Engineers clearly understand the significance of geotechnical parameters in the design and construction of civil engineering project. However, the rock mass is much more difficult to be properly characterized than other materials. A practical solution may be found from the fine mechanics approach by establishing fine structure model of rock mass. In obtaining the fine structure model of rock mass, a detailed description and measuring of rock structure elements is required. A meta-synthetic methodology should be helpful by integrating the results of rock quality grading, numerical analysis and geotechnical testing of the fine rock mass models. This seminar will give the principles of the fine mechanics study for rock mass characterization with a few examples of its application in the recent hydropower development in western China.

Speaker
Dr Wang Sijing is Chair Professor of Engineering Geology and Rock Mechanics and member of Chinese Academy of Engineering. He has been engaged in the investigation, design and construction of a number of major hydropower projects, including Three Gorges Project and the Development Program of Jinsha River, Up-stream of Yangtze River.