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Rock Mass Classification

ROCK MASS CLASSIFICATION

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Rock Mass Classification

ROCK MASS CLASSIFICATION

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amitjustamit
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Nuew % GMB, 1106397 Chapter 8 Rock Mass Properties and Classfcations 1 CHAPTER 6 ROCK MASS PROPERTIES AND CLASSIFICATIONS Rock mass property is governed by the properties of intact rock materials?and of the discontinuities in the rock. The behaviour if rock mass is also influenced by the conditions the rock mass is subjected to, primarily the in situ stress and groundwater. The quality of a rock mass quality can be quantified by means of rock mass classifications. This Chapter addresses. rock mass properties and rock mass classifications. 6.1 Rock Nighi Pkopérties and. Quality 6.1.1 Properties Governing Rock Mass Behaviour Rock mass is a matrix consisting of rock material and rock discontimitie®. As discussed cay, rock discontinuity that distributed extensively in rock mass is predominantly joins, Faults, bedding planes and dyke intrusions are localised features and therefore ‘re dealt individually, Properties of rock mass therefore are governed by the parameters? ‘of rock joints and rock material, as well as boundary conditions as listed in Table 6.1.1a. ‘Table 6.1.14 Prime parameters goveming rock mass property Joint Parameters | Material Parameters | Boundary Conditions ‘Number of joint sets ‘ompressive strength | Groundwater pressure and Orientation Modulus of elasticity flow Spacing In situ stress Aperture Surface roughness, Weathering and alteration The behaviour of rock changes from continuous elastic of intact rock materials to discontinues running of highly fractured rock masses. The existence of rock joints and ‘ther discontinuities plays important role in governing the behaviour and properties ofthe rock mass, as illustrated in Figure 6.1.12. Chapter 4 has covered the properties of intact rock materials, and Chapter $ has dealt with rocks contains 1 or 2 localised joints with ‘emphasis on the properties of joints. When a rock mass contains several joints, the rock ‘mass can be treated a jointed rock mass, and sometimes also termed a Hoek-Brown rock ‘mass, that can be described by the Hoek-Brown criterion (discussed later). 6.1.2. Classification by Rock Load Factor (Terzaghi 1946) Based in extensive experiences in steel arch supported ral tunnels in the Alps, Terzaghi (1946) classified rock mass by mean of Rock Load Factor. The rock mass is classified ~ Chapter 6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 2 into 9 classes from hard and intact rock to blocky, and to squeezing rock. The concept used in this classification system is to estimate the rock load to be carried by the steel arches installed to support a tunnel, as illustrated in Figure 6.1.2a. The classification is presented by Table 6.1.2a. Figure 6.1.20 ‘Terzaghis rock load concept. For obtaining the support pressure (p) from the rock load factor (H,), Terzagh suggested the equation below, P= Hp7H ‘where 7 is the unit weight of the rock mass, H is the tunnel depth or thickness of the overburden. ‘Attempts have been made to link Rock Load Factor classification to RQD. As suggested by Deere (1970), Class I is corresponding to RQD 95-100%, Class Il to RQD 90-99%, Class Il to RQD 85-95%, and Class 1V to RQD 75-85%. — Singh and Goel (1999) gave the following comments to the Rock Load Factor classification: (@) _tprovides reasonable support pressure estinats for small tunnels with diameter up to.6 metres. (©) _Itgives overestimates for large tunnels with diameter above 6 metres, (©) The estimated support pressure has a wide range for squeezing and swelling rock conditions for a meaningful application, 6.1.3. Classification by Active Span and Stand-Up Time (Stini 1950, Lauffer 1958) ‘The concept of active span and stand-up time is illustrated in Figure 6.1.3a and Figure 6.1.3b. Active span is in fat the largest dimension of the unsupported tunnel section Stand-up time isthe length of time which an excavated opening with a given active span ‘ean stand without any mean of support o reinforcement. Rock clases from A to G are assigned according to the stand-up time for a given active span. Use of active span and stand-up time will be further discussed in later sections. Figure 6.1.38 Definition of active span, Figure 6.1.3b Relationship between active span and stand-up time and rock mass classes. Class A is very good and Class G is very poor. Chapter 6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications by Terzaghi for stel arch supported tunnels Teck Led Factor Hp Gand in fen) ‘ ing require only if spalling or popping ours Tigh suppor for roeoion aga owosis spalig Load may change between layers owe Light suppor for protection aginst 258 saling. o2sBw035@+H) — | Nosite pressure @3s01.n@+H) Linton sie pressure Leen (162) 6+8) requed Claris resonmended. ais Br Tock volume expands (and advances fo ‘pi 250 fee ieapecve | Cols ibsrequed In exreme ass of lay nara nthe rock at the preseee of mete, of Band se yielding support 10 VI seduces 20-28%, Chapter 6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 4 6.1.4 Rock Quality Designation (RQD) (Deere 1964) Rock quality designation (RQD) was introduced in 1960s, as an attempt to quantify rock mass quality. Table 6.1.2a reproduces the proposed expression of rock mass quality classification according to RD. As discussed earlier, RQD only represents the degree of fracturing of the rock mass. It does not account for the strength of the rock or mechanical and other geometrical properties of the joints. Therefore, RQD partially reflecting the rock mass quality ‘Table 6.1.2a Rock mass quality classification according to RQD [Ro Rock Mass Quality <25 Very poor. _ _ 25 30 Poor Fair Good | Excellent RQD has been widely accepted as a measure of fracturing degree of the rock mass. his, parameter has been used in the rock mass classification systems, including the RMR and the Q systems. ‘Chapter 6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 8 62. Rock Mass