Rock mechanics is a multidisciplinary subject that uses the principles of mechanical science to investigate rock engineering behaviour. An important part of rock mechanics is laboratory studies of rock behaviour. Rock Mechanics – Theoretical Foundations of Laboratory Tests is the first book that introduces the theoretical foundations of laboratory testing in an analytical manner.

It covers all main aspects, from the definition and classification of intact rock, sampling and specimen preparation, petrographic description and physical properties, and wave velocity and dynamic elastic constants, via durability and deterioration, hardness and abrasiveness, seepage and permeability, and expansion and swelling, to compressive strength and deformability, tensile strength, and shear strength.

This book can be used as a textbook for undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students in engineering geology, civil engineering, geotechnical engineering and mining engineering (rock mechanics). It will also appeal to professionals in consulting engineering companies and rock mechanics laboratories, and to geological, civil and mining engineers.