https://isrm.

net/isrm/page/show/1235

41-44 Classifficat and Prop of R Masses

GSI

1
 4 ROCK MASS CLASSIFICATION SYSTEMS
4.1 Introduction
During preliminary stage of a project, when little information
on the rock mass is available, Rock Mass Classification
System, is of considerable benefit.

Two or more rock mass classification system must be used,

1. to build up a picture of the characteristics of a rock
mass,
2. to provide initial estimates of support requirements, and
3. to estimate the strength and deformation of the rock
mass.
Jian Zhao
Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 2
Rock Mass Classification is the process of placing a
rock mass into groups or classes (Bieniawski, 1989)
assigning a unique description (or number) to it, on the
basis of similar characteristics such that the behavior of
the rock mass can be predicted.

Rock mass is an assemblage of rock material separated

by discontinuities, mostly by joints, bedding planes,
dyke intrusions and faults etc.

Bedding planes, dyke intrusions, and faults are not so

common as compared to joints and are dealt
individually (Bieniawski, 1993).

3
factor

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 4

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 5
4.2 Engineering rock mass classification

At least two methods must be used during the early

stages of a project.

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 6

According to Bieniawski the objectives of rock mass classification are:

i) to identify the most significant parameters influencing the behavior

of a rock mass;

ii) to provide a basis for understanding the characteristics of each rock

mass class;
iii) to derive quantitative data for engineering design;
iv) to recommend support guidelines for tunnels and mines;
v) to provide a common basis for communication between engineers
and geologists;
vi) to relate the experience on rock conditions at one site to the
conditions encountered and experience gained at other.

Ref.

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 7

Disadvantages of rock mass classification
According to Bieniawski (1993), the major pitfalls (trampas) of
rock mass classification systems arise when:

i) using rock mass classifications as the ultimate empirical

‘cook book’, i.e. ignoring analytical and observational
design methods;

ii) using one rock mass classification system only, i.e. without
cross-checking the results with at least one other system;

iii) using rock mass classifications without enough input data;

iv) using rock mass classifications without considering their

limits arising from the database on which they were
developed.
Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 8
Parameters for Rock Mass Classification

The behavior of intact rock material is continuous while that of

the fractured rock mass is discontinuous. For any engineering
design in the rock mass, the engineering properties of rock
material and discontinuities, should be taken into consideration.

Various parameters of greatest and different significance have

to be considered in order to describe a rock mass satisfactorily
for assuring rock mass stability.

The parameters (Bieniawski, 1993) used for description and

classification of rock mass are:

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 9

i) the strength of the intact rock material (compressive
strength, modulus of elasticity, shear strength);

ii) the rock quality designation (RQD) which is a measure of

drill core quality or inten-sity of fracturing;

iii) parameters of rock joints such as orientation, spacing, and

condition (aperture, roughness, infilling and weathering);

iv) groundwater pressure and flow volume;

v) in situ stress

vi) major geological structures (folds and faults).

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 10

Types of classification systems

On the basis of mode of characterization, these systems can be

grouped as qualitative and quantitative.

Qualitative i.e. descriptive systems include GSI (Geological

Strength Index), Rock Load Factor, while:

Q, RMR, RSR and RQD systems are quantitative.

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 11

Types of classification systems

Classification systems can also be classified on the basis of the

aim of the rating systems: for stability assessment, Q and RMR
systems are used; Q gives no support limit while RMR system is
meant to calculate stand-up time.

To calculate the support design (liner thickness, bolt spacing

etc.) Q system is used (to a minor extent also RMR System).

To determine the engineering design parameters only, GSI is

used.

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 12

UCS

E is of less importance because most of the rock mass deformation

ocurred at the joints.
Number of joint sets and orientation define the shape of blocks and the
failure mode.
Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 13
4.2 Engineering rock mass classification

4.2.1 Terzaghi's rock mass classification

(Rock Load Factor 1946)

Is the first rock mass classification. Used for the design

of tunnel support, in which the rock loads, carried by
steel frames, are estimated on the basis of a descriptive
classification.

by Y. Rodriguez
Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 14
 Steel arch (marco
de acero)

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 15

 The Rock load factor
is to estimate the
amount of loose rock
mass (Hp) above the
túnel,
that need to be
supported by the
Steel arch.

