1st Video: Rock Mechanics Lessons from Dams, by Prof.

Pierre Duffaut

Q1: What are the major causes of Malpasset dam failure case in 1959?
A1:
 Design Flaws: The dam was designed as an arch dam, which is a curved structure that relies
on the strength of the arch to withstand the pressure of the impounded water. However, the
design did not sufficiently account for the geological conditions and the characteristics of
the foundation rock.
 Geological and Geotechnical Factors: The dam was built on fractured and permeable schist
rock, and inadequate geological assessments failed to identify these weaknesses.
 Rapid Reservoir Filling: Heavy rainfall led to rapid reservoir filling, increasing water
pressure on the dam and initiating cracks that ultimately led to catastrophic failure. It is
mentioned that there is no water level monitoring after the construction.

2nd Video: Solving the Unsolved Problems in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering

Q2: What are the unsolved problem in fracture analysis? And what are the suggested solution
for those problems?
A2:
Major unsolved problem:
 Being able to characterize the geometry of the fractures in a rock mass
 Being able to establish the mechanical properties of the fractures
Solutions:
1. Integration with Structural Geology Understanding: Combining fracture analysis with
structural geology helps recognize patterns and understand the origin, orientation, and
distribution of fractures, providing insights for predicting failure mechanisms and
designing structures considering geological complexities.
2. Geophysics Interrogation of Rock Masses: Geophysical methods like seismic surveys
and radar are non-intrusive tools to map fractures in rock. By correlating geophysical
data with geological structures, engineers gain 3D insights into fractures, aiding in
designing structures resilient to geological uncertainties.
3. Computer Modeling for Fracture Geometries: Computer modeling simulates rock mass
behavior under different fracture scenarios. By assessing the impact of fracture
orientation, density, and size, engineers predict how fractures influence structural
stability, aiding in designing resilient structures.
3rd Lecture: Measurement and Back Analysis in Rock Engineering, by Prof. Shunsuke
Sakurai

Q3: Explain why evaluating the design parameters (such as external force and mechanical
properties of materials) for a tunnel considered more challenging comparing to a bridge.
A3:
Design parameter for bridge and tunnel structure
Bridge
 External Forces: Bridges primarily experience vertical loads (e.g., dead load, live load)
and lateral loads (e.g., wind, earthquake). These forces are generally well understood
and can be relatively easier to estimate through standard engineering calculations.
 Mechanical Properties: Bridges are involved with concrete which its mechanical
properties can be accurately determined through laboratory testing. The behavior of
bridge materials under known loading conditions is typically more straightforward to
analyze, as bridges are usually subjected to more uniform and predictable stresses.
Tunnel
 External Forces (Initial Stress): Tunnels experience significant external stresses due to
the surrounding rock mass. These stresses can vary based on geological conditions and
may include complex patterns of initial stress.
 Mechanical Properties: The mechanical behavior of rock in a tunnel is often more
challenging to predict and analyze accurately. Rocks are anisotropic and heterogeneous,
and their response to stress can be influenced by various factors, making it more
difficult to model and predict.

4th Lecture: Puzzles in Rock - Have they been solved? By Prof. Herbert Einstein

Q4: What are the potential damages that rock face instability could cause to the TBM machine?
A4:
 Cutter damage: It is caused by increased wear and tool jamming from unstable rock
face and sudden change of rock condition.
 Muck bucket damage: Unstable rock conditions may lead to impact loading and
abrasion on the pickup (muck) bucket, from larger or irregular shaped rock and abrasive
materials.
 Conveyor belt damage: causing from larger muck and irregular material flow.
5th Lecture: Risk in Rock Engineering Design and Practice, by Prof. Dick Stacey

Q5: What is proactive and reactive controls in Bow Tie Diagram of risk management?
A5:
 Proactive controls focus on preventing the risks before they occur.
 Reactive controls respond to risks after they've occurred, focusing on minimizing
damage and learning for the future.

6th Lecture: Rock Characterization, Testing and Monitoring: Highlighting the ISRM
Suggested Methods, by Prof. Resat Ulusay

Q6: What are the main factors affecting the overall mechanical properties of BIMROCK
(Block-In Matrix Rock)?
A6:
 Mechanical properties of matrix (e.g. its strength, elasticity, and ductility)
 Block proportion
 Shape and size distribution of blocks
 Orientation of blocks relative to failure surfaces