Rating— RMR §; BZ 62.1 Concept of RMR System £1973, 1989) “The rock mass rating (RMR) system is a rock mass quality classification developed by South Afican Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), close asociated with excavation for the mining industry (Bieniawski 1973). Originally, this geomechanics classification system incorporated eight parameters. The RMR system in use now incomporates five baie parameters below. (2) Strength of intact rock material: Uniaxial compressive strength is preferred. For rock of moderate to high strength, point load index is acceptable. ©) ROD: RQD is used as described before, (6). Spacing of joints: Average spacing of all rock discontinuities is used, (@ Condition of joints: Condition includes joint aperture, persistence, roughness, joint surface weathering and alteration, and presence of infiling (©) Groundwater conditions: It is to account for groundwater inflow in excavation stability Table [Link] is the RMR classification updated in 1989. Part A of the table shows the RMR classification with the above 5 parameters. Individual rate for each parameter is obtained from the property of each parameter. The weight of each parameter has already considered in the rating, for example, maximum rating for joint condition is 30 while for rock strength is 15. The overall basic RMR rate isthe sum of individual rates. Influence of joint orientation on the stability of excavation is considered in Part B of the same table. Explanation of the descriptive terms used is given table Part C. With adjustment made to account for joint orientation, a final RMR rating is obtained, it can be also expresses in rock mass class, as shown in Table 6.2.1b. The table also gives the ‘meaning of rock mass classes in terms of stand-up time, equivalent rock mass cohesion and friction angle. RMR was applied to comelate with excavated active span and stand-up time, as shown in Figure 6.2.1a. This correlation allow engineer to estimate the stand-up time for a given span and a given rock mass. Chapter 6 Rock Mass Propertcs and Classifications Table 62.14 Rock mass classification RMR system (@) Five basic rock mass classification parameters and thelr ratings 1 Peatiadsvaghini ap) | >I] 9] Uninc coment sengh ns | =280 | 100-280 sowivo | ascs0 | 5-25 tae 0 is wo | 5 TCs bas pipe eo a aaa aa = ri menial eal | Shae aac tiem | suesiam ks ssn ih [thigh a SSeS ae 0 0 nr Sraclemdierstnentin sais comply éy| damp | wwe | depte | towne (b) Rating adjustment for joint orientations ‘very favourable [favourable fir Toros 3 = = [ops a =s a Coren rng a Seite poncionmmtone «| Dp =a Dip 45°90" | Dip 20°-45° | Dip 45°-90° | Dip 20°-45° | Dip 45°—90° | Dip 20°—45° | itrespective of srike ver tnowtie_| tue fe | nate | vey anivoutie | oe Chapter 6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 7 Table 62.1 Rock mass classes determined from total ratings and meaning. ROR Ratings | Si-100 | o-80 [ao | 21-w | <5 Rock mass lass x B é D E Description wey #904 | goodrock | thiroek | poorrock | YEO Groans [7 weak for | iO hows [30 minutes ‘Average stand-up | 10 year for time 1S mspan [Rock mass cohesion |. - ~ ~ - coy >400 | 300-400 | 200-300 | 100-200 | <100 ockmass ition FS 4s | 35e—ase | ase—ase | ase—as |< ise for 2.5m | for 0.5m span | span ‘Smspan Figure 6.2.18 Stand-up time and RMR quality 62.2. Examples of using RMR System (@) A granite rock mass containing 3 joint sels, average RQD is 88%, average joint spacing is 0.24 m, joint surfaces are generally stepped and rough, tightly closed and ‘unweathered with occasional stains observed, the excavation surface is wet but not tipping, average rock material uniaxial compressive strength is 160 MPa, the tunne! is excavated to 150 m below the ground where no abnormal high in situ stress is expected. Selection of RMR parameters and calculation of RMR are shown below: Rock maril swength | T6oMPa Raing | 12 ROD (%) 88% Rating | _17 Soin spacing (wm) 024m Rating |_10 Condition of joints ‘very rough unweathered, no separation | Rating _| 30 [Groundwater wet | Rating [7 RMR | 76 ‘The calculated basic RMR is 76, It falls in rock class B which indicates the rock mass is ‘of good quality. (b) A sandstone rock mass, fractured by 2 joint sets plus random fractures, average RQD is 70%, average joint spacing is 0.11 m, joint ‘surfaces are slightly rough, highly ‘weathered with stains and weathered surface but no clay found on surface, joints are generally in contact with apertures generally less than I mm, average rock material (Chapter 6 Rock Mass Properties and Ctassifications 8 uniaxial compressive strength is 85 MPa, the tunnel is to be excavated at 80 m below szound level and the groundwater table is 10 m below the ground surface. Here, groundwater parameter is not directly given, but given in terms of groundwater pressure of 70 m water head and overburden pressure of 80 m ground. Since there is no indication of in situ stress ratio, overburden stress is taken as the major in situ stress as an approximation. Joint water pressure = groundwater pressure ~ 70 m > tw In situ stress = Overburden pressure = 80 mx 7 Joint water pressure /In sita stress = (70 x 1/(80x 2.7) Selection of RMR parameters and calculation of RMR are shown below: Rock material rena MPa fans [7 ROD. 70% Rating | 15 in spacing Gap Gime Rang [8 Condition of joints slightly rough, highly ‘weathered, separation < | Rating 20 Groundvater ater posure “O32 Rae [4 [ave [32] The calculated basic RMR is 52. It falls in rock class C which indicates the rock mass is of fair quality (©) A highly fractured siltstone rock mass, found to have 2 joint sets and many random fractures, average RQD is 41%, joints appears continuous observed in tunnel, joint surfaces are slickensided and undulating, and are highly weathered, joint are separated by about 3-5 mm, filled with clay, average rock material uniaxial compressive strength is 65 MPa, inflow per 10 m tunnel length is observed at approximately 50 litre/minute, with considerable outwash of join fillings. The tunnel is at 20 m below ground. In the above information, joint spacing is not provided. However, RQD is given and from the relationship between RQD and joint frequency, itis possible to caleulate average joint spacing, with the equation below, 1006 ROD on 4) Joint frequency is estimated to be 20, which gives average joint spacing 0.05 m Selection of RMR parameters and calculation of RMR are shown below: [Rock material srengih Ghia Rang [7 RQD (%6) 41% Rating |_8 Chapter 6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 9 Joint spacing (m) 005m Rating | 5 [Condition ofjoints | continuous, stickensided, separation 1-Smm | Rating 10 Groundwater inflow = 50 Vinin Rating | 4 RMR | 34 ‘The calculated basic RMR is 34. It falls in rock class D'which indicates the rock mass is of poor quality Judgement often is needed to interpret the information given in the geological and hydrogeological investigation reports and in the borehole logs to match the descriptive terms in the RMR table. Closest match and approximation is to be used to determine cach of the RMR parameter rating. 6.2.3. Extension of RMR — Slope Mass Rating (SMR) ‘The slope mass rating (SMR) is an extension of the RMR system applied to rock slope engineering. SMR value is obtained by adjust RMR value with orientation and excavation adjustments for slopes, ie, SMR = RMR + (FrFrFs) + Fe where Fy=(1- sin Ay? and A= angle between the strikes ofthe slope and the joint Fr= (ian By? joint dip angle ~ 8. For topping, F= 1.0 Value of F;, F: and Fare given in Table 6.2.38. Table 6.2.3b gives the classification category of rock mass slope. Details on rock slope analysis and engineering including excavation methods and support and stabilisation will be covered in a later chapter dealing slope engineering. Chapter 6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 10 Table 6.23a Adjustment rating of FF, Fs and Fy for joints Joint Orientation g VET. Favourable Fair Unfavourable [Link]% ute re) 330 wa CSCS 1 (@)-@)-180, >30 30-20 4010-5 s F,_(eP &1) 01s 040 0.70 085 1.00 Pl =20 20303035 ——«aS-AS >a F2 (rr) ous 040 070 oss 1.00 F2_(iorT) 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00, 1.00 PB-B >I0 10-0 o o=10 =10 fr 5+, <0 e120 >120 ~ ~ Fs (erPat) ° 6 25 so 0 Method Natural slope Presiting Smooth Wasting Blasing/Ripping Deficient basing fe so Table 6.23a Classification of Rock Slope according to SMT. SMR Class Description Stability Failure Support 1-101 Very good Completely sable None ‘None 6-80 Good Stable Someblocks Spot ait ally stable Somejointor systematic 41-60 tL Fi Partially stable Somejoinsor sy table Paar orTarge Important 240 Poor Unstab Paras Important / 020 Very Poor Completely Largs wedges or Re excavation stable ireular failure Chapter 8 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications " 63 Rock Tunnel Quality Q-System 63.1 Concept of the Q-System The Q-system was developed as a rock tunnelling quality index by the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGD (Barton et al 1974). The system was based on evaluation of @ large number of case histories of underground excavation stability, and is an index for the determination of the tunnelling quality of a rock mass. The numerical value of this index Q is defined by: RQD I In tn Jy SRF Q RQD is the Rock Quality Designation measuring the fracturing degree. Iq isthe joint set umber accounting for the number of joint sets, J; is the joint roughness number accounting for the joint surface roughness. J, is the joint alteration number indicating the degree of weathering, alteration and filling. Jy is the joint water reduction factor accounting for the problem from groundwater pressure, and SRF is the stress reduction factor indicating the influence of in situ stress. [Link] is considered as a fnetion of only three parameters hich are erude measures (@) Block size: RQD/5, (b) Inter-block shear strength —J,/ Jy (©) Active stress Je/ SRE Parameters and rating of the Q system is given in Table 6.3.18. The classification system gives a Q value which indicates the rock mass quality, shown in Table 63.1b. Q value is applied to estimate the support measure for a tunnel of a given dimension and usage, as shown in Figure 6.3.1a, Equivalent dimension is used in the figure and ESR is given in Table [Link]. tuivalent dimension, Dew EX¢®ation span, diameter or height (rm) Equivalent dis D ccavation Support Ratio (ESR) ‘Chapter 6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 2 Table 6.3.14 Rock mass classification Q system T,_ Rock Quality Designation ROD ‘A Very Poor 0-25 B Poor 25-50 Cc Fair 50-75 D Good 75-90 E__ Excellent 90 ~ 100 "Nie: (@) Where ROD is reported or measured as 210 (including 0), a nominal value of 10s Used fo evaluate Q. (i) RQD interval ofS, Le, 100, 95,90, et, are sufficiently veut 2,_Joint Set Number ‘A Massive, no or ew joints BB Onejoint set © One joint set plus random joints D — Twojoint set E F G u 1 ‘Two joint set plus random joints Three join set ‘Thre joint set plus random joints Four or more joint sets, heavily jointed Crushed rock, earhlike [Naie!_() For intersections, use 0% J.) Gi) For poral use 0% 1). '3._Joint Roughness Number I (@)_Rock-wall contact, and (6) Rock wall contact before 10 em shear ‘A Discontinuous jats 7 1B Roughorirregular, undulating 3 © Smooth, undulating 2 D__Slickensided, undulating is E Rough or iregalar, planar 1s F Smooth, planar 10 G_Slickensided, planar os [Note:() Descriptions refer to small and intermediate scale Features, in that onder (@)_Noreck-wall contact when sheared Zone containing clay minerals thick enough to prevent rock-wall contact 10 J.