The volumen of loose

rock above the
tunnel, depends on
the rock mass quality
and, the size of the
túnel.

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 16

 Ref. Curso
Jian Zhao

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 19

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 20
Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 21
Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 22
Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 23
Classification involving stand-up time

Tiempo de permanencia estable del tramo

de avance del túnel

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 24

4.2.2 Classifications involving stand-up time

Lauffer (1958) proposed that the stand-up time for an

unsupported span, is related to the quality of the rock mass, in
which the span (tramo) is excavated.
In a tunnel, the unsupported span is defined as the distance
between the face (frente de excavación) and the nearest
support.

The significance of the stand-up time concept, is that an

increase in the span of the tunnel, leads to a significant
reduction in the time available for the installation of support.

For example, a small pilot tunnel may be successfully

constructed with minimal support, while a larger tunnel in the
same rock mass, may not be stable without the immediate
installation of support. (efecto de escala)
25
The smaller the active span, the longer the stand-up time.
Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 26
In designing support for hard rock excavations, it is prudent to assume
that the stability of the rock mass surrounding the excavation is not
time-dependent. Hence, if a wedge is exposed in the roof of a tunnel,
it will fall as soon as the rock supporting is removed.

If it is required to keep such wedge in place; the support must be

installed as soon as possible, or the wedge must be removed. (ASAP)
As soon as posible.

On the other hand, in a highly stressed rock, failure will be induced by

changes in the stress field surrounding the tunnel. The failure may
occur gradually (squeezing) or spalling (astillamiento), or it may occur
suddenly in the form of a rock burst.
27
Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 28
4.2.3 Rock quality designation index (RQD)

Developed by Deere (1967) to provide a quantitative estimate

of rock mass quality from drill core logs (testigos).

RQD is defined as the percentage of intact core pieces longer

than 10 cm in the total length of core.

RQD is a directionally dependent parameter, i.e. its value may

change significantly, depending upon the borehole
orientation.

RQD represent the rock mass quality in situ.

When using diamond drill, care must be taken to ensure that

fractures caused by handling (manipulación) or the drilling
process, are ignored when determining the value of RQD.
En la diapo de la página siguiente se
muestra la extracción de testigos mediante
sondaje para h = 0 a 10 mt.

Ref. Población Frei – Bonn en Calama 30

0 a 5m 5 a 10m

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 31

Rock quality designation index (RQD)

90 - 100

32
Nowadays, rock mass classification systems are used in
conjunction with numerical simulations, especially in
early stages of geotechnical projects, where data are
often rare.

Based on rock mass classifications, strength and

deformation parameters can be deduced and applied in
numerical simulations to estimate stability, failure pattern,
Factor-of-safety, deformations etc.

33
ROCK TUNNEL QUALITY INDEX (Q)

34
Rock Tunnelling Quality Index, Q
4.5 Rock Tunnelling Quality Index, Q (Nick Barton del NGI)

On the basis of an evaluation of a large number of case histories

of underground excavations, Barton et al of the Norwegian
Geotechnical Institute, proposed a Tunnelling Quality Index (Q)
for the determination of rock mass characteristics and tunnel
support requirements.

The numerical value of the index Q varies on a logarithmic

scale from 0.001 to a maximum of 1,000:

35
36
37
38
The quotient (RQD/Jn ), representing the structure of the rock mass,
is a measure of the block size, with the two extreme values (100/0.5
and 10/20). (Representa el tamaño de los bloques)

The second quotient (Jr /Ja ) represents the frictional characteristics

of the joint walls. (representa rugosidad y resistencia al corte en las
juntas)

It is to be expected that such surfaces will be close to peak strength,

that they will dilate strongly when sheared, and this will be
favourable to tunnel stability.

