(

'"./ '

;,

. ,"

~"\ I ~'

'

",< ", ' .

',"

"

l
..

..

.~

fLM

'.

;'

Preliminary estimation of rock slope stability using r~ck mass classification systemS.~:::~ ::.1;'.:.,

Der Gebrauch eines Klassifiziarungssyste.m ~m Scnatzung der StabilitAt von.Gestel~,raoetm.i<:>;(.;'~::~!";

."
vorlauftg zu machen '
'

. A { " , "a~;,><~~\"'''';''

Estimation preliminaire de la stabilite der-; pal'ois en roches utilisant Ie systeme de classification deS:
,: ' ,
masses r o c n e u s e s , . I~:'

,:,,:',fI

{: J

"'.c,::;, ,

~ ~ 'I

~ .. ' .

A: HAINES & P..! TERBRUGGE, Siel/en, Rob.",on and Kirste., Consulting Engineers, J~'f..rg, s.u;,:~ l~;'

"J~~

,.,

"
",' lI~ .',;1
ABSTRACT: The preliminary eslimation or rock slope 51 ilhility can he rec;uired al various aillges for I variety of enpneering proja:u;-1bo ~

use of c1assificalion systems to quantify the relevant rock mass paran~elers which innu~ncc stability has becomoincre.U/aatYvalll~l:iIe. :~~

paper defines the correct usage of these syslems to a nunber of projects 'Nhere the rcoornmended ....ble alopo ualo Ie compared wiIh Ihe ~

resultaehieved from more rigorous analytical teehniclue!..'

_
'
.'
.. " . , ~... :.:':
,

"

.,,',

'

." '., j

"

t.,,

,'t"" 1 ,~, I '

~'" ... '

'ti1,

, R~UME: Une estimation pr~liminaire de :Ia ~tabili((~ des (larois rochci.ses 'peUi ~tre n~l.re l divers ''-gel d'unCl,yari~,de ~d!~
de genie civil, L'emploi d'un syst~me de classification ;'.idant i\ quantirier les param~tres de resistance des ~ ~ellSel.~~Tq
la stabilite est devenu de plus en plus precieux. eet all ide demonlr!: l'uppli':<ltion CGrrect('\ da systerne un certain ~ do projet&.
J.!.es,!angles de pente obtenu sont compllrl!s Ii eeux oNeil J pllr des metnO'Jes analytiques plus rigoureu.ea.' ...
,'.. ;',:;'.

,,

i '',". ," .

'::',:;;::>H .

ZUSAMMBNFASSUNO: Die Vorljiufi&e sct.alzllng de' siahililiit vflllGertc:ins schragen wirl'J Gftm bei mehreren 1n8eneun ~JebCii'~1 .

ver:'\Chiedencn Zeiten gebraucht. Der gebl'auch cines ~;l;lssjfizierungS SystcnI!. um di~ Parameter. die einco einfIuB auf der st&bllitii'CicrJ';

,(j~sI':in .. Masse habe,n. am Quantua.ieren wird ~unchme'ld wcrtvoll. In dieser Abhandlung wird derltorekte &cbrauch,~,~ '. .. ',.,.,./
Sys\ems beschrieben, wo der von dem System anbefohl:'ne slahilitatli Wi'l ..el des Oestems Mit den Er&ebnisaeo Von einer . .puea.
al\alytische Technik vergliechen wird.
'
.
.' .... ". '. I ..".~, ;':- ,~.::. ;, ; ' " ,

<

,', '

:"

.:i'':''

"

t,"

.;,'.' .

!'~fl;

f,

n, , ,,

;ourr.t' - :

of~ue,~~~,~8: ~..J...:,~i;'J

cxt:lIvation behaviour. Recently. it hubeen

developments of Laubscher (\988) ~.~e P~~~'W~, :,,'
,:
of rock slope stability in jointed rock mauea.
.
t, :,:.
111c extension of the MRMR to wiat with the ~l of:
initial pit slop,a f.nrJea has been of inUlHllllO VAluCr,';espcdaU,f' ::; '...
during tho feasibility stage of a mi.nlnsopention w~' dW;;.~.":: ,~;.::~.:'~
behaviour oftlle rock mua hu not oo'Cvaluated In.~r-"":"\~ ::;;, :.\','
111e use of rock mass classifICation syatema to ~..
~

Estimating the stability of rock slopes is required Ity tho: civil and
, mining engineering industry for a wide variety of proj !Cts, , Of
'i~hportilnce in this regard is the preliminary eVlIlualion of slope
$\a~ility at the feasibility stage, excavation stage or 0jlural. ng stage.
It luis become increasingly populart\) make use of daSiification
sys\ems to estimate the stable angle of a required or etisling 1Iiope,
. 1h~re are three classification systems available to ai:siM with tht,
qUllnlificalion of rock mass parameters and, which ... varying
4egrees relate the final index dl:rived 'to the en,l,incerinll
~igl,lifiCance or theslopc. 'illese are the 'Q' Indtx (,f tillrtuJ!
. ", (11).14), the Rock Mass Rating (RMR) of Bieniawski (1')76) ami
Ih~ Mining Rock MaltS Raling (MRMR) of uluh~.ch( I' (1977).
E4ph ,of these systems has its place in the pwgmmnle of
q4ant~fication, derivation and selection of rock mass pmperties
and slope angle.
The' Q and RMR systems have also been ulilisl'd in, th,e
de~ivalion of rock mass parameters used to estimale Sill nglh and!
deformation behaviour of joinled rock masses as dh., ussed hy
lIpek and Brown (1983 &. 1988), Of importance in I.i~ regard is
the selection of Ihe 'm' and's' factors used in the .!St:lllatiun of
d~turbed and undisturbed rock mass strength and St!lcell'lO of the
.hea~ strensth parameters of cohesion (c) and friclinn 'Ingle (C.).
A !mparison of the Individual parameters used III twch of the
thre~ systems is shown in Table 1.

d'"

witif 'G!- ,: . .

"""ml..tion of ......1.., d"ln, oico,,1100 lad

th;"~, ,:":': ;,

liit! of the excavRtion haa Much merit Caulion~. _. /". : ..~

exercised however where abrupt vlriatlon.iln bonJoaeneitY'r.'!".-:-~
. :'
wilhin Ihe variotls design repoM of the'e:ItCI~atJoo,;"'~
"
helerogerieity oCcUrI then Ihe cWalfictItba,ati,ap.. iofthCi'~
:'
"
i
... . .
.) ~.
:it;,r'lificant features ll'hJst be uDed.
. '.. ~ i,: ;.~:~~ :i;'~':"
The additional v/!!ue of usin, rock _
d&.tfia,don,~itif .;:,:" ..
:Jssist with the overall deal"" of exCavatlon"'~ thit, '~W'>::'~
1)11icaUy be appliui 10 farse scale Hmplell -.hfd .adequalo''-: '. '.
c.~posure of .he fOck mUG is available In oi'dea'rhafao ~to' .:~ ~:;;,.:;,
ilS11('SSment of the p~rtinent parameten Qn'bOC:arrAed'Md.~lb.\U.,,; :. :':1':'"
~

:..,

USEOF1l!B MRMRSYSTBM
,

,."

,I

-'

",'

'",.! " .!:u,\ ;"'tai!ln . c." ", ; , .

".il, ,;;'"\:1 :~~ ./, ,.. ,"

',I I., ....

.:..I..~"N;I)<I~) . ,;~i.t

Use oflhe MRMRAdjustedforweatherinJ,ltnJCtUraI~~,:.;>.,:/;; "

, ...
d L. __ "
_ ... 1 - L__ _ ,...... ' ..... l...n-.r..:' ..... .,. < 1.. "
slless lRuucmcesan UU\atmgp..........,.~fww_IO.'\"!"I'.~..-:-~ ';;,.,': ' ;
tahle ofinitiahtOaJe anilles bein& ~ .by,LaU\llt:t.,ti ~.. . ....J~
of angles has principally been derivc!ct./rom, ~ ..,,_ .~ . rj1:':I~:'
?1~ratin8 slopes in thtl minml ind~"I~.~,~.P,4.,.A
"'{ ..~..::.;-:;
'ItIS accepted that FIc.iOfl .of, Safei)' for
~~J:.,~.
, ., tho,Mw!ll...,
v-:--r ::l4k.,.'
t - ' l..._
lower thal.ll tbOS4'lconsidered' ~o for ~ ClCIYII~ " ,!:.:' ;' :'.'
civil projects e& road and n.II
iii' dil. ~ejUd fi~ ',~ K..~ . '

::,.:''

wttifta:i.. .

.'

, I

l~i'~,'

I...

'''';h~~.:tr8! ..~'~~'~:\~~~" .';':~

:: ~'~lIt;~:"'.'~I.

887

' ,

: :. t

'~r?~~:i;; -,}.ii;:

~:::';.~~(~:;~~~" .:

..

__ ________________________ ___________"'____________________________................................_

,".' ,'. ' ... ;.~,; i:'i?;rf~'" .':... . .:.".:;, ..i

JNTRODUcnoN

The Q and RMR systems have been wed utilised iii the civil
engi';~erlng industry to assist with the assessmenl,)f ro:'~ sUI'(l0rt
requirements and for payment purposes on contractual maUerI-.
The MRMR syStem, as its name implies. is spccifically (,f value in
the m,ining IRdustry.especiaUy for tht lI.lSessment of un~I':rground

~..,_s

'

~.

Table I. Comparilon of input paramc:crl 10 classifJCalion s)stems.

S)'Item

Q Index

RMR

MRMR

IRS

IRS

ROD

ROD

Parameter
"

Intact Material
Strenach

Incorporated In SRI'

Rock Quality
De.ianation

ROD

Number of Joint Sell

In
"

Spacing of Joints
or Fracture Frequency

Condition of loints

Jr,la

Oroundwater

Jw

........

,.

__ .

Js

Is (or FF to replace

RQD & Js)

Je

Jc (adjur.ted for groundwater)

Jw

Incorporated in Jc

SRF (incorporating m~ .lIld

dtpth below surface)

Stress, natural or mining

induced
Structural Orientations

Weathering

Blasting influences

Mining induced stress

adjustment

Jv

Joint orientation

adj\lstment

Weat'lering adju:;tment

Blasting adjustment

The calculated Q and RMR values principaUy dcs.:ribc '.lr relate Ihe in-t.. lu cundition of the rock mass whereas
the final adjusted MRMR relates to the condition of l!ie fl~.'k ma~s foil,' wh,;; excavation or during a period of
the mining process

In vin,tally twcry ca!e history where the MRMR has been used
tll<'re .as hee!! a very elose comparison with either the actual
slope ",'e currentty being excavated or the angle produced from
lIIore I ig.\fl)uS anlilytieal tt:Chniques. The use of "peciflcaUy
.ll!sigr :d fidd sheets 10 assist with the detennination of the

colllidered that the ansles as given in Table 2 are conservalive but

in fact represent an attempt to optimise slope design praclke ill
the open pit situation. It is our opinion Ihat the use of IIwse
analea in conjunction with a fair degree of engineeringjl:dgl'mcilt
can reaub in a reasonable inilial eslimatc of angles.

