This book deals with the geotechnical aspects of the design of underground openings for mining and civil engineering purposes. It contains a number of worked examples to assist the reader in applying the techniques described to his or her own problems. The data are presented under the following chapter headings: (1) planning considerations; (2) classification of rock masses; (3) geological data collection; (4) graphical presentation of geological data; (5) stresses around underground excavations; (6) strength of rock and rock masses; (7) underground excavation failure mechanisms; (8) underground excavation support design; (9) rockbolts, shotcrete and mesh; (10) blasting in underground excavations; (11) instrumentation. Several appendices deal with: isometric drawing charts, stresses around single openings, two-dimensional boundary element stress analysis, determination of material constants, underground wedge analysis, and conversion factors. A very extensive bibliography is included.