39
 The third quotient (Jw /SRF) consists of stress parameter
SRF is a measure of:

1) loosening load in the case of an excavation through shear

zones,
2) rock stress in competent rock, and
3) squeezing loads in plastic incompetent rocks, (roca
“blanda”)

The parameter Jw is a measure of water pressure, which has

an adverse effect on the shear strength of joints due to a
reduction in effective normal stress. , = ( t - u)

Water may, in addition, cause softening and possible out-

wash in the case of clay-filled joints.
40
41
42
 RQD /Jn

Conociendo el # de familias  Jn
The greater Jn the less the quality of the Rock

43
 Jr /Ja

slickensided = pulido

44
Slickenside: smoothly polished surface caused by frictional movement between the
two sides of a fault, Jr = 3

Jr = 4 for non continuous bridged joints.

Jr /Ja

45
Joint alteration number is divided into 3 categories:

Jr /Ja

46
Jw can be assessed from the water flow observed inside the
underground excavation, or estimating the ground water pressure,
often measured during borehole logging.
Be careful with groundwater pressure for underground excavation.

Jw
/SRF

47
Stress reduction factor has two categories:

48
49
50
Since 1980, due to the increased use of (SFRS) together with
rock bolts, Grimstad and Barton suggested a support design
chart (ficha de diseño) using SFRS, as shown in Figure 6.

SFRS = Steel Fiber Reinforced Shotcrete

51
Used for design Rock Support for underground excavations.
With the Q value on the base axis.
With the rock mass quality Q-value and dimension of the
underground excavation on the left vertical axis,
we can design the Rock Support in terms of rock bolt length,
spacing, thicknes of spray concrete or cast concrete lining.

ESR = Razón de soporte de la excavación.

Tabulado en la próxima diapo.

52
Applications of Q-System:
Q value is applied to estimate the support for a tunnel and the usage
of excavation by defining the Equivalent Dimension (De) of the
excavation :
𝐸𝑥𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑛 𝑠 , 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑑 𝑜𝑟 ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 (𝑚)
𝐷𝑒 =
𝐸𝑥𝑐𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑆𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜 𝐸𝑆𝑅

Span /diameter is used for analyzing the roof support, and height of
the tunnel is used in case of wall support. 53
 Sfr = shotcrete
fiber reinforced

RRS=Reinforced
ribs shotcrete

ESR =
excavation
support ratio

54
Excavation Support Ratio (razón de soporte de la excavación, 0,8 a 5)
 Excavation Support Ratio (razón de soporte de la excavación)

The value of ESR is related to the intended (destino) of the

excavation, and to the degree of security of the support system
installed, required (necesario) to maintain the stability of the
excavation.

Drifts = galerías, headings = obras mineras. factories = fábricas

penstocks = Conductos con agua (a presión) hasta las turbinas de una
central hidroeléctrica

55
57
59
RQD = 88% Jn = 3 joint sets

60
61
62
63
Limolita

64
Nxt incorporar a 41 Rock
mass Clasification resumido

65
 Geomechanics Classification (RMR)
(varía entre 1 y 100) Bieniawsky
https://isrm.net/isrm/page/show/1470
https://isrm.net/isrm/page/show/1511 (Support
Design using RMR)

RMR can be used for the análisis and design of:

1. Tunnels,
2. Mines,
3. Rock slopes and
4. Foundations.

Table 4.4

66
Geomechanics Classification (RMR)

Bieniawski (1976) published the rock mass classification called

the Geomechanics Classification, or the Rock Mass Rating (RMR)
system.

The RMR system was developed in South Africa to assess the

stability and support requirements of tunnels.

This system has been successively refined (perfeccionado), as

more case records have been examined.

The advantage of this system is that requires a few basic

parameters relating to the geometry and mechanical conditions of
the rock mass.

The following six parameters are used to classify a rock mass

67
using the RMR system:
1. Uniaxial compressive strength of rock (UCS or Point Load
Test).
2. Rock Quality Designation (RQD).
3. Spacing of discontinuities: average spacing of all rock
discontinuities.
4. Condition of discontinuities: apertura, surface roughness,
weathering, infilling.
5. Groundwater conditions. Expressed by Inflow rate (lt /min)
and/or water pressure.
6. Orientation of discontinuities.

