Geomechanics

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
ENGP X406
Course ID icon
Course ID
206836
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Campus
Adelaide City Campus East, Mawson Lakes
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
Chemical Engineering
Course level icon
Course level
4
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
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Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course aims to provide students with the basic knowledge required to undertake geomechanical investigations and design tasks. The course consists of two main modules. 1) Deformable Materials, which covers basics of materials behaviour; stress-strain, failure criteria, stress and strain tensors. 2) Rock Mechanics including rock material and rock mass behaviours, rock mass strength and deformability, strength of discontinuities, basic rock testing, rock mass classification systems, response of rock mass to underground excavation, stress measurement, time dependant and dynamic behaviour of rocks and rock slope stability.

  • Deformable Materials
  • Rock Mechanics

Course learning outcomes

  • Have a working knowledge of the engineering properties of rock
  • To select and use appropriate methods for the design of rock slopes
  • Have the necessary grounding in rock mechanics to embark upon a study of the principles of rock engineering
  • Recognise the evolving nature of the discipline and develop skills to access, evaluate and integrate new knowledge and processes

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A