Swelling rock is a common geological medium encountered in geotechnical engineering

of which the swelling-shrinkage mechanism is very complicated. The swelling-shrinkage mechanism is analysed in the paper with stress laid on the disaster caused by swelling rock in tunnel and slope engineering and the controlling treatments

which include the support of tunnel with soft wall-rock

the reinforcement of tunnel with local deformation

the treatment of tunnel floor heave and some treatment methods for slope engineering

such as dewatering

support

truncation and building up platform. It is suggested to reduce activity and increase mechanical stability of structure in tunnel and slope engineering

applying integrated method of controlling swelling and adapting swelling.