MEKANIKA BATUAN (TKG 284)

Kuliah 9. Rock Mass Classification

10 November 2016
Oleh : Najib
 Rock Mass Classification

Introduction
Objectives
Types of Classification
RQD
GSI
Geomechanics (RMR)
Q system
 Rock Mass Classification

Introduction
Objectives
Types of Classification
RQD
GSI
Geomechanics (RMR)
Q system
 Introduction
Why do we need to know the rock mass
classification?
Mechanical behavior of the rock controlled by
the interaction of the properties of the rock
mass

The properties of the rock specimen does not

represent the properties of the rock mass.

The construction is built on the rock mass not

on the rock material itself.
Gambaran sederhana dari pengaruh skala pada tipe
kelakuan massa batuan (Hoek dkk, 1995).
 Rock Mass Classification

Introduction
Objectives
Types of Classification
RQD
GSI
Geomechanics (RMR)
Q system
 Objectives of rock mass classification

Identify the most significant parameters

influent the behavior of rock mass.

Group the rock mass that have similar

behavior.

Provide the basic understanding the

characteristic of each rock mass class use for
the determination of design specifications.
 Objectives of rock mass classification
(cont.)

use for the detailed design based on the

experimental results.

use for the preliminary design based on the

empirical relationships

Provide the common basic for communication

between engineers and geologists.
 Rock Mass Classification

Introduction
Objectives
Types of Classification
RQD
GSI
Geomechanics (RMR)
Q system
 Type of rock mass classification
The most widely used of rock mass classification:
1. Geological System Index (GSI) by (Hoek et al. 1998; Marinos and
Hoek 2000, 2001).
2. Geomechanics classification( RMR) by (Bieniawski, 1973)
3. Q-system by (Barton et. al, 1974)
Other classification :
1. NATM Classification (the design of tunnel support)
by (Rabcewicz ,1957)
2. Rock mass classification for the design of tunnel support
Terzaghi [1946]
3. Stand-up time for an unsupported span related to the
quality of the rock mass ,Lauffer [1958]
4. Rock mass classification for dam foundation, Muller [1958]
5. Etc..
 Rock Mass Classification

Introduction
Objectives
Types of Classification
RQD
GSI
Geomechanics (RMR)
Q system
Rock quality designation ( RQD)
 Rock Mass Classification

Introduction
Objectives
Types of Classification
RQD
GSI
Geomechanics (RMR)
Q system
 Geological Strength Index
The numbers associated with RMR and Q-systems were
largely meaningless for the weak and heterogeneous
rock masses.
Assessment :
lithology
structure
condition of discontinuity surfaces in the rock mass

Estimation :
From visual examination of the rock mass exposed in
outcrops, in surface excavations such as road cuts and
in tunnel faces and borehole cores.
 Geological Strength Index cont.

Note : the GSI system was never intended

as a replacement for RMR or Q as it has no
rock-mass reinforcement or support design
capabilityits only function is the
estimation of rock-mass properties.
 Geological strength index estimates for
heterogeneous rock masses such as Flysch
 When not to use GSI

1. The GSI classification system is based upon the

assumption that the rock mass contains a sufficient
number of randomly oriented discontinuities such
that it behaves as an isotropic mass.

2. The GSI system should not be applied to those

rock masses in which there is a clearly defined
dominant structural orientation.
 When not to use GSI cont.
3. It is also inappropriate to assign GSI values to excavated
faces in strong hard rock with a few discontinuities
spaced at distances of similar magnitude to the
dimensions of the tunnel or slope under consideration.

4. In such cases the stability of the tunnel or slope will be

controlled by the three-dimensional geometry of the
intersecting discontinuities and the free faces created by
the excavation.
 Rock Mass Classification

Introduction
Objectives
Types of Classification
RQD
GSI
Geomechanics (RMR)
Q system
Geomechanics classification ( RMR)

The parameter required:

Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) of rock
material
Rock quality designation ( RQD)
Spacing of discontinuities
Condition of discontinuities
Ground water condition
Orientation of discontinuities
 Procedures

Divide the structural region of the rock

mass which have certain feature are more
or less uniform.
Classification the parameter for each
structural region, as show in the table
below.
Table of classification
Table of classification cont.
 Table of classification cont.

Irrespective of strike: do not consider of the strike

 How to classify

Rating all the parameters required (according to the table

above)
Summing up the rate

Compare the total ratings with the value in the table

Rock Mass rating calculation
 Rock Mass Classification

Introduction
Objectives
Types of Classification
RQD
GSI
Geomechanics (RMR)
Q system
 Q-system

The parameter required:

RQD
Number of joints sets
Roughness of the most unfavorable joint or
discontinuity
Degree of the alteration or filling along the
weakest joint
Water inflow
Stress condition
 Q-system
The numerical value of the index Q varies on a
logarithmic scale from 0.001 to a maximum of
1,000 and is defined by:
Q-system
Q-system
Q-system
Q-system
Q-system