.'

Table 2. Initial NOpe angle recommended f!om adjW!t~d M ttM K.

~.;,

ADJUmiD
RATING

SLOPE
, ANOLB

100

>7'

9{l

gO

70

6\1

7'

70

65

1Ji)"

40

30

20

10

50

45

40

35

<3'

rcquirt- j [lJramcters is vital. A rock mass should be described in

the COl n!C1 manner to ensure that the significanl parameters are
given ,jJe recognition for their likely inOuence on the proposed
exeaval illn. In all of the three classification JYstems described in
Ihis pal,el .here is a gr.,at reliance on the realistic assessment of
~imilar pllr;cmeters. It is vital that these parameters are recorded
hy an .!q.erienced user of classification JYstems who fuUy
I1ppreci. tcs their significance in engineerina design.

Our, own cq:'enence has been fairly extensive in the \lse of rock
mass da.ssificiltiOns for a large number of prvjects in a widc range
of rock typea. '
Table 3 pre.1enta a sample from this data base illustrating the usc
of the .djuslt~ MRMR's for a ran~e of rock types an.J ~1{l1-I:
beiplL ,An~es between 30 and 6S are shown fOI slupes
belWeea 10 m and 200 m in height. This illustrates that the system
can bo .ppliecl across a wide range of projerls from the fe<ISibililY
,ltase to the o,>eratina stale of a mining ope.ation.
From 'experience it has been of value to use a field sheet a~
pi_ted in figure Ito coUect the relevant d>tta and to assess the:
pvameten for the detennination of the adju\ted MRMR.
In &CneraJ practice, for the coUection of fieltj data to be used in
the, 'lhroo mllin rock mau cllwifccatton systems pre\'iou~ly
refeUnced in this paper, it hal been found useful to use the daHl
sheet u mown in Ffaure 2.

O)MI'ARISON WITH ANALYIlCAL TBCHNIQUES

III Ihis i;~li~n of the paper it is proposed to scudy in some detaU

Ihe rellu.ls of two case historica where ria<)fou, analytical methods
of slop.! JeliSlI wt!fe carried out in conjunction with an initial
I!stimak of .Iupe angl.: using theMRMR clauifallon.
80n

Table 3. Examples of use of MRMR ratings.

Project

------------.....

Itock Unit

. _

Operating Open Pit

(RSA)

Road Cuttings
(RSA)

Feasibility Study for

Open Pit (RSA)

...

~----.---------~-------------.--.~.~~~.~.~~
MRMa: !.:;.2Ji; fl~ ;~fl:~ :t, .

+-____

SIt

.59
.52
47'

:hl

.4;1

20
15

52
;56
$6'
51

-46.,.'
.51 :..

ZI
16

:~.

.........!i

.. '.54 ._ .... -~r l'

l 4j'".. ~:'\'~:.~ f::'<~"

------+--------.,-.
. . .-I!..
, .. 61 , .\ .'',<, -,

Main Zor.e
Dolerite
Weathefed Zone

45 ... ;
lot

~"

.tw'.'\

.. '.

)4.. (

511
1\0

31

:u

;\0

DO

:',

~.

.~ ~ ~::,:~ .::~. ;~~;

1

w
~
w
~
",0,.
00
w
~
.. . -- -- -----+------.-----1------.......... ... ';' .,'.::': .......

Operating Open Pit

(NAMIBIA)

Footwall Hornfels

00

4~

ti5

30

_________-I-__________

... .. ".,"

~I_-_---_--_

I~ 36

"/UJ~~

~.~'.,:.'~.'

,-:.. '.;
-=========~______________________._.L .
1110

Various sr!dimcntllo'Y
and mel:'Unorpho~( J
rocks

'.11

",

'"

~I"':~~! 'f~ll'!i~'~" 1'::

. ;""
.'

,i"~j' i \.),P:f"~'

_. -

rttOJt.C1 (SOh

~,

~OCI(

....:.."~I Ill..ocAiHlS I

,'AMML'11lR (CATECOIIY)

Ml1~1)IM' nn)

VA1.ue

-_.

111$

(0-11 I

'00

{~I

..

.!2:}' !

FP

1YI'I! ,

atllftllCh

r'--

I :1

t.H ' . >'

)J:..r~

'.

: . .{~J' ;.

.......

ADJUr.tt:D lOa

VAWI

I'I\IlQ!HJ'A08 (MHOIQ

\WA11 ICIUNG

(10>10lIII0)

OI<.II'.NTA'10H

(61-10lIII0)

'" u

~.

//00.1_,

_'::'!.!Jcm ~r"f.u
IUAS'n~

(G-<. l

'~.

.~:~_;,~:il,; ~

Jo

.,-.~

1)1111\1 CONllrno~s
PAAA....mll (CAl1!GOIIV)

, '

i .'

!I,)

"1\..

.".

i. :

'"

Andesite
Rhyolite
Dacite
Quartz Monzonite
Overall

UCOIlOr.DIV,

.'

'.,'

$I ' .

20
.52
----200-----t----65
60
.5.5'
2j
4.5'

Andesite
Quartz Bro!ccia
Schist

DATE.

"

-- . ____.__I_"______~------J-O-------~------t------_t;

Granite
Granite
Granite
Oranite
Granite
Dolerite

Feasibility Study for

Open Pit (TU RKEY)

Operating Open Pit

(ZAMBIA)

4;

:. )1141,,10.

"11

-- .
Operating Open Pit
(CHILE)

. ..

Applicaole
Slope An"e
IIci~!~~..;l) - - - - l i - - - - _...::(:....:...)_ _ _ _

41/
III

Orebody
Banded Ironstone
CalerelCl
Sund

~'
. 'u.... .-. / ..... ; :,.:..:.,

(OOlUf'/I)

11-)

(SMOOm,
(0001> CONY)
(I'OOR COl>oV)

(1'1.)

(fl'III
~)

~--.

(LARGE)

.... '

(O-<' I

(St.4AU.,

(ALTBR)
(f1LUNO)

:
"

TOTAL
ItDJU$llo4IIH1" :

TOTAl. !<A'nNe;
N!\MR TOTAL !lA11NO lC TOTAL AolU$llo41!Hf
W!\MII

100 II

11)."

0 ...

Alii

AU

,0.10

a7S'

US'

dl'

..

(OMMt'.HI'S:

"",

'

.~j

,1\

100

18

ASO

ADIIJSTEl) CI.AS$

S1.OtBAHOL8

.' .
~l

", .

N!COMNI!NIlEO SLOPII AHCiU! ,

~.

4.1'

.u

Figure 1. Field sheet for the determmation of the Minill8 Rock Mass Rating.(MRMR).

. : ...:-,

.....
.- '.:-<. ","

..

i;

.. ...
I,

-:

.,.tt

:-.;,.

, . ,r. . ;f~!

.....
'!

. f

.,

; 1

,--_._'-------------_.,... - ...... ,--_._,---------------------.,

ROCK MASS DE:>CRIPTJOU AND (.. J.HSIFICATlON SHEET

,.

t---,-------------..-----.- .---

9. CLASSIfICATIONS
9.1 BQCt< MASS QUALIIX,.2,

....... -t ...

UM M~I M[INg,llMIt
IOL_

WRY 1<..,. fIOCl!

~

tIIlCI! _ _ _ _ _ .

IIQUOT IWooMflI
1IIOlN) WJJU

_
tIIlCI! _ _ _ _ _ 1
WRY lIIoNIlIOC_ _ _ _ 1

IXTIIOILY IWtO """"

MATEII.~

.MO.IHiC.... OOIC) ..... OfIC..

Idl~lfi,2

flOCK M!Ia B&ltii.fd!ltd8.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DON)/."

O..IIH

1 - - - - - - - - -........- - - - - - - - ' - - .... ---...------ -.

e. &l9L MASS

OI$CQrtnjUITIES

TYPE

SET N"

ALTERATION

1----1----.--.+----- ---1--...

.'

1lII' CONTINUITY 1T1l1lt:

U;NlIllI(..1 t:NOl
u:NII'Ilt (...
0108

..

--.-

_. ._-_._...
. .....

r-__. l _ _ _ _1 _ _ _ _- - 1 _ - L__
7.

INP

~-

EQUIVALENT

(1100' II"

',S Jc

......._-. _ _ _ _ .

ON SUPPORT 'INSTALLATION

.,It'

WIII! Je' TOTAL NUN61! Of J04'HS I SET I Ml

t--------------------'" .

'''I' I

1..._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _" _
cla~ification

......-'~.

"-.u

she"t.

The nnt case bltilol)' concerns a series or six road CUlling" (,)r Ihe
improvement and upgrading of an existing route, The c.~isling
cuttings were up to 7,0 m in height and it was propO! cd to t:u!
thoae back to over 20,0 m in fmal height. The geology cUh.i~tcJ
or Fanite intruded by frequent dolerite dykes and the entin' ~Iol)e
face would be excavated in slightly wealhered rock. A twkal
desisn Ition is ,hown in Figure 3.

y~

lIf onrl

w(

'8. RELATIVE JOINTING ORIENTATIONS (\Joe ""all net WI'l<'~~J.

Figure 2, Rock mass de&eription and

-~

com ,Jeralion of the major geotechnical inOuences on the various

('utt! !lgs a serit's of rigorous analytical des/an calculations,
com"utcr assish:d. were carried out ror a vaelel)' or possible failure
crib .ia. Final overall slope angles were recommended for
com ~rul:tjoll purpOSe/! for a Factor of Safety exceeding 1,5,
Th.: exercise for aU .ix cUllings was reproduced using the
M R '"I R 1:lassifical ion and angles were derived using the results
prol ,Jed in Tobie 2.
A 'illmmary of the two setl of design recommendations is shown
helo.I' in Table 4, It can be seen th'lt tho angle derived from the
MR -,m is similar 10 thllt derived from the riaorou. techniques to
wilh in a maximum varialion of 4-. Of the six cuttings studied the
MR -,1 R derived angles were twice &reater than, once equal to and
Ihre,,: dOles less than the rigorous desian angles,
'llie ,esults were very encouraging when considering the soml..'What
detri,nental influence of thf; dolerite intrusions. The cUliings are
cum'otly in the process of excavation by drill and blast techniques.
To d.lle, il appears Ihat the asaessment of blastin, inOuence has
been fair and il is anticipated at this .talo that the slopes will .
hch,,.'e as determined from both methodt. of delip',
The secund cllse blstol)' concern. a major open pit in Cl!nlral
AfrkOi cOJn[lrising a range of heterogeneous rock unitt.
A Ii gorous Ilrogram of field inVeitigations and laboratory tc:atinl
un Ihcpcrlinent ruck unil$ derived from boreholo corea and
undt.lgroumJ adil& was carried out for the deal&n of a 180 m hiah
pit sk,pl.'. Takirg aa.'Ount of the hard lind soft rock units the slope
was :Icsigncd usina a number of computer proifama to consider
Ihe \ .lrillUS failure mechanisms thal could occur.
Th. overall lingle determined for the compoalte
wa. 4.5
deer; -!s with individuaillnglea in th., rock unitt ran&ina from 3S
In 5~ for a Faclor of SurelY against failure of 1,2.

