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: - Palmström A. (2000): Recent developments in rock support estimates by the
- Palmström 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 give
(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 Palmström, 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.

ts in rock support estimates by the RMi. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Tunnelling Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1 May 2000, pp. 1 – 19; als
, 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
ally 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.

lues 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

A value in at least one green input cell is required

Project: Date:
Tunnel: Location:
Links to 'Parameter tables'

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 sc): (UCS = 100MPa is used as input as no info is given)
B1 RQD (Rock Quality Designation): RQD =
B2 Degree of Block volume (Vb): Vb =
B3 jointing Volumetric joint count (Jv): Jv =
B4 Joint spacing: (a = > 2m; b = 0.6 - 2m; c = 0.2 - 0.6m; d = 0.06 - 0.2m; e = < 0.06m)
C1 Block shape: (a = cubical blocks; b = slightly long or flat blocks; c = mod. long or flat blocks; d = very long or flat blocks)
C2 Jointing Joint sets: (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)
C3 pattern Orientation of in roof
(a = very favourable; b = favourable; c = fair; d = unfavourable; e = very unfavourable)
C4 main joint set: in wall
D1 Joint Joint smoothness: (a = v. rough; b = rough; c = slightly rough; d = smooth; e = polished; f = slickensided; g = filled joints)
D2 roughness 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.)
Joint
D3 alteration or Filling < ca. 5mm thickness: (h = sand / silt; j = hard clay; l = soft clay; n = swelling clay)
weathering
Filling > ca. 5mm thickness: (i = sand / silt; k = hard clay; m = soft clay; o = swelling clay)
D4 Joint length: (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)
E Interlocking or compactness of rockmass structure: (a = very tight; b = tight or compact ; c = disturbed; d = poorly interlocked)
F Ground water inflow to tunnel or cavern: (a = dry; b = damp; c = wet; d = dripping; e = gushing; f = flowing; g = heavily flowing)
G1 Stress level: (input for Q and RMi) (a = very low stress level; b = low stress; c = moderate / medium stress; d = high stress)

Over- Rock spalling or bursting: (e = moderate slabbing; f = rock burst; g = heavy burst) input of
G2
stressing Squeezing: (h = moderate squeeze; i = heavy squeeze) SRF
H1 Type: (j = multiple zones; k = single zone <50m; l = single zone >50m; m = multiple shears; q = crushed)
H2 Weakness Thickness or width of zone (m): (valid for 1 - 20m wide zones)
zone
H3 (fault, etc.) Orientation of in roof
(a = very favourable; b = favourable; c = fair; d = unfavourable; e = very unfavourable)
H4 zone: in wall
NOTE: Swelling rock is not included

INFO: Less important input has been given grey letters

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

 ver. 2.2-2.1

Rock Mass
INFORMATION AND COMMENTS
Fill input symbols for the input parameters as given in blue or shown in the sheet 'Parameters tables

Only input for one of the parameters for the "Degree of jointing" (green cells) is needed to
make a simple estimate.
and

<-- use input symbol (S) or unit

of symbols

values

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'.
<-- INPUT

To clear all lists of input symbols

Three various measurements for the degree of jointing can be used:
fill ' x ' - RQD, Vb ( block volume) and Jv (volumetric joint count).
m If input for only one of them is given, the values of the others needed in the
m classification systens are calculated automatically 2).
MPa
%
m³
joints/m³
S
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
S - in tunnels where water. inflow can soften possible clay-containing joints.
S Often, water sealing by grouting is applied in such cases before support is installed. The
S experience is that a successful grouting often improves the stability because of
S increased joint friction. The groundwater input value should be adjusted accordingly.

