Ens 110323 en JZ RM Lecture 2011 Part 4

Rock Mechanics
Mcanique des roches

Course Lectures
Part 4 Rock Mass Properties and Classifications
Professor ZHAO Jian
EPFLENACLMR
RockMechanicsand
TunnelEngineering
Rock Mass Property and Classification

Rock Mass Properties
Rock mass is a matrix consisting of rock material
and rock discontinuities. Properties of rock mass
therefore are governed by the parameters of rock
joints and rock material, as well as boundary
conditions.
The behaviour of rock changes from continuous
elastic for intact rock materials to discontinues
running of highly fractured rock masses, depending
mainly on the existence of rock joints.

Prime parameters governing rock mass property
Joint Parameters
Material
Parameters
Boundary Conditions
Number of joint sets

Orientation
Spacing
Aperture
Surface roughness
Weathering and
alteration
Compressive
strength
Modulus of
elasticity
Groundwater
pressure and flow
In situ stress

Rock Mass Clasification
Rock Load Factor
It classifies rock mass
into 9 classes. The
concept used in this
classification system is to
estimate the rock load to
be carried by the steel
arches installed to
support a tunnel.
Rock Class
Definition
Rock Load Factor Hp

(feet) (B and Ht in feet)
Remark
I. Hard and intact
Hard and intact rock contains no joints and fractures. After

excavation the rock may have popping and spalling at
excavated face.
Light lining required only if

spalling or popping occurs.
II. Hard stratified

and schistose
Hard rock consists of thick strata and layers. Interface

between strata is cemented. Popping and spalling at
excavated face is common.
0 to 0.5 B
Light support for protection

against spalling. Load may
change between layers.
III. Massive,
moderately jointed
Massive rock contains widely spaced joints and fractures.

Block size is large. Joints are interlocked. Vertical walls do
not require support. Spalling may occur.
0 to 0.25 B
Light support for protection

against spalling.
IV. Moderately
blocky and seamy
Rock contains moderately spaced joints. Rock is not

chemically weathered and altered. Joints are not well
interlocked and have small apertures. Vertical walls do not
require support. Spalling may occur.
0.25 B to 0.35 (B + Ht)
No side pressure.
V. Very blocky
and seamy
Rock is not chemically weathered, and contains closely

spaced joints. Joints have large apertures and appear
separated. Vertical walls need support.
(0.35 to 1.1) (B + Ht)
Little or no side pressure.
VI. Completely
crushed but
chemically intact
Rock is not chemically weathered, and highly fractured with

small fragments. The fragments are loose and not
interlocked. Excavation face in this material needs
considerable support.
1.1 (B + Ht)
Considerable side pressure.

Softening effects by water at
tunnel base. Use circular ribs or
support rib lower end.
VII. Squeezing
rock at moderate
depth
Rock slowly advances into the tunnel without perceptible

increase in volume. Moderate depth is considered as 150 ~
1000 m.
(1.1 to 2.1) (B + Ht)
VIII. Squeezing
rock at great
depth
Rock slowly advances into the tunnel without perceptible

increase in volume. Great depth is considered as more than
1000 m.
(2.1 to 4.5) (B + Ht)
IX. Swelling rock
Rock volume expands (and advances into the tunnel) due to

swelling of clay minerals in the rock at the presence of
moisture.
up to 250 feet,
irrespective of B and Ht
Heavy side pressure. Invert

struts required. Circular ribs
recommended.
Circular ribs required. In extreme

cases use yielding support.

Comments on the Rock Load Factor Classification
(a) It provides reasonable support pressure
estimates for small tunnels with diameter up to 6
metres.
(b) It gives over-estimates for large tunnels with
diameter above 6 metres.
(c) The estimated support pressure has a wide
range for squeezing and swelling rock conditions
for a meaningful application.

Active Span and
Stand-Up Time
Stand-up time is the
length of time which
an excavated
opening can stand
without any mean of
support . Rock
classes are assigned
according to the
stand-up time.