___ Sandy, gravelly or crushed zone thick enough to prevent rock-wall eontact_| 1.0 "Nie! (i) Add 1.0if the mean spacing ofthe relevant joint set 3 m, (i) J,~ 05 san be used {or planar slickensided joints having linations, provided the lineations are oriented for ‘minimum strength. ‘Joint Alteration Namber re (@)Rock-wall contact (no mineral flings, only coatings) “Tight healed, bard, non-softening, impermeable filling Le, = 075 quartz or epidote }8 —Unaltered join walls, surface staining only 25-38" 10 © Slightly altered joint walls, Non-softening mineral coating, | 25-30" 20 sandy particles, clay-free disintegrated rock, etc. D__Silly- orsandy-clay costings, small clay fraction (non- 20-25" 30 softening) E Softening or low friction mineral coatings, ie, kaolinite or | 8-16" 40 mica. Also chlorite, tale, gypsum. graphite, ct. and small Chapter 6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 13 quantities of swelling clays (@)_ Rock wall contact before 10 2m shear (thin mineral filings) F 6 H 1 ‘Sandy partite, clay-fee disintegrated rock, ete Strongly over-consolidated non-softening clay mineral 16-24" filings (continuous, but < 5 mm thickness) ‘Medium or ow over-consalidated softening clay mineral | 12~ 16° filling (continuous, but <5 mm thickness) ‘Swelling-clay fillings, i.e, montmorillonite (continuous, but | 612° 10 blasting, decaying with time Exceptionally high inflow or water pressure > 10 (kg/em’) continuing without noticeable d 02-04 01-008 Nols: @) Factors C to F are crude estimates. Tnoreaso if drainage measures are Tntalled 'n) Special problems caused by ice formation are not considered _Siress Reduction Factor Tos (@ Weakness zones intersecting excavation, which may cause loosening of rock mass when tunnel is excavated x B ic D E F G Mulipteoscureneas of weakness Danes containing clay or chemically disintegrated rock, very lose sunounding rock (any depth) Single weakness zone containing clay or chemically disitegrated rock (Gepth of excavation 5 50 m) Single weakness ne containing clay o chemically disintegrated rock (Gepth oF excavation > 50 m) Muliple shear zones in competent rock (cl fre) (depth of excavation < som Single shear zone in competent rock (clay-fre) (depth of excavation < 50 2) Single shear zone in competent rock (lay-feee) (depth of excavation > 50 ») Loose, open joint, heavily jointed (any depth) 70 5 2s 75 5 25 5 NOW () Reduce SRF value by 25-50% if the relevant shear zones ony Influsnce but bot Intersect the excavation, Chapter 6 Rock Mass Properties end Ciassifications 4 Chapter6 Rock Mass Properties and Ctassifications 18 ()__Competent rock, rock stress problems oo, | elo, | SRF TH Low tess, near surface, open joints >200 [| <00l | 25 J Medium stress, favourable stress condition 200-10 | ao1- 1 0.03 K High sess, very tight sroctare. Usually 1o-s }o3-o4] 05-2 favourable stability, may be unfavourable to wall. stability L— Moderate slabbing after> I hourin massive rock | $~3 Jas-o6s| 5-50 M__Slabbing and rock burst after a few minutes in 3-2 | 06-1] 50-200 massive rock NN Heavy rock burst strain-burst and immediate <2 | 1 | 200-400 10, reduce ae 100.5 og; where oy isunconfined ‘Compressive strength, oj and oy sre major and minor prinepal tresses, and Os is ‘maximum tangential sess (estimated from elastic theory) (i) Few cases records Available where depth of erow below surface is less than span Width Suggest SRF Increase from 2.5 to 5 for such cases (see H). (Squeezing rock: plastic low in incompetent rock under the wale. | SRF influence of high rock pressure Mild squeezing rock pressure T=5 | 3-10 P___Heavy squeezing rock pressure 5 10-20 Nore: (vi) Cases of squeezing rock may occur fy depih > 350 0" Rock mass compressive strength can be estimated from Q=77 Q'9 (MPa), where y= rock density in glen (Selling rock: chemical swelling activity depending on presence of water ‘SRF Mile swelling rock pressure 3-10 S___ Heavy swell rock pressure 10-15 Stability both from the point of view of orientation and shear resistance. Note: Iv and Ja classification 1s applied to the join sel or Gscontnalty thats least Tavourable for Table 63.1b Rock mass quality rating according to Q values value ‘4001000 fA 100~400 A Extremely Good 40~ 100 A Very Good 10~40 B Good 4~10 c Fair 1x4 D Poor O1~t E Very Poor 0.01 ~0.1 F Extremely Poor 0.001 ~ 0.01 G Exceptionally Poor Chapter § Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 16 ‘Table 63.1¢ Excavation Support Ratio (ESR) for various tunnel categories Excavation Category ESR ‘A_| Temporary mine openings. 3-5 ip | Permanent mine openings, water tunnels for hydro-electric 16 projects, pilot tunnels, drifts and headings for large excavations. Storage rooms, water treatment plants, minor read and railway | tunnels, surge chambers and access tunnels in hydro-electric 13 project. ‘p_| Underground power station caverns, major road and railway Lo |__| tunnets, civil defense chamber, tunnel portals and intersections. Underground nuclear power stations, railway stations, sports and o8 public facilities, underground factories. 63.2. Examples of Using the Q-System (@) A granite rock mass containing 3 joint sets, average RQD is 88%, average joint spacing is 0.24 m, joint surfaces are generally stepped and rough, tightly closed and uunweathered with ‘occasional stains observed, the excavation surface is wet but not ripping, average rock material uniaxial compressive strength is 160 MPa, the tunnel is excavated to 150 m below the ground where no abnormal high in situ stress is expected, Selection of Q parameters and calculation of Q-value are shown below: 8% ROD [8 Bets Je 9 Tough stepped (undulating) 1 3 ‘unaltered, some stains I T Joint water factor “wet only (dry excavation or minor inflow) Je 1 ‘Stress redvetion factor {5d = 1601(150«0,02T) = 39.5 SRF 1 O 89) GDA) a ‘The calculated Q-value is 29, and the rock mass is classified as good quality. (b) A sandstone rock mass, fractured by 2 joint sets plus random fractures, average ROD is 70%, average joint spacing is 0.11 m, joint surfaces are slightly rough, highly ‘weathered with stains and weathered surface but no clay found on surface, joints are Chapter6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 7 generally in contact with apertures generally less than 1 mm, average rock material “uniaxial compressive strength is 85 MPa, the tunnel is to be excavated at 80 m below ‘around level and the groundwater table is 10 m below the ground surface. Selection of Q parameters and calculation of Q-value are shown below: ROD 10% RQD | ame Tea tfc a Pontensonete | Wiiretetaecst | Teint water factor “FOmwaterhead=7kg/em'=Tbare | Ta o5_| Stress reduction ocior od6,=85(8000027)=393 | SRF | 1 | iQ (7016) (1572) (057) 44 ‘The calculated Q-value is 4.4, and the rock mass is classified as fair quality. (©) A highly fractured siltstone rock mass, found to have 2 joint sets and many random fractures, average RQD is 