3. Deaisn seccion for case history I.

A fairly intensive geotechnical investigation was carried (lUi 101 t!J~'

proposed uPIVadin, of the road to provide a(iequ:lt;! J !~i'll
parameters. The investigations r.omprised geological nI"PI~illg oJ
the existin, road cutlinp and orientated cored drill, IInlcs ttl
intencct and aample ,ianiflCant slrl!ct:Jral realllres. Alt.'.. ,llll'

"ope

890

.:

1'lIble 4. Milling rock milliS rlliing calculation for c"sc hi,rory I

--,.

IRS ROD

Rock
1)tpu

Slope

0,.111"

Dolo"'.
0 .....11 ..

J~llnt

C1lnliiliu ,

(1\' of OIl)

Sn

Lt'II<

'M - o,wi

Toul
I",

0,11\

_._._

TOial

Tout
I...

II,Y~

0,90

0,"

S6

0,9$

0.90

0.91

29

0,95

0.90

0,91

11

61

11,95

0.90

0"

o.u

0.H1

10

23

to(

0.911

0,95

'o~

0:IS

2.S

0,\10

0'1\

0,91

0,110

Onolllte.
DoIoriI.

II

2.S

to(

0,96

0: ;\

0,95

o,as

29

6S

O,H

0.90

Oranile.

12

23

0,110

0 1/

O,qs

lI,n

19

54

0,95

0.90

Dolerite

lCoy Wonk:

.'

0."

%l

.
!
0,'
0.9$
n.l~

be.
URMR Mp.
(.)

'

DoooItIl
Mp.

(')

41

II

II

46

Sl

$1

"

*' ..

51

" "

0,91

...,

SJ.,

*'

0,91

0,lI

4$

$I

",

,.,~'

~ '''.~

UP
N
D
t

~,~ i~~'1

.:;

. ; ....:

~'r"':"'' ':..,..t .. l"'~

The slope was ,subsequently mined and ha~ heen ex/" )sed for
approximately 3 years. Signs of deterioration in the slop!' art' now
evident.
In carrying out a rock mass rating study on aVlIilnhle I: 'posure,<;
.the ratings were derived (or each oC the rock unit, ldld slope
angles apportioned accordingly as per Table S.

NQOl ~

I'IMI

o.u

...,
...,

to(

~I

BIuI

~.',

"

'./

l.I

11,/111

WrAthe, Orielle

t""

..

Adj."",, rot

": -~~ ._"~ I~::".'.. .....

. _,'

Wltff

21

-JI oi,.

Radras rOt Insilu COli :iliOf\l

26

Olll1lle
Dolerite

,
,

(Ff)

.,

DoIoriI.
(hllllt...
Dokdle

l&

",.

il~'.

anglo/l1ope' helsht configurati~~' ",

(rom the assessed MRMR.; \ ,," I'!;)
:, .I',,'"'q
,
it is a mllrJinai dcdaion whether IQ
use chusification data aIoOe..; ..,!:.:~~ .
,:
... ::-:) ;::1':' ~1".1,:J. if~t;t~~:.

Mid Stion:

:..... ~ , . . < ..J~

..

?if'Ii1!ll

l;!

Table S. Mining rock mass rating calcul:ltion for case hi:' or)' 2
"l .~.

'. .
'

Adi......srot

Ihllingi fur Ir."it,~ ,dl'iun'

Sec O.cbo<Iy
Rt;oft

Rod<

1Wn

lRS RQO

J.

Iff)
\(Ift,

II

11
21

DoIomhe
Dolomk.

II

14

ScIlla!

22
22
lJ
16
19

2
Il
7

Schla

22

12

22

lJ

SIlo..

,
5

.6
Sho"
QuaN.k.
6
Quorulle
Sond.tlolll J
Stnd.tl....e
2

11
10
14
16
12
12

12
II

10

1
S
1

21
IS

Il

11

\1

,
S

18

Ig

IS

II

Moder... , ...... ,.

Moue

l>

Dr/

l'iII

;0

tOil

0,'0

19

'10
IS

1,00

1.00

O'9S I-

t,'A'

r--O,~S
,is ~0,10

11
U
9

O,&)

,1iO

f.OO

1.011

tJ

1.00

-,....'., ,;U

I.. ,~.
o,~'\

l-

O.ft~ lo ft\ . I-

M
1-.":"'- Ito0
O'h~t
0 _2!" .

11
18

),(

lCoy WOfdI: MP

,
7

I\lfe,

T,t
rot
(;ondllion

loin! C.n

6-

O,R~_

O,HS
0;1S

,~S

. .10IS
lU

(lo'i. of

1,00
1,00
0,10
0:10

~o)

Total

IHky

Rat""

\I!o'cllMr Oriw

....

TOial

I'IMI
M1U4

.S
46
51

0,90
0,90

1,00

0,90

0,11

loS

1.00

0,90

",1

)7

1,00

0.90

0,"

0,86

.,

0,"
0,110

1.00
1.00

0."
0."

0.90

U.

O,/,...

IS

19

0,90

0.90

0,"

0;11

1/10

1~

J2

1.00

Sl
36

I,Ge
&,3$

1.00

10

2.1

0,3$

0,"
0.90
0.90

o,t.S
.",

1,00

26
19

1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00

0.95

.~

30

--.,

NJUd. ~

DoooItIl
AIII1I ,~
(.)
47- '
47".

" ..'
4
50'.
..,
.., SS'"'" ,
JO

Z7
11

11:11

0.17

4$'

".
'

..

",;

.'

..

, ~ '.

....

4J"

.SS ,'

~.;'

...

'j

. , 47-:

Z7

0,116

! H,

,"'j

."~\

. ri ';'\.,

.loW

-:'/"1

;,: ;; 't~ .;~ ::~;,-;.

The overaU slope profile as shown in Figure 4 was uelennined ill

46' which is in good agreement wilh the rigorous dc:.ign lIllll
subsequent observalions oC behaviour of the slopel. No it Jversely
orientated major features are evident in the slope pr.)fil.
4

.,'

Upper Section:

rigoroll.l analytical
carried out.

WJy..

be

r ",

.<:;

Twn selS of d~ign ClJrves are luperlmposed 00 thi.

One set of curves cater. CCIt' the .ituation in c:Ml1lope proJecIII,
where the typical Fllcior of SaCety " in die reaion 0~.1.s. 1bo, ",
~el'nnJ set, superimposed in the fmt. " recommendec" for ... IA : '.:.
.mining situationJ where the typical Factor of wet; II IA .... " .~:,,: ..

mk /:" .: ", ;'

CONCLUSIONS

To provide a useful tool (or the engineering desi&JI or ro..k slupes

and to utilise aU of the available case histories it hl1S ocell of value
10 plot aiI.the known slope angles. slolle hei&hts and f!luivulcnt
MRMR'. on a chart. This chart is rc:produced here as 'igure S.
The chart" aulxlivided into three secdon~ as rnllm.s:
Lower section:

it is recommended that: for .dlesO' : ',' .

slope configuratioul ;additional ,',,';:

,.

!,'

~"

.,(~ .~'.~:: II> iI',4,,1 H.f

reV-l<m of 1.2.
"
.. 1' : ;:.... ~ ..' .~ ...
II i5 proposed to uPBTade this dwt cootlnuoUily lIIheau:l\cn data .. _.~~." ~
hc....omes .tvailable. Chanael to the layout in tltll reprd .,.. ,:. ::- ~. .
pus5ible.-
' . . .."'~
. '"n~.
;~"
~....,,!ftI.f'~.'-rJ
. In line with moat I.:ltssificatlon I)'ltemI it " .. dI~. ~~IICI.t.i.!:,;:

"

using classification data .lIone, it

may be adequate 10 desigl' the slOIlC

891

"

it.

',.,

...

~'f~~.~ .:~:'- .
::'.::''';

------_.------------------------------------------

.x- ..

I; EFERENCES

II

(!.lrlOn, N, Lien It. &; Lunde J. 1974, Enpnc:erina classifiauion of

'ock mass~ for the design of tunnellupport. Rock Mhani<:S,
Volunlt: 6, No.4: 189.236.
I! ieniawski, Z.T. 1976. Rock mass classification in rock
'm~,int!ering. Proc. Symp. on Explorallon (Of Rock Bnllinccrin~
.Illhanllc~hurg. Volume I: 97106.
1.lubscher. OJ f. 1971. OeomechaniCJ classification ofjoinled rock
mIoses mining applications. Trana. Inst. Min. Metall
',Sectiun A) 86.
Iloel., E I'JIl3. Strensth of jointed rock masses. 23rd Rankine
Lc('ture, Oeotcchnique, Volume 33, No.3. 187223.
I lock. E & Brown E.T. 1988. The HoekBrown failure criterk.n
. a 1'11111 update. 15th Canadian Rt'Ck Mechanics Symposium,
'rOllllllU,

Figure 4. Design section for case history 2.

1.,ul'S4:hcf, D.II. 19118. P/annina mass mining operations (personal

,'urresponucnc,:).

experience in association with good engineering juJg~IIl"1\1 lilal

will indicate the extent to which reliallce on c\ussilkali!lf. s)"~leIHS
can be adopted.
In our experience: we have found tremendous Villu.: 1 \Jill the USc
of the MRMR system and the d..:~ign chan rcpnllh",,'" ill Ihis
paper. Wi; believe that the systt!m is suffit-it'lltl)' t (lhu~t 10
accommodate variations in the joint parameters ,Ill f , take
account of the influence of major structural features,
However. careful consideration mllst be given to tht: in'lu,'nce lIf
major structural features occurring within the slope liS these C:JU
and often lead to instability.

JOO~--------------------------------------

-:~-------------,----------~~------,

280

,/'
.,,/

/'

/'

240

,/'

,/'
/'"

~;LOPES

IN THIS AREA REQUIRE

/\O!)ITIONAL ANALYSIS

.,,/

,/

,/

,/

,./

UJO

,/

1050

./
/'

/'

/"

NO

80

.;0

'0

eo

60

Fiaure 5. Desisn chart to determine slope anglt: using M /(MR d.lssif".:allUlI d:.Ia.

892

so

90

100

,[1
.

"',t

~ergamon Press Ltd 1981. Printed in Great Britain

I,;t. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci. & Geomech. Abstr. Vol. 18, pp. 85 to 110

002()"7624j8lj020I-OOS5S02.00jO

00

\.

