Rock Classification Amit

11/6/2012
CE: 523 Rock Mechanics
Amit Kumar Shrivastava

B.E, M.E., Ph.D. (IITDelhi)
Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTU
NC1
Syllabus
Introduction ; problems of rock mechanics;
Classifications of rock masses;
Rock exploration – rock coring, geophysical methods;
Laboratory testing of rocks;
Fraction in rocks; elasticity & strength of rocks; strength & failure of rocks; Griffith’s
theory, Coulomb’s theory, in-situ tests on rock mass; deformation characteristics,
instrumentation and measurement of deformation of rocks; permeability. Mechanical,
thermal and electrical properties of rock mass;
Openings in rock mass and stresses around openings;
Slope stability;
Pressure tunnels
Development of plastic zone; rock support needed to avoid plastic deformation; lined and
unlined tunnels; support pressure and slip of the joint; underground excavation and
subsidence;
Foundation on rocks; bearing capacity of intact and jointed rocks;
Rock slopes; rock bolt anchors & grouting; underground openings, pillars, tunnels
Methods of construction; problems associated with tunnels, tunnelling in various subsoil
conditions and rocks.
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Slide 2
NC1 NR C, 10/25/2012
11/6/2012
Books
1. Rock Mechanics Design in Mining and Tunellig, by Z.T.

Bieniawski, Pub: A.A. Balkema
2. Engineering Rock Mass Classification by Z.T.
Bieniawski
3. Introduction to Rock Mechanics by R.E.Goodman
4. Design and Construction of Tunnels by Pietro Lunardi
Pub: Springer (Net avilable)
5. Engineering Rock Mechanics an Introduction to the
Principles by Hudson and Harrision
Pub: pergamon
6. Engineering in Rocks for Slopes, Foundations and
Tunnels by Ramammurthy, Pub: PhI
7.
Rock Mechanics deals with the properties of

rock and the special methodology required for
design design of rock related components of
engineering scheme.
History of Rock Mechanics
Started in 1950 by ASEG
ISRM started in 1962, Prof. Leopold Muller 1st
president.
Every 4 years international congress
1st international congress (1966) Lisbon.
11th (2011) China
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Need of study of Rock Mechanics
The huge infrastructural

development in the power,
transportation and construction
sector has resulted into the
construction of tunnels, dams and
foundations. Many times these
structures are either passing through
or resting on the rock. The presence
of the joints in the rock, changes the
behaviour of the rock as these joints
are irregularly distributed and it
creates anisotropy in the strength of
the rock mass. These joints in the
rock make rock mass weaker, more
deformable and permeable, hence
reduces the shear strength. The
presence of infill or gouge material in
these joints further reduces the
shear strength.
Foundations resting on these jointed rocks

may settle significantly due to joint closure
under load or slip along the weak surfaces.
The movement of the rock blocks along the
plane of weakness causes the failure of rock
slopes, tunnels, foundation, dams and rock
socketed piles.
During the construction of Panama canal in
the year between 1910 to 1964, 60 slides
were recorded in cut along the canal Lutton
et al, 1979 studies shows that these slides
are predominantly due to presence of
structural discontinuity and improper
consideration of these while analyzing
slopes.
In december 1959 the foundation of
Malpasset concrete arch dam in France
failed and the resulting flood killed about 450
people and a part of the town of Frejus was
destroyed (Figure 1.2)
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Town of Longarone , after the flood caused by overtopping

of the Vajont dam as a result of slope failure of Mount Toc
2500 persons died.
• The subansiri lower hydroelectric project

situated at the border of Indian states of
Assam and Arunachal Pradesh experienced
excessive failure of rock slopes. The failures
are due to intersection of several sets of
joints, presence of shear zone and high degree
of sandstone weathering (Rao and Rathod,
2008).
• Tunnel portal or face collapse is observed in
Himalyas, Rangandai project Maneri project,
Ichhari – Chhibro tunnel, Giri tunnel and Katra
unnel
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Rock Classification Introduction