41%, joints appears continuous observed in tunnel, joint surfaces are slickensided and undulating, and are highly weathered, joint are separated by about 3-5 mm, filled with clay, average rock material uniaxial compressive strength is 65 MPa, inflow per 10 m tunnel length is observed at approximately 50 litre/minute, with considerable outwash of joint fillings. The tunnel is at 220 m below ground. Selection of Q parameters and calculation of Q-value are shown below: [ROD a RQ | a int act mumber 2eis plus random i 6 Joint roughness number slickensided and undulating i 15 Joint alteration number | highly weathered filled with 3-5 mm clay 3, 4 Toint wate foctor large inflow with considerable outwash | 038 ‘Stress reduction factor ‘do = 651220%0.027) = 11 SRE 1 Q (4106) (1.514) (03/1) 0.85 ‘The calculated Q-value is 0.85, and the rock mass is classified as very poor quality Again, judgement is frequently needed to interpret the descriptions given in the geological and. hydrogeological investigation reports and in the borehole logs to match the descriptive terms in the Q table. Closest match and approximation is to be used to determine each of the Q parameter rating, 6.3.3 Extension of Q-System — Qray for Mechanised Tunnelling. Chapter6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 18 Q-system was extended to a new Qran sytem for predicting penetration rate (PR) and aaivance rte (AR) for tunnelling using tunnel boring machine (TBM) in 1999 (Barton 10999), The method is based on the Q-system and average cuter force in relations to the appropriate rock mass strength. Orinttion of joint structure is accounted for, together with the rock material stength. The abrasive or nonabrasve nature of the rock is incorporated via the cutter life index (CLI). Rock stress level is also considered. The new parameter Qro iso estimate TBM performance during tunneling. ‘The components of the QTBM are as follows: = ROD) J In 20? oy 20. go Cru lk SRF FP" CL 20 5 where RQDe= RQD (%) measured in the tunnelling direction, Jy, Jy Jw Jw» and SRF ratings ate the same parameters in the original Q-system, oy is the rock mass strength (MPa) estimated from a complicated equation including the Q-value measured in the ‘tunnel direction, Fis the average cutter load (ton) through the same zone, CLI is the cutter life index, q is the quartz content (%) in rock mineralogy, and oy is the induced biaxial stress (MPa) on tunnel face in the same zone, The constants 20 in the oy term, 20 in the CLI term and 5 in theo term are normalising constants. ‘The experiences on the application of Qrang varies between projects. Example of using the Qn is given in Figure 623. It appears that the correlation between Qe and ‘Advanced Rate is not consistent and varies with a large margin Rock mass classification systems, including RMR and Q, when developed, were intended to classify rock mass quality to arrive a suitable support design. The systems were not meant for the design of excavation methodology. In general, with increasing of rock ‘mass quality, penetration decreases. However, very poor rock mass does not facilitate penetration. Parameters in those rock mass classifications were related to support design, they were not selected to describe rock mass boreability. Although Qra has added a number of parameters to reflect cutting force and wear, the emphasis is obviously not be justified. The original rock mass classifications are independent of TBM characteristics, ‘while penetration however is a result of interaction between rock mass properties and ‘TBM machine parameters (Zhao 2006) Chapter Rock Mass Properties and Ciaesifications 19 64 Geological Strength Index GSI System and Others 64.1 GSI System ‘The Geological Strength Index (GSI) was introduced by Hoek in 1994, It was aimed to estimate the reduction in rock mass strength for different geological conditions. This system is presented in Tables 6.4.1. The system gives a GSI value estimated from rock ‘mass structure and rock discontinuity surface condition: The direct application of GSI value is to estimate the parameters in the Hock-Brown strength criterion for rock masses. Although it was not aimed at to be a rock mass classification, the GSI value does in fact reflect the rock mass quality. GSI system has been modified and updated in the recent years, mainly to cover more complex geological features, such as sheared zones, ‘The use of GSI requires careful examination and understanding of engineering geological features of the rock mass. Rock mass structure given in the chart is general description and there ma ybe many cases that does not directly match the description. In general, the following equivalent between rock mass structural descriptions of blocky to the block size description is suggested below. However, simple block size deseription does not include geological structural features, such as folds and shear zones. GS Deciption ISRM Designation Tnjonisin® ROD. % Blocky ‘Medium to large blocks <10 90 ~ 100 Very block ‘Small to medium blocks 10-30 60~90 Blocky/Folded/Faulted Very small to small blocks >30 30~60 rushed _Crushed rock, > 60. GSI does not include the parameter of rock strength, as GSI was initiated to be a tool to estimate rock mass strength with the Hoek-Brown strength criterion. In the Hoek- Brown criterion, rock material uniaxial strength is used as a base parameter to estimate rock mass uniaxial strength as well a triaxial strengths of rock material and rock mass. ‘The use of GSI to estimate rock mass strength is given later in the section dealing with rock mass strength, GSI system dis not suggest a direct correlation between rock mass quality and GSI value. However, it is suggested that GSI can be related to RMR by GSI = RMR ~ 5, for reasobale good quality rock mass. An approximate classification of rock mass quality and GSI is therefore suggested in Table 6.4.1b, base on the correlation between RMR and, cst. Chapter 8 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications Table 64.1 Geological Strength Index (GSI) 20 (GEOLOGICAL STRENGTH INDEX (GSI) According to rock mass structure and discontinuity surface conditions observed ‘on the rock mass at ste, select the appropriate box in this chart. Estimate the [average value of the GSI from the contours. JOINT SURFACE CONDITION VERY GOOD - very rough, fresh, un- Weathered Jol surfaces ightly weathered, stained joint surfaces GOOD - rough, FAIR - Smooth, moderately wea- POOR - Slckensided, highly wea- thered, and altered aurfaces surfaces with compact coating ings or angular fragments, ickensided, Righly faces with sof clay a VERY POOR coating o ROCK MASS STRUCTURE = Decreasing of g| urface. 