Finite Element Modelling of Underground Excavations

Rocscience is pleased to announce a comprehensive 2-day introductory training course focused on utilizing RS2 and RS3 for underground stability assessment.

This course will introduce the fundamentals of rock mechanics and explore how rock masses respond to excavation and loading. Participants will gain hands-on experience assessing underground excavation stability using RS3. The program emphasizes how to enhance traditional 2D modeling—valued for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness—with the advanced capabilities of 3D analysis.

Course Details:

Venue:
The Westin Perth
480 Hay St, Perth WA 6000, Australia

Date:
6 & 7 August, 2025

What’s Included:

• Temporary software licenses for RS2 and RS3
• PDF copies of all course materials
• Professional Development Hours (PDH) Certificate
• Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea each day

Course Agenda:

Module 1: Fundamentals of Underground Excavation Stability Analysis

• Overview of rock masses, rock mechanics and underground excavation stability
• Measures of stability – Strength Factor, Damage Criteria, Deformations
• Fundamentals of solid mechanics including concepts of stress, strain and stress-strain relationships
• Overview of the Finite Element Method

Module 2: Comparison of 2D and 3D analysis:

• 2D vs 3D analysis of underground problems in rock
• Demonstration of example applications
  • The Convergence-Confinement method
  • Tunnel/shaft intersections
  • Pillar stresses

Module 3: Modelling underground stability with RS3

• 3D geometry creation and clean up
• Excavation and backfill staging
• Meshing and mesh refinement
• Applying joints and discrete fracture networks
• Interpretation and reporting of results in 3D
• Group exercise to create, compute and interpret example case study

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For any additional queries, please reach out to australia@rocscience.com.

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Course Instructors: