Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Using Rock-Mass Classification Systems For Engineering Purposes
Using Rock-Mass Classification Systems For Engineering Purposes
Using Rock-Mass Classification Systems For Engineering Purposes
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
2
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
system uses results of visual observations of rock-mass in situ, Unit weight
geophysical logging, laboratory tests on rock samples, pres- 5.1.5 Rock Material Field Classification System (RMFCS)
suremeter tests or other forms of in-situ tests or a combination Rock Material Properties
thereof, to estimate strength and stiffness. Principal rock type
4.2 Other classification systems are described in detail in the Mineralogy
general references listed in the appendix. Primary porosity, voids
Discrete rock particle size
4.3 Using this standard, the classifier should be able to
Hardness
decide which system appears to be most appropriate for the
Unconfined composite strength (see D7012, Method C)
specified engineering purpose at hand. The next step should be
the study of the source literature on the selected classification Unit weight
system and on case histories documenting the application of Color
that system to real-world situations and the degree of success Rock Mass Properties
of each such application. Appropriate but by no means exhaus- Discontinuity type
tive references for this purpose are provided in the appendix Joint set spacing
and in STP 984 (1). The classifier should realize that taking the Joint persistence
step of consulting the source literature might lead to abandon- Aperture
ment of the initially selected classification system and selection Joint count number
of another system, to be followed again by study of the Joint wall roughness
appropriate source literature. Joint infilling
NOTE 3—The quality of the results produced by this standard is Type of large geomorphic or structural feature
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the Seismic velocity
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
Rock quality designation (RQD) (see D6032)
and objective testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this standard are Geohydraulic Properties
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure Primary porosity
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors. Practice D3740 Secondary porosity
provides a means for evaluating some of these factors.
Hydraulic conductivity
Transmissivity
5. Basis for Classification
Storativity
5.1 The parameters used in each classification system fol- Water table/potentiometric surface
low. In general, the terminology used by the respective author Aquifier type
or authors of each system is listed, to facilitate reference to 5.1.6 New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM)
STP 984 (1) or source documents. A:1.Stable
5.1.1 Rock Mass Rating System (RMR) or Geomechanics 2.Overbreaking
Classification B:1.Friable
Uniaxial compressive strength (see D7012, Method C) 2.Very friable
Rock quality designation (RQD) (see D6032)
3.Rolling/running
Spacing of discontinuities
C:1.Rock bursting
Condition of discontinuities
2.Squeezing
Groundwater conditions
3.Heavily squeezing
Orientation of discontinuities
4.Flowing
5.1.2 Rock Structure Rating System (RSR)
Rock type plus rock strength 5.Swelling
Geologic structure 5.1.7 Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR)
Spacing of joints Unit Ratings
Orientation of joints Shear strength of discontinuities
Weathering of joints Cohesion
Groundwater inflow Roughness
5.1.3 Q-System or Norwegian Geotechnical Institute (NGI) Intensity of discontinuities
System Rock quality designation (RQD) (see D6032) Spacing
Number of joint sets Persistence
Joint roughness Number of discontinuity sets
Joint alteration Compressive strength
Joint water-reduction factor Moisture sensitivity
Stress-reduction factor Roof Ratings
5.1.4 Unified Rock Classification System (URCS) Strong bed adjustment
Degree of weathering Unit contact adjustment
Uniaxial compressive strength (see D7012, Method C) Groundwater adjustment
Discontinuities Surcharge adjustment
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
3
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
5.2 Comparison of parameters among these systems indi- Fluid Transmission
cates some strong similarities. It is not surprising, therefore, Rock Mass Stability
that paired correlations have been established between RMR, 6.1.6 Guide F—NATM
RSR, and Q (7). Some of the references in the appendix also Rock mass types
present procedures for estimating some in situ engineering Calculation of support factor
properties from one or more of these indexes (7, 8, 9, and 10). Excavation class matrix for conventional tunneling (The
excavation class matrix for continuous (TBM) tunneling is
NOTE 4—Reference (7) presents step-by-step procedures for calculating
and applying RSR, RMR, and Q values. Applications of the first five determined by standup time and the support factor, the latter
systems are discussed in STP 984 (1), as is a detailed treatment of RQD. calculated in the same way as for conventional tunneling,
although there may be some differences in the way in which
6. Procedures for Determining Parameters rating factors are assigned.)
6.1 The annex of this standard contains tabled and other Support elements and rating factors
material for determining the parameters needed to apply each NOTE 5—Standup time is the length of time following excavation that
of the classification systems. These materials should be used in an active span in an underground opening will stand without artificial
conjunction with detailed, instructive references such as STP support. An active span is the largest unsupported span between the face
984 (1) and Ref (7). The annexed materials are as follows: and artificial supports (11).
6.1.1 Guide A—RMR System 6.1.7 Guide G—CMRR
Classification parameters (five) and their ratings CMRR calculation
(Sum ratings) Immersion test
Rating adjustment for discontinuity orientations (Parameter Field data sheet
No. 6) (RMR = adjusted sum) Directions for field data sheet
Effect of discontinuity strike and dip in tunneling Cohesion-roughness rating
Adjustments for mining applications Spacing-persistence rating
Input data Multiple discontinuity set adjustment
6.1.2 Guide B—RSR System Strength rating
Schematic of the six parameters Moisture sensitivity rating
Rock type plus strength, geologic structure (“A”) Unit rating calculation sheet
Joint spacing and orientation (“B”) Roof rating calculation sheet
Weathering of joints and groundwater inflow (“C”) Strong bed adjustment
~ RSR 5 A1B1C ! (1) Unit contacts adjustment
Groundwater adjustment
6.1.3 Guide C—Q-System: Surcharge adjustment
RQD CMRR values
Joint set number, Jn
Joint roughness number, Jr 6.2 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
Joint alteration number, Ja guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Joint water reduction factor, JW Practice D6026.
