International Journal of Rock Mechanics & Mining Sciences 39 (2002) 185–216

Some new Q-value correlations to assist in

site characterisation and tunnel design
N. Barton*
Nick Barton and Associates, Fjordveien 65c, 1363 H
vik, Norway
Accepted 5 February 2002

Abstract

The rock mass quality Q-value was originally developed to assist in the empirical design of tunnel and cavern reinforcement and
support, but it has been used for several other tasks in rock engineering in recent years. This paper explores the application of Q and
its six component parameters, for prediction, correlation and extrapolation of site investigation data, and for obtaining first
estimates of some input data for both jointed distinct element and continuum-approximation modelling. Parameters explored here
include P-wave velocity, static modulus of deformation, support pressure, tunnel deformation, Lugeon-value, and the possible
cohesive and frictional strength of rock masses, undisturbed, or as affected by underground excavation. The effect of depth or stress
level, and anisotropic strength, structure and stress are each addressed, and practical solutions suggested. The paper concludes with
an evaluation of the potential improvements in rock mass properties and reduced support needs that can be expected from state-of-
the-art pre-injection with fine, cementicious multi-grouts, based on measurements of permeability tensor principal value rotations
and reductions, caused by grout penetration of the least favourable joint sets. Several slightly improved Q-parameter ratings form
the basis of the predicted improvements in general rock mass properties that can be achieved by pre-grouting. r 2002 Elsevier
Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction or filled discontinuity, Jw is the rating for the water

The traditional application of the six-parameter Q-
value in rock engineering is for selecting suitable
combinations of shotcrete and rock bolts for rock mass
reinforcement and support. This is specifically the
permanent ‘lining’ estimation for tunnels or caverns in
rock, and mainly for civil engineering projects.
The Q-value is estimated from the following expres-
sion:
RQD Jr Jw
Q¼  
Jn Ja SRF
where RQD is the % of competent drill-core sticks
>100 mm in length [1] in a selected domain, Jn is the
rating for the number of joint sets (9 for 3 sets, 4 for 2
sets, etc.) in the same domain, Jr is the rating for the
roughness of the least favourable of these joint sets or
filled discontinuities, Ja is the rating for the degree of
alteration or clay filling of the least favourable joint set
*Tel.: +47-67-53-15-06.
E-mail address: nickrbarton@hotmail.com (N. Barton).
inflow and pressure effects, which may cause outwash of
discontinuity infillings, and SRF is the rating for
faulting, for strength/stress ratios in hard massive rocks,
for squeezing or for swelling.
The above ratings, and some important new foot-
notes, are given in full in Appendix A. The three
quotients appearing in Eq. (1) have the following
general or specific role:
RQD=Jn is the relative block size (useful for distin-
guishing massive, rock-burst-prone rock), Jr =Ja is the
ð1Þ relative frictional strength (of the least favourable joint
set or filled discontinuity), and Jw =SRF is the relative
effect of water, faulting, strength/stress ratio, squeezing
or swelling (an ‘active stress’ term). An alternative
combination of these three quotients in two groups only,
has been found to give fundamental properties for
describing the shear strength of rock masses. This aspect
will be described towards the end of the paper, after
exploring a number of simple correlations between
engineering parameters and Q-values, the latter normal-
ised to the form Qc ; for improved sensitivity to widely
varying uniaxial compression strengths.

1365-1609/02/$ - see front matter r 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
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