This long-awaited volume, written specifically for petroleum workers, explores the fundamental concepts of rock mechanics along with various petroleum-related applications. Emphasis is placed on the weak sedimentary rocks which normally fall between traditional rock mechanics and soil mechanics. Elasticity, failure mechanics, acoustic wave propagation, and geological aspects of rock materials are all detailed. Application areas discussed include: stability during drilling, sand production, fracturing and reservoir compaction. Methods for acquisition of data from field and laboratory analyses are also described.Engineers and geologists in the petroleum industry will find this book a powerful resource in providing a basis of rock mechanical knowledge - a knowledge which can greatly assist in the understanding of field behaviour, design of test programmes and the design of field operations.