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Rock Mass Classification

The document discusses various rock mass classification schemes that are beneficial during the preliminary design stages of engineering projects, particularly when detailed information is scarce. It outlines several classification systems, including Terzaghi's classification, the Rock Quality Designation (RQD), Rock Structure Rating (RSR), and the Geomechanics Classification (RMR), each providing a framework for assessing rock mass quality and support requirements. Additionally, it highlights the importance of using these classifications cautiously and within their intended contexts.

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2 views

Rock Mass Classification

The document discusses various rock mass classification schemes that are beneficial during the preliminary design stages of engineering projects, particularly when detailed information is scarce. It outlines several classification systems, including Terzaghi's classification, the Rock Quality Designation (RQD), Rock Structure Rating (RSR), and the Geomechanics Classification (RMR), each providing a framework for assessing rock mass quality and support requirements. Additionally, it highlights the importance of using these classifications cautiously and within their intended contexts.

Uploaded by

melessedebela0942
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Rock mass

classification
• Introduction
• During the feasibility and preliminary design stages of a project, when very
little detailed information on the rock mass and its stress and hydrologic
characteristics is available, the use of a rock mass classification scheme can be
of considerable benefit.
• At its simplest, this may involve using the classification scheme as a check-list
to ensure that all relevant information has been considered.
• At the other end of the spectrum, one or more rock mass classification
schemes can be used to build up a picture of the composition and
characteristics of a rock mass to provide initial estimates of support
requirements, and to provide estimates of the strength and deformation
properties of the rock mass.
• It is important to understand that the use of a rock mass classification scheme
does not (and cannot) replace some of the more elaborate design procedures.
• Engineering rock mass classification
• Rock mass classification schemes have been developing for over 100
years since Ritter (1879) attempted to formalise an empirical
approach to tunnel design, in particular for determining support
requirements.
• While the classification schemes are appropriate for their original
application, especially if used within the bounds of the case histories
from which they were developed, considerable caution must be
exercised in applying rock mass classifications to other rock
engineering problems.
A. Terzaghi's rock mass classification

1) Intact rock contains neither joints nor hair cracks.


2) Stratified rock consists of individual strata with little or no resistance against
separation along the boundaries between the strata
3) Moderately jointed rock contains joints and hair cracks, but the blocks
between joints are locally grown together or so intimately interlocked that
vertical walls do not require lateral support.
4) Blocky and seamyrock consists of chemically intact or almost intact rock
fragments which are entirely separated from each other and imperfectly
interlocked.
5) Crushed but chemically intact rock has the character of crusher run.
6) Squeezing rock slowly advances into the tunnel without perceptible volume
increase.
7) Swellingrock advances into the tunnel chiefly on account of expansion.
B. Rock quality designation index (RQD)

• The Rock Quality Designation index (RQD) was developed by


Deere (Deere et al, 1967) to provide a quantitative estimate
of rock mass quality from drill core logs.
• RQD is defined as the percentage of intact core pieces longer
than 100 mm (4 inches) in the total length of core. The core
should be at least NW size (54.7 mm or 2.15 inches in
diameter) and should be drilled with a double-tube core
barrel.
• The correct procedures for measurement of the length of core
pieces and the calculation of RQD are summarised in Figure
4.1.
• RQD is intended to represent the rock mass quality in situ.
C. Rock Structure Rating (RSR)

• Wickham et al (1972) described a quantitative method for describing the quality of a


rock mass and for selecting appropriate support on the basis of their Rock Structure
Rating (RSR) classification.
• Most of the case histories, used in the development of this system, were for relatively
small tunnels supported by means of steel sets, although historically this system was the
first to make reference to shotcrete support.
• In spite of this limitation, it is worth examining the RSR system in some detail since it
demonstrates the logic involved in developing a quasi-quantitative rock mass
classification system
• The significance of the RSR system, in the context of this discussion, is that it introduced
the concept of rating each of the components listed below to arrive at a numerical value
of RSR= A+ B + C.
• Parameter A, Geology: General appraisal of geological structure
• Parameter B, Geometry: Effect of discontinuity pattern with respect to the direction of the tunnel
drive
• Parameter C: Effect of groundwater inflow and joint condition
D. Geomechanics Classification

• Bieniawski (1976) published the details of a rock mass classification called


the Geomechanics Classification or the Rock Mass Rating (RMR) system.
• Over the years, this system has been successively refined as more case
records have been examined and the reader should be aware that
Bieniawski has made significant changes in the ratings assigned to different
parameters.
• The following six parameters are used to classify a rock mass using the RMR
system:
• 1. Uniaxial compressive strength of rock material.
• 2. Rock Quality Designation (RQD).
• 3. Spacing of discontinuities.
• 4. Condition of discontinuities.
• 5. Groundwater conditions.
• 6. Orientation of discontinuities.
• Rock Mass Rating System (After Bieniawski, 1989).
Guidelines for excavation
and support of 10 m
span rock tunnels in
accordance with the
RMR system (After
Bieniawski, 1989).
E. Rock Tunnelling Quality Index, Q

• On the basis of an evaluation of a large


number of case histories of underground
excavations, Barton et al. (1974),of the
Norwegian Geotechnical Institute proposed
a Tunnelling Quality Index (Q) for the
determination of rock mass characteristics
and tunnel support requirements.
• The numerical value of the index Q varies
on a logarithmic scale from 0.001 to a
maximum of 1,000,and is defined by:

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