• During the feasibility and preliminary design stages of
a project, when very little detailed information is
available on the rock mass and its stress and
hydrologic characteristics, the use of a rock mass
classification scheme can be of considerable benefit.
• At its simplest, this may involve using the classification
scheme as a check-list to ensure that all relevant
information has been considered.
Cont….
• At the other end of the spectrum, one or more
rock mass classification schemes can be used to
build up a picture of the composition and
characteristics of a rock mass to provide initial
estimates of support requirements, and to
provide estimates of the strength and
deformation properties of the rock mass.
• As this information becomes available, the use of
the rock mass classification schemes should be
updated and used in conjunction with site
specific analyses.
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BASIS OF ROCK CLASSIFICATION
2.CHEMICAL
1.GENETICS OF 3.ENGINEERING
COMPOSITION OF
ROCKS CLASSIFICATION
ROCKS
• IGNEOUS • CALCAREOUS • BASED ON
• SEDIMENTARY • ARGILLACEOUS INDEX
• METAMORPHIC • SILICEOUS PROPERTIES
• BASED ON
ENGINEERING
PROPERTIES
1. GENETIC OF ROCKS
A)- IGNEOUS ROCKS

 These rocks are formed
due to the solidification
of molten materials
known as “magma” .
 Feldspar,mica,pyroxenes,
quartz,olivine ,granite
and basalt are some of
the common examples.

GABBRO
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MICA PYROXENES
OLIVINE
B)- SEDIMENTARY ROCKS

Air, water, glacier, temp.
etc, operate upon earth’s
surface, breaks the rocks,
transport them in
suspension or solution and
deposit them at a place in
this way sedimentary rocks
forms.
However, besides
mechanical means, such
deposits takes place due to
chemical or biochemical
means also.
Lime stones, sandstone
dolomite and cherts are
sedimentary rocks.
SANDSTONE
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LIMESTONE

DOLOMITE
C)- METAMORPHIC ROCKS

Metamorphic rocks are formed
from Igneous or Sedimentary
rocks.
These are produced by the

action of heat, stress or heated
fluids on other rocks. All these
minerals are anisotropic.
E.g.
1. Limestone Marble
2. Sandstone Quartz
3. Granite Gneiss
GNEISS
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MARBLE Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTU

QUARTZ
2.CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ROCKS:-

A)- ARGILLACEOUS
ROCKS
These are the rocks having silver
as the main component in it.
B)- CALCAREOUS
ROCKS
These are the rocks having

calcium as main Component.
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C)- SILICEOUS ROCKS
These are rocks having silica

as main component.
CLASSIFICATION OF ROCKS BASED ON

ENGINEERING PROPERTIES)-
A)- INTACT ROCK B)- ROCK MASS
STRENGTH OF
BASED ON UCS
ROCK MASS
BASED ON MODULUS RQD

OF ELASTICITY
SPACING OF
DISCONTINUITY
CONDITION OF
DISCONTINUITY
ORIENTATION OF
DISCONTINUITY
GROUND WATER
CONDITION
Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTUSTERSS FIELD
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Engineering rock mass classification

• Rock mass classification schemes have been
developing for over 100 years since Ritter
(1879) attempted to formalize an empirical
approach to tunnel design, in particular for
determining support requirements.
• Most of the multi-parameter classification
schemes (Wickham et al (1972) Bieniawski (1973,
1989) and Barton et al (1974)) were developed
from civil engineering case histories in which all
of the components of the engineering geological
character of the rock mass were included.
Objective of Rock Mass Classification

I. To divide a particular rock mass into groups of
similar behaviour.
II. To Provide a basis for understanding the
charactristics of each group.
III. To yield a quantitative data and guidelines for
Engineering Design.
IV. To provide a common basis of communication.
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Classification system must have

following attributes
I. It should be simple, easily
remembered and understandable.
II. It must include the most significant
properties of the rock masses.
III. It must be based on measurable
parameters which can be
determined by relevant tests quickly
and cheaply in the field.
MAJOR ROCK CLASSIFICATIONS :-

NAME OF ORIGINATOR AND COUNTRY OF ORIGIN APPLICATIONS
CLASSIFICATION DATE
ROCK LOADS TERZAGHI, 1946 USA TUNNELS WITH STEEL
SUPPORT
STAND-UP TIME LAUFFER,1958 AUSTRIA TUNNELING
RQD DEERE, 1964 USA CORE LOGGING
INTACT ROCK DEERE AND MILLER, USA TUNNELING,

STRENGTH 1966 COMMUNICATION
RSR CONCEPT WICKHAM,1972 USA TUNNELING
GEOMECHANICS BIENAWSKI, 1973 S.AFRICA & USA TUNNELS, MINES

CLASSIFICATION FOUNDATIONS
Q-SYSTEM BARTON, 1974 NORWAY TUNNELING
STRENGTH/BLOCK FRANKLIN, 1975 CANADA TUNNELING

SIZE
GEO. CLASSIFICATION ISRM, 1981 Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava,
INTERNATIONAL
A.P,DTU GENERAL
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Intact Rock Classification