Rock Quality
Designation (RQD)
RQD represents
fracturing degree
of the rock mass.
It partially
reflecting the rock
mass quality.
RQD
Rock Mass Quality
< 25
Very poor
25 50
Poor
50 75
Fair
75 90
Good
90 100
Excellent

Rock Mass Rating RMR
RMR system incorporates 5 basic parameters.
(a) Strength of intact rock material: uniaxial compressive
strength or point load index;
(b) RQD;
(c) Spacing of joints: average spacing of all rock
discontinuities;
(d) Condition of joints: joint aperture, roughness, joint surface
weathering and alteration, infilling;
(e)Groundwater conditions: inflow or water pressure.
RMR Parameters
1.
Strength
of intact
rock
material
Point load
strength index
(MPa)
> 10
4 10
24
12
Uniaxial
compressive
strength (MPa)
> 250
100 250
50 100
25 50
5 25
15
<1
15
12
Rating
2.
3.
90 100
75 90
50 75
25 50
< 25
Rating
20
17
13
Joint spacing
(m)
>2
0.6 2
0.2 0.6
0.06 0.2
< 0.06
Rating
20
15
10
RQD (%)
RMR Parameters
4.
Condition of
joints
Rating
5.
Groundwater
Rating
not
continuous,
very rough
surfaces,
unweathered,
no separation
slightly
rough
surfaces,
slightly
weathered,
separation <1
mm
slightly rough
surfaces,
highly
weathered,
separation <1
mm
continuous,
slickensided
surfaces, or
gouge <5 mm
thick, or
separation 15
mm
continuous
joints, soft
gouge >5
mm thick,
or
separation
>5 mm
30
25
20
10
inflow per 10 m tunnel

length (l /min), or
none
< 10
10 25
25 125
> 125
joint water pressure/major

in situ stress, or
0 0.1
0.1 0.2
0.2 0.5
> 0.5
general conditions at
excavation surface
complete
ly dry
damp
wet
dripping
flowing
15
10

RMR and rock mass quality
81 100
61 80
41 60
21 40
< 20
Description
very good
rock
good rock
fair rock
poor rock
very poor
rock
Average standup time
10 year for 6 months for

15 m span
8 m span
RMR Ratings
Rock mass class
1 week for
5 m span
10 hours for 30 minutes for

2.5 m span
0.5 m span
Rock mass
cohesion (KPa)
> 400
300 400
200 300
100 200
< 100
Rock mass
friction angle
> 45
35 45
25 35
15 25
< 15

Rock Tunnel Quality Q-System
Q = (RQD / Jn) (Jr / Ja) (Jw / SRF)
Block size
Inter-block strength
Active stress
RQD - Rock Quality Designation.

Jn - joint set number.
Jr - joint roughness number.
Ja - joint alteration number indicating the degree of
weathering, alteration and filling.
Jw = joint water reduction factor.
SRF = stress reduction factor.
Q-System Parameters
1. Rock Quality Designation
RQD
Very Poor
0 25
Poor
25 50
Fair
50 75
Good
75 90
Excellent
90 100
Note:
(i) Where RQD is reported or measured as 10 (including 0), a nominal value of 10

is used to evaluate Q. (ii) RQD interval of 5, i.e., 100, 95, 90, etc., are sufficiently
accurate.
Q-System Parameters
2. Joint Set Number
Jn
Massive, no or few joints
0.5 1
One joint set
One joint set plus random joints
Two joint set
Two joint set plus random joints
Three joint set
Three joint set plus random joints
12
Four or more joint sets, heavily jointed
15
Crushed rock, earthlike
20
Note:
(i) For intersections, use (3.0 Jn). (ii) For portals, use (2.0 Jn).
Q-System Parameters
3. Joint Roughness Number
Jr
(a) Rock-wall contact, and (b) Rock wall contact before 10 cm shear
A
Discontinuous joints
Rough or irregular, undulating
Smooth, undulating
Slickensided, undulating
1.5
Rough or irregular, planar
1.5
Smooth, planar
1.0
Slickensided, planar
0.5
Note:
(i) Descriptions refer to small and intermediate scale features, in that order.
(c) No rock-wall contact when sheared