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR ROCK MECHANICS

COMMISSION ON
CLASSIFICATION OF ROCKS AND ROCK MASSES

BASIC" GEOTECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

OF ROCK MASSES

1980

DOC NO.1

85

\~ (l'~Y"l

CQ-{1

I,

86

International Society for Rock Mechanics

INTRODUCTION
A common deficiency of both geologic and geotechnical reports and published papers on rock mechanics prob
lems has been the lack of an adequate and generally accepted means to transmit an overall assessment of the
nature or rock masses to those who have not had an opportunity to observe them. A language common to rock
mechanics specialists and experts from related fields should be available. This is why the ISR M, at its Council
Meeting in Nancy, on October 3, 1971, decided to appoint a Commission on Classification of Rocks and Rock
Masses (see A~dix 1).
J.e., . ,'.,\iQ n,y\~., . ~ ;h. (
The first task of the Commission was an eXhad'sttve gath[rlng and study of documents (see References), in
particular of the numerous classification systems presently in use. The Commission preferred to follow, as far as
.
possible, classification criteria already in practice, rather than to innovate.
It was considered advisable to establish first a "Basic Geotechnical Description of Rock Masses" (BGD),
general in nature; the experience gained in using it might then lead to special descriptions and/or classifications
for different kinds of engineering works or aimed at specific types of geologic formations. Such a basic description
is proposed in this document.
.
The intent of the Basic Description is to characterize in simplified form the various zones that constitute a given
rock mass, using information obtained from the observation of outcrops, trenches, aditsor boreholes. The
Description may be used for written and symbolic characterization of rock masses; it may be included in borehole
logs, trench or adit logs, or may be shown on maps and geological sections.
It should be emphasized that, as the BGD is not an exhaustive description, it will often need to be supple
mented by additional, more detailed, information.
It is expected that application of the BGD to a variety of practical situations will suggest additions or
modifications to the present document. Any remarks aimed at improving the Description should be addressed to
the Secretariat of the International Society for Rock Mechanics, at the Laboratorio Nacional de Engenharia Civil,
A \enida do Brasil, 1799 Lisboa Cedex, Portugal.

Basic Geotechnical Description of Rock Masses

87

Basic Geotechnical Description of

Rock Masses (BGD)

1: REQUIREMENTS FOR A BASIC

GEOTECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
The BG D is intended to meet the following major re
quirements:
(a) To provide a language enabling the observer to
transmit his general impression of a rock mass, parricu
larly with regard to its a~ti~ip'ai~d mechanical behav
iour. The language of the BGD, must be unambiguous;
different observers of a given rock mass should describe
it in the s.ame way.
(b) To contain as far as possible quantitative data, of
interest in the solution of definite practical problems.
(c) Whenever possible, to use simple measurements,
rather than visual observations alone.

-from t heir values it is, as a rule, possible to infer

other mechanical characteristics, particularly when con
sidered in the light of the rock name and geologic
characterization;
-they can be assessed from simple tests or even from
the observer's past experience alone;
-their meaning is familiar to all specialists engaged
in studies of rock masses.
The interval limits for the four parameters (Tables
1-4) have been selected as far as possible, to correspond
with boundaries of significance to engineering projects.

3: ZONING OF THE ROCK MASS

2: CHARACTERISTICS CONSIDERED FOR
PURPOSES OF DESCRIPTION
The object of the BG D being essentially to character
ize the mechanical behaviour of rock masses, the fol
lowing five characteristics were taken into account:
-the rock name, with a simplified geological de
scription;
-t\,iO structural characteristics of the rock mass,
namely layer thickness and fracture intercept*;
-two mechanical characteristics, namely the uni
axial compressive strength of the rock material and the
angle of friction of the fractures.
The rock name and geological description are of
great interest, owing to the abundant information, par
ticularly of a mechanical nature, that they imply.
The parameters layer thickness and fracture intercept
are considered for the following reasons:
-they characterize morphologic aspects of basic im
portance for the visualisation of the rock mass;
-they usually have a considerable influence on the
mechanical behaviour of the rock mass;
-their quantitative assessment is generally not diffi
cult.
The parameters, uniaxial compressive strength of the
rock material and angle of friction of the fractures have
been included for the following reasons:
--these properties playa very considerable role in
the mechanical behaviour of rock masses;

* Definitions are presented in paragraphs 5 and 6.

When applying the BGD one should first divide the

rock mass into zones, that is, geotechnical units, whose
characteristics may be considered uniform with regard
to the requirements of the project; relevant charac
teristics may however display considerable variation
within a geotechnical unit. A zone may include non
contiguous volumes of the rock mass, such as interbed
dedla-ye'rs-of sedimentary or volcanic formations with
the same geotechnical characteristics. In the case of
rock masses that vary cont inuously from place to place,
for example due to weathering, it may be advisable to
delineate arbitrary zone boundaries in such a way that
the properties of each zone may be considered uniform.
A preliminary zoning may be based on general geolo
gical data a vail able on the rock mass, reflecting litholo
gical differentiation, degree of alteration, fracture
characteristics, etc. Improvement of the zoning will be
progressively achieved as additiona'l information is
acquired on the geology and on the four parameters
considered in the Description.
After the zoning, the BGD is applied to each zone.
Each of the four parameters considered in the Descrip
tion is determined on samples that are selected as rep
resentative of the zone. The number, positions and
dimensions of the samples will depend on the pa
rameter to be determined and on the statistical refine
ment required. A similar procedure should be followed
regarding the rock name and geological description.
Sometimes, particularly in the preliminary stage of
applying the BGD, the consideration of some pa
rameters may be dispensed with, on account of the
nature of the formations and/or the problem to be
solved.

,,,,(tr,,.,
. \ /!

r,

1,://\," (',

International Society for Rock Mechanics

88

4: ROCK NAME AND SIMPLIFIED

GEOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION

TAIILE '1. LAYER THICKNESS

Intervals
(cm)

The rock will be given a name in accordance with the

genetic classification presented in Appendix 2.
The extent of the simplified geological description
wi II depend on the nature of the formations and the
requirements of the project. As a rule the following
aspects need to be considered:
-geologic structure of the rock mass (folds, faults,
etc.);
-fracturing of the rock mass (fracture sets and frac
ture characteristics);'
--colour. texture and mineral composition of the
rock material;
-degree of weathering assessed by the terms of the
classification referred to in Appendix 3; the symbols
(W 1 to W 5) may be ,used instead of the terms.
As a rule it will be advisable to consider a general
geologic description and a supplementary description
of each zone.
The geologic description should be implemented by
photographs, preferably a stereo pair.
5: LAYER THICKNESS
The layer thickness in a zone of a layered rock mass
is the mean value of the thickness of the layers making
up the zone, The term layer is used here in its most
general sense and may be applied. to sedimentary,
igneous or metamorphic formations.
" ",
The layer thickness can be determined on outcrops
or other exposures and/or on core samples.
The layer thickness in a zone is characterized by indi
cating the interval. amorig the five in Table 1, within
which the thickness determined falls. The five intervals
are represented by symbols Ll to L5 and are designated
as shown in the table. Zones that are not layered are
assigned the symbol L o.
In case when only three intervals are needed, those
represented in Table 1 by the symbols L1.2' L 3 , L 4 s are
used with the corresponding designations indicated in
the table.
6: FRACTURE INTERCEPT
The term fracture as used herein refers to any natural
discontinuity surface with zero or very low tensile
strength. An easy separation by hand can be used as an
assessment criterion in practice. Fracture in,tercept* is
defined as the mean distance between successive frac
tures as measured along an intersecting straight line.
All fractures are counted, whether or not they belong

Symbols

>200

Descriptive terms
Very large

LI

Large

L1,z

60-200
20-60
6-20

Lz
L3
L.

<6

L,

L3
L4 .,

Large
Moderate
Small

Moderate
Small

Very small

to the same set. Fractures can be observed at exposed

surfaces of the rock mass or in core samples.
When fracture intercept changes with direction, the
value to be adopted in the Description should be the
one corresponding to the direction along which the
smallest mean intercept was found. unless specific cir
cumstances warrant otherwise.
The fracture intercept in a zone of a rock mass is
characterized by indicating the interval, among those in
Table 2, within which the intercept determined falls.
The intervals are represented by symbols F 1 to F 5 or
using a simplified 3-class system by F 1,2, F 3, F 4.5 and
are designated as shown in the table: A zone with no
fractures will be ascribed the symbol Fo.
When it is possible and advisable to associate the
fractures in sets, the mean fracture spacing in c,m
measured perpendicular to the fractures, should be
recorded for each fracture set. and presented as supple
mentary information to the fracture intercept as defined
above.
7: UNIAXIAL COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
OF THE ROCK MATERIAL
The uniaxial compressive strength of the rock
material in a zone is the mean strength of rock samples
taken at points in the zone away from fractures and
other discontinuities where the wck may be more
\\L'athered.
The strength can be determined directly by uniaxial
compressive strength tests, or indirectly by point-load
strength tests, according to the methods recommended
by the ISRMt. The samples should be tested at a water
content pertinent to the problem to be solved.
Sometimes, particularly at an early stage in the de
scription of the rock mass, strength may be assessed
without testing. This fact should be acknowledged in
",',"".,1.
the report.
" 0 ; " " '.'
TABLE 2. FRACTURING INTERCEPT
Intervals
(cm)

Symbols

Descriptive terms

,,'\.,1"\
t_

'\

"

(\

\',

'

'}(',

(\o\"~""",1 ~ ,~.\~

The term intercept was preferred to spacing as the latter strictly is

applicable only to parallel planes.
t Suggested Methods for Determining the Uniaxial Compressive
Strength of Rock Materials and the Point-Load Strength Index, Int.
Soc. Rock Mech., 1972.

>200

Very wide

FI

Wide

F1.2

60-200
20-60
6-20

Fz
F3
F4

<6

F,

F3

Wide
Moderate
Close

Moderate
Close

F4 .,
Very close

Basic Geotechnical Description of Rock Masses

','f
l~

TABLE

3.

UNIAXIAL

Intervals
(MPa)

>200

COMPRESSIVE
ROCK

Symbols
SI.2
S2
Sl
S4

<6

S5

OF THE

Descriptive terms
Very high

SI

60-200
20-60
6-20

STRENGTH

S3
S4.5

High
High
Moderate
Low

Moderate
Low

89

When fracture sets occur that differ in their shear

strength, the angle of friction to be adopted is IhM

corresponding to the set which shows the smallest

mean value, unless specific circumstances warrant

otherwise. A record of the angles of friction correspond

ing to other fracture sets may prove of interest.

In a similar way as for the former three parameters,

the angle of friction of the fractures in a zone of the

rock mass is classified according to Table 4.

Very low

9: APPLICATION OF THE BGD

When the rock material is markedly anisotropic in its
strength, the value considered for the description
should correspond to the direction along which the
smallest mean strength was found.' However, in such
cases it is usually of importance to record the uniaxial
compressive strength in other directions.
As was the case for layer thickness and fracture inter
cept, characterization of uniaxial compressive strength
is to, be based of either five or three strength intervals as
indicated in Tahle 3.