 Deere and Miller, 1966 for Intact Rock viz UCS, E
Class Description UCS (MPa)
A Very High Strength > 224
B High strength 112-224
C Medium strength 56-112
D Low strength 28-56
E Very low strength < 28
 Modulus of elasticity
Class Description Modulus ratio
H High E > 500
M Medium E 200-500
L Low L < 200
Limitations
Do not provide quantitative data for Engineering Design purposes
Rock mass classification

• Ritter (1879) empirical approach for tunnel design, in particular for
support design.
• Based on Civil Engineering case histories multi parameter
classification schemes were developed by (Wickham 1972,
Bieniawski 1973, 1989 and Barton et al. 1974).
• They used all components of the Engineering geological character of
the Rock mass.
• In underground hard rock mining, especially at deep levels, rock
mass weathering and influence of water usually are not significant
and may be ignored.
• Different classification systems place different emphases on the
various parameters, and it is recommended that at least two
methods be used at any site during the early stages of a project.
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Terzaghi's rock mass classification:-

In Terzaghi’s classification, rock loads, carried by steel sets, are
estimated on the basis of a descriptive classification.
Terzaghi's descriptions are:-

1) Intact rock contains neither joints nor hair cracks. Hence, if it breaks,
it breaks across sound rock.
2) Stratified rock consists of individual strata with little or no resistance

against separation along the boundaries between the strata. The
strata may or may not be weakened by transverse joints.
3) Moderately jointed rock contains joints and hair cracks, but the
blocks between joints are locally grown together or so intimately
interlocked
that vertical walls do not require lateral support.
4) Blocky and seamy rock consists of chemically intact or almost

intact rock fragments which are entirely separated from each other and
imperfectly interlocked. In such rock, vertical walls may require lateral
support.
5) Crushed but chemically intact rock has the character of crusher

run. If most or all of the fragments are as small as fine sand grains and
no recementation has taken place, crushed rock below the water table
exhibits the properties of a water-bearing sand.
6) Squeezing rock slowly advances into the tunnel without perceptible

volume increase. A prerequisite for squeeze is a high percentage of
microscopic and sub-microscopic particles of micaceous minerals or
clay minerals with a low swelling capacity.
7) Swelling rock advances into the tunnel chiefly on account of

expansion. The capacity to swell seems to be limited to those rocks that
contain clay minerals such as montmorillonite, with a high swelling
capacity. Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTU
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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 is excavated.
Width of tunnel
Active unsupported span
(Lesser value)
Distance from face to support
Stand-up time is the period of time that a tunnel will stand

unsupported after excavation.
Stand-up time can be affected by many factors such as:
(a)- Orientation of tunnel axis

(b)- Shape of cross section
(c)- Excavation method
(d)- Support method
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 Lauffer's original classification has since been modified by a

number of authors, notably Pacher et al (1974), and now forms
part of the general tunnelling approach known as the New
Austrian Tunnelling Method.
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 span tunnel in the
same rock mass may not be stable without the immediate
installation of substantial support.
Rock Mass Classification

Rock Quality Designation (RQD) Deere, 1964
Quantitative estimate of rock mass quality from drill core logs
% intact core pieces >10cm in total length of core
Limitation:
Quick and inexpensive index
1. Disregarding the joint
orientation
2. Tightness
3. Infill materail
RQD
A. Very poor 0 – 25
B. Poor 25 – 50
C. Fair 50 – 75
D. Good 75 – 90
E. Excellent 90 - 100
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Rock Structure Rating (RSR):-

Wickham et al (1972) described a quantitative method for describing the
quality of a rock mass and for selecting appropriate support on the basis of
their Rock Structure Rating (RSR) classification.
This classification system is an advance over all the types of

classification systems upto 1972 in following respects.
In the concept of rating ,each of the components listed below to arrive at
a numerical value of RSR = A + B + C.
1. Parameter A, Geology: General appraisal of geological structure

on the basis of:
a. Rock type origin (igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary).

b. Rock hardness (hard, medium, soft, decomposed).
c. Geologic structure (massive, slightly faulted/folded, moderately
faulted/folded , intensely faulted/folded).
. Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTU
2. Parameter B, Geometry: Effect of discontinuity pattern with

respect to the direction of the tunnel drive on the basis of:
a. Joint spacing.
b. Joint orientation (strike and dip).
c. Direction of tunnel drive
3. Parameter C: Effect of groundwater inflow and joint condition on

the basis of:
a. Overall rock mass quality on the basis of A and B combined.