Stress reduction factor SRF 6.2.1 The method used to specify how data are collected,
calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to
~ Q 5 ~ RQD/J n ! 3 ~ J r /J a ! 3 ~ J W /SRF! (2) the accuracy with which the data can be applied in design or
6.1.4 Guide D—URCS other uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using
Degree of weathering (A–E) this standard is beyond its scope.
Estimated strength (A–E)
Discontinuities (A–E) 7. Precision
Unit weight (A–E) 7.1 Precision statements will be available for some compo-
Schematic of notation (results = AAAA through EEEE) nents of some of the classification systems, such as uniaxial
6.1.5 Guide E—RMFCS compressive strength and rock quality designation.
Schematic of procedure through performance assessment
Classification (description and definitions), 8. Keywords
Rock unit 8.1 classification; classification system; coal mine roof rat-
Classification Elements—Including rock material properties, ing (CMRR); Japanese rock mass classification systems; new
rock mass properties, and hydrogeologic properties. Austrian tunneling method (NATM); Q-system (NGI); rock
Performance Assessment—Performance objectives mass; rock mass rating system (RMR); rock material field
Hydraulic Erodibility in Earth Spillways classification system (RMFCS); rock quality designation
Excavation Characteristics (RQD); rock structure rating system (RSR); unified rock
Construction Quality classification system (URCS)
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
4
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
ANNEX
(Mandatory Information)
APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information)
Afrouz, A. A., Practical Handbook of Rock Mass Classifi- Sauer, G. and Gold, H.,“ NATM Ground Support Concepts
cation Systems and Modes of Ground Failure, CRC Press, and their Effect on Contracting Practices,” Proceedings, Rapid
Boca Raton, 1992. Excavation and Tunneling Conference, Los Angeles, June
Bell, F. G., Engineering Properties of Soils and Rocks, 1989, Sect. 2, Chapt. 5, pp. 67–86.
Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, 1992. Wickham, G. E., Tiedemann, H. R., and Skinner, E. H.,
Bieniawski, Z. T., “Engineering Classification of Jointed “Ground Support Prediction Model, RSR Concept,” in
Rock Masses”, Transactions of the South African Institution of Proceedings, Second Rapid Excavation and Tunneling
Civil Engineers, Vol 15, 1973, pp. 335–344.
Conference, San Francisco, June 1974, Vol I, pp. 691–707.
Deere, D. U., Hendron, A. J., Jr., Patton, F. D., and Cording,
E. J., “Design of Surface and Near-Surface Construction in Williamson, D. A., “Uniform Rock Classification for Geo-
Rock”, in Failure and Breakage of Rock, Fairhurst, C., Ed., technical Engineering Purposes,” Transportation Research Re-
Society of Mining Engineers of AIME, New York, 1967, pp. cord 783, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC,
237–302. 1980, pp. 9–14.
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
5
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
6
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
7
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
8
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
9
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
10
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
11
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
12
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
13
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
14
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
15
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
16
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
17
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
18
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
19
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
20
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
21
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
22
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
23
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
24
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
25
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
26
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
27
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
28
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
REFERENCES
(1) Rock Classification Systems for Engineering Purposes, ASTM STP (7) Bieniawski, Z. T., Rock Mechanics Design in Mining and Tunneling,
984, ASTM, 1988. Balkema, A. A., Rotterdam, 1984.
(2) Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, (8) Barton, N., Lien, R., and Lunde, J., “Engineering Classification of
“Classification of Earth (Geologic) Material,” National Engineering Rock Masses for the Design of Tunnel Support,” Rock Mechanics, Vol
Handbook, Part 631, Ch. 12, 2002, p.16. 6, No. 4, 1974, pp. 189–236.
(3) Lauffer, H., “Rock Classification Methods Based on the Excavation (9) Barton, N., and Grimstad, E., “The Q-System Following Twenty
Response,” Felsbau, Vol 15, No. 3, 1997, pp. 179–182. Years of Application in NMT Support Selection,” Felsbau, Vol 12,
(4) Austrian Code, ŐN B2203/1994. No. 6, 1994, pp. 428–436.
(5) Molinda, G. M., and Mark, C., “Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR): A (10) Bieniawski, Z. T., Engineering Rock Mass Classifications, Wiley-
Practical Rock Mass Classification for Coal Mines,” Information
Interscience, New York, 1989.
Circular 9387, U.S. Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh, PA, 1994.
(11) Hoek, E. and Brown, E. T., Underground Excavations in Rock,
(6) “Rock Mass Classification in Japan,” Japanese Society of Engineering
Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, London, 1980.
Geology, 1992.
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
29
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
D5878 − 08
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D5878 – 05) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved July 1, 2008.)
ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.
This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.
This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
address or at 610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or service@astm.org (e-mail); or through the ASTM website
(www.astm.org). Permission rights to photocopy the standard may also be secured from the Copyright Clearance Center, 222
Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: (978) 646-2600; http://www.copyright.com/
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Mon Apr 18 20:59:22 EDT 2016
30
Downloaded/printed by
(USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo ((USP) Universidade de Sao Paulo) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.