Rock mechanics

The concept of rock engineering is based on three basic premises:

• that the rock mass can be described as an engineering material with parameters that control deformation and failure;
• that the performance of the excavation in the rock mass can be described in terms of classical engineering mechanics, and;
• that the application of engineering principles to design will result in a design which will assure or enhance the performance of the opening.

In order to conduct a rock mechanics design, geologic and geotechnical data is required. Whether the purpose of a design is an initial pre-feasibility study for a small vein mining operation or the final design for a major open pit mine, the data collection and analysis steps required are near identical.

The five major components of any design in rock are as follow:

• description of the local geologic regime;
• collection of field geotechnical parameters;
• quantification of material property parameters;
• data compilation, and;
• engineering analysis.

We adhere to these principles when conducting our designs.

Please use the menu to the left for more detailed descriptions in a specific area of expertise.