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Basic Rock Mechanics
Basic Rock Mechanics
These notes are, in part, from my course Geology for Engineers, GeoE 221,
a first-level course in geology. The course is presented as a systematic study
of Earth and how natural geologic processes are applied in engineering
practice. This course is a freshman-level Geological Engineering course but
is also taken by students of all grades from other disciplines such as Civil
and Environmental Engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
Part I
I. Rock Basics
Not all rock is the same and it must be treated differently in an engineering
project. There are 3 fundamental processes which form rock, igneous,
metamorphic, and sedimentary processes. Each of these basic rock types
have inherent structural characteristics that define it strength and durability,
and hence, its usefulness in an engineering situation. It is strongly
suggested that the student not familiar with these basic rock types review a
basic Physical Geology textbook, or better yet, enroll in a fundamental
geology course with a laboratory.
It is very important to assess some basic properties of rock before it is used
as a building or founding material. Some of the more important properties
of rocks are:
Shale: ~2.75
Granite: ~2.65
Sandstone: ~2.2
Basalt: ~2.65
Marble: ~2.7
Limestone: ~2.45
Steel: 7.85
Gold: ~14
E = P/A =
L/L
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