Boundaries of rock mechanics recent. Advances and challenges for the 21st Century / Последние достижения в области механики горных пород. Достижения и вызовы 21 века

The International Young Scholars’ Symposium on Rock Mechanics 2008 has been organized by the ISRM Commission on Education and supported by the University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), China University of Mining and Technology (CUMT) and Chongqing University (CU), under the sponsorship of the International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) and the Chinese Society of Rock Mechanics and Engineering (CSRME).

Sincere thanks go to Professor J.A. Hudson, the ISRM President, for his support of the Symposium and kindness in writing the Preface of these Proceedings.

The contributions made by the Members of the International Advisory Committee, the Members of the Academic Committee and the Members of the Organizing Committee are greatly appreciated. Special acknowledgements go to Dr. M. Kwasniewski, Prof. R.W. Zimmerman, Dr. J.P. Harrison, Prof. J.-C. Roegiers, Prof. Y.J. Wang and Prof. H.H. Lai for their efforts in reviewing and revising the papers submitted to the Symposium.

Financial support for the Symposium from Guangdong Hongda Blasting Engineering Co. Ltd., Sinosteel Mining Co. Ltd, Pingdingshan Coal (Group) Co. Ltd., Mining Company of Capital Steel (Group) Co. and ITASCA Consulting Group. Inc. is also deeply appreciated