COMBINING THE RMR, Q and THE RMi SYSTEMS

INFORMATION to the user

This spreadsheet combines the following three numerical, empirical classisifcation systems for estimates of rock support
The Q system, developed by Barton et al. In 1974 and later revised in 1993 and in 2004.
- about the Q system, see:

- Grimstad E. and Barton N. (1993): Updating the Q-system for NMT. Proc. I

- Barton, N. and Grimstad, E. (2004): The Q-system following thirty years of d

The RMR or Geomechanics system, developed by Bieniawski in 1973 and later revised in 1974, 1975, 1976, and

- about the RMR system of 1989 version, see Bieniawski Z.T. (1989): Engineering rock mass classifications
The RMi rock support system, developed by Palmstrom in 1995, partly revised in 2000.

- about the RMi system, see: - Palmstrm A. (2000): Recent developments in rock support estimates by th
- Palmstrm A. (2009): Combining the RMR, Q and RMi classification system

In the sheet 'INPUT DATA', the input ratings or values of of the parameters applied in the three systems are given either
'Calculations' sheet. As the three systems apply partly the same input parameters on rock mass and ground, the input va
'Parameters tables' sheet. For many of the parameters, common values are automatically used if no input has been giv
(degree of jointing) for a crude estimate to be made. However, the more input given, the better the result found will be.

In the sheet 'Parameters values', tables are presented for all the input parameters. It is possible here to adjust ithe input
The input parameters in 'INPUT DATA' are linked to the 'PARAMETER TABLES'

The values or rationgs of the input parameters and the calculated RMR, Q, and RMi values are given in the sheet 'RESU

The influence of the rock stresses must be assessed and stress input given in the 'INPUT DATA' sheet according to the
The lists of input parameters in the 'INPUT DATA' sheet can be removed, as shown.

USE THIS SPREADSHEET WITH CARE:

UNDERSTANDING THE SITE GEOLOGICAL AND GEOTECHNICAL CONDITIONS IS A PROVISION FOR ARRIV
Some important limitations are indicated, but there may be others not being mentioned

As there are very many functions and relations involved in the spreadsheet, errors or unaccuracies may be present. You

I hope the RMR-Q-RMi spreadsheet can be useful to you

Arild Palmstrm, RockMass as, February 2009

RMi SYSTEMS

ems for estimates of rock support:

ng the Q-system for NMT. Proc. Int. Symp. on Sprayed Concrete, Fagernes, Norway 1993, Norwegian Concrete Association, Oslo, 20 p

Q-system following thirty years of development and application in tunneling projects. Proc. ISRM Symp. EUROCK 2004. Salzburg, Austr
revised in 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1989

neering rock mass classifications. John Wiley & Sons, New York, 251 pp.

nts in rock support estimates by the RMi. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Tunnelling Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1 May 2000, pp. 1 19; also
R, Q and RMi classification systems. www.rockmass.net, 25p

he three systems are given either as input symbols or as values. The calculations are made in the
ock mass and ground, the input values parameters have been combined as shown in the
cally used if no input has been given. Thus, it is sufficient to insert only data for a few parameters
e better the result found will be.
possible here to adjust ithe input ratings or values for most of the parameters.

alues are given in the sheet 'RESULTS'

PUT DATA' sheet according to the SRF factor (in the Q-system).

NS IS A PROVISION FOR ARRIVING AT APPROPRIATE RESULTS

naccuracies may be present. You are welcome to convey your comments

an Concrete Association, Oslo, 20 p.

p. EUROCK 2004. Salzburg, Austria, 2004, pp. 15-18.

6, No. 1 May 2000, pp. 1 19; also in www.rockmass.net

INPUT DATA on TUNNEL and GROUND CONDITIONS

used in the RMR, Q and RMi rockmass classification systems

Links to 'Parameter tables'

A value in at least one green input cell is required

Project:

Date:

Tunnel:

Location:

Observer:

Note:

Rock(s):
Input symbols are shown in blue below; see also 'Parameter tables'

Input parameters
Tunnel span or diameter (Dt)

(a span of 10m is used as input as no info is given)

Tunnel wall height (Wt)

(a wall height of 5m is used as input as no info is given)

A1 Compressive strength of rock (UCS or c):

(UCS = 100MPa is used as input as no info is given)

B1

RQD (Rock Quality Designation):

B2 Degree of
B3 jointing

Block volume (Vb):

B4

Joint spacing:

C1

Block shape:

C2 Jointing
C3 pattern

Joint sets:

C4
D1 Joint
D2 roughness
Joint
D3 alteration or
weathering

RQD =
Vb =

Volumetric joint count (Jv):

Jv =
(a = > 2m; b = 0.6 - 2m; c = 0.2 - 0.6m; d = 0.06 - 0.2m; e = < 0.06m)
(a = cubical blocks; b = slightly long or flat blocks; c = mod. long or flat blocks; d = very long or flat blocks)
(a=no sets; b=1 set; c=1 set+random; d=2 sets; e=2 sets+random; f=3 sets; g=3 sets+random; i = crushed)

Orientation of
main joint set:

(a = very favourable; b = favourable; c = fair; d = unfavourable; e = very unfavourable)

(a = v. rough; b = rough; c = slightly rough; d = smooth; e = polished; f = slickensided; g = filled joints)

Joint undulation:

(a = discontin.; b = strongly undulating; c = mod. undul.; d = slightly undul.; e = planar; f = filled joints)

No filling:

(a = healed; b = fresh // no filling; c = slightly altered; d = altered; e = sand/silt coating; f = clay coat.)

