This book offers a practical reference guide to soft rock mechanics for engineers and scientists. Written by recognized experts, it will benefit professionals, contractors, academics, researchers and students working on rock engineering projects in the fields of civil engineering, mining and construction engineering. Soft Rock Mechanics and Engineering covers a specific subject of great relevance in Rock Mechanics - and one that is directly connected to the design of geotechnical structures under difficult ground conditions. The book addresses practical issues related to the geomechanical properties of these types of rock masses and their characterization, while also discussing advances regarding in situ investigation, safety, and monitoring of geotechnical structures in soft rocks. Lastly, it presents important case histories involving tunnelling, dam foundations, coal and open pit mines and landslides.

Underground geological storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) has considerable potential for mitigating climate change. CO2 can be safely injected and stored at well characterized and properly managed sites. Injecting carbon dioxide in deep geological formations can store it underground for long periods of time. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers and carboniferous formations can be used for storage of CO2, as well as in abandoned coal mines. At depths below about 800-1000m, CO2 has a liquid-like density that permits the efficient use of underground reservoirs in porous sedimentary rocks. The papers in the present volume are from leading experts in the field of CO2 storage and were presented at an International Workshop on CO2 Storage in Carboniferous Formations and Abandoned Coal Mines (Beijing, China, 8-9 January 2011). CO2 storage in abandoned coal mines appears to have a bright future. Although CO2 Storage in Carboniferous Formations and Abandoned Coal Mines is primarily intended for mining engineers, environmental engineers and engineering geologists, the book will also be useful to civil engineers, and academics and professionals in geophysics and geochemistry.

Identifying Emerging Trends in Technological Innovation Doctoral programs in science and engineering are important sources of innovative ideas and techniques that might lead to new products and technological innovation. Certainly most PhD students are not experienced researchers and are in the process of learning how to do research. Nevertheless, a number of empiric studies also show that a high number of technological innovation ideas are produced in the early careers of researchers. The combination of the eagerness to try new approaches and directions of young doctoral students with the experience and broad knowledge of their supervisors is likely to result in an important pool of innovation potential. The DoCEIS doctoral conference on Computing, Electrical and Industrial En- neering aims at creating a space for sharing and discussing ideas and results from doctoral research in these inter-related areas of engineering. Innovative ideas and hypotheses can be better enhanced when presented and discussed in an encouraging and open environment. DoCEIS aims to provide such an environment, releasing PhD students from the pressure of presenting their propositions in more formal contexts.

Tunnels have a high degree of risk that needs to be assessed and managed. Underground works intersect and interact with natural materials, incorporating their characteristics as structural components of their own stability. For this reason geotechnical risk analyses are implemented at all phases of tunnel construction, from design through to post-construction maintenance. Analysis of geotechnical risk involves a group of studies which lead to the identification and evaluation of the potential probability of error and the consequences of its occurrence. This volume considers construction and safety, financing and control, and exploration and maintenance. Eminent specialists discuss risk assessment and management, based both on advanced theoretical concepts and on practical experience. The book is of interest to a wide range of professionals involved in planning, construction and management of tunnels: entrepreneurs, designers, consultants and contractors.

Groundwater resources are facing increasing pressure from consuming and contaminating activities. There is a growing awareness that the quantitative and qualitative preservation of groundwater resources is a global need, not only to safeguard their future use for public supply and irrigation, but also to protect those ecosystems that depend partially or entirely on groundwater to maintain their species composition and natural ecological processes. Known as groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs), they have been a fast-growing field of research during the last two decades. This book is intended to provide a diverse overview of important studies on groundwater and ecosystems, including a toolbox for assessing the ecological water requirements for GDEs, and relevant case studies on groundwater/surface-water interactions, as well as the role of nutrients in groundwater for GDEs and ecosystem dependence (vegetation and cave fauna) on groundwater. Case studies are from Australia (nine studies) and Europe (12 studies from nine countries) as well as Argentina, Canada and South Africa. This book is of interest to everybody dealing with groundwater and its relationship with ecosystems. It is highly relevant for researchers, managers and decision-makers in the field of water and environment. It provides up-to-date information on crucial factors and parameters that need to be considered when studying groundwater-ecosystem relationships in different environments worldwide.

This book offers a practical reference guide to soft rock mechanics for engineers and scientists. Written by recognized experts, it will benefit professionals, contractors, academics, researchers and students working on rock engineering projects in the fields of civil engineering, mining and construction engineering. Soft Rock Mechanics and Engineering covers a specific subject of great relevance in Rock Mechanics - and one that is directly connected to the design of geotechnical structures under difficult ground conditions. The book addresses practical issues related to the geomechanical properties of these types of rock masses and their characterization, while also discussing advances regarding in situ investigation, safety, and monitoring of geotechnical structures in soft rocks. Lastly, it presents important case histories involving tunnelling, dam foundations, coal and open pit mines and landslides.

