Overview
ISO 22932-3:2023 - Mining - Vocabulary - Part 3: Rock mechanics is the first-edition ISO vocabulary that standardizes rock‑mechanics terminology used in mining. Published June 2023 by ISO/TC 82 (Mining), the document specifies rock‑mechanics terms commonly used in mining and includes only those terms that have a specific meaning in this field. The standard supports consistent communication among engineers, researchers and regulators by defining core concepts without normative references.
Key Topics
The standard organizes terms into clear thematic sections. Major topics covered include:
- General rock terminology: rock, rock material, rock mechanics, weathering, abrasion, angle of repose
- Stress: definitions and states (stress, normal/tensile/shear stress, hydrostatic, biaxial/triaxial/uniaxial states), effective stress, residual/primary/secondary stress, stress concentration factor, Kirsch’s equation, k‑value, Mohr’s envelope and internal friction angle
- Strain and deformation: strain types, elastic vs inelastic deformation, plasticity, ductility, brittleness, creep and relaxation, elastic strain energy
- Rock mass and discontinuities: rock mass concepts and discontinuity-related terms (fractures, joints, micro‑fractures)
- Anisotropy & inhomogeneity: language to describe directional and spatial mechanical variations in rock
- Mechanical behaviour: failure, cohesion, friction coefficient, dilatancy, yield stress, stability and related behaviour descriptors
- Physical properties: terms for material properties relevant to testing and modelling (porosity, permeability, etc. - as defined in the standard)
- Modelling and testing vocabulary: finite element, hydraulic fracturing, stress ellipsoid and related procedural terms
Applications and Users
ISO 22932-3:2023 is a reference tool for anyone involved in mining and rock mechanics who needs unambiguous terminology:
- Mining and geotechnical engineers and designers
- Rock‑mechanics and geomechanics consultants
- Mine planners and safety/regulatory professionals
- Researchers, educators and students in mining and civil engineering
- Standards writers and technical authors producing reports, specifications, or contracts
Practical uses include writing technical specifications, preparing geotechnical reports, comparing test results, model interpretation, regulatory compliance and international project collaboration.
Related standards
- Other parts of the ISO 22932 mining vocabulary series (see ISO website for the complete list)
- National and international geotechnical and testing standards referenced in practice (consult ISO Online Browsing Platform or your national standards body for cross‑references)
For procurement and authoritative definitions, obtain ISO 22932-3:2023 from the ISO Online Browsing Platform or your national standards body.