H
Zone containing clay minerals thick enough to prevent rock-wall contact
1.0
Sandy, gravelly or crushed zone thick enough to prevent rock-wall contact
1.0
Note:
(ii) Add 1.0 if the mean spacing of the relevant joint set 3 m. (iii) Jr = 0.5 can be used for planar
slickensided joints having lineations, provided the lineations are oriented for minimum strength.
Note:
Jr and Ja classification is applied to the joint set or discontinuity that is least

favourable for stability both from the point of view of orientation and shear
resistance.
Q-System Parameters
4. Joint Alteration Number
r approx.
Ja
(a) Rock-wall contact (no mineral fillings, only coatings)

A
Tight healed, hard, non-softening, impermeable filling, i.e., quartz or epidote
0.75
Unaltered joint walls, surface staining only
25 35
1.0
Slightly altered joint walls. Non-softening mineral coating, sandy particles, clayfree disintegrated rock, etc.
25 30
2.0
Silty- or sandy-clay coatings, small clay fraction (non-softening)
20 25
3.0
Softening or low friction mineral coatings, i.e., kaolinite or mica. Also chlorite,
talc, gypsum, graphite, etc., and small quantities of swelling clays
8 16
4.0
(b) Rock wall contact before 10 cm shear (thin mineral fillings)

F
Sandy particles, clay-free disintegrated rock, etc.
25 30
4.0
Strongly over-consolidated non-softening clay mineral fillings (continuous, but <

5 mm thickness)
16 24
6.0
Medium or low over-consolidated softening clay mineral fillings (continuous, but

< 5 mm thickness)
12 16
8.0
Swelling-clay fillings, i.e., montmorillonite (continuous, but < 5 mm thickness).

Value of Ja depends on percent of swelling clay size particles, and access to
water, etc.
6 12
8 12
6 24
6, 8, 8 12
(c) No rock-wall contact when sheared (thick mineral fillings)

K, L, M
Zones or bands of disintegrated or crushed rock and clay (see G, H, J for

description of clay condition)
Zones or bands of silty- or sandy-clay, small clay fraction (non-softening)
O, P, R
Thick, continuous zones or bands of clay (see G, H, J for clay condition

description)
6 24
10, 13, 13 20
Q-System Prameters
5. Joint Water Reduction Factor
Water pressure
Jw
< 1 (kg/cm2)
1.0
Medium inflow or pressure, occasional outwash

of joint fillings
1 2.5
0.66
Large inflow or high pressure in competent rock

with unfilled joints
2.5 10
0.5
Large inflow or high pressure, considerable

outwash of joint fillings
2.5 10
0.33
Exceptionally high inflow or water pressure at

blasting, decaying with time
> 10
0.2 0.1
Exceptionally high inflow or water pressure

continuing without noticeable decay
> 10 (kg/cm2)
0.1 0.05
Note:
(i) Factors C to F are crude estimates. Increase Jw if drainage measures are installed.
(ii) Special problems caused by ice formation are not considered.
Dry excavation or minor inflow, i.e., < 5 l/min

locally
Q-System Parameters
6. Stress Reduction Factor
SRF
(a) Weakness zones intersecting excavation, which may cause loosening of rock mass when
tunnel is excavated
A
Multiple occurrences of weakness zones containing clay or chemically

disintegrated rock, very loose surrounding rock (any depth)
10
Single weakness zone containing clay or chemically disintegrated rock

(depth of excavation 50 m)
Single weakness zone containing clay or chemically disintegrated rock

(depth of excavation > 50 m)
2.5
Multiple shear zones in competent rock (clay-free) (depth of excavation