9) ther 4) | weathere BLOCKY ~ very well interlocked undisturbed rock mass Consisting of cubical blocks formed by three orthogonal joint sels VERY BLOCKY ~ interlocked, & partial disturbed rock mass 22 with mutt-faced angular blocks +] formed by for or more joint sets. BLOCKY/FOLDED - folded and faulted with many intersecting discontinuies forming angular blocks. CRUSHED — poorly interlocked, heavily broken rock mass with a mixture of angular and rounded Blocks. “= Decreasing Ineriocking of Reck Blocks = Table 6.4.1b Rock mass classes determined from GSI [GSI Value 76-95 _[ 36-75 36~35 21-35 =20 [Rock Mass Quality [ Very good |" Good Fair Poor Chapter Rock Mass Properties and Classifications, a 64.2. Examples of Using the GSI System Examples of estimating GSI is given below, with the same rock masses used previously to estimate RMR and Q. () Granite rock mass containing 3 joint sets, average RQD is 88%, average joint spacing is 0.24 m, joint surfaces are generally stepped and rough, tightly closed and unweathered ‘with occasional stains observed, the excavation surface is wet but not dripping, average rock material uniaxial compressive strength is 160 MPa, the tunnel is excavated to 150 m below the ground where no abnormal high in situ stress is expected. Refer to the GSI chart, Rock Mass Structure for the above granite is blocky, and Joint Surface Condition is very good. Therefore GSI is 7545. The rock mass is classified as 00d to very good quality. (©) A sandstone rock mass, fractured by 2 joint sets plus random fractures, average ROD is 10%, average joint spacing is 0.11 m, joint surfaces are slightly rough, highly ‘weathered with stains and weathered surface but no clay found on surface, joints are generally in contact with apertures generally less than 1 mm, average rock material ‘uniaxial compressive strength is 85 MPa, the tunnel isto be excavated at 80 m below ‘ground level andthe groundwater table is 10 m below the ground surface. Refer to the GSI chart, Rock Mass Structure for the above sandstone is very blocky, and Joint Surface Condition is fair to poor. Therefore GSI is 4045. The rock mass is classified as fair quality. (©) A highly fractured siltstone rock mass, found to have 2 joint sets and many random fractures, average RQD is 41%, j 8 appears continuous observed in tunnel, joint ly weathered, joint are separated by about 3-5 mm, filled with clay, average rock material uniaxial compressive strength is 65 ‘MPs, inflow per 10 m tunnel length is observed at approximately SO litre/minute, with considerable outwash of joint fillings. The tunnel is at 220 m below ground. Refer to the GSI chart, Rock Mass Structure for the above siltstone is blocky/folded/faulted, and Joint Surface Condition is very poor. Therefore GSI is 2085. ‘The rock mass is classified as very poor to poor quality. It is advised that while selecting an average value of GSI, it is perhaps better to select a range of the GSI value for that rock mass. ‘Summary of RMR, Q and GSI from the above three examples are given below, RMR Quality |_Q Quality | GSI Quality (@ Granite rock mass 16 ~G 29 G 75 G (b) Sandstone rock mass | 52 F 44°F 40 F (€) Siltstone rock mass. 34 p_|oss ve | 20 ve Chapter6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 2 6.4.3. Correlation and Comparison between Q, RMR and GSI Correlation between Q and RMR are found to be, RMR=9 InQ+A A varies between 26 and 62, and average of A is 44. Figure 6.4.3a shows the ‘comparison and correlation between RMR and Q. Figure 64.3a Cortelation between RMR and Q values. ‘Several other correlation equations have been proposed, including RMR 43, They are all in the general form of semi-log equation. 3.5 logQ + For generally competent rock masses with GSI > 25, the value of GSI can be related to Rock Mass Rating RMR value as, cst MR - 5 RMR is the basic RMR value by setting the Groundwater rating at 15 (dry), and without adjustment for joint orientation. For very poor quality rock masses, the value of RMR is very difficult to estimate and the correlation between RMR and GSI is no longer reliable. Consequently, RMR classification should not be used for estimating the GSI values for poor quality rock masses. It should be noted that each classification uses a set of parameters that are different from, ‘other classifications. For that reason, estimate the value of one classification from another is not advisable. 643 Other Classification Systems Several other classification approaches have been proposed. In section, a few will be briefly discussed due to their unique application in certain aspect. (@) Rock Mass Number, N Rock Mass Number (N) is the rock mass quality Q value when SRF is set at 1 (Le normal condition, stress reduction is not considered). N can be computed as, N= (RQDMp) (y/Js) (a) Chapter 6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 23 ‘This system is used because the difficult in obtaining SRF in the Q-system. It has been noticed that SRF in the Q-system is not sensitive in rock engineering design. the value assign to SRF cover too great range. For example, SRF = 1 for 6/6) = 10~200, ie, for a rock with 6 ~ 50 MPa, in situ stresses of 0.25 to 5 MPa yield the same SRF valve. ‘The importance of in situ stress on the stability of underground excavation is insufficiently represented in the Q-system. Another application of N number is to the rock squeezing condition. Squeezing. has been noted in the Q-system but is not sufficiently dealt, due to the special behaviour and nature of the squeezing ground. The use of N in squeezing rock mass classification will be presented in a later section in this chapter. (b) Rock Mass Index, RMi Rock Mass Index is proposed as an index