Filling < ca. 5mm thickness:

(h = sand / silt; j = hard clay; l = soft clay; n = swelling clay)

Filling > ca. 5mm thickness:

(i = sand / silt; k = hard clay; m = soft clay; o = swelling clay)

(a = crack; b = parting; c = v. short (0.1-1m); d = short (1-3m); e = medium (3-10m); f = long (10-30m); g = seam or shear)

D5 Joint separation:

(a = none; b = v.tight (<0.1mm); c = tight (0.1-0.5mm); d = mod.open (0.5-2.5mm); e = open (2.5-10mm); f = v. open)

Interlocking or compactness of rockmass structure:

Ground water inflow to tunnel or cavern:

H1

Weakness
H2 zone
(fault,
H3
etc.)
H4

(a = very low stress level; b = low stress; c = moderate / medium stress; d = high stress)

Rock spalling or bursting:

(e = moderate slabbing; f = rock burst; g = heavy burst) input of

(h = moderate squeeze; i = heavy squeeze) SRF

Squeezing:
Type:

(a = very tight; b = tight or compact ; c = disturbed; d = poorly interlocked)

(a = dry; b = damp; c = wet; d = dripping; e = gushing; f = flowing; g = heavily flowing)

G1 Stress level: (input for Q and RMi)

Overstressing

in wall

Joint smoothness:

D4 Joint length:

G2

in roof

(j = multiple zones; k = single zone <50m; l = single zone >50m; m = multiple shears; q = crushed)

Thickness or width of zone (m):

Orientation of
zone:

(valid for 1 - 20m wide zones)

(a = very favourable; b = favourable; c = fair; d = unfavourable; e = very unfavourable)

NOTE: Swelling rock is not included

INFO: Less important input has been given grey letters

Reference: A. Palmstrm, Q-RMR-RMi, version 2.2. RockMass AS, Jan. 2015

in roof
in wall

ver. 2.2-2.1

Rock Mass

INFORMATION AND COMMENTS

Only input for one of the parameters for the "Degree of jointing" (green cells) is needed to
make a simple estimate.
<-- use input symbol (S) or unit

<-- INPUT

of symbols
and
values

Fill input symbols for the input parameters as given in blue or shown in the sheet 'Parameters tables

For the other input parameters, common1) values are automatically used if no input is given. Where
values on these other parameters are available, or can be estimated, fill in also for these to arrive at a
more accurate result.
For more details of the parameters, see the sheet 'Parameter tables'.
To clear all lists of input symbols
Three various measurements for the degree of jointing can be used:
- RQD, Vb ( block volume) and Jv (volumetric joint count).

fill ' x '

If input for only one of them is given, the values of the others needed in the
classification systens are calculated automatically 2).

m
MPa
%
m
joints/m
S
S
S
S
S
S
S

NOTE: Water may sometimes reduce the stability; for example:

- where unfavourable joint orientations occur and high water pressure can build up, and
- in tunnels where water. inflow can soften possible clay-containing joints.

S
S

Often, water sealing by grouting is applied in such cases before support is installed. The
experience is that a successful grouting often improves the stability because of
increased joint friction. The groundwater input value should be adjusted accordingly.

S
S

m
S
S

Common values:

1)

Where no input has been given, the generally most common values or ratings are used:
- For joint spacing (input to RMR), block diameter is used as the average spacing,
- For 'Joint set number, Jn' (or Nj in the RMi system) the value generally varies with block size (or
Based on this, the joint set number used is estimated according to Table C2 in

Various calculations for the Degree of jointing:

2)

- The RQD is found from Jv (volumetric joint count) from the equation: RQD = 110 - 4.5Jv (for Jv =
- The block volume (Vb) is found from Jv from the equation: Vb = Jv - 3
where is the block shape factor, see sheet 'Parameter tables'

ers tables

g can be used:
etric joint count).
others needed in the

ssure can build up, and

upport is installed. The

y because of
usted accordingly.

atings are used:

e spacing,

y varies with block size (or RQD).