50 m)
7.5
Single shear zone in competent rock (clay-free) (depth of excavation

50 m)
Single shear zone in competent rock (clay-free) (depth of excavation >

50 m)
2.5
Loose, open joint, heavily jointed (any depth)
Note:
(i) Reduce SRF value by 25-50% if the relevant shear zones only influence but not
intersect the excavation.
Q-System Parameters
(b) Competent rock, rock stress problems
c / 1
/ c
SRF
Low stress, near surface, open joints
> 200
< 0.01
2.5
Medium stress, favourable stress condition
200 10
0.01
0.03
High stress, very tight structure. Usually

favourable to stability, may be unfavourable to
wall stability
10 5
0.3 0.4
0.5 2
Moderate slabbing after > 1 hour in massive rock
53
0.5 - 0.65
5 50
Slabbing and rock burst after a few minutes in

massive rock
32
0.65 1
50 200
Heavy rock burst (strain-burst) and immediate

dynamic deformation in massive rock
<2
>1
200 400
Note:
(ii) For strongly anisotropic virgin stress field (if measured): when 5 1 / 3 10,
reduce c to 0.75 c; when 1 / 3 > 10, reduce c to 0.5 c; where c is unconfined
compressive strength, 1 and 3 are major and minor principal stresses, and is
maximum tangential stress (estimated from elastic theory).
(iii) Few cases records available where depth of crown below surface is less than
span width. Suggest SRF increase from 2.5 to 5 for such cases (see H).

Q-value and rock mass quality
Q-value
Class
Rock mass quality
400 ~ 1000
Exceptionally Good
100 ~ 400
Extremely Good
40 ~ 100
Very Good
10 ~ 40
Good
4 ~ 10
Fair
1~4
Poor
0.1 ~ 1
Very Poor
0.01 ~ 0.1
Extremely Poor
0.001 ~ 0.01
Exceptionally Poor

Excavation Support Ratio (ESR)
Excavation Category
ESR
Temporary mine openings.
Permanent mine openings, water tunnels for hydroelectric projects, pilot tunnels, drifts and headings for
large excavations.
35
1.6
Storage rooms, water treatment plants, minor road and

railway tunnels, surge chambers and access tunnels in
hydro-electric project.
1.3
Underground power station caverns, major road and

railway tunnels, civil defense chamber, tunnel portals and
intersections.
1.0
Underground nuclear power stations, railway stations,

sports and public facilities, underground factories.
0.8

Geological Strength Index GSI
GSI was aimed to estimate the reduction in rock
mass strength for different geological conditions.
The system gives a GSI value estimated from rock
mass structure and rock discontinuity surface
condition. The direct application of GSI value is to
estimate the parameters in the Hoek-Brown strength
criterion for rock masses.
GSI and rock mass quality

GSI Value
76 95
56 75
41 55
21 40
< 20
Rock Mass
Quality
Very
good
Good
Fair
Poor
Very
poor
Range of GSI for Grante
Range of GSI for Mudstone and Shale
GSI for Heterogeneous Rock Masses such as Flysch

Example Estimate RMR, Q and GSI
(a) Granite rock mass containing 3 joint sets,
average RQD is 88%, average joint spacing is 0.24 m,
joint surfaces are generally stepped and rough,
tightly closed and unweathered with occasional
stains observed, the excavation surface is wet but
not dripping, average rock material uniaxial
compressive strength is 160 MPa, the tunnel is
excavated to 150 m below the ground where no
abnormal high in situ stress is expected.

Rock material strength
RQD (%)
160 MPa
Rating
12
88%
Rating
17
Joint spacing (m)
0.24 m
Rating
10
Condition of joints
very rough, unweathered, no separation
Rating
30
wet
Rating
RMR
76
Groundwater
RQD
Joint set number
Joint roughness number
Joint alteration number
Joint water factor
Stress reduction factor
Q
Rock Mass Structure: Blocky
88%
RQD
88
3 sets
Jn
rough stepped (undulating)
Jr
unaltered, some stains
Ja
wet only (dry excavation or minor inflow)
Jw
c/1 = 160/(1500.027) = 39.5
SRF
(88/9) (3/1) (1/1)

Joint Surface Condition : Very good
29
GSI = 755

(b) A sandstone rock mass, fractured by 2 joint sets
plus random fractures, average RQD is 70%, average
joint spacing is 0.11 m, joint surfaces are slightly
rough, highly weathered with stains and weathered
surface but no clay found on surface, joints are
generally in contact with apertures generally less
than 1 mm, average rock material uniaxial
compressive strength is 85 MPa, the tunnel is to be
excavated at 80 m below ground level and the
groundwater table is 10 m below the ground surface.

85 MPa
Rating
70%
Rating
13
Joint spacing (m)
0.11 m
Rating
Condition of joints
slightly rough, highly weathered, separation < 1mm
Rating
20
water pressure/stress = 0.32
Rating
RMR
52
70
RQD (%)
Groundwater
RQD
Joint set number
Joint water factor
Q
70%
RQD
2 sets plus random
Jn
slightly rough (rough planar)
Jr
1.5
highly weathered only stain, (altered nonsoftening mineral coating)
Ja
70 m water head = 7 kg/cm2 = 7 bars
Jw
0.5
c/1 = 85/(800.027) = 39.3
SRF
(70/6) (1.5/2) (0.5/1)

1
4.4
GSI = 405

(c) A highly fractured siltstone rock mass, has 2 joint
sets and many random fractures, average RQD is
41%, joints appears continuous observed in tunnel,
joint surfaces are slickensided and undulating, and
are highly weathered, joint are separated by about 35 mm, filled with clay, average rock material uniaxial
compressive strength is 65 MPa, inflow per 10 m
tunnel length is observed at approximately 50
litre/minute, with considerable outwash of joint
fillings. The tunnel is at 220 m below ground.

RQD (%)
65 MPa
Rating
41%
Rating
Joint spacing (m)
0.05 m
Rating
Condition of joints
continuous, slickensided, separation 1-5mm
Rating
10
inflow = 50 l/min
Rating
RMR
34
41
Groundwater
RQD
Joint set number
41%
RQD
2 sets plus random
Jn
slickensided and undulating
Jr
1.5
highly weathered filled with 3-5 mm clay
Ja
Joint water factor
large inflow with considerable outwash
Jw
0.33
c/1 = 65/(2200.027) = 11
SRF

Q
(41/6) (1.5/4) (0.33/1)

1
0.85
GSI = 205

RMR
Quality
Quality
GSI
Quality
(a) Granite
76
29
75
(b) Sandstone
52
4.4
40
(c) Siltstone
34
0.85
VP
20
VP

Other Rock Mass Classification Systems
Rock Mass Number, N
Rock Mass Index, RMi
N is the rock mass

quality Q value when
SRF is set at 1, i.e.,
RMi = c Jp
N = (RQD / Jn) (Jr / Ja) (Jw)
c is rock material strength.

Jp is jointing parameter for 4
joint characteristics: joint
density, size, roughness, and
alteration. Jp=1 for intact rock,
Jp=0 for crushed rock masses.

Correlation between Q, RMR and GSI
RMR = 9 lnQ + (4418)
RMR = 13.5 logQ + 43
GSI = RMR 5
(for GSI > 25)

Rock Mass Strength
Strength and deformation properties of a rock mass
are governed by the existence of joints. Those rock
mass properties are also related to the quality of the
rock mass. In general, a rock mass of good quality
(strong rock, few joints and good joint surface
quality) have higher strength and higher deformation
modulus than that of a poor rock mass.

