Preface to the First Edition

For different reasons, it is often difficult for rock engineers to obtain directly the
specific design parameter(s) of interest. As an alternative, they use the typical
values or empirical correlations of similar rocks to estimate the specific param-
eter(s) of interest indirectly. For example, the unconfined compressive strength
(UCS) of intact rock is widely used in designing surface and underground struc-
tures. The procedure for measuring UCS has been standardized by both the
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the International
Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM). Although the method is relatively simple,
it is time-consuming and expensive; also, it requires well-prepared rock cores,
which is often difficult or even impossible for weak rocks. Therefore, indirect
tests are often conducted to estimate the UCS by using empirical correlations,
such as point load, Schmidt hammer, sound velocity, and impact strength tests.
Another example is the determination of the deformation modulus of rock
masses. Rock masses usually contain discontinuities. To obtain realistic values
of rock mass deformation modulus, in situ tests, such as plate bearing, flat jack,
pressure chamber, borehole jacking and dilatometer tests, need be conducted.
The in situ tests, however, are time-consuming, expensive and, in some cases,
even impossible to carry out. Therefore, the deformation modulus of rock
masses is often estimated indirectly from correlations with classification indices
such as rock quality designation, rock mass rating, Q-system, and geological
strength index.
The typical values of and correlations between rock properties come in
many forms and are scattered in different textbooks, reference manuals, reports,
and articles published in technical journals and conference proceedings. It is
often difficult, time-consuming, or even impossible for a practitioner to find
appropriate information to determine the rock properties required for a partic-
ular project. The main purpose of this book is to summarize and present, in one
volume, the correlations between different rock properties, together with the
typical values of rock properties.
This book contains eight chapters which are presented in a logical order.
Chapter 1 provides a general introduction to rock engineering problems and
methods for determining rock properties, and presents examples on using
empirical correlations to estimate rock properties. Chapter 2 describes in situ
rock stresses and presents different empirical correlations for estimating them.
Chapters 3–5 describe the classification of intact rock and rock masses and the

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characterization of rock discontinuities. Chapters 6–8 present the typical values

and correlations of deformability, strength and permeability of intact rock, rock
discontinuities, and rock masses.
It must be noted that the typical values and correlations should never be used
as a substitute for a proper testing program, but rather to complement and verify
specific project-related information.
This book is intended for people involved in rock mechanics and rock engi-
neering. It can be used by practicing engineers to determine the engineering
properties of rocks required for particular projects. It will be useful for teaching
to look into the typical values of different rock properties and the factors affect-
ing them. It will also be useful for people engaged in numerical modeling to
choose appropriate values for the properties included in the model.
Prof. Harun S€ onmez of Hacettepe University, Turkey provided the defor-
mation modulus data that was included in Fig. 6.14. The author sincerely
thanks him.
Dr. Evert Hoek, Evert Hoek Consulting Engineer Inc., Canada sent the
author his discussion papers and provided valuable information on the rock
mass strength data included in Fig. 7.11. The author is grateful to him.
Portions of Chapters 4, 6, and 7 are based on the author’s doctoral research
conducted at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The author acknowl-
edges the support and advice given by Prof. Herbert Einstein.
Finally, the author wants to thank Dr. Francisco Silva and Mr. Ralph
Grismala of ICF Consulting for their support during the preparation of
this book.

Lianyang Zhang
Lexington, MA