'Parameter tables'

RQD = 110 - 4.5Jv (for Jv = 2.2 - 24.5)

The input data given and the calculated results

Rock Mass

Project:

Date:

Tunnel:

Location:

Observer:

Note:

Rock(s):

Input values and ratings used

Input parameters
Tunnel data
A. Rock

A1
B1

B. Degree of
B2
jointing
B3

C1

C. Jointing
pattern

C2

C3 Orientation of main in roof:

C4 joint set
in walls:
D1 Joint smoothness:
D2 Joint undulation:

D. Joint
characteristics

RMR 1989

Tunnel span (m)

Wall height (m)
Compressive strength
of intact rock:
Rock Quality Designation (RQD):
Block volume:
Joint spacing:
Block shape factor:
Number of joint sets:

roughness:

weathering:
filling:
D4 Joint length or persisstence:
D5 Joint separation or aperture:
D3 Joint alteration

E. Interlocking

Compactness of rockmass:

F. Ground
water

Ground water inflow:

Span = 10

Wall = 5

Wall = 5

A1 = 12

A2 = 20
A3 = ?
-

RQD = 100
Jn = 0.75
-

B = -2
A4c = 3
A4e = 6
A4d = 6
A4a = 2
A4b = 4
A5 = 7

G1 Stress level:

G. Rock
stresses

G2 Stress ratio//ground competency:

H.
Weakness
zones

H1 Type of weakness zone:

H2 Thickness or width of zone:
H3 Orientation
H4 of zone

Q 1993

Span = 10

in roof:
in walls:

Jr = 1.75
Ja = 1

RMi 2008
Dt =
Wt =

10
5

c =

100
-

Vb =

?
-

= 36
Nj =
6
Co =
1
Co =
1
js = 1.25
jw = 1.4
jA =

jL =

IL =

Jw = 1

GW =

SRF = 1

SL =
Cg =

1
-

Tz =
Co =
Co =

Need input for 'Degree of jointing'

Note that swelling rock is not included

RESULTS FROM CALCULATIONS (for conditions in tunnel or cavern)

Continuity of rockmass (related to tunnel)
Interlocking of rockmass structure
Rock mass quality (approx. strength, cm)
Ground quality

(related to stability)

in roof
in walls

Blockiness

Limitations

RMR = ?
RMR = ?

Q= ?
Qwall =

in roof

in walls

(related to block instability)

Weakness zone
Rockmass
stresses

RMR

Potential stress problems

RMi

cm

RMi =
Gc =
Gcwall =
Sr =
Srwall =

Limitations
Sr = Size ratio (geometrical factor involving block diameter, tunnel span, plus number of joint sets and orientation of joints)
Gc = Ground condition factor
Reference: A. Palmstrm, Q-RMR-RMi, version 2.2.
Cg = Competency of ground (Cg = cm / = RMi / )
RockMass AS, Jan. 2015

Rock Mass

ed

RMi 2008

MPa

m3

Degree of jointing'

RMi

?
?
?

RMR-RMi, version 2.2.

ockMass AS, Jan. 2015

INTERIM CALCULATIONS
(Blue values and blue text can be adjusted)

Q-system
Parameter
Rock Quality interim RQD =
Designation RQD used =

RMR system
Value
100

Jn =
Jn used =
js =
jw =
Jr used =

Joint roughness
factor

Ja used =
Jw =

SRF used =

Q=
Q value

Jr = 1.75

1.75
no filling
filling < 5mm
filling >5mm

1
1
from SRF input, blocky ground
from SRF input, burst
from SRF input, squeezing
from SRF input, zone

SRF =

Stress reduction
factor

Parameter
Rock strength
RQD

Joint smoothness
Infilling

A1 =
A2 =

Rating
12
20

Comment

#VALUE! from block diam. (Db)

from input of spacing

A3 =

Joint spacing rating

Joint size factors

1.25
1.4
1

Joint water factor

from block volume (Vb)

from input value of Jn
from input value of Jn

0.75

Ja =

Joint alteration factor

? = RQD calculated

100
0.75

Number of joint sets

Comment

A3 used =
length, A4a =
separation, A4b =
roughness, A4c =

?
2
4
3

< 5mm
> 5mm

A4d =

Weathering
A4e =
Alteration (infilling+weathering) used =
Water
A5 =
Joint orientation (in roof)
B=

12
7
-2

RMR =

21

Joint
characteristics

6
Damp
Favourable

Limit of RMR:

1
?

Qc =
Qwall =

including UCS

NOTE: blue values and blue text can be adjusted

Tunnel data
Span =
Wall height =

10
10

Limit of Q:

RMi system
1. RMi Basic parameters
Parameter
Rock strength
Joint roughness
factor

4. RMi calculations in weakness zones

c =

js =
jw =
jR used =

Value
100
1.25
1.4
1.75
1

Joint alteration factor

jA =

Comment
MPa
jR = 1.75

no filling
filling < 5mm
filling >5mm

jA used =
jL =
jC =
=
Vb =
Db =
JP =
f =

Joint size factor

Joint condition factor
Block shape factor
Block volume
Block diameter
Jointing parameter
Massivity factor
Interlocking//compactness IL =
Rock Mass index
RMi =

1
1
1.75
36
?
###
###
###
1

Rockmass
continuity factor

Dt =
Wt =
CFroof =
CFwall =

Ground water
Stress level

GW =
SL =

Number of joint sets

Joint orientation

roof
wall
roof
wall

Ground conditions in zone, RMi /GW =

Gcroof =
Roof condition
Gcwall =
Wall condition
Sr roof =
Size ratio zone
Sr wall =
Tz > Dt?
Tz > Wt?