1
Failure of rock
material
Failure of rock mass

0
90

1
ck
ro
o
go
ia
er
at
m
ty
ali
qu
c
p
qu
oor
y
alit
a
km
oc
ss
a ss
km
c
o
r

Hoek-Brown Rock Mass Strength Criterion
Generalised Hoek-Brown Criterion
1
= 3 + (mb 3 + s)a
ci ci
ci
or
1 = 3 + (mb 3 ci + s ci2)a
H-B criterion for rock material is a special form of
the generalised equation when s =1, a = 0.5, mb=mi.
1 = 3 + (mi 3 ci + ci2)0.5

ci is consistently the uniaxial compressive strength
of intact rock material, used in the Hoek-Brown
criterion for rock material and for rock mass.
1 is the rock mass strength at a confining pressure
3. ci is the uniaxial strength of the intact rock in the
rock mass. Parameter a is generally equal to 0.5.
Constants mb and s are parameters that changes
with rock type and rock mass quality. Next table
shows mb and s values.
Hoek-Brown Failure
Criterion
1/c = 3/c + (mb
3/c + s)0.5
Carbonate
rocks dolomite,
limestone,
marble
Argillaceous
rocks mudstone,
siltstone,
shale, slate
Arenaceous
rocks sandstone,
quartzite
Fine grained
igneous andesite,
dolerite,
basalt,
rhyolite
Coarse
metamorphic
& igneous gabbro,
gneiss,
granite
Intact rock material

RMR = 100 ,Q = 500
mi = 7.0
s = 1.0
mi = 10.0
s = 1.0
mi = 15.0
s = 1.0
mi = 17.0
s = 1.0
mi = 25.0
s = 1.0
Very good quality

rock mass
RMR = 85, Q = 100
mb = 3.5
s = 0.1
mb = 5.0
s = 0.1
mb = 7.5
s = 0.1
mb = 8.5
s = 0.1
mb = 12.5
s = 0.1
Good quality rock

mass
RMR = 65, Q = 10
mb = 0.7
s = 0.004
mb = 1.0
s = 0.004
mb = 1.5
s = 0.004
mb = 1.7
s = 0.004
mb = 2.5
s = 0.004
Fair quality rock

mass
RMR = 44, Q = 1.0
mb = 0.14
s = 0.0001
mb = 0.20
s = 0.0001
mb = 0.30
s = 0.0001
mb = 0.34
s = 0.0001
mb = 0.50
s = 0.0001
Poor quality rock

mass
RMR = 23, Q = 0.1
mb = 0.04
s = 0.00001
mb = 0.05
s = 0.00001
mb = 0.08
s = 0.00001
mb = 0.09
s = 0.00001
mb = 0.13
s = 0.00001
Very poor quality

rock mass
RMR = 3, Q = 0.01
mb = 0.007
s=0
mb = 0.01
s=0
mb = 0.015
s=0
mb = 0.017
s=0
mb = 0.025
s=0

Development and application of the Hoek-Brown
criterion lead to better definition of the parameters
mb and s.
Determination of mi is improved, as in the next table.
With GSI estimated, mb can be calculated,
mb = mi exp [(GSI100)/28]
Rock Type
Rock Name and mi Values
Igneous
Intrusive
Granite 323
Granodiorite 293
Diorite 255
Dolerite (165)
Gabbro 273
Norite 225
Peridotite (255)
Extrusive
Rhyolite (165)
Andesite 255
Basalt (165)
Diabase (165)
Porphyries (205)
Agglomerate
(193)
Tuff (135)
Volcanic
Sedimentary
Clastic
Conglomerate
(418)
Breccia (416)
Sandstone 174
Siltstone 72
Marls (72)
Mudstone 42
Shale (62)
Carbonate
Crystalline
limestone (123)
Sparitic limestone
(102)
Micritic limestone
(92)
Dolomite (93)
Gypsum 82
Anhydrite 122
Coal (812)
Chalk 72
Phyllites (73)
Slate 74
Hornfels (194)
Marble 93
Chemical
Organic
Metamorphic
Foliated
Gneiss 285
Schist 123
Slightly
Foliated
Migmatite (293)
Amphibolite 266
Non
Foliated
Quartzite 203
Meta-sandstone
(19 3)
Be careful with large uncertainty

For GSI > 25, i.e. rock masses of good to reasonable
quality,
s = exp [(GSI100)/9]
a = 0.5
This is the original Hoek-Brown criterion.

