ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. This book is dedicated to practising engineers working in rock engineering practice, as well as for graduate students studying and doing research on rock mechanics and rock engineering. the aim is to make the engineers and the students understand how to apply the theory of rock mechanics to engineering practice, in order to achieve the rational design and construction of rock structures such as tunnels, underground caverns, and slopes, and to assess not only the stability of them during/after construction, but also to ensure the safety of the workers. Back analyses can be used for interpreting the data quantitatively, resulting in the rational design and construction of the structures being achieved. Rock structures such as tunnels, underground caverns, vertical shafts, slopes, etc. are constructed with natural rocks whose geological and mechanical characteristics are extremely complex.