Comment

6. Rockmass stresses (from input of SRF)

Comment

m
m
roof
wall

from block size

from input value

6
1

m
roof
wall

Roof:
Wall:

from input value

Nj used =
Co =

Value
-

5. Rockmass continuity

1
1

Nj =

Tz =
Cozone =
Cozone =

Limit of RMi:

m
m

Value
10
5

Zone orientation

Zone width vs. tunnel size

2. RMi calculations in discontinuous ground

Parameter
Tunnel span
Wall height

Parameter
Zone width

roof

Favourable

Input stress level

SL = Moderate
Ground competency
Cg =
Potential stress problems:

(approximate)

Joint orientation

Ground condition
factor, Gc
Size ratio

Co =

Gcroof =
Gcwall =
Sr roof =
Sr wall =

?
?

wall

Favourable

Extremely unfavourable
Extremely unfavourable

CLASSIFICATIONS
Classification of RMR
RMR =
RMR =
RMR =
RMR =
RMR =

100
80
60
40
20

80
60
40
20
0

Very good
Good
Fair
Poor
Very poor

Classification of Q
Q=
Q=
Q=
Q=
Q=
Q=
Q=
Q=
Q=

1000
400
100
40
10
4
1
0.1
0.01

400
100
40
10
4
1
0.1
0.01
0.001

Classification of RMi
RMi =
RMi =
RMi =
RMi =
RMi =
RMi =

100
40
10
1
0.4
0.1

40
10
1
0.4
0.1
0.01

Except, good
Extremely good
Very good
Good
Fair
Poor
Very poor
Extremely poor
Exceptionally poor

Very high
High
Moderate
Low
Very low
Extremely low

Classification of ground condition factor (Gc)

Gc
Gc =
Gc =
Gc =
Gc =
Gc =

40
10
1
0.4
0.1

>
-

40
10
1
0.4
0.1
0.01

Very good
Good
Fair
Poor
Very poor
Extremely poor

Classification of Size ratio (Sr)

Sr
Sr =
Sr =
Sr =
Sr =
Sr

4
10
40
100

<
>

4
10
40
100
400
400

Very favourable
Sr/Gc <
Favourable
Sr/Gc =
Fair
Unfavourable
Very unfavourable
Extremely unfavourable

Suggested for Sr/Gc

0.1
1
40
250
2000
> 2000

Classification of continuity (CF)

0
3
6
40
60

3
6
40
60
8

CF =
CF =
CF =
CF =
CF =

Continuous / massive
Continuous // discontin.
Discontinuous
Discontinuous // contin.
Continuous / particulate
weakness zone

NOTE: blue values and blue text can be adjusted

very good
good
fair
poor
very poor
extremely poor

Descriptive jointing classes

massive / solid
massive / blocky
blocky
blocky / bulky
bulky /particulate

massive or intact
jointed or fractured
highly jointed or broken
crushed zone or fault zone

Correlations of the input parameters to Q, RMR and RMi

Rock Mass

Values used in the spreadsheet are shown in blue; common values used are given in the green cells
NOTE: blue values can be adjusted

ROCKS

A1

Uniaxial compressive strength

Soil
Very low strength
Low strength
Rock

Back

(UCS or c) of intact rock

c (MPa) <
1 - 5
5 - 25

Moderate strength

25 - 50

Medium strength

50 - 100

High strength
Very high strength

DEGREE OF JOINTING

B1

Rock quality designation (RQD)

Very good

RMi

A1 =

c =

0
1
use
value
(rating A1 is
calculated)

2
4
7
12

c (MPa) > 250

15

input
RQD = 90 - 100
75 - 90

Fair

50 - 75

Very poor

RMR

100 - 250

Good

Back Poor

input

25 - 50

Not included, except

in Qc = Q x c /100

Input of the actual

value of c

common value =

Input rating of UCS to RMR

(A1) is automatically
calculated from the UCS
value given

100

RMR

RMi

A2 =

RQD =

20
use
value
(rating A2 is
calculated)

RQD < 25

17
13
8

Actual RQD value

(min
RQD = 10)

Not included

Input rating of RQD (A2) to

RMR is automatically
calculated from input or
calculation of RQD

A crude value of RQD may be found from RQD = 110-4.5Jv (Jv is the volumetric joint count)

B2

Block size

Back Block volume (Vb)

use value

Vb =

Not included

Not included

Actual value of Vb

Not included

Not included

Not included

A3 =

Vb may be calculated from Vb = *Jv-3; A crude value of Vb may be found from 36*Jv-3 ( = block shape factor)

B3

Density of joints

Back Volumetric joint count (Jv)

use value

Jv may be used instead of Vb and/or RQD

B4

Joint spacing1)
Very large spacing
Large spacing
Moderate spacing

Back Small spacing

Very small spacing
1)

spacing (m) > 2

20

0.6 - 2

15

0.2 - 0.6

10

0.06 - 0.2

spacing (m) < 0.06

Not included

Not included

RMi

Where more than one joint set occurs, the rating for the smallest spacing should be applied

JOINTING PATTERN

RMR
input

Values of RQD and Vb

will automatically be
calculated.

