Ore extraction through surface and underground mining continues to involve deeper excavations in more complex rock mass conditions. Communities and infrastructure are increasingly exposed to rock slope hazards as they expand further into rugged mountainous terrains. Energy needs are accelerating the development of new hydroelectric dams and exploitation of more complex hydrocarbon deposits, such as oil sands. Scientists and engineers are seeking to improve their understanding and management of our planet and its environment through the development of deep, underground laboratories and storage facilities.

These two volumes serve as a comprehensive reference work, summarizing the current state-of-the-art in rock mechanics and rock engineering in Canada, the U.S. and beyond. The first volume of the proceedings presents papers describing new technologies, ideas and insights into fundamental rock mechanics. The second volume presents a collection of rock engineering case histories relevant to the major themes of the symposium: rock slope hazards, geotechnical infrastructure, surface and underground mining, and petroleum exploitation.

Rock Mechanics: Meeting Society's Challenges and Demands comprises the Proceedings of the 1st Canada-U.S. Rock Mechanics Symposium, held in Vancouver, Canada, from May 27 to 31, 2007, as jointly organized by the Canadian Rock Mechanics Association (CARMA) and the American Rock Mechanics Association (ARMA).