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Concept
Rock mass classification
Summary
Rock mass classification systems are used for various engineering design and stability analysis. These are based on empirical relations between rock mass parameters and engineering applications, such as tunnels, slopes, foundations, and excavatability. The first rock mass classification system in geotechnical engineering was proposed in 1946 for tunnels with steel set support.
In engineering in rock, three design strategies can be distinguished: analytical, empirical, and numerical. Empirical, i.e. rock mass classification, methods are extensively used for feasibility and pre-design studies, and often also for the final design.
The objectives of rock mass classifications are (after Bieniawski 1989):
Identify the most significant parameters influencing the behaviour of a rock mass.
Divide a particular rock mass formulation into groups of similar behaviour – rock mass classes of varying quality.
Provide a basis of understanding the characteristics of each rock mass class
Relate the experience of rock conditions at one site to the conditions and experience encountered at others
Derive quantitative data and guidelines for engineering design
Provide common basis for communication between engineers and geologists
The main benefits of rock mass classifications:
Improve the quality of site investigations by calling for the minimum input data as classification parameters.
Provide quantitative information for design purposes.
Enable better engineering judgement and more effective communication on a project.
Provide a basis for understanding the characteristics of each rock mass
Rock Mass Rating (RMR)
Q-system
Mining rock mass rating (MRMR)
New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM)
Size Strength classification
Slope Mass Rating (SMR), Continuous Slope Mass Rating and Graphical Slope Mass Rating
Rock mass classification system for rock slopes
Slope Stability Probability Classification (SSPC)
Rock load classification method
The Rock load classification method is one of the first methodologies for rock mass classification for engineering.
Official source
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