8: ANGLE OF FRICTION OF
THE FRACTURES
The angle of friction of the fractures to be used for
purposes ofHleBGD is detlnedasthe slopeof the
tangetto thepeak strength envelope at a normal s~ress
of 1 MPa. This is an arbitrary definition for purposes or
classificafion and the value may not be identical to that
to be used in the project design.
Laboratory tests. ma~ b~o.~~~.!ol the determination
of the angle of frichon, In accordaNce with the methods
recommended by the ISRM*, or an estimate may be
made with the aid of observations such as of roughness
of the fracture surfaces, nature and thickness or filling
materials, etc.t Irregularities, waviness and peFst~t<e'rlce
of the fracture surfaces at a scale larger than, that of
,laboratory samples will not be taken into a~'2o~nt for
purposes of the BGD although th!'!y may be of con
siderable significance in the design. The value to ascribe
to the angle of friction of the fractures in a zone is the
mean value of the results obtained for the zone.
TABLE

4.

ASGLE OF FRICTION OF THE FRACTURES

Intervals

>45

Symbols

Descriptive terms
Very high

Al

High

Au:

35-45
25-35
15-25

A2

<15

A5

A3
A",

AJ

High
Moderate
Low

Moderate
Low

A",.5
Very low

* Suggested Methods for Determining Shear Strength. Int. Soc. for

Rock Mech" 1974.
t Suggested Methods for the Quantitative Description of Rock
Masses and Discontinuities, Int. Soc, for Rock Mech., 1977.

When applyingthe BGD to a rock mass, use may be

made of a data sheet such as presented as Appendix 4.

The front page of the data sheet is intended for the

BGD of the rock mass; the back page, for the evalu

ation of the mean values of the four parameters and for

supplementary information.

I'.\< ga.?h,~one should be characterized by its rock name

follo"\ted by the interval symbols corresponding to the

parameter values, the ,latter shown in the same

sequence as introduced above, e.g. Granite LoF 3S2A3'

Sandstone L3F4.SS3A3'

The need to add supplementary information depends

on the particular requirements of the project and the

specific features of the rock mass. The final description

of the rock mass should consist of the BGD plus such

supplementary information.

For some situations, consideration of more than. five

parameter intervals may be justified.T~r1~td'lr thf.
structure of the BGD, subdivisions should then be
established for the intervals in Tables 1 to 4 by ascrib
ing to the parameters s~condary boundary JJ~u(e.~t
defined for each case. Sub-mtervals should be assigried
subscripts a, b, ... Thus, if necessary when describing a
given rock mass, fracture intercept interval F 3 may be
split into sub-intervals 40-60 em and 20-40 cm, the lat
ter denoted by F 3. and F 3b' respectively. In a like man
ner, layer thickness intervals Ll and L2 may be split
into sub-intervals L 13 , LIb' L 2 and L 2b , e.g. as defined
by the secondary boundary values
>400 cm,
200-400 cm, 100-200 cm, and 60-100 cm, respectively.
For such situations, zone identification calls for the use
of sub-interval symbols, e.g. Diabase LoF 3bS2A7' '
'~
Whenever application of the BGD is cDiittmp)\a't~d~1J\>

core logs should include columns where values of each

of the four parameters can be recorded by inscribing

the symbols introduced in Tables 1-4. The same sym

bols should be used when describing rock conditions at

all phases of the project. When observation results are

~"'airn~d at zoning the rock mass and characterizing each

zone it is com~on, in the ~8~\\?:'r..i\,~i?b~} assessment of
the problem m hand to fuse into a single zone a
number of zones, previously regarded as differentiated.
To account for this, a finer characterization should be
made on the logs than is deemed necessary as an end
product on, for example, geotechnical maps and
sections.
In Appendix 5, examples are presented of application
of the BGD to a number of typical situations.

90

International Society for Rock Mechanics

REFERENCES

J. lkrlo D. K. The Process of COJIIJIIllllicaricll1. Holt, Rinelmrl &

Will1son. NC\I York (1960)..
, Coales D. F. Classification of rocks for rock mechanics, 1111. 1.
Rock Mecl! . .Itill. Sci. 1,411-429 (1964).
3. Coales D. F. Rock mechanic~ principles. Dept of Mines & Tech
nical Survcys. Ottawa (1966).
4. Coales D. F. & Parsons R. C. Experimental critcria for classifi
.:allon of rock substances. Inl. 1. Rock M(,(,/I. Mill. Sci. 3,181-191
119(6).

Coltis G. I.. Dowcll R. W. & Franklin J. A. A rock classification

system applied in civil enginecring. Cill. ElIglIg Public ReI'. 1.
611-614. and 2, 737-743 (June, 1971).
6. Coon R. F. & Merritt A. H. Determination of the ill Silll modulus
of deformation of rock. A.S. T.M. 154-173 (Feb, 19(9).
Deere D. U. Technical description of rock cores for engineering
purposes. Rock A1ecll: E/lg/lg Geol. I. 16-22 (1963).
~. Duffaut P. La position des betons et morliers par rapport
la
classification mccunique des roches scion Don Deere. ReI'. lefmer.
COIISlrIICI. Trar, Puhiies 659--660 (Aug/Sep. 1970).
9. Duffaut P. Essai de description struclUrale des roches a I'usage de
l'ing~nJeur. lSI COlIgr./lI/. Assoc, 1111, Geol./lIgellieur, Tome I, pp.
::95-300 (Scp. 1970). Paris.
10. Franklin 1. A. Rock quality in relation to the quarrying and
performance of rock ..:onSiruction materials. Pro('. Jlld 1111, COllflr.
1111. A.\sOC,
EIiOIli!. Geol. Vol. 1. Sao Paulo. IV PC; 2.1-2, II
(l974).
II. Iida R, & Okamoto A. Geological rock classification of dam
foundation. lap. Soc. Soil '\ll!cll. Fdn Enfln}1 Vol. 1. pp, 161-163.
Joinl Commillee on Rock Mechanics. Japan (1970).
I::. Jaeger 1. C. & Cook N. G. W. Fllndamelll(lis of Rock Mecluillics.
Methuen. London (1968).
13. 'Klau, W. J. An approach to rock mechanics. 1. Am. Soc. Civ.
ElIgrs 88. 1-30 (August. 19(2).
14. Kruse G. 1-1 .. Zerneke K. L. Scott 1. 3.. Johnson W. S. & NCison
1. S, Rock mechanics--thcory and practice. 1111r Symp. on Rock
Mechanics. Chap. 10. APPl'Ou('/1 10 Clas~if,l'il11J Rock if" Tllllllel
U/lca/' Desi!lll Berkeley. pp. 169-191 (1969).
15. Ladanyi H. l'niaxial Testing of Rocb for Classification Purposes.
Department of Mines and Technical Surveys Mines Branch,
Ottawa. pp. 2-39 (Sep. 19(4),

or

16. Mello Mendes F. ivll'C{illica clas ROc/laS. Set:;;iio de Folhas da

A.E.I,S.T., Lisboa (1969).
17. Mend V. Classification of solid ro~k masses. lilih Meelill,l of'lire

/111, lJiil'oIi;1' Gehil'f/.mll'c/ulllik. LeipZig. pp. 122125 (19681.

18. ~loles A. A, La Creellioll Sciell I(fl tJ 1/('. Kister, Gcncvc (1957),

19. Obert L & Duvall W. I. Rock ,1vfl'('/Ulllics'ul/{/lire DesiOIl of Sir/ii'
IIIl'e ill Rock. Wik\,. New York (1967).
20, Oliveira R. Class(rimrtio (Ic> Tel'l'(,l/o.~" Clirso de G'>I)logia de
Engenharia, LNEC. Li,boa (Nov. 1970).
21. Onodera T. F. Activities on rock mechanics. lap. SOL Soil Mecll.
FilII Ellyn!1 Vol. I. Joint Committee IHl Rock Mechanics. Japan.
pp. 3--7 (l970).
22. Patching T. H. & Coates D. F. A recommended rock classifi
cation for rock mechanics purposes. Tbe Canadian Insliwle of
Mining and Metallurgy and the Mining Society of ;";ova Scotia,
Vol. 71, pp. 305~307 (l968).
13. Rats M. V. & Chernyusnov S. N. Statistical aspect of the problem
on the permeability of the joint)' rocks. Pmc. DIi/JroFllik Symp. 01/
HydroloilY (!f Fraclt/I''d Rocks. pp. 227 -235 (1965).
24. Rocha M. Mecilllica das Rodllls. Laboratorio Nacional de Engl'
nharia Civil de Lisbon (1971).
25. Rzhcvsky Y. & Novik G. Till' PI',I'sics I:f Roch Mir. Moscow
(1971 ).

26. Staplcdon D. H. Discussion of the paper c1assific,)!ion of rock

substances (D. F. Coates).lnl. 1. Rock Met/I. ;\fill. Sci. S. 371-373
(1968).

n. Szechy

K. The Arl (!l TII/Iliellilli!, Akademiai Kiado. Budapest

119661.
28. Talobre J, A. La Mec/ullliqlle drs Roc/,e.l, Dunod. Paris [195;),
2'1. Tcrzaghi K. lrJl/'OdU('I;OlllU TUllllel Geology. Rock TlI/lI1e1lillY lI'il"
Steel SIJPPOJ'lS by R, Proctor and T. White. Youngstown Printing.

Youngstown, OH (1946),
'

30. Van-Del' Viis A. C. Rock classifkation by a simple hardness test.

Prof. 2nd 1111. Callfl'. (!l rlie fm. Soc. qf Rock A'feci!. Vol. 2. Bel
grade. paper J-4 (l nO).
31. Voight B. On the functional dassific<liioll of rocks for ~ngillccring
purposes. /m, Spllp. 011 Rock Alec/lImic.\. "iladrid. ri" 131--135

tI968).
3:2. Stagg K. G. & Zienkicwicz O. C. (Ed) Rod.. !v/eclulllics ill EIl!!ill
e"rilllll'rllclice. Divisi(1n of Civil Engineering School of Engineer
ing. University of Wales. Swansea (1968).

.
'I" .

'

Basic Geotechnical Description of Rock Masses

APPENDIX I
MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION

ON "CLASSIFICATION OF ROCKS AND

ROCK MASSES"

M. Rocha-Chairman
B. Aisenstein
R. Call
E. 1. Cording
F. Franciss
J. Franklin
H. Helfrich
J. Jennings
C. O. Morfeldt
L. Obert
R. Oliveira
M. Panet
D. Stapledon
B. Voight

(Portugal)
(Israel)

(U.S.A.)
(U.S.A.)
(Brazil)
(Canada)
(Sweden)
(South-Africa)
(Sweden)
(U.S.A.)
(Portugal)
. (France)
(Australia)
(U.S.A.)