Identifying Emerging Trends in Technological Innovation Doctoral programs in science and engineering are important sources of innovative ideas and techniques that might lead to new products and technological innovation. Certainly most PhD students are not experienced researchers and are in the process of learning how to do research. Nevertheless, a number of empiric studies also show that a high number of technological innovation ideas are produced in the early careers of researchers. The combination of the eagerness to try new approaches and directions of young doctoral students with the experience and broad knowledge of their supervisors is likely to result in an important pool of innovation potential. The DoCEIS doctoral conference on Computing, Electrical and Industrial En- neering aims at creating a space for sharing and discussing ideas and results from doctoral research in these inter-related areas of engineering. Innovative ideas and hypotheses can be better enhanced when presented and discussed in an encouraging and open environment. DoCEIS aims to provide such an environment, releasing PhD students from the pressure of presenting their propositions in more formal contexts.

Since the 1990s five books on Applications of Computational Mechanics in Geotechnical Engineering have been published. Innovative Numerical Modelling in Geomechanics is the 6th and final book in this series, and contains papers written by leading experts on computational mechanics. The book treats highly relevant topics in the field of geotechnics, such as environmental geotechnics, open and underground excavations, foundations, embankments and rockfill dams, computational systems and oil geomechanics. Special attention is paid to risk in geotechnical engineering, and to recent developments in applying Bayesian networks and Data Mining techniques.

Innovative Numerical Modelling in Geomechanics will be of interest to civil, mining and environmental engineers, as well as to engineering geologists. The book will also be useful for academics and researchers involved in geotechnics.

Thousands of years ago, people first observed a correlation between the heavenly bodies and events on Earth. Out of these early observations and subsequent refinements came what today is known as astrology.For most of these millennia, astrologers used only the seven visible planets: Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. It is out of this tradition that Helena Avelar and Luis Ribeiro have written this extensive book on astrology. The rules and principles here presented apply to all branches of astrology natal, mundane, horary and elective. Their method is the traditional and time-honored one, and includes, among others, chapters on: The PlanetsThe Zodiac and the SignsThe Essential DignitiesThe HousesThe AspectsChart DynamicsThe Condition of the PlanetsThe Fixed StarsThe PartsThe Power of the PlanetsUsing this traditional method, it is possible not only to thoroughly and completely read the natal chart but to do so with a breadth and depth of meaning not found in the modern methods of astrological interpretation. It avoids cookbook-type methods and centers on the practical understanding of the astrological concepts, presenting the Tradition in present-day language. In addition, more than two hundred fifty illustrations make the traditional principles easy to understand and use in chart interpretation.This practical how-to book is one of a kind, and the one that will teach you the traditional methods and you reach into the past to benefit from the knowledge of the authors and astrologers from ancient Babylonia through the medieval period.It is suitable for both beginners and advanced students, as it provides the indispensable core of astrological knowledge, at the same time allowing more experienced students to organize their knowledge into a coherent system.

Forty one years ago, the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) held its 1st International Congress in Lisbon, Portugal. In July 2007, the 11th ISRM Congress returned to Lisbon, where the Portuguese Geotechnical Society (SPG), the Portuguese National Group of the ISRM, hosted the meeting. The Second Half Century of Rock Mechanics comprises the proceedings of the 11th ISRM Congress, and reviews how the discipline of Rock Mechanics has evolved over the past half century to become an important area of Geotechnical Engineering, and considers new perspectives and developments as well. The organization of the congress was co-sponsored by the Spanish Society for Rock Mechanics (SMR), who also organized two satellite workshops in Madrid ("Underground Works under Special Conditions" and "Preservation of Natural Stone and Rock Weathering"). The Congress also included another satellite workshop in the Azores ("2nd International Workshop on Volcanic Rocks"), several short courses, a selection of one-day technical tours in Portugal and other events. The Second Half Century of Rock Mechanics contains the complete papers presented by the ISRM National Groups, as well as transcripts of special lectures by invited speakers on key issues and recent research developments. The themes of general interest included: Rock Engineering and Environmental Issues; The Path from Characterization to Modelling; Slopes, Foundations and Open Pit Mining; Tunnel, Caverns and Underground Mining; Earthquake Engineering and Rock Dynamics; Petroleum Engineering and Hydrocarbon Storage; and Safety Evaluation and Risk Management. The Second Half Century of Rock Mechanics will be of interest to professionals, engineers, and academics involved in rock mechanics, rock engineering, tunnelling, mining, earth quake engineering, rock dynamics and geotechnical engineering.

Groundwater resources are facing increasing pressure from consuming and contaminating activities. There is a growing awareness that the quantitative and qualitative preservation of groundwater resources is a global need, not only to safeguard their future use for public supply and irrigation, but also to protect those ecosystems that depend partially or entirely on groundwater to maintain their species composition and natural ecological processes. Known as groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs), they have been a fast-growing field of research during the last two decades. This book is intended to provide a diverse overview of important studies on groundwater and ecosystems, including a toolbox for assessing the ecological water requirements for GDEs, and relevant case studies on groundwater/surface-water interactions, as well as the role of nutrients in groundwater for GDEs and ecosystem dependence (vegetation and cave fauna) on groundwater. Case studies are from Australia (nine studies) and Europe (12 studies from nine countries) as well as Argentina, Canada and South Africa. This book is of interest to everybody dealing with groundwater and its relationship with ecosystems. It is highly relevant for researchers, managers and decision-makers in the field of water and environment. It provides up-to-date information on crucial factors and parameters that need to be considered when studying groundwater-ecosystem relationships in different environments worldwide.