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 = bJv - 3
where b 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'

QD = 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
RMR 1989 Q 1993 RMi 2008
Tunnel span (m) Span = 10 Span = 10 Dt = 10
Tunnel data
Wall height (m) Wall = 5 Wall = 5 Wt = 5
Compressive strength sc = 100
A. Rock A1 A1 = 12 -
of intact rock:
B1 Rock Quality Designation (RQD): A2 = 20 RQD = 100 -
B. Degree of
B2 Block volume: - - Vb = ?
jointing
B3 Joint spacing: A3 = ? - -
C1 Block shape factor: - - b = 36
C. Jointing C2 Number of joint sets: - Jn = 0.75 Nj = 6
pattern C3 Orientation of main in roof: B = -2 - Co = 1
C4 joint set in walls: - - Co = 1
D1 Joint smoothness: A4c = 3 js = 1.25
roughness: Jr = 1.75
D2 Joint undulation: - jw = 1.4
D. Joint weathering: A4e = 6
charac- D3 Joint alteration Ja = 1 jA = 1
teristics filling: A4d = 6
D4 Joint length or persisstence: A4a = 2 - jL = 1
D5 Joint separation or aperture: A4b = 4 - -
E. Inter-
E Compactness of rockmass: - - IL = 1
locking
F. Ground
F Ground water inflow: A5 = 7 Jw = 1 GW = 1
water
G. Rock G1 Stress level: - SL = 1
stresses G2 Stress ratio//ground competency: - SRF = 1 Cg = -
H1 Type of weakness zone: - -
H. H2 Thickness or width of zone: - - Tz = -
Weakness
zones H3 Orientation of in roof: - - Co = -
H4 zone in walls: - - Co = -
Note that swelling rock is not included Need input for 'Degree of jointing'

RESULTS FROM CALCULATIONS (for conditions in tunnel or cavern)

RMR Q RMi
Continuity of rockmass (related to tunnel) →
- -
Interlocking of rockmass structure →
scm ≈ RMi =
Rock mass quality (approx. strength, scm) - -

RMR = ? Q=? Gc =
in roof
Ground quality (related to stability)
in walls RMR = ? Qwall = Gcwall =
Sr =
in roof - -
Blockiness (related to block instability)
Srwall =
in walls - -

Weakness zone -

Rockmass
-
stresses Potential stress problems →

Limitations
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. Palmström, Q-RMR-RMi, version 2.2.
Cg = Competency of ground (Cg = scm / sq = RMi / sq) 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 RMR system

Parameter Value Comment Parameter Rating Comment
Rock Quality interim RQD = 100 ? = RQD calculated Rock strength A1 = 12
Designation RQD used = 100 RQD A2 = 20
0.75 from block volume (Vb) #VALUE! from block diam. (Db)
A3 =
Jn = from input value of Jn Joint spacing rating from input of spacing
Number of joint sets
from input value of Jn A3 used = ?
Jn used = 0.75 length, A4a = 2
Joint size factors
js = 1.25 separation, A4b = 4
Jr = 1.75
Joint roughness factor jw = 1.4 Joint smoothness roughness, A4c = 3 Joint
Jr used = 1.75 < 5mm 6 = 21 charac-
Infilling A4d = teristics
1 no filling > 5mm
Ja = filling < 5mm Weathering A4e = 6
Joint alteration factor
filling >5mm Alteration (infilling+weathering) used = 12
Ja used = 1 Water A5 = 7 Damp
Joint water factor Jw = 1 Joint orientation (in roof) B= -2 Favourable
from SRF input, blocky ground RMR = ?
from SRF input, burst
SRF = Limit of RMR:
Stress reduction factor from SRF input, squeezing
from SRF input, zone
SRF used = 1
Q= ?
Q value Qc = including UCS
Qwall =
Tunnel data NOTE: blue values and blue text can be adjusted
Span = 10
Wall height = 10
Limit of Q:

RMi system
1. RMi Basic parameters 4. RMi calculations in weakness zones
Parameter Value Comment Parameter Value Comment
Rock strength sc = 100 MPa Zone width Tz = - m
js = 1.25 Cozone = - roof
jR = 1.75 Zone orientation
Joint roughness factor jw = 1.4 Cozone = - wall
jR used = 1.75 Ground conditions in zone, RMi /GW =
1 no filling Roof condition Gcroof =
jA = filling < 5mm Wall condition Gcwall =
Joint alteration factor
filling >5mm Sr roof = roof
Size ratio zone
jA used = 1 Sr wall = wall
Joint size factor jL = 1 Tz > Dt? - roof
Zone width vs. tunnel size
Joint condition factor jC = 1.75 Tz > Wt? - wall
Block shape factor b= 36
Limit of RMi:
Block volume Vb = ? m³
Block diameter Db = ### m
Jointing parameter JP = ###
Massivity factor fs = ### 5. Rockmass continuity
Interlocking//compactness IL = 1 Roof:
Rock Mass index RMi = ? Wall:

2. RMi calculations in discontinuous ground 6. Rockmass stresses (from input of SRF)

Parameter Value Comment Input stress level SL = Moderate
Tunnel span Dt = 10 m Ground competency Cg = - (approximate)
Wall height Wt = 5 m Potential stress problems:
Rockmass CFroof = roof
continuity factor CFwall = wall
Ground water GW = 1
Stress level SL = 1
6 from block size
Nj = from input value
Number of joint sets
from input value
Nj used = 6
Co = 1 roof Favourable
Joint orientation
 Joint orientation
Co = 1 wall Favourable

Ground condition Gcroof = ?

factor, Gc Gcwall = ?
Sr roof = Extremely unfavourable
Size ratio
Sr wall = Extremely unfavourable
CLASSIFICATIONS
Classification of RMR
RMR = 100 - 80 Very good
RMR = 80 - 60 Good
RMR = 60 - 40 Fair
RMR = 40 - 20 Poor
RMR = 20 - 0 Very poor

Classification of Q
Q= 1000 - 400 Except, good
Q= 400 - 100 Extremely good
Q= 100 - 40 Very good
Q= 40 - 10 Good
Q= 10 - 4 Fair
Q= 4 - 1 Poor
Q= 1 - 0.1 Very poor
Q= 0.1 - 0.01 Extremely poor
Q= 0.01 - 0.001 Exceptionally poor

Classification of RMi
RMi = 100 - 40 Very high
RMi = 40 - 10 High
RMi = 10 - 1 Moderate
RMi = 1 - 0.4 Low
RMi = 0.4 - 0.1 Very low
RMi = 0.1 - 0.01 Extremely low

Classification of ground condition factor (Gc)

Gc > 40 Very good
Gc = 40 - 10 Good
Gc = 10 - 1 Fair
Gc = 1 - 0.4 Poor
Gc = 0.4 - 0.1 Very poor
Gc = 0.1 - 0.01 Extremely poor

Classification of Size ratio (Sr) Suggested for Sr/Gc

Sr < 4 Very favourable Sr/Gc < 0.1 very good
Sr = 4 - 10 Favourable Sr/Gc = 1 good
Sr = 10 - 40 Fair 40 fair
Sr = 40 - 100 Unfavourable 250 poor
Sr = 100 - 400 Very unfavourable 2000 very poor
Sr > 400 Extremely unfavourable > 2000 extremely poor

Classification of continuity (CF) Descriptive jointing classes

CF = 0 - 3 Continuous / massive massive / solid massive or intact
CF = 3 - 6 Continuous // discontin. massive / blocky
CF = 6 - 40 Discontinuous blocky jointed or fractured
CF = 40 - 60 Discontinuous // contin. blocky / bulky
CF = 60 - Continuous / particulate bulky /particulate highly jointed or broken
8

weakness zone crushed zone or fault zone

NOTE: blue values and blue text can be adjusted

Rock Mass Correlations of the input parameters to Q, RMR and RMi
Values used in the spreadsheet are shown in blue; common values used are given in the green cells
NOTE: blue values can be adjusted

A ROCKS RMR Q RMi

A1 Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS or sc) of intact rock input A1 = - sc =
Soil sc (MPa) < 1 0
Very low strength 1 - 5 1 Input of the actual
Low strength 5 - 25 2 value of s c Input rating of UCS to RMR
use
value Not included, except (A1) is automatically
Moderate strength 25 - 50 4
Rock (rating A1 is in Qc = Q x sc /100 calculated from the UCS
Medium strength 50 - 100 calculated) 7 common value = value given
Back High strength 100 - 250 12 100
Very high strength sc (MPa) > 250 15

