6.

ROCK MASS CLASSIFICATION

 6.1 Introduction

• The purpose of classification of rock

masses is to obtain a general rating of
the rock mass quality.
• During the last 25-30 years, however,
there has been distinct trend to adopt
classification systems also for rock
support evaluation and design.
• The classification systems in common
use today all have an empirical basis.

• Analytical methods for classification

purposes are used only to a minor
extent.
 6.2 Quality rating and support estimation

Basically the system can be divided into

two main categories:
a. System of limited applicability

b. General System
a. System of limited applicability:

• One of the first classification systems

for evaluating rock support was
published by Terzaghi in 1946.
• Based mainly on registration of the
degree of jointing, this system is
dividing rock mass quality into 9 classes,
ranging from hard and intact rock as the
best (class 1) to completely crushed
swelling rock as the poorest quality
(class 9).
• Terzaghi system is restricted to steel
arch support only.
• The Terzaghi system represents a
category of classification system with
the limited field of application.
• The system accounts for only a few of
the factors which may have an influence
on stability.
General System:
A classification system for general design
of rock support has to evaluate the all
factors, which may influence stability. The
factors which may influence stability are:
• Mechanical and physical rock properties
• Degree of jointing and joint direction
• Friction property of joints and faults
• Width, orientation and character of
faults /weakness zones
• Rock stresses
• Groundwater conditions
Today the systems of this category are
commonly used are:
• RMR system
• Q method.

The both systems have several similarities

and were published at the same time
approximately (1973-1974).
 2 The Q Method

• The Q-method utilize following rock

mass parameters:
• Rock quality designation (RQD)
• Number of joints set (Jn)
• Roughness of the most unfavorable joint or
discontinuity (Jr)
• Degree of alteration or filling along the weakest
joints (Ja)
• Water inflow (Jw)
• Stress conditions as the stress reduction factor
(SRF)
The Q method is based on the determination of
tunneling quality index (Q value) of rock mass.
The numerical value of this index is defined as:
• Jn = joint set number (0.5 to 20)
• Jr = joint roughness number (0.5 to 5)
• Ja = joint alteration number (0.75 to 20)
• Jw = joint water reduction factor (0.05
to 1)
• SRF = stress reduction factor (0.5 to 20)
In equation:
• the first two parameters represent the overall
structure of the rock mass and their quotient is a
relative measure of the block size,

• The second quotient is described as an indicator of

the inter-block shear strength,

• The third quotient is described as the active stress.

• The values of each parameter are
determined from table.

• For RQD< 10%, a numerical value of 10 is

always used in the Q value equation.

• Q value may vary from 0.001 (poorest

quality) to 1000 (best quality).
• Estimation of rock support is carried out
based on Q value as shown in Figure
below.

• For characterization of rock mass quality

nine different classes have been defined
as shown in figure.
Chart for estimating rock support
according to Q system
• The Q value is related to tunnel
support requirement by defining the
equivalent dimensions of the
underground opening.
• The equivalent dimension, which is function
of the size and type of the excavation, is
obtained by dividing the span, diameter or
wall height of the excavation (Dt) by a
quantity called the excavation support ratio
(ESR), given as:
De = Dt/ESR
Ratings of ESR are shown in table below.
Table: Rating of excavation support ratio
(ESR
Temporary mine openings 3.5

Vertical shaft 2.0-2.5

Water tunnels, Permanent mine openings, adits 1.6

Storage caverns, road tunnels with little traffic, 1.3

access tunnels

Power stations, road and railway tunnels with 1.0

heavy traffic, civil defense shelters etc.

Nuclear power plants, railroad stations etc. 0.8

• The Q value in Figure 6.2 is related to the total
amount of support (temporary and permanent) in
the roof.
• Wall support can also be found using the same
figure by applying the wall height and the
following adjustments to Q:

• For Q ˃10, use Q wall=5Q

• For 0.1 ˂ Q ˂ 10, use Q wall=2.5 Q
• For Q ˂ 0.1, use Q wall=Q
Table Various parameters applied in Q and
RMR rock support system
Parameters Q method RMR method

Rock strength No Yes

Degree of jointing Yes Yes

Joint setts/ pattern Yes No

Joint character Yes Yes

Joint filling Yes Yes

Joint size No Yes

Joint aperture No Yes

Joint orientation No Yes

Groundwater Yes Yes

Rock stress Yes No

Tunnel dimension Yes No

Ground quality Yes (Q) Yes (RMR)

Scale factor ( in roof) Yes (De) No

• Vb = β ×Jv-3
• Jv = 35 – RQD/3.3
• Db = (Vb)1/3
• Cg = RMi/ σθ = 0.5 (σc/σθ) (for Massive ground)
• Cg = RMi/ σθ = σc × (Jp/ σθ) (for particulate ground)
Where,
• Vb = Block Volume
• Jv = Volumetric joint count
• Db = Equivalent block diameter
• β = Block shape factor = 20 + 7 (L max/Lmin)
• σθ = Tangential stress in the rock mass surrounding opening (ref. chapter 3)
• Cg =Competency factor
Chart to find JP and estimate rock support for
jointed ground
Rating of adjustment factor