus sand, and the granitoid from which it is derived]]
thumb|[[Rock bolt|Rock bolting technique being used to reinforce a rock]]
thumb|right|[[Mechanically stabilized earth|Reinforced earth with gabions supporting a multilane roadway, Sveti Rok, Croatia]]
thumb|Illustration of [[borehole mining]]
thumb|right|[[Sandhogs in New York City's East Side Access]]
Background
Rock mechanics is part of a much broader subject of geomechanics, which is concerned with the mechanical responses of all geological materials, including soils.
Rock mechanics answers questions such as, "Is reinforcement necessary for a rock, or will it be able to handle whatever load it is faced with?" It also includes the design of reinforcement systems, such as rock bolting patterns. Field observations, deep drilling, and geophysical surveys can all give necessary information to develop a safe construction plan and create a site geological model.
Two direct methods of testing that can be done are laboratory tests and in-situ tests.
See also
- Engineering geology
- Geotechnical engineering
- Rock mass classification
- Slope stability analysis
- Rock mass plasticity
- Slope mass rating
References
- Coates, D F. (1981) "Rock Mechanics Principles." Canada: Monograph 874.