Abstract: Based on the achievements of the rock mechanics major by professionals in Changjiang (Yangtze) River Scientific Research Institute in the past decade, this paper presents a review on the new developments of rock mechanics in hydraulic engineering and their applications. The contents include: fundamental theories and numerical methods, testing methods and technologies for rock mechanics, geo-stress measurement technique and methods for stress field simulations,geophysical and advanced detection technologies for rock masses,anchor support and reinforcement technologies for rock masses and structures, and their applications and practices in rock engineering. The forthcoming challenges in terms of understanding, utilizing and reinforcing rock masses in the profession of rock mechanics in hydraulic engineering are also expounded. The core issues of future research include: nonlinear properties of rock mechanics, continuous-discontinuous media mechanics, evaluation of cross-scale mechanical properties,multi-field coupling,and rock mechanics under dynamic conditions of high seismic intensity, etc.

Key words: rock mechanics, rock mechanics in hydraulic engineering, research development, engineering application, reviews, Yangtze River Scientific Research Institute