When value for joint

spacing (B3) is not given, it
is automatically calculated
from the block diameter
(Db)

used =

Cubical blocks (or compact blocks)

1-2

27-32

27

Slightly long or flat blocks

2-5

32-50

36

Moderately long or flat

5 - 12

Back Very long or flat blocks

12 - 70

> 70

C1

Block shape

Ratio largest side/smallest side

Extremely long or flat blocks

C2

input

Joint sets

Not included

Not included

50-100

75

100-500

250

>500
-

750

Jn =

Nj =

Estimated Jv, based on Vb, when input for C2 is n

BLOCK VOLUME (Vb) in m
Possible number of JOINT SETS

No or few joints

0.75

1 joint set

15

1 joint set

1 joint set + random joints

1 joint set + random joints

2 joint sets

1.5

0.1

2 joint sets

2 joint sets + random joints

1.2

0.01

0.1

2 joint sets + random joints

3 joint sets

0.001

0.01

3 joint sets

3 joint sets + random joints

12

0.85

0.0001

0.001

3 joint sets + random joints

Back 4 joint sets or more; heavily jointed

15

0.6

0.00001

0.0001

4 joint sets or more; heavily jointed

20

0.5

Co =

Crushed, earth-like

C3, C4 Orientation of main joint set (C3 in roof; C4 in walls)

Not included

B=

15 m or more No or few joints

Very favourable

70

Favourable

-2

Favourable

< 70

Fair

-5

70

>

-10

-12

Not included

1.5

Fair
Unfavourable
Very unfavourable

JOINT CHARACTERISTICS

Joint wall smoothness (small scale roughness)

RMR

1)

RMi

input

A4c =

(js =)

Rough or irregular

1.5

1.5

Slightly rough

1.25

1.25

Smooth

0.75

0.75

Slickensided

0.5

0.5

For filled joints

(jw =)

jw =

(called 'roughness' in the RMR)

Very rough or interlocking

Back Polished

D2

dip (o)

Very unfavourable

strike (o)

Very favourable

Back Unfavourable

D1

In one WALL

TERM

Joint plane undulation or waviness (large scale roughness)

js =

Discontinuous joints

Strongly undulating

2.5

2.5

Moderately undulating

Back Slightly undulating

Not included

1.4

1.4

Planar

For filled joints

50

30

50

all

20

50

30

1)

Joint infilling

Joint weathering

D3

Jr is found from: js x jw

Note: jR = Jr = js x jw = 1 for filled joints

Joint alteration or weathering

A4e =

Ja =

jA =

Healed or welded joints

0.75

0.75

Unweathered, fresh joint walls

Slightly weathered joint walls (coloured, stained)

Altered joint wall (no loose material)

Highly weathered / Coating of friction materials (silt, sand, etc.)

Decomposed / Coating of cohesive materials (clay, chlorite, etc.)

Filled joints

0
A4d =

For filled joints

(t = joint thickness)

No filling

t < 5mm

t > 5mm

wall
contact *)

no wall
contact **)

t < ca. 5mm

t > ca. 5mm

h // i

Hard, cohesive materials (clay, talc, chlorite)

j // k

l // m

12

12

n // o

10

18

10

18

Swelling clay materials

wall contact
or t < ca. 5mm

jA =

Friction materials (silt, sand, etc.)

Back Soft, cohesive materials (soft clay)

Range of Ja and jA givenno

in wall
the Q
and in the RMi systems
contact

<-<-<-<--

5 - 10

12

8 - 12

13 - 20

Note: Q and RMi apply a combination of joint weathering and infilling, while RMR has input of both weathering and infilling

Joint length

A4a =

Crack 1) (irregular break)

Parting (very short, thin joint)
Very short joint
Short joint
Medium joint

Back Long joint

Filled joint, seam or shear 3)
1)

"Crack" has been introduced in this spreadsheet;

D5

Tight
Moderately open
Open
Very open

< 1m

0.3 1m

1 3m

jL =
5
3

2
Not included

1.5

3 10m

0.75

> 10m

0.5

Length 10 20 m is applied in the RMR;

3)

Used in cases where most joints in the location are filled

-

Not included

Partly included in
'Interlocking of
rockmass structure'

RMR

RMi

IL =

A4b =

None

A < 0.1mm

0.1 0.5mm
0.5 - 1mm
1 2.5mm
2.5 - 5mm
5 - 10mm
10 - 25mm

INTERLOCKING OF ROCKMASS STRUCTURE

Compactness of rockmass
Very tight structure

10 30m 2)

