Rock Mechanics Applications

Unit Outline (Higher Education)

Level of Unit in Course

AQF Level(s) of Course

Level of Unit in Course

Introductory

Intermediate

Effective Term:

2024/05

Institute / School :

Institute of Innovation, Science & Sustainability

Unit Title:

Rock Mechanics Applications

Unit ID:

ENGIN2503

Credit Points:

15.00

Prerequisite(s):

Nil

Co-requisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

(ENMIN3040 and ENMIN5160)

ASCED:

030909

Other Change:

Brief description of the Unit

This unit introduces elasticity, rock mechanics and their applications in rock structure designs, rock support designs and ground control in surface and underground mines.

Grade Scheme:

Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF)

Work Experience Indicator:

No work experience

Placement Component:

Supplementary Assessment:Yes

Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment

Course Level:

Learning Outcomes:

Knowledge:

K1.	Understand the principles involved in theory of elasticity

K2.	Recognise rock as a structural material and analyse the applicability of classical elasticity principles to rock structures

K3.	Interpret rockmass classification depending on its structural quality, in-situ stress field and groundwater regime

K4.	Analyse stress re-distributions due to the excavation processes

K5.	Assess support systems appropriate to a particular excavation

Skills:

S1.	Investigate rock stress and strain analysis in mining

S2.	Investigate ground control analysis, select appropriate support systems; and refine the design processes

S3.	Apply knowledge in rock mechanics for rock structure designs in surface and underground mines

S4.	Apply advanced mining design software to design and analysis of typical rock structures used in mining

Application of knowledge and skills:

A1.	Analyse rock stress in mining environment

A2.	Analyse rock/ground deformation in mining environment

A3.	Design rock structures used in mining, observing safety and economic requirements

Unit Content:

•Overview of Theory of Elasticity
•Rock as a structure
•Strength & Deformation of rock
•In-situ stresses
•Methods of Excavation Analysis
•Stresses around excavations
•Stability evaluation of rock structures
•Evaluation of support requirements

Graduate Attributes:

	Learning Outcomes Assessed	Assessment Tasks	Assessment Type	Weighting
1.	K1-K4, S1-S2 and A1-A2	A selection of tutorials will be assessed though out the unit.	Assessed tutorials.	20-30%
2.	S3-S4 and A3	A laboratory or field based practical exercise will be undertaken and assessed.	A technical/project/lab report.	20-30%
3.	K1-K5, S1-S4 and A1-A3	Any or all material covered in the unit will be examinable.	Test(s)	40-60%

Adopted Reference Style:

Other (IEEE: Refer to the library website for more information)

Professional Standards / Competencies:

Standard / Competency

Engineers Australia - Stage 1 (Professional): 2017 accreditation & AQF

Attribute			Assessed	Level
1 Knowledge and Skill Base
	1.1 Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.
		1.1.1 Engages with the engineering discipline at a phenomenological level, applying sciences and engineering fundamentals to systematic investigation, interpretation, analysis and innovative solution of complex problems and broader aspects of engineering practice.	Yes	Advanced
	1.2 Conceptual understanding of the, mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the engineering discipline.
		1.2.1 Develops and fluently applies relevant investigation analysis, interpretation, assessment, characterisation, prediction, evaluation, modelling, decision making, measurement, knowledge management and communication tools and techniques pertinent to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
	1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.
		1.3.1 Proficiently applies advanced technical knowledge and skills in at least one specialist practice domain of the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
	1.4 Discernment of knowledge development and research directions within the engineering discipline.
		1.4.1 Identifies and critically appraises current developments, advanced technologies, emerging issues and interdisciplinary linkages in at least one specialist practice domain of the engineering discipline.	Yes	Intermediate
	1.5 Knowledge of contextual factors impacting the engineering discipline.
		1.5.1 Identifies and understands the interactions between engineering systems and people in the social, cultural, environmental, commercial, legal and political contexts in which they operate, including both the positive role of engineering in sustainable development and the potentially adverse impacts of engineering activity in the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
	1.6 Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of contemporary engineering practice in the specific discipline.
		1.6.1 Applies systematic principles of engineering design relevant to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
		1.6.2 Appreciates the basis and relevance of standards and codes of practice, as well as legislative and statutory requirements applicable to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
2 Engineering Application Ability
	2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.
		2.1.1 Identifies, discerns and characterises salient issues, determines and analyses causes and effects, justifies and applies appropriate simplifying assumptions, predicts performance and behaviour, synthesises solution strategies and develops substantiated conclusions.	Yes	Advanced
		2.1.3 Competently addresses engineering problems involving uncertainty, ambiguity, imprecise information and wide-ranging and sometimes conflicting technical and non-technical factors.	Yes	Intermediate
	2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.
		2.2.1 Proficiently identifies, selects and applies the materials, components, devices, systems, processes, resources, plant and equipment relevant to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
	2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.
		2.3.1 Proficiently applies technical knowledge and open ended problem solving skills as well as appropriate tools and resources to design components, elements, systems, plant, facilities and/or processes to satisfy user requirements.	Yes	Intermediate
3 Professional and Personal Attributes
	3.1 Ethical conduct and professional accountability.
		3.1.3 Understands the accountabilities of the professional engineer and the broader engineering team for the safety of other people and for protection of the environment.	Yes	Intermediate
	3.2 Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains.
		3.2.2 Prepares high quality engineering documents such as progress and project reports, reports of investigations and feasibility studies, proposals, specifications, design records, drawings, technical descriptions and presentations pertinent to the engineering discipline.	Yes	Advanced
	3.4 Professional use and management of information.
		3.4.1 Is proficient in locating and utilising information - including accessing, systematically searching, analysing, evaluating and referencing relevant published works and data; is proficient in the use of indexes, bibliographic databases and other search facilities.	Yes	Advanced
	3.5 Orderly management of self, and professional conduct.
		3.5.4 Manages time and processes effectively, prioritises competing demands to achieve personal, career and organisational goals and objectives.	Yes	Intermediate
	3.6 Effective team membership and team leadership.
		3.6.2 Functions as an effective member or leader of diverse engineering teams, including those with multilevel, multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural dimensions.	Yes	Intermediate