91

\0

APPENDIX II
ROCK TYPE CLASSIFICATION*
GENETIC/GROUP

DETRITAL SEDIMENTARY

Usual structure
Composition

PYROCLASTIC

prains of rock, quartz, feldspar and

minerals

CARBON
ATE
GRAVEL

Coarse;3 GRAVEL
grained :::>

c:::

At least 50% of grains

are of fine-grained
igneous rock

At least 50% of
grains 'are of
carbonate

~lay

Very
Grains are of rock fragments
coarse
!BOULDERS
grained (/) OBBLES
Rounded grains:
:::>
CONGLOMERATE
0

60

CHEMICAL/ORGANIC

BEDDED

Angular grains:
BRECCIA

Rounded grains
AGGLOMERATE

CALCI
RUDITE

SALINE
ROCKS
Halite
Anhydrite

Angular grains
VOLCANIC BRECCIA
I:;; LAPILLI TUFF
Ul
-I..l
rd

Medium
grainec

U)

SAND

~
<i

Z
H
.,,;

c:::
0

0.06
Finegrainec

u)u)

:::>:::>
00

~~

SILT

Very
fine
grainec

HE-<

CLAYSTONE 50% very

fine grained particles

~:::>
H~

~H~

CLAY

GLASSY
AMOR
PHOUS

__

._~"~._,"

.:".,;.....

____

~_.~.....

~.,;:.:t,..:,.~L,

..

..

~~"m."J~

....

SILTSTONE 50% fine

grained particles

uu

0.002

.,~iili"

>::

Ul

00
00

ori

~
o

4-IUl

_5

~-I..l

;2;

0
E-<

Ul

00

U)

::c

4-1
4-1

:::s

LIMESTONE

~
(')

DOLCl1ITE

'<

TUFF

-0
>::

;:l

,.,0
::tI

;2;

<

CHERT

s:

>

('1)

FLINT
I

~ Fine-grained TUFF

CARBON

(/)

, FEAT

E-<

~ Very fine-grained

. CALCI
LUTITE

::1

:0<:"

E-<

CALCI- III
SILTITE
CHALK _ ~
0

o(')

1'

ruFF

~o

LIGNITE
COAL

<

(/)

ri

CALC
ARENITE

CARBON
ATE
SILT

~
(/) <-0 c:::
ATE
:::>::t: ::I
~ cne ~
MUD

E-<

e!.

Ul

.-I

('1)

Gypsum

-I..l

SANDSTONE: Grains are mainly

mineral fragments
QUARTZ SANDSTONE: 95% quartz,
voids empty or cemented
CARBON
ARKOSE: 75% quartz, up to 25%
ATE
'feldspar: voids empty or
SAND
cemented
GREYWACKE: 75% quartz, 15% fine
detrital material: rock and
feldspar fragments

...:::s

....

Grains are mainly mineral fragments

.....
:::s

. _.. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

9
\:i>

:::s

~~

r-.

IP';

8.__

W1fiIlIiI!'JI. .,,,,,"*eOflilllllill r. , liXlllll')I1'1i ",j~i..

"Allin

,if

'iF' i ,,,:0 '

'j

II,i I......... ,. ,..-""'". """""""''''''''''oM

METAMORPHIC

---_.........._------.

..,./

"""

IGNEOUS

FOLIATED

GENETIC GROUP

MASSIVE

Quartz, feldspars,
micas, acicular
dark minerals

Light coloured minerals

are quartz, feldspar,
mica~'

Acid rocks

I nt,ermedia te

Usual Structure
Dark and
light
minerals
Basic

rock~

Dark
minerals
Ultrabasic

PEGMATITE
GNEISS (orthopara-, Alternate layers of
granular and
flakey minerals

MARBLE

PYROXENITE

--

GRANITE

DIORITE

GABBRO

GRANULITE

and
PERIDOTITE

Composition
Very
coarsegrained
Coarsegrained

t:C

s:

'"
o

60

og

:I

:::.

SERPENTINITE

MIGMATITE

MICR(x;RANITE

NICRODIORITE

DOLERITE

"""g

Mediumgrained

'-'

N
H

SCHIST

PHYLLITE

CI)

QUARTZITE
HORNFELS
AMPHIBLITE

;z;

RHYOLITE

ANDESITE

BASALT

SLATE
MYLONITE
----

CBSIDIAN and PITCHSTONE

TACHYLTE
VOLCANIC GLASSES

Finegrained
Very
finegrained
GLASSY
AMORPHOUS

0.002

'"
~

~~

:I

...:

o
.....

'"

o(')

0.06

t:l

0:::

;.;

::
!);
'"

From: Bulletin of the illlernalicmal Association of Engineering Geology, No. 19. June/July, 1979,

\0

<.0.>

International Society for Rock Mechanics

94

APPENDIX 111
WEATHERING CLASSIFICA TION*
Term
Fresh

Description

No visible sign of rock material weathering:

perhaps slight discolouratioll on major dis
continuity surfaces.
Discolourution indicates weathering of rock
. Slightly
material and discontinu'ity surfaces. All the
weathered
rock material may be discoloured by weath
ering and may be somewhat weaker than in
its fresh condition.
Moderately Less than half of the rock material is decom
weathered
posed and/or disintegrated to a soil. Fresh or
discoloured rock is present dther as a dis
continuous rramework or as corestones.
Highly
More than half of the rock inateriul is de
weathered
composed and/or disintegrated to u soil.
Fresh or discoloured rock j, present either as
a discontinuous framework or as corcstones.
Completely All rock material is decomposed and/or
weathered
disintegrated to soil. Th~ original mass struc
tUfe is still largely intact.

Symbols
WI

W2

W3

W4

W5

Adapted rrom suggested Methods for the Quantitat ivc Descrip

tion of Rock Masses and Discontinuities. [nl. Soc. for Rock Mech ..
1m. J. Rock Meek Mill. Sci. & Geomedl. Abslr. 15, 3\9-368 (1978)..

Basic Geotechnical Description or Rock Masses

95

APPENDIX IV
BASIC GEOTECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

Type of work: (1)

I nvestiga tion stage:(2)
Location:

Exposure: (3)

I Observer; (4)

I Date:

Rock name and general geological description: (6)

Supplementary geologic description:(7)

Zone I:

Zones

Occurrence
(%) ( 8)

Characterization(9)

Zones

II

VI

III

VII

IV

VIII

Occurrence
(%) (8)

Characterization(9)

96

International Society for Rock Mechanics

COMPUTATION OF PARAMETERS(lO)

Samples
Zone

Parameters
1

Average

Std
dev.

BCD
symbols

Layer thickness (cm)

Fracture interc. (cm)
U compo strength (MPa)
Angle of friction (0)

II

r thickness (cm)
Fracture interc. (cm)
U compo strength (MPa)
i Angle of friction (0)
Layer thickness (cm)

III

Fracture interc. (cm)

u compo strength (HPa)

Angle of friction (0)
Layer thickness (cm)
Fracture interc. (em)
IV

U compo strength (NPa)

Angle of friction (0)
Layer thickness (cm)

e' interc. (cm)

U compo strength (MEa)
Angle of friction (0)
Remarks(ll)

Layer thickness:
Fracture interc.:
l!

compo strength:

Angle of friction:
Supplementary information

(1) Main characteristics of the structure (2) Preliminary, final, (3) Outcrop, trench,
cores, (4) Name and qualification. (5) Stereo pairs of photographs, with the zones
outlined. Other stereo
may be added. Ordinary photographs and/ or sketches can be
resorted to. (6) Rock name (Appendix III, BCD); structure (folds, foults ) fracturing
(fracture sets, fracture characteristics); weathering (Appendix IV, BGD). (7)' Specific
aspects should be considered for each zone (8) Estimated proportion, by volume, 'of the
occurrence of each zone relative to the observed rock mass (9) - Rock name followed by
the interval symbols of the parameter values (art. 9). (10) See art. 3, 5, 6, 7-and 8
of BCD (11) Methods followed in the determination of the parameters and difficulties
encountered.

97

Basic Geotechnical Description of Rock Masses

APPENDIX V
EXAMPLES OF A PPLICA nON OF BGD

Outcrop
Date: June 77

Rock name and general geologic

descri~tion:(6)

Isoclinal 'sequence of metasedimentary and meta-volcanic rocks composed by

interbedded siliceous schists and graywackes (I), piroclastic rocks like tuff.

and breccia (II), agglomerate with rhyolitic matrix (III), rhyolite (IV)" and

porphyritic quartz-diorite (V).

Suppl ementary geologic description: (7)

Zone I: Rock mass formed of grey to red siliceous schist and interbedded
graywacke thinly bedded (2-20 cm), and very often thinly laminated (0,6 to
2 cm). Rock mass is crossed by widely to very widely spaced joints, open,
without filling material. Rock is fresh (WI) and strong.
Zone II: Interbedded zone 30 meters thicl<, composed of pyroclastic tuff and
breccia, moderately to highly weathered (W3-W4) and moderately weak.,
Zone III: Rock mass formed by agglomerate with a matrix of rhyolitic composition;
rock is fresh to slightly weathered (l~l-WZ) and strong to very strong.
Zone IV: Rock mass formed by rhyolite massive, fresh to slightly weathered
(WI-W z) and strong to very strong.
Zone V: Rock mass formed by porphyritic quartz-diorite, with slight foliation
and widely spaced bedding (0,6 - 2 m)i rock is fresh to moderately weathered
(Wl-W ) and moderately strong.
Z

Occurrence
Zones

(%) ( 8)

20

II

III

IV

Z5

R.M.M.S. 18,1-G

Occurrence
Characterization(9)
Siliceous Schist
L4 ; F4 5f S2; A2
Breccia and Tuff
L 4 ; F4; S4; A3
Agglomerate
LO; F4 ; $2; A2
Rhyolite
LO; F3; $2; AZ

Zones

(%) ( 8)

45

VI
VII
VIII

Characterization(9)
Quartz-diori te
L Z; F4 ; S3; AZ

98

International Society for Rock Mechanics

COMPUTATION OF PARAMETERS(lO)

LTnp

le

1
4

Average

10

66

65

(cm)
!

interc. (cm)

Ii

. strength

l'

nlPa)

150"1

-...

80

III

compo strength C'IPa)

Angle of friction (u)

15

Layer thickness (cm)

15

F4 5
S2

70
35

A2

13
15

20

12

15

F.4

15

S4

30

A3

LO

12

compo strength (r1Pa) 1236

250

150

170

200

S2

A2

40

1_
"

Fracture interc. (cm)

22

25

210

140

(~1Pa)

Angle of friction (0)

,Layer thickness (cm)
I
I Fracture interc. '(cm)
lJ comp

:eng

(NPa)

180

LO

45

36

220

185

S2

40

A2

F4

~,

U compo strength

L4
I

friction (0)
;Layer thickne~~~ (cm)

L4

iAngle of

IV

16

Fracture interc. (cm)

t:

12

15

(cm)

Fractur~ in~erc.

11

10

[lCD

symbols

,---"-~

Angle of friction (0)

Layer thickness (cm)

S tel
dev.

80

210

120

160

12

18

I 140
10

92'"

55

60

50

55

S4

40

..!2?