B DEGREE OF JOINTING RMR Q RMi

B1 Rock quality designation (RQD) input A2 = RQD = -
Very good RQD = 90 - 100 20
Good 75 - 90 use 17 Input rating of RQD (A2) to
value Actual RQD value
RMR is automatically
Fair 50 - 75 13 (min Not included
(rating A2 is RQD = 10) calculated from input or
Back Poor 25 - 50 calculated) 8 calculation of RQD
Very poor RQD < 25 5
A crude value of RQD may be found from RQD = 110-4.5Jv (Jv is the volumetric joint count)
B2 Block size - - Vb =

Back Block volume (Vb) use value Not included Not included Actual value of Vb

Vb may be calculated from Vb = b*Jv-3; A crude value of Vb may be found from 36*Jv-3 (b = block shape factor)
B3 Density of joints - - -
Values of RQD and Vb
Back Volumetric joint count (Jv) use value Not included Not included Not included will automatically be
calculated.
Jv may be used instead of Vb and/or RQD
B4 Joint spacing1) A3 = - -
Very large spacing spacing (m) > 2 a 20
Large spacing 0.6 - 2 b 15 When value for joint spacing
(B3) is not given, it is
Moderate spacing 0.2 - 0.6 c 10 Not included Not included
automatically calculated
Back Small spacing 0.06 - 0.2 d 8 from the block diameter (Db)
Very small spacing spacing (m) < 0.06 e 5
1)
Where more than one joint set occurs, the rating for the smallest spacing should be applied

C JOINTING PATTERN RMR Q RMi

input
 C1 Block shape Ratio largest side/smallest side input - - b= bused =
Cubical blocks (or compact blocks) 1-2 a 27-32 27
Slightly long or flat blocks 2-5 b 32-50 36
Moderately long or flat 5 - 12 c Not included Not included 50-100 75
Back Very long or flat blocks 12 - 70 d 100-500 250
Extremely long or flat blocks > 70 e >500 750 Estimated Jv, based on Vb, when input for C2 is no
C2 Joint sets - Jn = Nj = BLOCK VOLUME (Vb) in m³ Possible number of JOINT SETS
No or few joints a 0.75 6 15 m³ or more No or few joints
1 joint set b 2 3 5 - 15 1 joint set
1 joint set + random joints c 3 2 1 - 5 1 joint set + random joints
2 joint sets d 4 1.5 0.1 - 1 2 joint sets
2 joint sets + random joints e Not included 6 1.2 0.01 - 0.1 2 joint sets + random joints
3 joint sets f 9 1 0.001 - 0.01 3 joint sets
3 joint sets + random joints g 12 0.85 0.0001 - 0.001 3 joint sets + random joints
Back 4 joint sets or more; heavily jointed h 15 0.6 1E-05 - 0.0001 4 joint sets or more; heavily jointed
Crushed, earth-like i 20 0.5 In one WALL
TERM
C3, C4 Orientation of main joint set (C3 in roof; C4 in walls) B= - Co = strike (o) dip (o)
Very favourable a 0 1 Very favourable ≥ 70 all
Favourable b -2 1 Favourable < 70 ≤
Fair c -5 Not included 1.5 50 - 70 >
Fair
Back Unfavourable d -10 2 ≤ 50 20 -
Very unfavourable e -12 3 Unfavourable 30 - 50 ≥
Very unfavourable ≤ 30 ≥

D JOINT CHARACTERISTICS RMR Q 1)

RMi
Joint wall smoothness (small scale roughness)
D1 input A4c = (js =) js =
(called 'roughness' in the RMR)
Very rough or interlocking a 6 2 2
Rough or irregular b 5 1.5 1.5
Slightly rough c 3 1.25 1.25
Smooth d 1 1 1
Back Polished e 0 0.75 0.75
Slickensided f 0 0.5 0.5
For filled joints g 0 1 1
D2 Joint plane undulation or waviness (large scale roughness) - (jw =) jw =
Discontinuous joints a 4 4
Strongly undulating b 2.5 2.5
Moderately undulating c 2 2
Not included
Back Slightly undulating d 1.4 1.4
Planar e 1 1
For filled joints f 1 1
 1)
Jr is found from: js x jw Note: jR = Jr = js x jw = 1 for filled joints
D3 Joint alteration or weathering A4e = Ja = jA =
Healed or welded joints a 6 0.75 0.75
Joint weathering