For GSI < 25, i.e. very poor rock masses, s = 0,
a = 0.65 GSI/200
When 3 = 0, it gives the uniaxial compressive
strength as,
cm = 1 = sa ci
For very poor rock masses, s=0, cm=0.

Example on Hoek-Brown Criterion and GSI
1 = 3 + (mb 3 ci + s ci2)a
(a) Granite rock mass, ci= 150 MPa, GSI=75, a = 0.5.
mi for granite is 32,
mb = mi exp[(GSI 100)/28] = 13.1
s = exp[(GSI 100)/9] = 0.062
1 = 3 + (1956 3 + 1395)0.5
When 3 = 0, cm = 13950.5 = 37.3 MPa

Example on Hoek-Brown Criterion and GSI
1 = 3 + (mb 3 ci + s ci2)a
(c) Siltstone rock mass, ci=65 MPa, GSI=20.
mi for siltstone = 7
mb = mi exp[(GSI 100)/28] = 0.40
s = exp[(GSI 100)/9] = 0.00014
GSI < 25, a = 0.65 (GSI/200) = 0.55
1 = 3 + (26 3 + 0.59)0.55
cm = 0.590.55 = 0.75 MPa
Applicability of Hoek-Brown Criterion

Hoek-Brown and Mohr-Coulomb Criteria
There is no direct correlation between linear M-C
criterion and the non-linear H-B criterion.
When Mohr-Coulomb parameters c and are needed
for design and modelling,
(i) Use direct test results on rock mass if available.
(ii) Use H-B to generate a series 13 data, plot
them by Mohr circles, and fit them with the best
linear tangent envelope, to find c and .

Getting c and using Hoek-Brown Equation
3
12
17
21
25
10
28
12
32
15
37
20
45
30
61
40
75
ci=100 MPa, mb=0.3, s=0.004, a=0.5
M-C
M-C low stress
H-B

Correlation of Rock Mass Quality and Properties
Correlations between rock mass strength and
quality are by mb and s in the Hoek-Brown criterion.
Better rock mass quality gives higher mb and s,
hence higher rock mass strength. When rock mass
is solid and massive with few joints, rock mass
strength is close to rock material strength. When
rock mass is very poor (GSI < 25), rock mass has
very low uniaxial compressive strength close to zero.

Rock mass modulus (Em, GPa) can be estimated
from RMR and Q, for fair and better rock mass,
Em = 25 log10Q,
for Q > 1
Em = 10 (Q ci/100)1/3
Em = 2 RMR 100,
for RMR > 50
Em = 10(RMR10)/40
for 20 < RMR < 85
Em = 10(15 logQ+40)/40

For poor rocks with ci<100 MPa,
Em = (ci/100)0.5 10(GSI10)/40
The equation is developed from the original Em-RMR
Em-Q-ci equation, to reflect the effect of rock
strength change.

Squeezing Behaviour of Rock Mass
Squeezing of rock is the time dependent large
deformation, which occurs around an openings, and
is essentially associated with creep caused by
exceeding shear strength.
Classification of squeezing degree,
(i) Mild squeezing: closure 1-3% of opening D;
(ii) Moderate squeezing: closure 3-5% of D;
(iii) High squeezing: closure > 5% of D.

Squeezing Behaviour of Rock Mass
Behaviour of rock squeezing is typically represented
by rock mass deforms plastically into the opening.
Rate of squeezing is time and stress dependent.
Usually the rate is high at initial stage, say, several
cm/day closure at beginning, reduces with time.
Squeezing may continue for a long period.
Squeezing may occur at shallow depths in weak and
poor rock masses. Poor rock masses with moderate
strength at great depth may also suffer from
squeezing.