Angle of friction (0)

L2

F4

R1Ilarks(ll)
loy
I

lie

fracture interc.:
compo strength:
e of friction:

leasured

)utcrops

measured "nd estimated

lab. test and estimated
estimate;;
Supplementary information

"

,"normal to layering

(1) t-jain characteristics of the structure (2) Preliminary, final, (3) Outcrop,

trench, cores, (4) Name and qualification. (5) Stereo pair of photographs, wi th
the zones outlined. Other stereo pairs may be added. Ordinary photographs and/or
sketches call be resorted to. (6) Rock name (Appendix III, BGD), structure (folds,
foults). Fracturing (fracture sets, fracture characteristics); weathering (Appendix
IV, BGD). (7) Specific aspects should be considered for each zone (8) Estimated
proportion, by volume, of the occurrence of each zone relative to the observed
rock mass (9) - Rock name follo~ed by the interval symbols of the parameter values
(art. 9). (10) See art. 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of BGD (11) Methods followed in the,
determination of the parameters and difficulties encountered.

99

Basic Geotechnical Description of Rock Masses

NATUHAL SLOPE, 80 rn high

Rock name and general geologic description:

The rock mass is formed of alkaline granite (Granito do Porto) which
outcrops sound to moderately weathered. The slope is an important scarp
limited at the top by a national monument and at the base by the river Douro.
The slope dips abo~,t 60 0 and its evolution is due to rock falls as a consequence
of the jointing of the rock mass.
The main joint sets are: N 55 0 W, subvertical;
N 55 0 E, subvertical; N 10 0 W, 35 0 W.
Supplementary geologic description:(7)
Zone I:
Sound to slightly l{eathered granite. The joints are sli[~ht1y open but
generally not filled. The rock mass is formed of large blocks (some of
many tons).
Zone III
Slightly to moderately weathered granite located in the west part of the
scarp. The jointing is much more severe than in Zone I.

Occurrence
Zones

(%) (8)

r-------~-------

I
II

60

Characterization(9)

Zones

--------------+-------~-----------+~-----

Granite,L O'

v
VI
VII
VIII

. . . . ~--~-------~

International Society for Rock Mechanics

100

Samples
Parameters

Zone

Average

BGD
symbols

Layer thickness (cm)

Fracture interc. . ( cm)

Std
dev.

200

300

280

220

LO

250Clfi

F'

amlPa

1
S2

I Angle of friction (V)

50

Al

Layer thickness (cm)

LO

U compo strength (MPa)

I-

Fracture 'interc. (cm)

II

SOcm

F3

U camp. strength (NPa)

50HPa

S3

Angle of friction (0)

40 0

A2

80

40

30

50

.._..

Layer thickness (cm)

-I

! _.....

Fracture interc. (cm)

III

U compo strength (MPa)

Angle of friction (0)
Layer thickness (cm)
Fracture interc. (cm)

IV

U camp. strength (MPa)

I Angle of friction

(0)

Layer thickness (cm)

V

Fracture interc. (cm)

U compo strength (MPa)
Angle of friction (0)

I
Remarks(ll)

Layer thickness:
Fracture interc.:

lu

compo strength:

[Angle of friction:

measured on the outcrop

lab tests
estimated
Supplementary information

The photo was taken during the stabilization works and after the stripping of the
rock mass. At this stage the intense vegetation and the displaced blocks had already
been removed.
A program of further works has been accomplished after this stage consisting
mainly on the filling of the joints with grout and the bolting and anchoring of
isolated blocks and of beamS built on the rock surface.

(1) Main characteristics of the structure (2) Preliminary, final, (3) Outcrop, trench,
cores, (4) Name and qualification. (5) Stereo pair of photographs, with the zones
outlined. Other stereo pairs may be added. Ordinary photographs and/or sketches can be
resorted to. (6) Rock name (Appendix III, BGD); structure (folds faults ) fracturing
(fracture sets, fracture characteristics); weathering (Appendix IV, BGD). (7) Specific
aspects should be considered for each zone (8) Estimated proportion, by Volume, of the
occurrence of each zone relative to the observed rock mass (9) - Rock name followed by
the interval symbols of the parameter values (art. 9). (10) See art. 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8
of BGD (11) Nethods followed in the determination of the parameters and difficulties
encountered.

101

Basic Geotechnical Description of Rock Masses

Type of workl(l) Water Supply tunnel, length 5400 m and 3.00 diameter
Investigation ptagel(2) Preliminary

;
,

, (3)

Loca:tion: SCB4 - Castelo BOdelportUgal

Exposure;

borehole cores

Observerl(4) Costa Pereira

1Date:

24/8/77

Rock name and general geologic description: (6)

The rock mass is composed of formations of metamorphic orlgln, gneisses,
micaschists and migmatites overlaid by plio-pleistocenic formations of sandy clayey
nature. The rock mass is highly folded and fractured. The foliation of the rock
is N(0-25 0 )W; (35-65 0 )E, practically perpendicular to the axis of the tunnel and
the rock mass is divided by two main joints sets, one parallel to the foliation and
the other striking N(75-95)W; (45-75)S. A series of creeks develops along the
gneissosity, corresponding with sheer zones.
0

Zone II

Sound gneiss with migmatitic layers, gneissosity forming an angle of 50 to

the horizontal. Joints parallel to gneissosity, one set forming angle of
30 0 with it and one vertical; closed, rough joints showing vestiges of water
circulation. Spacing of joints 0.30-0.40 m.
Zone III Slightly altered to sound gneiss with gneissosity and sets of joints
identical to Zone I. Rough and closed joints spaced 0.20-0.30 m.
Zone Ill: Fairly altered gneiss with migmatitic layers, gneissosity and sets of
jOints identical to Zone I. Open joints with discontinuous silty sand
filling. Spacing between sides of joints about 2-3 mm and between joints
010-0.20 m.
Zone IV: Fault zones, highly altered to decomposed gneiss with 1 m thickness of
clay at depth of 13 m and parallel to gneissosity.

Occurrence
Zones

(%) (8)

Characterization(9)

Zones

60

Gneiss,
LO' F3 , S3' AZ

II

15

Gnei ss,
LO' F4 , 53' A3

III

20

Gneiss,
La, F4' S4' A3

VII

IV

Gneiss,
LO' F5 , S5' A4

VIII

Occurrence
(%) ( 8)

Characterization(9)

V
i

VI

102

International Society for Rock Mechanics

Samples
Parameters

Zone

LO

LO

55

60

LO
57

Std

AveraGe

dev.

BCD
symbols

Layer thickness, (cm)

Fracture interc. ( cm)

45

50

35

42

S3

LrO

35

35

36

:\2

Layer thickness (cm)

LO
18

LO
15

LO

LO

Fracture interc. (cm)

13

10

14

LO
F '

IU compo strength U1Pa)

23

20

35

30

27

.'3

IAngle of friction (0)

30

25

35

30

30

A3

!Layer thickness (cm)

LO
10

LO
7

LO
8

LO
10

U compo strength (NPa)

18

12

10

15

14

S~

Ahgle of friction (0)

25

20

35

30

27,5

A3

LO

Fracture interc. (cm)

I--c-....

U compo strength (MPa)

!Angle of friction (0)

I.

LO
3

LO
5

LO
5

15

20

20

15

17,5

u compo strength (MPa)

Angle of friction (0)

3,5
4

F4

LO
1

Fracture interc. ( crn)

Layer thickness (cm)

F3

37

. Layer thickness ( cm)

58

35

LO

Angle of friction (0)

I Fracture interc. (cm)

IV

:U compo strength (MPa)

II

III

LO
110

F5

S5
A4

Remarks( 11)
Layer thickness:
Fracture interc.l
!'

compo

;trength:

measured in core sarr.ples

lab. uniaxial compression tests

e of
Supplementary information
The .:lescription is based on the observation of outcrops and of borehole cores, where

measurements were taken.

The zoning took into consideration the values of the logitudinal wave velocities

obtained from seismic refraction measurements.

(1) ~Iain characterisr:ics of the structure (2) Preliminary, final, ... (3) Outcrop,

trench, cores, (4) Name and qualification. (5) Stereo pair of photographs, with the
zones outlined. Other stereo pairs may be added. Ordinary photographs and/or sketches
can be resorted to. (6) Rock name (Appendix III, BGD); structure (folds, faults )
fracturinE (fracture sets, fracture characteristics); weathering (Appendix IV, BGD)
(7) Specific aspects should be considered for each zone (8) Estimated proportion by
volume, of the occurrence of each zone relative to the observed rock mass (9) - Rock
name fOllowed by the interval symbols of the parameter values (art. 9). (10) See art.
3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of BGD (11) Hethods followed in, the determination of the parameters
and difficulties encount.ered.

Basic Geotechnical Description of Rock Masses

e of work: (1)

103

Quarry

r-~~------~------~

Investigation stage:(2) Preliminary

Location: SA)lTA CATARINA-BRASIL

Exposure: (3)

Operating Quarry

Observer: (4)CLEMENTE,J. and RAYMUNDO, G. Date:JUNE 1978

Rock name and general geologic description:(6)

Basal tic flow from the extrusive succession of Parana Basin, in the
vicinity of Serra Geral. Aphanitic texture, sometimes
and massive.
Rock is fresh. There are two groups of perpendicular vertical fractures and
a'nother horizontal. I t forms columns of rectangular base.
Supplementary
description: (7)

Zone II Dense and moderately fractured basalt, spacing between fractures are 50 em

and 40 em,
to vertical and horizontal groups. Fractures are open and

millimetric, with smooth surfaces.

Zone II: Dense, fresh and poor fractured basalt. Spacing between fractures vertical

100 cm; horiZontal 200 cm. Prevailing fractures are closed.

Occurrence

Occurrence

Zones

(7.) (8)

50

II

.50

VI

Characterization(9)

Zones

III

VII

IV

VIII

(%) (8)

Characterization(9)

International Society for Rock Mechanics

104

Samples
Parameters

Zone

BGD
symbol s

Layer thickness (cm)

350

350

350

350

350

0,0

Ll

Fracture interc. (em)

40

45

50

45

45

4,1

F3

strength (HPa 200

300

250

250

50,0

Sl

1,0

Al
Ll
F,/

45 u

Angle of friction (0)

45 u

47 u

45

45~

400

350

350

400

375

2S,9

Fracture'interc. (cm) 100

U Compo strength (NPa) 200

170

200

130

150

200

233

~4'0

Layer thickness (em)

I Layer

300

4S o

Angle of friction (0)

III

Std
dev.

u compo

II

1
Average

47 0

50

4So

4S o

7,7

S1

1,3

Al

-r

thickness (cm)

Fracture interc. (cm)

\J Compo strength (HPa)

Angle of friction (0)

IV

Layer thlckness (cm)

Fracture interc. (cm)
U comp.strength (HPa)
Angle of friction (0)
Layer thickness (cm)

Fracture interc. (cm)

U compo strength (HPa)
Angle of friction (0)
:ks(ll)

ly

thickness:

1>1"",

"''',ing lith tape line

'ing with tape line

comp

:eng l

:yl es;ima tion with the aid of a geological hammer

Eye
Slop
clinometer
Supplementary information

Quarry face height - Sm.