Unweathered, fresh joint walls b 6 1 1

Slightly weathered joint walls (coloured, stained) c 3 2 2
Altered joint wall (no loose material) d 0 4 4
Highly weathered / Coating of friction materials (silt, sand, etc.) e 1 3 3
Range of Ja and jA given in the Q
Decomposed / Coating of cohesive materials (clay, chlorite, etc.) f 0 4 4
and in the RMi systems
no wall contact
Filled joints - 0 - -
A4d = wall no wall jA = wall contact or t>
For filled joints → or t < ca. 5mm ca. 5mm
Joint infilling

(t = joint thickness) t < 5mm t > 5mm contact *) contact **) t < ca. 5mm t > ca. 5mm
No filling - 6 - - - -
Friction materials (silt, sand, etc.) h // i 5 2 4 8 4 8 <-- 4 8
Hard, cohesive materials (clay, talc, chlorite) j // k 4 2 6 8 6 8 <-- 6 5 - 10
Back Soft, cohesive materials (soft clay) l // m 2 0 8 12 8 12 <-- 8 12
Swelling clay materials n // o 0 0 10 18 10 18 <-- 8 - 12 13 - 20
*) Wall contact before 10cm shear; **) No contact when sheared;
Note: Q and RMi apply a combination of joint weathering and infilling, while RMR has input of both weathering and infilling
D4 Joint length A4a = - jL =
Crack 1) (irregular break) Length < ~0.3m a 8 5
Parting (very short, thin joint) < 1m b 3
6
Very short joint 0.3 – 1m c 2
Short joint 1 – 3m d 4 Not included 1.5
Medium joint 3 – 10m e 2 1
Back Long joint 10 – 30m 2) f 1 0.75
Filled joint, seam or shear 3) > 10m g 0 0.5
1)
"Crack" has been introduced in this spreadsheet; 2)
Length 10 – 20 m is applied in the RMR; 3)
Used in cases where most joints in the location are filled
D5 Joint separation or aperture (A) A4b = - -
None a 6
Very tight
A < 0.1mm b 5
Tight 0.1 – 0.5mm
c 4
Partly included in
0.5 - 1mm
Moderately open Not included 'Interlocking of
1 – 2.5mm rockmass structure'
d 1
2.5 - 5mm
Open
Back 5 - 10mm
e 0
Very open 10 - 25mm

E INTERLOCKING OF ROCKMASS STRUCTURE RMR Q RMi

Compactness of rockmass input - - IL =
Very tight structure Undisturbed rock mass, well interlocked a 1.3
The rating
Partly included in 'Joint values are
separation or aperture'
Not included <--
based on the
GSI system
 The rating
Tight structure Undisturbed rock mass with some joint sets b Partly included in 'Joint 1 values are
separation or aperture'
Not included <--
Back Disturbed / open Folded / faulted with angular blocks c 0.8 based on the
GSI system
Poorly interlocked Broken with angular and rounded blocks d 0.5
NOTE: Interlocking has been introduced in this spreadsheet based on its effects presented in the GSI system

F GROUND WATER RMR Q RMi

Inflow to tunnel or cavern or Water pressure (pw) 1) A5 = Jw = GW = For RMi:

input
Completely dry none a 15
1
Damp no water inflow pw < 1 kg/cm² b 10 1 <-- when the ground water has minor influence on stability
Wet inflow < 10 litres/min 1 - 2.5 kg/cm² c 7 0.66
Dripping 10 - 25 litres/min d 4 0.5 2.5 <-- when the ground water has some influence on stability
2.5 - 10 kg/cm²
Gushing /outwashing 25 - 125 litres/min e 0 0.3 5 <-- when the ground water has significant influence on stability
Back Flowing, decaying inflow > 125 litres/min f 0.15 <-- 0.1 - 0.2
pw > 10 kg/cm² Outside limit of RMR Outside limit of RMi
Heavily flowing, without noticeable decay g 0.08 <-- 0.05 - 1
NOTE! GW is related to groundwater's influence on rockmass stability. 1)
Water pressure can be applied in the Q-system used in Q system