Joint separation or aperture (A)

Very tight

Back

2)

Length < ~0.3m

Undisturbed rock mass, well interlocked

input
a

1.3
Partly included in
'Joint separation or
aperture'

Not included

<--

t > ca.
5mm

*) Wall contact before 10cm shear; **) No contact when sheared;

D4

or

The rating
values are
based on the
GSI system

Tight structure

Back Disturbed / open

Poorly interlocked

Undisturbed rock mass with some joint sets

Folded / faulted with angular blocks

Broken with angular and rounded blocks

Partly included in
'Joint separation or
aperture'

Not included

1
0.8
0.5

<--

The rating
values are
based on the
GSI system

NOTE: Interlocking has been introduced in this spreadsheet based on its effects presented in the GSI system

GROUND WATER
Inflow to tunnel or cavern

or

Water pressure (pw) 1)

Completely dry
Damp
Wet
Dripping

GW =

15
10

inflow < 10 litres/min

1 - 2.5 kg/cm

0.66

0.5

2.5

0.3

2.5 - 10 kg/cm

inflow > 125 litres/min

pw > 10 kg/cm

ROCK STRESSES (stresses around tunnel)

G1

Stress level; stresses below rockmass strength

g
1)

input
a

Low stress level

Medium stress level

High stress level

Overstressing; stresses exceed rockmass strength

Overstressing in deformable rock mass

Outside limit of RMR

0.15
0.08

Outside limit of RMi

Water pressure can be applied in the Q-system

Very low stress level (in portals)

Moderate slabbing
Overstressing
( > cm)
Slabbing and rock burst
in massive, brittle rock Heavy rock burst

Back

Jw =

NOTE! GW is related to groundwater's influence on rockmass stability.

G2

A5 =

none

Heavily flowing, without noticeable decay

Stresses below rock

mass strength (<
Back )
cm

RMi

pw < 1 kg/cm

25 - 125 litres/min

Back Flowing, decaying

no water inflow
10 - 25 litres/min

Gushing /outwashing

input

RMR

RMi

SRF =

SL =

2.5

0.1

WEAKNESS ZONES *)
Type of weakness zone

<

0.02

1 - 2.5

0.5

200

0.67

1.5
Cg = RMi /

0.5

0.7

0.5 - 2

10

0.75
0.4
0.25
0.75
0.5

0.7

5 - 50

1.7

50 - 200

>

1.7

200 - 400

5 - 10

>

10 - 20

25

100
300

Mild squeezing

10

Heavy squeezing

20

Multiple weakness zones

Single weakness zone
Multiple shear zones
Single shear zone

input

Max LIMIT used = 20

RMR

RMi

SRF =

any depth

10

depth < 50m

depth > 50m

2.5

any depth

depth < 50m

depth > 50m

Weakness zones and

shears are not
explicitly included in
RMR

Given in the Q-system

c / 1
Range of SRF

0.02

SRF =

0.5

Cg = competency of ground; = tangential stresses around the opening; cm RMi = compressive strength of rock mass

H1

Assumed limits
/ cm *)

after few minutes

Not included

<-- when the ground water has some influence on stability

<-- when the ground water has significant influence on stability
0.1 - 0.2
<-0.05 - 1
<--

Not included

after >1 hr

<-- when the ground water has minor influence on stability

used in Q system

RMR

For RMi:

7.5
5
2.5

Type of weakness
zones and shears are
not explicitly included
in RMi

>

<

*) in the Q system c /1
and /cm are used

Weakness zones and

shears are not
explicitly included in
RMR

Back Loose, open joints

Heavily jointed ("sugar cube")

H2

any depth

any depth

H3,
H4

5
5

Size of the zone

Back Thickness or width of the zone (Tz)

use value

Type of weakness
zones and shears are
not explicitly included
in RMi

Tz =

Not included

Not included

Width of zone in m

Classification of zone orientation related to tunnel

In one WALL
TERM

Orientation of zone related to excavation (H3 in roof; H4 in walls)

Coz =

strike (o)

dip (o)

Very favourable

Very favourable

70

Favourable

Favourable

< 70

Fair

70

>

Back Unfavourable
Very unfavourable
*)

Not included

Not included

1.5

Most weakness zones should be especially evaluated, together with the use of engineering judgement

Reference: A. Palmstrm, Q-RMR-RMi, version 2.2. RockMass AS, Jan. 2015

Fair
Unfavourable
Very unfavourable

50

30

50

all

20

50

30

NOTE: blue values can be adjusted

er of JOINT SETS

joints

m joints

m joints
heavily jointed

In opposite WALL
dip (o)

strike (o)

all
20
20
45
45
45

###

> 60

all

all

60

In ROOF

dip (o)

30

45

30

> 45

dip (o)
> 60

all strikes

ALL

45

- 60

30

- 45

15

- 30
15

 / c

c / 1
200

0.01

10

0.3

0.5

0.65

<1

n the Q system c /1
d /cm are used

0.65
1

assumed values

In opposite WALL
dip (o)

strike (o)

all
20
20
45
45
45

###

dip (o)

