Advances in Engineering Geology of Rocks and Rock Masses

Dear Colleagues,

The physical–mechanical behavior of rock masses is a relevant topic for engineering geological practice as it conditions the realization and functionality of structures and infrastructures, both on- and underground, as well as the quality of life and economy with reference to slope instability phenomena, which are among the most hazardous natural events affecting our society. The study of rocks at different scales is therefore a scientific subject deserving continuous implementation in terms of casuistry, modeling, innovation, and solutions.

It is our pleasure to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue on “Advances in Engineering Geology of Rocks and Rock Masses” with one or more scientific studies. This Special Issue aims at collecting papers on rock mass numerical modeling, surveying technologies, new classification systems, and environmental problems, starting from the laboratory characterization of rocks and all the way to innovative methodologies. Topics can range from case studies bringing novelty and interest to the international state of the art to advances in rockfall stabilization solutions, and from the use of ground/aerial surveying technologies to the draft of thematic maps for planning purposes. Papers can also focus on, but need not be limited to, laboratory activity on intact rock, the behavior of rocks under different temperature and/or pressure conditions, and the effects of weathering on the use of rocks for construction or decorative purposes. The hydraulic conductivity of rocks is a further topic of interest for this Special Issue, which can be extended to hydrogeological studies on fractured aquifers, even regarding pollution or environmental issues. Rockfall hazard and risk assessment research is also welcomed, along with proposals on new methodology to quantify susceptibility and risk. Finally, innovation is an interesting aspect when dealing with rock mechanics; therefore, papers on any advances in the main theme are welcomed.

Dr. Simone Mineo
Prof. Dr. Giovanna Pappalardo
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.