Blasting has little effect on quarry faces's fractures.

(1) Hain characteristics of the structure (2) Preliminary, final, (3) Outcrop,
trench, cores, (4) Name and qualification. (5) Stereo pair of photographs, with the
zones outlined. Other stereo pairs may be added. Ordinary photographs and/or sketches
can be resorted to. (6) Rock name (Appendix III, BGD); structure (folds, foults )
fracturing (fracture sets, fracture characteristics); weathering (Appendix IV, BGD).
(7) Specific aspects should be considered for each zone (8) Estimated proportion, by
volume, of the occurrence of each zone relative to the observed rock mass (9) - Rock
name fOllowed by the interval symbols of the parameter values (art. 9). (10) See art.
3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of BGD (11) Methods followed in the determination of the parameters
and difficulties encountered.

105

Basic Geotechnical Description of Rock Masses

Type of work;(l)

Excavation slope

.,

Investlgatlon stage;

(2)

Exposure:

SERRA GERAL-S C -BRAS L

Highway cut
and RAYMUNDO

G. Date:JUNE 78

Rock name and general geologic description:(6)

Silty shales and little olive green fine sand interbedded with white clayey
sandstone beds.

Supplementary geologic description: (7)

Zone I;

Shale with millimetric fine sandstone lenses.

Zone II: Fine clayey sandstone, moderately compacted, with well marked
stratification. Two sets of perpendicular vertical fractures. There are also
horizontal secondary fractures, parallel to the stratification.
Zone III; Silty shale interbedded with fine sandstone lenses.
along the fissili ty planes, producing centimetric lamellae.

Occurrence
Zones

(7.) (8)

Occurrence

Characterization(9)

Zones

30

Shale,L 3 ,F3 ,S4,A3

II

40

Sandstone,L z,F4 'S3,A

VI

III

30

Shale,L 3 ,F 3 ,S4,A 3

VII

IV

Disintegrates easily

VIII

CO

(8)

Characterization(9)

106

International Society for Rock Mechanics

iLayer thickness (em)

------,.-------

Samples

50
""

Fracture interc. ( em)

50

50

.- '. ....

i Fracture,

in~erc.

_- -

LIO

-'

! Angl e of friction ( 0)

Layer thickness (em)

(em)

25

'<'I

--

A3

70

0,0

L)

10

17

F4

)3

50

0,0

40

0,0

20

L3
.F
3
S4

25

A3

35
50

Fracture interc. (em)

40

40

--r-

(~lpa)

A3

Fracture interc. (em)

IV

compo strength (NPa)

Angle of frict.ion (0)

..
Layer thiclmess (em)

._-- - - - -

------

__.

-- _.

-- ----

U compo strength U1Pa)

.--~

------ - - - - -

AnGle cif friction (0)

---:-:--

Remarks(ll)
Layer thickness:

Heasuring with tape line

Fractur p interc. :

Measuring with tape line

Fraet:ure interc. (em)

--

Eye estimation

comp
Ingl

'3

20

70

Angle of friction Co)

5,0

15

(0)

Layer thickness ( ern)

L3

40

70

50

compo strength

0,0

25

Layer thickness (em)

BCD
symbols

50

30

III

Std
dev.

70

C compo strene th n!Pa)

Angle of friction

Average

--- ..--- -

U compo strength (NPa)

II

..

,~

45

35

<'I

- - - ------- --,--------

fri

:io I:

Eye estimation
Supplementary information

(1) Hain chara.cteristics of the structure (2) Prel iminary, final, (3) Outcrop, trench
cores, (4) Name and qualification. (5) Stereo pair of photographS, with the zones
outlined. Other stereo pairs may be added. Ordinary photographs and/or sketches can be
resort.ed to. (6) Rock name (Appendix III, BCD); structure (folds, foults ) fracturing
(fracture sets, fracture characteristics); weathering (Appendix IV, BGD). (7) Specific
aspects should be considered for each zone (8) Estimated proportion, by volwne, of the
occurrence of each zone relative to the observed rock mass (9) - Rock name followed by
the interval symbols of the parameter values (art. 9). (10) See art. 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8
of BCD (11) ~lethods followed in the determination of the parameters and difficulties
encountered.

Basic Geotechnical Description of Rock Masses

107

Exposure: .) Highway Cut

Investi.gation
Location: Santa Catarina-BRASIL

Observer: (4)CLEMENTE, J. and RANUNDO, G. Date:JUNE 78

Rock name and general geologic description:(6)

Sedimentary rocks of Rio do Rastro Formation, in Paran.i Sedimentary Basin.
Interbeddings of reddish-brown siltstones and greenish-grey micaceous shales.
Supplementary geologic description:(7)
Zone I: Compact siltstone. Hoderately marl<ed horizontal stratification . Two sets of
closed vertical fractures.
Zone II: Micaceous
lamellae.

Zones
I

shal~

ccurrence
eX) ( 8)
60%

well laminated.

Easy disintegration, producing millimetric

Occurrence
Characterization(9)
Sil tstone;

Zones
V

L2 , F3 , S3' A3

II

40%

Shale;

VI

L 2 , F3 , 54' A4

VII
VIII

C~) (8)

Charact

9)

108

International Society for Rock Mechanics

Samples
Zone

Parameters
2

Average

Std
dev.

BGD
symbols

90

45

45

60

L2

Fracture interc. (cm)

100

15

30

48.3

F3

U Compo strength' (MPa)

50

S3

Angle of friction (0)

30 0

A3

Layer thickness (cm)

57

64

60

60

L2

Fracture interc. (cm)

85

50

15

50

U compo strength (NPa)

Angle of friction (V)

15

3
S4

18

. ALI

Layer thickness (cm)

II

-.

Layer thickness (cm)

I

Fracture interc. (cm)

III

U compo strength (MPa)

Angle of friction (0)
Layer thickness (cm)

IV

Fracture interc. ( cm)

U compo strength (MPa)
Angle of friction (0)
Layer thickness (cm)

Fracture interc. (cm)

U compo strength (MPa)
Angle of friction (0)
Remarks(ll)

Layer thickness;

Measuring with tape line

Fracture interc.:

Measuring with tape line

U compo strength:

Eye estimation

Angle of friction:

Eye estimation

C---..

Supplementary information
Scale is showed by hammer.

Fracturing is vertical. Layers are horizontal.

exposure' leaving lamellae up to Scm long.

Shale disintegrates on

(1) Main characteristics of the structure (2) Preliminary. final (3) Outcrop,
trench, cores (4) Name and qualification. (5) Stereo pair of photographs. with
the zo~es outlined. Other stereo pairs may be added. Ordinary photographs and/or
sketches can be resorted to. (6) Rock name (Appendix HI. BGD); structure (folds,
foults ) fracturing (fracture sets. fracture characteristics); weathering
(Appendix IV, BGD). (7) Specific aspects should be considered for each zone (8)
Estimated proportion, by volume, of the occurrence of each zone rela ti ve to the
observed rock mass (9)- Rock name followed by the interval symbols of the
parameter values (art. 9). (10) See art. 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of BGD (11) Methods
followed in the determination of the parameters and difficulties encountered.

Basic Geotechnical Description of Rock Masses

Type of work:(l)

109

Excavated Road Slope

Exposure:(3) Road cut exposed by blasting

Investigation stage:(Z) Final

Observer:(4) B.A. and A.I. c/o Tahal;

B.R. Consultant

Location: JERUSALEM (ISRAEL)

Date: AUG. 77

Rock name and general geologic description:(6)

The exposure is a 25 m long portion of a 4 to 5 m high vertical road cut oriented
N 5 W. The rock mass is formed of interbedded hard and soft upper cretaceous
limestone. Attitude of the folded belts in this exposure is N 850 H; 10-17 0 SW. No
faults observed. Fracturing is moderate; most prominent set strikes N 25-40 0 E, dips
65-85 SE, uncoated. Hard beds are fresh, .soft beds are deeply weathered. Some
flint lenses in limestone (Zone I) at bottom of outcrop.
Supplementary geologic description:(7)
Zone I: White, hard, dense, very fine grained limestone. These layers are fresh,
having only light yellowish staining on fractures. Blocky appearance.
Zone II: Light yellow very soft, friable, medium grained marly chalk. Fractures noted
in Zone I do not continue through these soft completely weathered layers.

Occurt'e(lce
Zones
I

(%)

75

\.15)

Occur~etJce

racterization(9)
Limestone;

Zones

L3- 4; FZ_3j S2; AI _Z

II

25

Marly chalk;
L4 _5 ; Fl; S5; A4_ 5

VI

III

VII

IV

VIII

(%)

(8)

Characterization(9)

International Society for Rock Mechanics

110

,.

I
Zone

--,-

Averacc

Std
dey.

BCD
symbols

Layer thickness ( ern)

I,

!,,

Samples

I'a ramet cr s

cture interc. ( em)

I

U compo strength (MPa)1

Angle of friction (0)

Layer thickness (em)

Fracture interc. ( ern)

II

U compo strength

I,

I
I

(~Ipa)

Angle of frict ion (0)

Layer thickness (em)

I fracture interc.
III
!

-~

U compo strength (:iPa) !

Angle of friction (0) I
ly

I,v

( em)

I
I

thicknes.s (em)

Fracture interc. (em)

U compo strength (NPa) j

I.

Angle of friction (0)

Layer thickness (em)

..

Fracture interc. (em)

V

U compo strength (NP~

I Angle of friction (0)

thickness:
cture interc.:

jv compo strength:
Angle of friction:

Remarks(ll
measured on the outcrop
measured on the outcrop
Values estimated, no samples taken for laboratory tests
Laboratory Tests
Supplementary information

The follol{ing more prominent fractures ( joints) were recorded from the mapped
exposure (strikes given first-followed by dips):
Zone I

W, 79 NE; N 50 E, 90; N 38 E, 84 SE;

0
0
35 E, 77 SE; N 36 E, 68 SE; N 28 E, 80 SE;

N 82
N

N 10 E, 60 NW;

N 80

0
E, 70 SE; N 62 W, 89 SW; N 22

W, 87 SW.

Main characteristics of the structure (2) Preliminary, final, (3) Outcrop,

trench, cores, (4) Name and qualification. (5) Stereo pair of Photographs, with
the zones outlined. Other stereO pairs may be added. Ordinary photographs and/or
sketches can be resorted to. (6) Rock name (Appendix III, BGD); structure (folds,
foults ) fracturing (fracture sets, fracture characteristics); weathering
(Appendix IV, BCD). (7) Specific aspects should be considered for each zone (8)
Estimated proportion, by volume, of the occurrence of each zone relative to the
observed rock mass (9) - Rock name followed by the interval symbols of the parameter
values (art. 9). (10) See art. 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 of BGD (ll) Methods followed in
the determination of the parameters and difficulties encountered.
(1)