G ROCK STRESSES (stresses around tunnel) RMR Q RMi

G1 Stress level; stresses below rockmass strength input - SRF = SL = Assumed limits Given in the Q-system
Very low stress level (in portals) a 0.1 sq / scm *) Range of SRF sc / s1
Stresses below rock 2.5
Low stress level b 0.5 < 0.02 1 - 2.5 >
mass strength (sq < Not included
Back s ) Medium stress level c 1 1 0.02 - 0.5 1 200 -
cm
High stress level d 0.67 1.5 0.5 - 0.7 0.5 - 2 10 -
G2 Overstressing; stresses exceed rockmass strength - SRF = Cg = RMi /sq ≈

Overstressing Moderate slabbing after >1 hr e 25 0.75 0.7 - 1 5 - 50 5 -

(sq > scm) Slabbing and rock burst after few minutes f 100 0.4 1 - 1.7 50 - 200 3 -
in massive, brittle rock Heavy rock burst g Not included 300 0.25 > 1.7 200 - 400 <
Back Mild squeezing h 10 0.75 1 - 5 5 - 10 *) in the Q system sc /s1
Overstressing in deformable rock mass
Heavy squeezing i 20 0.5 > 5 10 - 20 and sq /scm are used
Cg = competency of ground; sq = tangential stresses around the opening; scm ≈ RMi = compressive strength of rock mass Max LIMIT used = 20

H WEAKNESS ZONES *) RMR Q RMi

H1 Type of weakness zone input - SRF = -
Multiple weakness zones any depth j 10
depth < 50m k 5
Single weakness zone
depth > 50m l 2.5
Weakness zones and Type of weakness
Multiple shear zones any depth m shears are not 7.5 zones and shears are
depth < 50m n explicitly included in 5 not explicitly included in
Single shear zone RMR RMi
depth > 50m o 2.5
 Weakness zones and Type of weakness
shears are not zones and shears are
explicitly included in not explicitly included in
RMR RMi

Back Loose, open joints any depth p 5

Heavily jointed ("sugar cube") any depth q 5
H2 Size of the zone - - Tz = Classification of zone orientation related to tunnel

Back Thickness or width of the zone (Tz) use value Not included Not included Width of zone in m In one WALL
TERM
H3,
Orientation of zone related to excavation (H3 in roof; H4 in walls) - - Coz = strike (o) dip (o)
H4
Very favourable a 1 Very favourable ≥ 70 all
Favourable b 1 Favourable < 70 ≤
Fair c Not included Not included 1.5 50 - 70 >
Fair
Back Unfavourable d 2 ≤ 50 20 -
Very unfavourable e 3 Unfavourable 30 - 50 ≥
*)
Most weakness zones should be especially evaluated, together with the use of engineering judgement Very unfavourable ≤ 30 ≥

Reference: A. Palmström, Q-RMR-RMi, version 2.2. RockMass AS, Jan. 2015 NOTE: blue values can be adjusted
er of JOINT SETS

joints

m joints

m joints
heavily jointed
ALL In opposite WALL In ROOF
dip (o) strike (o) dip (o) dip (o)
all > 60 all > 60
20 ### - 60 all 45 - 60
all strikes

20
≤ 30 ≤ 45 30 - 45
45
45 ≤ 30 > 45 15 - 30
45 ≤ 15
 sc / s1 sq / sc
200 0.01
10 0.3
5 0.5

3 0.65
2 1
2 <1
n the Q system sc /s1 0.65
assumed values
d sq /scm are used 1
ALL In opposite WALL In ROOF

dip (o) strike (o) dip (o) dip (o)