> 60

all

all

60

In ROOF

30

45

30

> 45

dip (o)
> 60

all strikes

ALL

45

- 60

30

- 45

15

- 30
15

The RMR support table (for tunnels with 10m span)

Rock support
Ground class

Excavation (drill and blast)

Rock bolts
(20 mm diam., fully bonded)

1.Very good rock

RMR: 81-100
2. Good rock
RMR: 61-80
3. Fair rock
RMR: 41-60

4. Poor rock
RMR: 21-40

5. Very poor rock

RMR < 21

Full face:
3m advance
Full face:
1.0 - 1.5m advance;
Complete support 20 m from face
Top heading and bench:
1.5 - 3m advance in top heading;
Commence support after each blast;
Commence support 10 m from face
Top heading and bench:
1.0 - 1.5m advance in top heading;
Install support concurrently with excavation - 10 m
from face
Multiple drifts:
0.5 - 1.5m advance in top heading;
Install support concurrently with excavation;
shotcrete as soon as possible after blasting

Generally no support required except for occasio

Locally bolts in crown, 3m long,
spaced 2.5m with occasional
wire mesh
Systematic bolts 4m long,
spaced 1.5 - 2m in crown and
walls with wire mesh in crown
Systematic bolts 4 - 5m long,
spaced 1 - 1.5m in crown and
walls with wire mesh
Systematic bolts 5 - 6m long,
spaced 1 - 1.5m in crown and
walls with wire mesh. Bolt invert

Rock support
Shotcrete

Steel sets

Generally no support required except for occasional spot bolting

50mm in crown where required

None

50 - 100mm in crown, and 30mm in

sides

None

100 - 150mm in crown and 100mm

in sides

Light ribs spaced 1.5m where required

150 - 200mm in crown, 150mm in

sides, and 50mm on face

Medium to heavy ribs spaced 0.75m

with steel lagging and forepoling if
required. Close invert

ROCK CLASSES
G

E
Very
poor

Extremely
poor

Exceptionally
poor

Poor

Fair

100

A
Very
good

Good

Ext.
good

Exc.
good
20

2.5 m

2.3 m

1.7 m

50

11

1.5 m
1.2 m

1.3 m

1.0 m

20

5
8

1
4.0 m

10

3.0 m

2.4

2.0 m
1.6 m

1.5

1.3 m
1.0 m

1
0.001

0.004

0.01

0.04

0.1

0.4

10

RQD
Jr
Rock mass quality Q = Jn xJa

40

100

400

1000

Jw
x
SRF

REINFORCEMENT CATEGORIES:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Unsupported
Spot bolting
Systematic bolting
Systematic bolting, (and unreinforced shotcrete, 4 - 10 cm)
Fibre reinforced shotcrete and bolting, 5 - 9 cm

6) Fibre reinforced shotcrete and bolting, 9- 12 cm

7) Fibre reinforced shotcrete and bolting, 12 - 15 cm
8) Fibre reinforced shotcrete, > 15 cm,
reinforced ribs of shotcrete and bolting
9) Cast concrete lining

Bolt length in m for ESR = 1

2.1 m

Span or height in m
ESR

Li mit

The RMi rock support chart for overstressed rock

RMi rock support chart for jointed rocks and weakness zones
also for initial support in overstressed, particulate ground
Limit

400

200

Note: use
an

REINFORCED
200 - - -

ROC

1.2 - - - - 1.5 -

very h

100
80

SP E CIA L DE SI GNE D
ROCK SUP P ORT

For blocky and particulate ground Sr = ( Dt / Db) x K2

For weakness zones with thickness Tz < Dt: Sr = (Tz/Db) x K2

else Sr = (Dt/Db) x K2

600

Siz e ra tio ( Sr)

Rock
1.2-1.5

1x1 - 1.5x1.5m

S P ECI A L DE SI GNE D
ROCK SUP P ORT

The RMi rock support chart for jointed rock and weakness zones

60

40

SHOTCRETE AND ROCK BOLTS

20

ROC
1.2 - - - - 1.5 -

roc

very heavy

overs

10
8

0.1

ONLY ROCK BOLTS

0 .0 1

FIBRECRE

2 0 0 ---1 5 0 ----

0.02

0. 04

0 .1

0.2

0.4 0.6

Ground condi ti on factor

Dt = diameter of tunnel (span or wall height)
Db = diameter of representative rock block
Tz = thickness (width) of weakness zones
K1 and K2 are adjustment factors

10

20

40

60

100

200

400

600

Gc = RMi x K1

K1 = SL x C x GW x IL
(SL = stress level; C = factor for roof vs. wall; GW = water inflow;
IL = interlocking of rockmass structure) )
K2 = (Co/ Nj) (Co = factor for orientation of joint set or weakness zone,
Nj = factor for number of joint sets)

