Introduction

Rock mechanics plays a pivotal role in shaping the practices of both civil engineers and mining professionals, providing the essential foundation for designing safe and efficient infrastructures and mining operations. Mastering the principles of rock strength and deformability at both intact and mass scales, along with a deep understanding of rock mass classification systems, is vital in comprehending rock behavior and devising robust engineering solutions.

Our five-week course, “Practical rock mechanics for civil and mining engineering applications”, immerses participants in this critical discipline, enabling them to tackle diverse engineering projects with confidence. Throughout the course, participants will gain insights into rock mass failure mechanisms and learn how to identify and assess potential geohazards for surface and underground excavations and apply practical stabilization techniques for rock mass stability. Live webinars and hands-on exercises will enrich the learning experience, empowering students to make informed decisions, implement innovative solutions, and contribute to the advancement of sustainable and efficient rock engineering practices.

Course objectives

This program is designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and practical skills in rock mechanics, covering principles, surface and underground excavations, stabilization techniques, and hazard assessment. Through hands-on exercises, participants will gain the expertise needed to excel in the domain of rock mechanics and tackle challenging engineering projects with confidence. Hence, it is envisaged that attendees will obtain gain the necessary skills to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of rock mechanics, including intact rock strength, deformability, and that of the discontinuities, as well as rock mass classification and estimation of its engineering properties.
• Identify potential geohazards for surface excavations, while learning practical techniques for rock slope stability assessment and foundations engineering.
• Gain insights into rock mass behavior around an underground space.

Limited places.

MODULE 1: STRENGTH AND DEFORMABILITY OF INTACT ROCK AND DISCONTINUITIES

MODULE 2: ROCK MASS CLASSIFICATIONS AND ENGINEERING PROPERTIES

MODULE 3: ROCK SLOPE ENGINEERING

MODULE 4: FOUNDATIUONS ON ROCK

MODULE 5: ROCK ENGINEERING FOR UNDERGROUND EXCAVATIONS

Ali Keneti

Dr. Ali Keneti (PhD, P.Eng.) is a Principal Engineer with 18 years of international experience in rock mechanics, tunnelling, and geohazard risk assessment, with a progressive career from design engineer to technical lead and reviewer on complex underground and surface infrastructure. He applies advanced 3D numerical modelling, rock mass assessment, and ground–structure interaction techniques to develop practical, performance-based design solutions for challenging geotechnical environments. Dr. Keneti has led or reviewed designs on major international projects, including large-scale pumped hydro developments, underground cavern complexes in urban environments, and tunnel designs for metropolitan rail systems (such as Sydney Metro West Central Tunnelling Package, Sydney Western Harbour Tunnel, Sydney M6 Motorway, and Borumba Pump Hydro Projects). His earlier work included advanced numerical modelling for ground–structure interaction assessment for major tunnelling works in AUNZ (Melbourne Westgate Tunnel, Sydney Rozelle Interchange, Auckland City Rail Link, etc.), geohazard assessment and site investigations for long-distance pipeline corridors such as Coastal GasLink and Alaska LNG, and detailed design roles on tunnelling and slope projects for open pit and underground mines in North and South America and West Africa. He contributes to industry development by mentoring engineers, teaching advanced modelling through IngeoExpert, and reviewing for leading rock mechanics journals.

All of our courses are offered 100% online, through our intuitive Virtual Campus. Topics are taught through:

• – Videos
• – Interactive multimedia content
• – Live classes
• – Texts
• – Case studies
• – Evaluation exercises
• – Additional documentation

The content is updated in each new course edition, so that knowledge is acquired around the latest news and state-of-the-art geotechnical engineering technology.

One of the most interesting aspects of our courses is the use of live videoconferences, in which teachers and students interact in a continuous exchange of knowledge and problem solving. In addition to this, students can make use of the platform’s forum, a meeting point where they can interact with teachers and other students.

A tutoring system will also be established by email, which will resolve any possible doubts about the course, and which will serve as a point of connection for students with specific questions on each module.

Students can also download all course documentation, including texts, videos, video conferences and exercises.

This course is carefully crafted to cater to a diverse audience, encompassing both aspiring and practicing professionals in the fields of civil engineering and mining.

It targets civil engineers who are involved in designing and constructing infrastructures such as tunnels, hydro projects, and other critical structures, seeking to enhance their understanding of rock mechanics principles and practical applications.

Simultaneously, the course aims to benefit mining students, equipping them with essential knowledge in rock mass behavior and stabilization techniques, fundamental for designing underground spaces and open pit slopes.

Whether participants are starting their careers or seasoned professionals seeking to upgrade their skills, this course provides a comprehensive and practical framework that empowers learners to excel in their respective domains and contribute to the advancement of safe and efficient rock engineering practices.

At the end of the course, and as accreditation of knowledge acquired and of the technical and practical training, students who correctly complete the corresponding evaluation tests of the geotechnical engineering course will obtain an academic certificate issued by Ingeoexpert. This digital certificate is protected by Blockchain technology, making it unique and tamper-proof, thus enabling companies to verify its authenticity.

It can also be downloaded by students, forwarded by email and shared on social networks, as well as embedded on any website. You can see an example here.

The course lays a strong foundation for further career growth and specialization in the dynamic field of geotechnical engineering.

Students will acquire fundamental knowledge and practical skills in rock mechanics, empowering them to tackle geotechnical challenges and contribute meaningfully to civil engineering and mining projects. Rock mechanics forms a crucial pillar for designing safe and efficient infrastructures, as well as optimizing mining operations.

Understanding rock behavior is essential for ensuring the stability and resilience of engineering projects, making this course indispensable for aspiring professionals in these industries. The knowledge gained will enable students to analyze rock properties, apply stabilization techniques, and make informed decisions, laying the groundwork for successful and sustainable engineering practices.