Design Analysis in Rock Mechanics

As an instructor, I use this textbook as the foundation for the entire class. It is not an easy textbook to complete. It is dense but clearly written so that one may understand the physics, and hence the solution approach, behind the many types of encountered rock mechanic problems. By carefully reading the text, a set of notes can be developed by the instructor in giving lectures to their students. The lectures will assist the student in understanding the assigned reading and associated problems presented in each chapter. An excellent solution manual is also available. The first chapter begins by emphasizing the time-tested engineering approach toward problem solving and shows in a step-by-step manner the application of scientific laws, diagramming, and mathematical calculations in the solution process. This solution process is repeated as new material is presented in the following chapters of; slope stability, shafts, tunnels, entries and pillars in stratified ground, three-dimensional excavations, subsidence, dynamic phenomena, and foundations on jointed rock. By the end of the course the students will gain a great deal of knowledge and develop their critical thinking and problem solving skills to help form them into practicing engineers."

Jeffrey C. Johnson, Associate Professor at the Department of Mining Engineering, University of Utah, USA.