all > 60 all > 60

20 ### - 60 all 45 - 60
20 all strikes
≤ 30 ≤ 45 30 - 45
45
45 ≤ 30 > 45 15 - 30
45 ≤ 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 Full face:
Generally no support required except for occasio
RMR: 81-100 3m advance
2. Good rock Full face: Locally bolts in crown, 3m long,
RMR: 61-80 1.0 - 1.5m advance; spaced 2.5m with occasional wire
Complete support 20 m from face mesh
3. Fair rock Top heading and bench:
RMR: 41-60 1.5 - 3m advance in top heading; Systematic bolts 4m long, spaced
1.5 - 2m in crown and walls with
Commence support after each blast; wire mesh in crown
Commence support 10 m from face
4. Poor rock Top heading and bench:
Systematic bolts 4 - 5m long,
RMR: 21-40 1.0 - 1.5m advance in top heading;
spaced 1 - 1.5m in crown and
Install support concurrently with excavation - 10 m walls with wire mesh
from face
5. Very poor rock Multiple drifts:
RMR < 21 0.5 - 1.5m advance in top heading; Systematic bolts 5 - 6m long,
spaced 1 - 1.5m in crown and
Install support concurrently with excavation; walls with wire mesh. Bolt invert
shotcrete as soon as possible after blasting
 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

None
sides

100 - 150mm in crown and 100mm in

Light ribs spaced 1.5m where required
sides

Medium to heavy ribs spaced 0.75m

150 - 200mm in crown, 150mm in
with steel lagging and forepoling if
sides, and 50mm on face
required. Close invert
 ROCK CLASSES
G F E D C B A
Exceptionally Extremely Very Very Ext. Exc.
poor poor poor Poor Fair Good good good good
100 2.5 m
20
2.3 m
2.1 m

Bolt length in m for ESR = 1

1.7 m
50 1.5 m 11
1.3 m
1.2 m 7
1.0 m
Span or height in m

20 5
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

10 4.0 m 3
ESR

3.0 m

5 2.4
2.0 m

1.6 m

2 1.3 m 1.5
1.0 m

1
0.001 0.004 0.01 0.04 0.1 0.4 1 4 10 40 100 400 1000
RQD Jr Jw
Rock mass quality Q = Jn xJa x
SRF

REINFORCEMENT CATEGORIES:
1) Unsupported 6) Fibre reinforced shotcrete and bolting, 9- 12 cm
2) Spot bolting 7) Fibre reinforced shotcrete and bolting, 12 - 15 cm
3) Systematic bolting 8) Fibre reinforced shotcrete, > 15 cm,
4) Systematic bolting, (and unreinforced shotcrete, 4 - 10 cm) reinforced ribs of shotcrete and bolting
5) Fibre reinforced shotcrete and bolting, 5 - 9 cm 9) Cast concrete lining
Exc.
good
20
Bolt length in m for ESR = 1

11

7
5
1

2.4

1.5

0 1000

12 cm
- 15 cm
The RMi rock support chart for jointed rock and weakness zones 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

Rock
1x1 - 1.5x1.5m 1.2-1.5 Limit
600

400
else Sr = (Dt/Db) x K2
For weakness zones with thickness Tz < Dt : Sr = (Tz/Db) x K2

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

200

100
80

60

40

SHOTCRETE AND ROCK BOLTS

Siz e ra tio ( Sr)

20

10
8
ONLY ROCK BOLTS
6

1
0 .0 1 0. 02 0. 04 0 .1 0.2 0. 4 0.6 1 2 4 6 10 20 40 60 100 200 400 600

Ground condi ti on factor Gc = RMi x K1

Dt = diameter of tunnel (span or wall height) K1 = SL x C x GW x IL

Db = diameter of representative rock block (SL = stress level; C = factor for roof vs. wall; GW = water inflow;
IL = interlocking of rockmass structure) )
Tz = thickness (width) of weakness zones
K1 and K2 are adjustment factors K2 = (Co/ Nj) (Co = factor for orientation of joint set or weakness zone,
Nj = factor for number of joint sets)
port chart for overstressed rock

Li mit 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)

particulate rocks
ductile, massive
FOR MASSIVE ROCKS: NO ROCK SUPPORT
S P ECI A L DE SI GNE D

200 - - - 150 - - - 120 - - - 100 - - - 80 - - - 60

ROCK SUP P ORT

and some
ROCK BOLTS (spacing, m) FOR PARTICULATE ROCKS: U se su p p or t ch ar t
1.2 - - - - 1.5 - - - - 1.7 - - - - - 2 - - - - 2.5 - - - - - 3 fo r j oi n ted ro c ks

squeezing
very heavy heavy fair light
0.35 0.5 0.7 1

FIBRECRETE (thickness, mm)

