The Rock Manual: revised guide on the use of rock in hydraulic engineering

An updated reference guide covering coastal, river and canal rock works, estuary and river closure works and works with large concrete armour units.

Documents

The Rock Manual: the use of rock in hydraulic engineering - summary (1.1MB) PDF

The Rock Manual. Defnyddio craig mewn peiriannu hydrolig (2il argraffiad) - Welsh summary (888KB) PDF

External link: The Rock Manual - technical report

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Details

Background

The Rock Manual was originally published in 1991 by CIRIA (Construction Industry Research and Information Association) and CUR (the Netherlands Centre for Civil Engineering Research and Codes). It described the use of rock in coastal and shoreline engineering. It was updated in 1995 by CUR to include the use of rock in dams and fluvial engineering. Since then, significant research has been carried out to develop our understanding of how rock behaves and to determine improved practices for hydraulic engineering.

Outcome

This new, updated version of the Rock Manual is a comprehensive reference guide covering:

  • rock works in rivers and canals
  • estuary and river closure works
  • coastal rock works

It also contains information on works with large concrete armour units. The content has been significantly updated from the previous versions and collates research data and technical information together with practical experience gained by practitioners.

The manual is based on work carried out between 2003 to 2006 by a team of over 100 international experts. It contains a summary of best practice on the use of rock in engineering works for rivers, coasts and seas. It also incorporates all the significant advances in knowledge that have occurred over the past 10 to 15 years. This ensures that this updated edition will retain its place as the number one reference guide worldwide for the use of rock in hydraulic engineering.

Updates to this page

Published 17 February 2021