The Rock Mass Rating system is presented in Table 4.4,

giving the ratings for each of the six parameters listed above.
These ratings are summed to give a value of R M R.
68
UCS or IS50

Use the average spacing of all rock joints and fractures

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 69
Es la que tiene mas peso

Groundwater: 3 ways lead to the rating:

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 70

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 71
RMR has been coupled with active span and Stand Up Time.
La tabla sugiere valores (conservadores) para la cohesión y la
fricción.
Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 72
El gráfico permite estimar el SUT y del active span en función del
RMR.
Util para evaluar rocas de mala calidad, a reforzar en las etapas
iniciales. Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 73
 Ejemplo RMR (Rock Mass Rating) pág 8 /21
Ref. file: 3Rock Mass Clasification.pdf

A tunnel is to be driven through a slightly weathered granite with a

dominant joint set dipping at 60° against the direction of the drive.
Index testing and logging (registro) of diamond drilled core give
typical Point-load strength index values of 8 MPa and average RQD
values of 70%.
The slightly rough and slightly weathered joints with a separation <
1 mm, are spaced at 30 cm.
Tunnelling conditions are anticipated to be wet.

74
A tunnel is to be driven through a slightly weathered granite with a
dominant joint set dipping at 60° against the direction of the drive.
Index testing and logging (registro) of diamond drilled core give
typical Point-load strength index values of 8 MPa and average RQD
values of 70%.
The slightly rough and slightly weathered joints with a separation <
1 mm, are spaced at 300 mm.
Tunnelling conditions are anticipated to be wet.

75
Note 1, Conditions of discontinuities:
For slightly rough and altered discontinuity surfaces with a separation <
1 mm, Table 4.4.A 4 gives a rating of 25. Diap xx
When more detailed information is available, Table 4.4.E can be used to
obtain a more refined rating.
Hence, in this case, the rating is the sum of: 4 (1-3 m discontinuity
length), 4 (separation 0.1-1.0 mm), 3 (slightly rough), 6 (no infilling)
and 5 (slightly weathered) = 22

Note 2, adjustment for joint orientation:

Table 4.4.F gives a description of ‘Fair’ for the conditions assumed
where the tunnel is to be driven against the dip of a set of joints dipping
at 60°.
Using this description for ‘Tunnels and Mines’ in Table 4.4.B gives an
adjustment rating of -5
76
Ref. Curso Jian Zhao Strike = rumbo 81
Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 83
https://isrm.net/isrm/page/show/1472

GEOLOGICAL STRENGTH INDEX

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 84

Ref. (varios.pdf\Rock_Mass_Classification_Systems.pdf)

1.7.7 Geological Strength Index (GSI)

For use in rock engineering, Hoek (in 1994) introduced the

Geological Strength Index (GSI) as a way to facilitate the
determination of rock mass properties of both, hard and weak
rock masses.

GSI resulted from combining observations of the rock mass

conditions (Terzaghi’s descriptions) with the relationships
developed from the experience using the RMR-system.

The relationship between rock mass structure conditions and

rock discontinuity surface conditions, is used to estimate an
average GSI value represented in Figure 8.
85
In its primitive form, GSI related between four basic rock mass
fracture intensities and the quality of those discontinuity.

The rock mass structure ranged from blocky (cubical blocks

formed by 3 orthogonal joint sets) to a crushed rock mass with
poorly interlocked blocks.

The surface conditions ranged from very rough, un-weathered

and interlocked to thicker clay filling.

86
Figure 8 (chart = abaco)
Estimate of Geological Strength
Index (GSI) based on visual
inspection of geological
conditions.

Varía entre 5 y 95
Slickenside: smoothly
polished surface caused by
frictional movement between
the two sides of a fault.

87
Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 88
prone to = propenso a

89
It is recommended to use a range of values of GSI in
preference to a single value.

This simple, fast and reliable system, represents relationship

for rock mass, can provide means to estimate both, the
strength and deformation properties of a rock mass.

GSI does not cover the ground water condition, in situ stress
and rock strength.

The application of GSI value is to estimate the parameters in

the Hoek-Brown strength criterion.

90
The direct application of GSI value is to estimate the
parameters in the Hoek-Brown strength criterion for
rock masses.

Ref. Curso Jian Zhao 91

Ref. 2.3 Failure Criteria for
Rocks.pdf

92
93
Ref.
Rock_Mass_Classification_Systems.pdf 94
 TUTORIALS
RocScience

Piscina con Relave Michilla 96