RSE3060 Rock breakage
Faculty of Engineering
RSE3060 Rock breakage is a level 3, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Engineering, offered in 2026 in Semester 2 at Clayton. It needs ENG2005.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2026
- Semester 2
- Clayton
- Assessment
- No exam
- 3 tasks
- Workload
- 144 hours
- per semester
This is the 2026 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
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Requisites
Before RSE3060
Prerequisites
Pass these before you enrol.
After RSE3060
No unit lists RSE3060 as a prerequisite in the 2026 handbook.
Overview
This unit will address the mechanics and practical applications and current technologies in rock breakage through machine excavation and drilling and blasting. The machine excavation includes fundamentals of rock cutting, cutting with discs and design of cutter heads along with the assessment of rock cuttability applicable to soft and hard rock underground spaces, such as civil and water drainage tunnels and subways. The drilling and blasting component includes the impact of blasting not on the behaviour of rock mass properties, structure and discontinuities and rock breakage and fragmentation. Drilling and blasting techniques will be explored in relation to design, safety, security, environmental impacts and relevant legislation. This will be done in the context of mine-to-mill.
Offerings in 2026
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Second semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Assignment 1Written15%
- Assignment 2Written25%
- Assignment 3Presentation60%
Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Comprehend and explain the contribution of rock breakage to the mining process
- 2
Comprehend and explain the various methods of rock breakage
- 3
Apply and implement appropriate methods of drilling and rock breakage for given in-situ rock conditions
- 4
Apply fundamental principles to the design and selection of safe and efficient blasting to: a. Design blasts to achieve particular outcomes b. Manage and control blast damage and environmental impacts c. Evaluate productivity and economics
- 5
Analyse requirements for the security, storage and handling of explosives and recommend and justify safe handling systems
- 6
Communicate effectively as an individual or part of a team to colleagues and the community
Workload and teaching
- Practical activities24 hours
- Workshops24 hours
- Teaching approachProblem-based learning
- Teaching approachSimulation or virtual practice
- Teaching approachCase-based teaching
- Teaching approachActive learning
Th minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of 3-6 hours of scheduled learning activities and 6-9 hours independent study per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher-directed learning, peer-directed learning and online engagement. Independent study may include associated readings, assessment and preparation for scheduled activities.
You will engage in problem-based projects during workshops and assignments, applying your knowledge to solve real-world problems and develop critical thinking skills.
You will utilise software simulations to engage in virtual environments, enabling you to apply theoretical concepts, develop decision-making skills and gain practical experience, effectively preparing you for real-world challenges.
Through real and hypothetical cases, you will analyse and apply theories and principles to gain practical insights and enhance decision-making abilities.
This unit promotes active learning through workshops, allowing you to practice and apply concepts learned in lectures, focusing on design methods and real-world application.
Where it fits
RSE3060 is part of 3 areas of study in the 2026 handbook.
Contacts
- Chief Examiners
- Professor Jian Zhao
- Unit Coordinators
- Professor Jian Zhao
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for RSE3060?
You need ENG2005 before you enrol.
When is RSE3060 offered?
In 2026, RSE3060 runs in Semester 2 at Clayton.
How much work is RSE3060?
The handbook expects about 144 hours of study across the semester. No students have rated its difficulty yet.
Does RSE3060 have an exam?
No. RSE3060 has 3 assessment tasks and no exam.
Which majors and minors include RSE3060?
RSE3060 is part of Civil engineering, Environmental engineering and Mining engineering.