Squeezing Estimation by Rock Mass Classification Q
Squeezing:
Overburden
H > 350 Q1/3
Non-squeezing:
H < 350 Q1/3

Squeezing Estimation by Rock Mass Classification N
Non-squeezing:
H < 275 N1/3) B0.1
Mild squeezing:
> (275 N1/3) B0.1
H
< (450 N1/3) B0.1
Moderate squeezing:
> (450 N1/3) B0.1
H
< (630 N1/3) B0.1
High squeezing:
H > (630 N1/3) B0.1

Squeezing Condition
Theoretically, squeezing conditions around a tunnel
opening can occur when,
> strength = cm + Px A/2
is the tangential stress at the tunnel opening, cm
is the uniaxial compressive strength of the rock
mass, Px is the in situ stress in the tunnel axis
direction, and A is a rock parameter proportion to
friction.

Squeezing Condition
Degree of Squeezing
/ cm (ISRM)
cm / situ (Hoek)
Non squeezing
Mild squeezing
Moderate squeezing
High squeezing
< 1.0
1.0 2.0
2.0 4.0
> 4.0
> 0.35
0.2 0.35
0.15 0.2
< 0.15
Squeezing can be correlated with the ratio of rock

mass strength to in situ stress. Squeezing is
possible when the ratio is less than 0.35 (Hoek 2000).
Yacambu-Quibor, Venezuela
predictions from analysis
Prediction curve for squeezing for

different rock mass strength to in situ
stress ratios (Hoek 2000)
Tunnel squeezing case histories

compared with prediction for
squeezing (Hoek 2000)
Squeezing in the YacambuQuibor tunnel, Venezuela

Ens 110323 en JZ RM Lecture 2011 Part 4

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Rock Mechanics

Mcanique des roches

Rock Mass Property and Classification

Rock Mass Property and Classification

Rock Mass Property and Classification

Number of joint sets

Rock Mass Property and Classification

Rock Load Factor Hp

I. Hard and intact

Hard and intact rock contains no joints and fractures. After

Light lining required only if

II. Hard stratified

Hard rock consists of thick strata and layers. Interface

Light support for protection

Massive rock contains widely spaced joints and fractures.

Light support for protection

Rock contains moderately spaced joints. Rock is not

0.25 B to 0.35 (B + Ht)

Rock is not chemically weathered, and contains closely

(0.35 to 1.1) (B + Ht)

Little or no side pressure.

Rock is not chemically weathered, and highly fractured with

Considerable side pressure.

Rock slowly advances into the tunnel without perceptible

(1.1 to 2.1) (B + Ht)

Rock slowly advances into the tunnel without perceptible

(2.1 to 4.5) (B + Ht)

IX. Swelling rock

Rock volume expands (and advances into the tunnel) due to

Heavy side pressure. Invert

Circular ribs required. In extreme

Rock Mass Property and Classification

Rock Mass Property and Classification

Rock Mass Property and Classification

Rock Mass Quality

Rock Mass Property and Classification

inflow per 10 m tunnel

joint water pressure/major

Rock Mass Property and Classification

Average standup time

10 year for 6 months for

10 hours for 30 minutes for

Rock Mass Property and Classification

RQD - Rock Quality Designation.

1. Rock Quality Designation

(i) Where RQD is reported or measured as 10 (including 0), a nominal value of 10

2. Joint Set Number

Massive, no or few joints

One joint set

One joint set plus random joints

Two joint set

Two joint set plus random joints

Three joint set

Three joint set plus random joints

Four or more joint sets, heavily jointed

Crushed rock, earthlike

Rough or irregular, undulating

Rough or irregular, planar

(c) No rock-wall contact when sheared

Zone containing clay minerals thick enough to prevent rock-wall contact

Sandy, gravelly or crushed zone thick enough to prevent rock-wall contact

Jr and Ja classification is applied to the joint set or discontinuity that is least

(a) Rock-wall contact (no mineral fillings, only coatings)