Integrating Innovations of Rock Mechanics: Proceedings of the 8th South American Congress on Rock Mechanics 2015

This proceedings volume contains papers of the 8th South American Congress on Rock Mechanics (SCRM) held in Buenos Aires (Argentina) from 15 to 18 November 2015. The VIII SCRM was a Regional Symposium for South America of the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM). Previous congresses have been held in Colombia (1982, 2006), Brazil (1986, 1998), Venezuela (1990), Chile (1994) and Peru (2010). After having traveled much of the continent, it is the first time that this congress was held in Argentina. On this occasion, Buenos Aires-2015 merged three important events for the geoprofessionals. In parallel, SAIG, the Argentinean Society of Geotechnical Engineering, organized the 15th Pan American Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering (XV PCSMGE), the 6th International Symposium on Characteristics of Deformation of Soils (IS-BA2015) and the XXII Argentinian Congress of Geotechnical Engineering (CAMSIG XXII). The motto of the Congress, Integrating innovations of rock mechanics and rock engineering into the geotechnical world, indicates cooperation links within the geotechnical community. This synergy brought together international experts, researchers, academics, professionals and geo-engineering companies in a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss current and future practices in the areas of soil mechanics, rock mechanics; and its applications in civil, energy, environmental, and mining engineering. Our goal and commitment was to organize meetings that will strengthen the link between academics and practitioners from North and South America. On behalf of the Organizing Committee, the editors express their appreciation for the contribution made by all the supporters, sponsors, ISRM National Groups, authors, and staff of secretariat, who have made this congress a success.