characterising rock mass strength as a construction material. Iti calculated by the following equation, RMi= oJ, where o. is the uniaxial compressive strength of the intact rock material, and J, is the jointing parameter accounting for 4 joint characteristics, namely, joint density (or block size), joint roughness, joint alteration and joint size. Jp is in fact a reduction factor representing the effects of jointing on the strength of rock’ mass. J, I fora intact rock, Jp 0 for a crushed rock masses, Chaptor6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 24 65 Rock Mass Strength and Rock Mass Quality 65.1. Strength of Rock Mass [As discussed earlier, streagth and deformation properties of @ rock mass are much ‘governed by the existence of joints. In another word, the mechanical properties of a ‘rock mass is also related to the quality ofthe rock mass. In general, a rock mass of good quality (strong rock, few joints and good joint surface quality) will have a higher strength and high deformation modulus than that of a poor rock mass. 65.2. Hoek-Brown Strength Criterion of Rock Mass Hoek and Brown criterion discussed in Chapter 4 is not only for rock materials. It is also applicable to rock masses (Figure 6.5.28). The Hoek-Brown criterion for rock mass is described by the following equation: Se (mS ye 51> 55+ (mo 6a+ $00)" Figure 6.5.22 Applicability of Hoek-Brown criterion for rock material and rock masses. The equation above is the generalised Hoek-Brown criterion of rock mass. The Hock- Brown criterion for intact rock material is a special form of the generalised equation when s=1anda=05. For intact rock, m, becomes m, ie., ‘Note in the Hoek-Brown criterion, oy is consistently referred to the uniaxial compressive strength of intact rock material in the Hoek-Brown criterion for rock material and for rock In the generalised Hoek-Brown criterion, isthe strength of the rock mass ata confining pressure 03. 6. is the uniaxial strength of the intact rock in the rock mass. Parameter ais, generally equal to 0.5. Constants m, and s are parameters that changes with rock type and rock mass quality. Table 6.5.2a gives an earlier suggestion of m, and s values. Chapter 6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 25 Table 6.5.2a Relation between rock mass quality and Hock Brown constants Tack Brow Fare stedon aoe 0+ (mm ovo sh Catone rocks with well veloped exsil slevage (dolomite, Tiesto, arbi) Tied srgllaccous rocks (onudone, sitstone shat, Hat) (normal to cleavage) rocks with Song ests and poorly evened eqn sleavage (eandstne, quae). Fioe pained polyisrallic Igneovs ceysallise rocks fades, lotrt, basal iyi) (Coane rad polymineralic igneous and metamorphic entaline rocks Gabiro, ants pra, ors) Tatar rosk atonal Laboratory sie specimens free from RMR = 100 0 = 500 150 m= 170 10 Yen sooty Tight inerocking iste rock wth teatered jn spaced at 3m RMR = 85,0 = 100 mya35 P01 m=50 01 mass so. m=125 Pol Good quality rock [Fresh 0 slighty weathered rock Sight disturbed wih Vom spaced at J 13 RMR = 65,0= 10, =07 = 0008 = 10 s=00o4 yn 2s S000 Fair quality rook mas Several set of moderately weathered Vion spaced ar 0.3 folm RMR = 44, Q= 1.0 00001 m=020 00001 me 034 0.0001 200001 Poor quay oa merous weathered jes spaced at 300 500 mm with some gouge clean waste rock RMR =23,0=0., y= 006 0.00001 m= 005 = 0.00001, SS o.00001, m=0.13 = a.noco1 Very por asity Mawes heavily ‘weathered jolts {paced at <30 mm wth gouge ~ waste wth nes RMR "3.0001, = 0.007 =o y= 0.01 =o ors or my=0025 =o Chapter6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications. 26 Development and application of the Hock-Brown criterion lead to better definition of the parameters my and s. Table 6.5.2b presents the latest definition of m, values for the intact rock materials, according to different rocks. Table 6.5.2b Values of constant my for intact rock in Hoek-Brown criterion Rock Type Bock Name andr Vales gree ESS] ints 25 Gabbe 2753 | |crmodiorite 2943] Doterte (165) | Norte 2285 _| Petotte @555) - e - Best (1685) mam E] Brie [ rivote ses [Andee 25s | pesat aes) [Portes 20) Taga Voleanie apone Tuff (1325) Coane Sitwone 72 | Madaone 22 we] cane | SBE | sandoone 14 5 me we Seer | Sete) i Sule | Sais Rens | Weis ineaone [canoe | neta y [PHS to | Deon =) | Chemica ‘Gypoum $22 | Anydrite 1223 | ae - Cot G15) | TS -E |oatod | Gans | ~ STE | yes 7) | Slt 4 | RIES [Meme 2% [mpi ‘Non “Meta-sandstone 3 | [eta [emnseanss [ Maga [noma cne) [Mateos ‘The values in the above table are suggestive. As seen from the table, variation of m value for each rock can be as great as 18. If triaxial tests have been conducted, the value of m; should be calculated from the test results Once the Geological Strength Index has been estimated, the parameters which describe the rock mass strength characteristics, are calculated as follows, Gsi- 100 m= mexp OSI) For GSI > 25, i. rock masses of good to reasonable quality, the orginal Hoek-Browm critecion is applicable with, exp (OS1=100 and =05 Chapter 6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 2 For GSI < 25, ie. rock masses of very poor quality, s = 0, and a in the Hoek-Brown criterion is no longer equal to 0.5, Value of a can be estimated fom GSI by the following equation, = 065 951 = 0.065 $3 Uniaxial compressive strength of the rock mass is the value of 6, when 65 is zero. From the Hoek-Brown criterion, when 63 0, it gives the uniaxial compressive strength as, Clearly, for rock masses of very poor quality, the uniaxial compressive strength of the rock masses equal to zero. Example of using the Hoek-Brown equation to determine rock mass strength is given below by the same three examples used for determining the rock mass qualities RMR, Q and GSI. Calculation in the example uses average values only, although in practice, ange of values should be used to give upper and lower bounds. (@) Granite rock mass, with material uniaxial strength 150 MPa, mean GSI 75. From the m; table, m, given for granite is approximately 32. _my =m, exp{(GSI~ 100)/28] = 13.1 5 = expl(GSI - 1009/9] = 0.062 GSI>25,a=05 ‘The Hoek-Brown equation for the granite rock mass is, 61 = 054 (mos 5+ 802) 5; = 03 + (1956 05 + 1395)°* Uniaxial compressive strength of the rock mass is, when 63 =0, y= 1395"* = 37.3 MPa (b) Sandstone rock mass, with material uniaxial strength 85 MPa, mean GSI 40. From the m; table, ay, given for sandstone is approximately 17. 