Planetary Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering with Emphasis on Mars

Planetary Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering with Emphasis on Mars presents a pioneering exploration of rock mechanics principles applied to celestial bodies beyond Earth. Emerging from the author's establishment of the Planetary Rock Mechanics Commission within ISRM in 2019, this comprehensive work analyses spectacular imagery from Mars, the Moon and Venus rovers, plus spacecraft data from comets and asteroids, to develop theoretical frameworks for understanding extraterrestrial rock behavior and engineering challenges. The book offers unique insights into planetary rock formations, weathering processes, discontinuity patterns, and slope stability phenomena across the Solar System. Key features include detailed Martian geological analysis, comparative studies of terrestrial planetary bodies, and practical applications for underground cavity stability and impact crater formation. Readers benefit from comprehensive coverage of fundamental laws adapted for planetary conditions, stress state analysis of celestial bodies, and seismic activity patterns beyond Earth. Special attention is given to similarities between Earth's Salda Lake and Mars's Jezero Crater, providing valuable geological analogues. This essential resource serves rock mechanics and engineering communities, academic researchers in planetary science and geological engineering, graduate students, and industry professionals in space mining and exploration missions. The book appeals to interdisciplinary researchers studying celestial bodies for scientific, commercial, or colonization purposes, offering foundational knowledge in planetary material mechanics and extraterrestrial engineering challenges.

• Publication date: 4 September 2026
• Page count: 222
• Dimensions: Height 246 mm; Width 174 mm
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Format: Hardback
• ISBN-13: 9781041081227