SP E CIA L DE SI GNE D

SCALING
ROCK SUP P ORT

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

massive
+ N O R OC K

brittle,

r ocks
ROCK BOLTS ( spacing, m) SPOT BOLTING SU PPOR T
1.2 - - - - 1.5 - - - - - 1.7 - - - - - 2 - - - - 2.5 - - - - - 3

rock burst spalling high

stress
very heavy heavy mild level

overstressed (incompetent)
0.1 0.2 0.5 1 2.5 10

Com petency factor Cg = RMi / s q

Some rock properties

UNIAXIAL COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AND RATINGS OF THE mi FACTOR IN HOEK-BROWN FAILURE

CRITERION FOR ROCK MASSES
Uniaxial Rating of
compressive the factor
strength (MPa) mi
ROCK TYPE low - average - high (see notes) ROCK TYPE
Coal 16 - 21- 26 Amphibolite
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS

Claystone 2 - 5 - 10 3.4 Amphibolitic gneiss

Conglomerate 70 - 85 - 100 (20) Augen gneiss
Coral chalk 3 - 10 - 18 7.2 Black shale
Dolomite 60 - 100 - 300 10.1 Garnet mica schist
Limestone 50 - 100 - 180 8.4 Granite gneiss
Mudstone 45 - 95 - 145 Granulite
Shale 36 - 95 - 172 Gneiss
Sandstone 75 - 120 - 160 18.8 Gneiss granite

METAMORPHIC ROCKS
Siltstone 10 - 80 - 180 9.6 Greenschist
Tuff 3 - 25 - 150 Greenstone
Andesite 75 - 140 - 300 18.9 Greywacke
Anorthosite 40 - 125 - 210 Marble
Basalt 100 - 165 - 355 (17) Mica gneiss
Diabase (dolerite) 227 - 280 - 319 15.2 Mica quartzite
Diorite 100 - 140 - 190 (27) Mica schist
IGNEOUS ROCKS

Gabbro 190 - 240 - 285 25.8 Mylonite

Granite 95 - 160 - 230 32.7 Phyllite
Granodiorite 75 - 105 - 135 (20) Quartz sandstone
Monzonite 85 - 145 - 230 (30) Quartzite
Nepheline syenite 125 - 165 - 200 Quartzitic phyllite
Norite 290 - 298 - 326 21.7 Serpentinite
Pegmatite 39 - 50 - 62 Slate
Rhyolite - 85 ? - (20) Talc schist
Syenite 75 - 150 - 230 (30)
Ultrabasic rock 80 - 160 - 360
Very soft clay 0.025 Stiff clay
SOIL

SOIL

Soft clay 0.025 - 0.05 Very stiff clay

Firm clay 0.05 - 0.1 Hard clay
Silt, sand
Note1: The Hoek - Brown failure criterion for rock masses Note 2: Values in brackets have been assumed
The compressive strength values given are based on measurements by SINTEF, Norway
TOR IN HOEK-BROWN FAILURE

Uniaxial Rating of
compressive the factor
strength (MPa) mi
low - average - high (see notes)
75 - 125 - 250 31.2
95 - 160 - 230 (31)
95 - 160 - 230 (30)
35 - 70 - 105
75 - 105 - 130
80 - 120 - 155 (30)
80 - 150 - 280
80 - 130 - 185 29.2
65 - 105 - 140 (30)
65 - 75 - 85
120 - 170 - 280 (20)
100 - 120 - 145
60 - 130 - 230 9.3
55 - 80 - 100 (30)
45 - 85 - 125 (25)
20 - 80 - 170 (15)
65 - 90 - 120
21 - 50 - 80 (13)
70 - 120 - 175
75 - 145 - 245 23.7
45 - 100 - 155
65 - 135 - 200
120 - 190 - 300 11.4
45 - 65 - 90 (10)

0.1 - 0.25
0.25 - 0.5
0.5 - 1
0.0001 - 0.001
brackets have been assumed