1m, =m; exp{(GSI ~ 100)28] 99 CChapter6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 28 = exp[(GSI— 1009} = 0.0013, GSI>25,a=05 Similarly the uniaxial compressive strength is, Gen = 53+ (169.0)+9.4)% = 9.4" = 3.1 MPa © Siltstone rock mass, with material uniaxial strength 65 MPa, mean GSI 20. From the my table, my given for siltstone is approximately 7. 1m = m; expl(GSI ~ 1009/28 $= exp{(GSI ~ 10079} = 0.00014 GSI< 25,4" .65 — (GS1200) = 0.65 — (20/200) = 0.55 Similarly the uniaxial compressive strength is, Gen = 83+ (26.05 +0.59) = 0.59% = 0.75MPa 6.54 Correlations between Rock Mass Quality and Mechanical Properties Correlations between rock mass strength and rock mass quality are reflected in Table 6.5.2a and the Hock-Brown criterion relating GSI. The better rock mass quality gives high rock mass strength. When the rock mass is solid and massive with few joints, the rock mass strength is close to the strength of intact rock material. When the rock mass. is very poor, ie., RMR <23, Q< 0.1, or GSI < 25, the rock mass has very low uniaxial, compressive strength close to zero. Attempts have also been made to correlated deformation modulus of the rock mass with rock mass quality. In situ rock mass modulus (Eq) can be estimated from the Q and the RMR systems, in the ‘equations below, Eq=25 l0gQ, forQ>t Eq= 10(Q 0/100)" Ep = 19leouey9 Eq" 2 RMR ~ 100, for RMR > 50 Chapter 6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 29 Eq 1o™e19H0 for 205% of tunel diameter. Behaviour of rock squeezing is typically represented by rock mass squeezes plastically into the tunnel and the phenomenon is time dependent. Rate of squeezing depends on the degree of over-siess. Usually the rate is high at initial stage, say, several centimetres of tunnel closure per day forthe first 1-2 weeks of excavation. Closure rate reduces with time. Squeezing may continue for years in exceptional cases. Squeezing ‘may occur at shallow depths in weak and poor rock masses such as mudstone and shale. Rock masses of competent rock of poor rock mass quality at great depth (under high cover) may also suffer from squeezing. 6.62 Squeezing Estimation by Rock Mass Classification Based on case studies, squeezing may be identified from rock class classification Q-value and overburden thickness (H). As shown in Figure 6.6.2a, the division between squeezing and non-squeezing condition is by a line H = 350 Q"”, where H is in metres. Above the line, ie., H> 350 Q'", squeezing condition may occur. Below the line, i., 1. <350 Q", the ground is of generally non-squeezing condition. Figure 6 6.2a Predicting squeezing ground using Qvalue ‘Another approach predicting squeezing is by using the Rock Mass Number (N). As discussed inthe previous section, N isthe Q-value when SRF is set tobe 1. The parameter allow one to separate in situ stress effects from rock mass quality. In situ stress, which is the extemal cause of squeezing is dealt separated by considering the overburden depth. From Figure 66.2, the line separating non-squeezing from ‘squeezing condition i, Q75N') Bo Where H is the tunnel depth or overburden in metres and B is the tunnel span or diameter in metres. ‘Chapter Rock Mass Properties and Classifications at Squeezing ground condition is presented by H > (275N'®) B*! Itis also possible to characterise the degree of squeezing base on the same figure. Mild squeezing occurs when (275 N') B°! GON) B*! ‘Theoretically, squeezing conditions around a tunnel opening can occur when, 69> Strength = Gay +P, A2 where oy isthe tangential stress at the tunnel opening, Ges isthe uniaxial compressive strength of the rock mass, P, is the in situ stress inthe tunnel axis direction, and A is a rock parameter proportion fiction. Squeezing may not occur in hard rocks with high values of parameter A. ‘The above equation can be written in the form below for a circular tunnel under hydrostatic in situ stress field, with overburden stress P, P=yH, 2P>dqq,4P AD ISRM classifies squeezing rock mass and ground condition in Table 6.6.2a, Table 6.6.2a Suggested predictions of squeezing conditions Degree of Squeezing 0 / Gan (SRM) _|_Gan/ 7H (Batla) | Gen Ginn (Hoek) ‘Non squeczing <10 >10 $035 Mild squeezing 10-20 04-10 02-035 Moderate squeezing 20-40 02-04 015-02 High squeezing 24.0 <02 <0.15 ‘The prediction equations for squeezing require the measurements of in situ stress and rock mass strength. _Overburden stress can be estimated from the overburden depth and rock unit weight. Uniaxial compressive strength of the rock mass can be estimated from the Hoek-Brown criterion with rock mass quality assessment (e.g., GSI). Studies carried out by Hock (2000) indicate that squeezing can in fact star at rock mass strength / in situ stress ratio of 0.3. A prediction curve was proposed by Hock and reproduced in Figure 6.6.2c, relating tunnel closure to rock mass strengtivin sit stress ratio. The prediction curve was compared with tunnel squeezing case histories. Figure 6.6.2¢ Squeezing prediction curve and comparison with case histories. Chapter 6 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications 6.7 Laboratory and Field Characterisation of Rock Mass 6.7.1 Descriptions of Rock Mass and Matrix 6.7.2. Rock Mass Strength 6.7.3. Rock Mass Deformation Modulus 6.74 Groundwater Flow and Permeability 6.75 In Situ Stress 65.28 61.28 Poss eo 2 a g oe = : & ‘Beal ai 2h 08901 6218 inte tours days ‘months years 1234s w 2345 10 9 prwanioe omen unc eat ‘gbuons worn are ‘ve melo Yop vexsie tom ares ‘osbbs organo (Gee eoeuy 4998 98 Foe Sins cna prs unarencon (9950 peu A 1eu 36 teas vara adore vitor ona yeoi ‘pr oun aparece ‘en wnore sor Aaggeondey s88w yo ste! Aubw wondvoceg reve 10 -Aueno ssera ou ay ey ee0W 20u es] woos wood 14 overburden (i), Bou po, ne. En a? a. Suen ge i Seen z ‘Sirain between 2.5% and 3%, g6 soem 2b ein seen ang 2% Se Minor sqveesing protien. : Eten call = ck maps Seng in shu stress e626

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