b. Joint condition (good, fair, poor).
c. Amount of water inflow (in gallons per minute per 1000 feet of tunnel).
Three tables from Wickham et al's 1972 paper are reproduced in Tables.
Although the RSR classification system is not widely used today, Wickham et
al's work played a significant role in the development of the other classification
schemes.
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Geomechanics Classification or RMR:-

Bieniawski (1976) published the details of a rock mass classification
called the Geomechanics Classification or the Rock Mass Rating
(RMR) system.
The following six parameters are used to classify a rock mass using
the RMR system.
In applying this classification system, the rock mass is divided into a
number of structural regions and each region is classified separately.
The Rock Mass Rating system is presented in Table, giving the ratings
. parameters listed above.
for each of the six
These ratings are summed to give a value of RMR.
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Guidelines for excavation and support of 10 m span rock tunnels in

accordance with the RMR system (After Bieniawski 1989):-
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Value of the index Q to the stability and support requirements of

underground excavations, Barton et al (1974) defined an additional
parameter which they called the Equivalent Dimension, De, of the
excavation.
Barton et al (1980) provide additional information on rock bolt length,

maximum unsupported spans and roof support pressures to supplement
the support recommendations published in the original 1974 paper.
The length L of rock bolts can be estimated from the excavation width B
and the
Excavation Support Ratio ESR:
The maximum unsupported span can be estimated from:

Maximum span (unsupported)
Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava,=A.P,DTU
2ESR (Q)^0.4
Based upon analyses of case records, Grimstad and Barton (1993)

suggest that the relationship between the value of Q and the
permanent roof support pressure Proof is estimated from:
The average value of Q = 8.9 and the approximate range of Q is 1.7 <
Q < 20.
The average value of Q can be used in choosing a basic support

system While the range gives an indication of the possible adjustments
which will be required to meet different conditions encountered during
construction.
34

Rock Classification Amit

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11/6/2012

CE: 523 Rock Mechanics

Amit Kumar Shrivastava

Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTU

1. Rock Mechanics Design in Mining and Tunellig, by Z.T.

Rock Mechanics deals with the properties of

Need of study of Rock Mechanics

The huge infrastructural

Foundations resting on these jointed rocks

Town of Longarone , after the flood caused by overtopping

Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTU

• The subansiri lower hydroelectric project

Rock Classification Introduction

Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTU

BASIS OF ROCK CLASSIFICATION

Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTU

A)- IGNEOUS ROCKS

Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTU

Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTU

B)- SEDIMENTARY ROCKS

Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTU

C)- METAMORPHIC ROCKS

These are produced by the

MARBLE Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTU

2.CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF ROCKS:-

These are the rocks having

C)- SILICEOUS ROCKS

These are rocks having silica

Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTU

CLASSIFICATION OF ROCKS BASED ON

BASED ON MODULUS RQD

Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTUSTERSS FIELD

Engineering rock mass classification

Objective of Rock Mass Classification

Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTU

Classification system must have

MAJOR ROCK CLASSIFICATIONS :-

RQD DEERE, 1964 USA CORE LOGGING

INTACT ROCK DEERE AND MILLER, USA TUNNELING,

GEOMECHANICS BIENAWSKI, 1973 S.AFRICA & USA TUNNELS, MINES

STRENGTH/BLOCK FRANKLIN, 1975 CANADA TUNNELING

Intact Rock Classification

Rock mass classification

Terzaghi's rock mass classification:-

Terzaghi's descriptions are:-

2) Stratified rock consists of individual strata with little or no resistance

4) Blocky and seamy rock consists of chemically intact or almost

5) Crushed but chemically intact rock has the character of crusher

6) Squeezing rock slowly advances into the tunnel without perceptible

7) Swelling rock advances into the tunnel chiefly on account of

Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTU

Classifications involving stand-up time:-

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

Stand-up time is the period of time that a tunnel will stand

Stand-up time can be affected by many factors such as:

(a)- Orientation of tunnel axis

 Lauffer's original classification has since been modified by a

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

For example, a small pilot tunnel may be successfully

Dr. Amit Kumar Shrivastava, A.P,DTU

Rock Mass Classification

Rock Structure Rating (RSR):-

This classification system is an advance over all the types of