Hydraulic Rock Mechanics and Engineering: Recent Advances and Applications
Published 16 January, 2025
Recent advances in rock mechanics for hydropower engineering have highlighted the importance of understanding rock mass behavior under complex geological and engineering conditions. From high-dam foundations to ultra-long underground tunnels, the integration of state-of-the-art experimental techniques, numerical modelling and real-time monitoring technologies has become a necessity for addressing the multifaceted challenges of modern hydropower and hydroelectric projects.
Innovations such as digital twin technology, AI-driven predictive modelling and big data analytics enable more efficient, resilient and sustainable designs while enhancing current disaster prevention and mitigation strategies. Meanwhile, new materials, methods and equipment are pushing the boundaries of what is achievable in rock mechanics, offering solutions for high slopes, deep caverns and other critical infrastructure.
In line with the themes of the 9th Hydraulic Rock Mechanics Conference to be held in Chengdu, China, on 9–11 May 2025, we are pleased to invite submissions for a Special Issue of Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering.
Topics covered include but are not limited to:
- Rock Mechanics in Major Hydraulic and Hydropower Engineering
Key issues and challenges related to rock mechanics in large-scale hydraulic and hydropower projects, including rock mass behavior, stability analysis, and design considerations.
- Rock Mechanics for High-Dam Foundations
Rock mechanics considerations in the foundation design and stability analysis of high dams, focusing on rock mass properties, load distribution, and potential failure modes.
- Rock Mechanics for High-Steep Slopes and Landslides
Analysis and design methods for high-steep slopes and landslides, including stability evaluation, dynamical process simulations, and reinforcement and mitigation measures.
- Rock Mechanics in Ultra-Large Deep Underground Caverns
Addressing rock mechanics issues in the construction of large, deep underground chambers, including thermal, mechanical, and hydrological impacts on rock mass behavior.
- Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering
The use of AI, machine learning, and big data to enhance the analysis, prediction, and optimization of rock mechanics processes in hydraulic and hydropower projects.
- New Methods, Technologies, Materials, and Equipment in Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering
Innovations in rock mechanics methodologies, technologies, materials, and equipment aimed at improving the efficiency and safety of hydraulic and hydropower projects.
Guest Editors：
Dr. Jiawen Zhou, Sichuan University, China
Dr. Ke Ma, Dalian University of Technology, China
Dr. Zaobao Liu, Northeastern University, China (Corresponding guest editor)
Submission Guidelines:
Manuscripts should be submitted online at: https://www2.cloud.editorialmanager.com/deepre/default2.aspx
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process.
No Article Process Cost (APC) is required for articles.
Please contact the Guest Editors or DRE editorial office (deepre@mail.neu.edu.cn) for any question or query on this SI.
Submission deadline: 31 May 2025