0.2

Note: use it with care, as there might be uncertainties in stress measurement or in calculations,
and the fact that the chart for squeezing is based on a limited amount of cases
REINFORCED SHOTCRETE (thickness mm)
200 - - - 150 - - - 120 - - - 100 - - - 80 - - - 60

ROCK BOLTS (spacing, m)

1.2 - - - - 1.5 - - - - 1.7 - - - - - 2 - - - - 2.5 - - - - - 3

FOR MASSIVE ROCKS: NO ROCK SUPPORT

FOR PARTICULATE ROCKS: U se su p p or t ch ar t
fo r j oi n ted ro c ks

squeezing
very heavy

heavy fair
light
0.5
0.7
1

ductile, massive
and some
particulate rocks

S P ECI A L DE SI GNE D
ROCK SUP P ORT

Li mit

overstressed rock

FIBRECRETE (thickness, mm)

SCALING
+
SPOT BOLTING

2 0 0 ---1 5 0 ---- 1 2 0 --- 9 0 ---- 7 0 ---- 5 0 ---

ROCK BOLTS ( spacing, m)

brittle,
massive
r ocks

SP E CIA L DE SI GNE D
ROCK SUP P ORT

0.35

N O R OC K
SU PPOR T

1.2 - - - - 1.5 - - - - - 1.7 - - - - - 2 - - - - 2.5 - - - - - 3

very heavy

high
stress
level

spalling

rock burst
heavy

mild

overstressed (incompetent)
0.1

0.2

0.5

2.5

Com petency factor Cg = RMi /

10

Some rock properties

UNIAXIAL COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AND RATINGS OF THE mi FACTOR IN HOEK-BROWN FAILURE
CRITERION FOR ROCK MASSES
Rating of
the factor
mi

low - average - high

(see notes)

ROCK TYPE

3.4
(20)
7.2
10.1
8.4

18.8
9.6
18.9
(17)
15.2
(27)
25.8
32.7
(20)
(30)

METAMORPHIC ROCKS

16 - 21- 26
2 - 5 - 10
70 - 85 - 100
3 - 10 - 18
60 - 100 - 300
50 - 100 - 180
45 - 95 - 145
36 - 95 - 172
75 - 120 - 160
10 - 80 - 180
3 - 25 - 150
75 - 140 - 300
40 - 125 - 210
100 - 165 - 355
227 - 280 - 319
100 - 140 - 190
190 - 240 - 285
95 - 160 - 230
75 - 105 - 135
85 - 145 - 230
125 - 165 - 200
290 - 298 - 326
39 - 50 - 62
- 85 ? 75 - 150 - 230
80 - 160 - 360
0.025
0.025 - 0.05
0.05 - 0.1

Uniaxial
compressive
strength (MPa)

21.7
(20)
(30)

Note1: The Hoek - Brown failure criterion for rock masses

SOIL

SOIL

IGNEOUS ROCKS

SEDIMENTARY ROCKS

ROCK TYPE
Coal
Claystone
Conglomerate
Coral chalk
Dolomite
Limestone
Mudstone
Shale
Sandstone
Siltstone
Tuff
Andesite
Anorthosite
Basalt
Diabase (dolerite)
Diorite
Gabbro
Granite
Granodiorite
Monzonite
Nepheline syenite
Norite
Pegmatite
Rhyolite
Syenite
Ultrabasic rock
Very soft clay
Soft clay
Firm clay

Uniaxial
compressive
strength (MPa)

low - average - high

Amphibolite
Amphibolitic gneiss
Augen gneiss
Black shale
Garnet mica schist
Granite gneiss
Granulite
Gneiss
Gneiss granite
Greenschist
Greenstone
Greywacke
Marble
Mica gneiss
Mica quartzite
Mica schist
Mylonite
Phyllite
Quartz sandstone
Quartzite
Quartzitic phyllite
Serpentinite
Slate
Talc schist

75 - 125 - 250
95 - 160 - 230
95 - 160 - 230
35 - 70 - 105
75 - 105 - 130
80 - 120 - 155
80 - 150 - 280
80 - 130 - 185
65 - 105 - 140
65 - 75 - 85
120 - 170 - 280
100 - 120 - 145
60 - 130 - 230
55 - 80 - 100
45 - 85 - 125
20 - 80 - 170
65 - 90 - 120
21 - 50 - 80
70 - 120 - 175
75 - 145 - 245
45 - 100 - 155
65 - 135 - 200
120 - 190 - 300
45 - 65 - 90

Stiff clay
Very stiff clay
Hard clay
Silt, sand

0.1 - 0.25
0.25 - 0.5
0.5 - 1
0.0001 - 0.001

Note 2: Values in brackets have been assumed

The compressive strength values given are based on measurements by SINTEF, Norway

ROWN FAILURE
Rating of
the factor
mi
(see notes)

31.2
(31)
(30)

(30)
29.2
(30)
(20)
9.3
(30)
(25)
(15)
(13)
23.7

11.4
(10)