110

Table 6.5 Allowable Bearing Pressure Based on Computed RMR Value

Rock Mass Rating (RMR)

Parameters
< 40 50 70 88

Allowable bearing
3,000 5,000 10,000 14,500
pressure, qa (kPa)
Notes : (1) For RMR < 40, the rock mass should comprise at least 50% of moderately decomposed,
moderately strong to moderately weak rocks. Refer to Table 2 of Geoguide 3 (GCO, 1988) for
classification of the strength of rock materials. In common granitic and volcanic rocks in Hong
Kong, this corresponds to a weathering grade better than IV.
(2) The rock mass within the zone of influence of the foundation loads should be assessed when
computing the RMR values. The minimum zone of influence should not be less than three times
the diameter of the pile base.
(3) Interpolate between allowable bearing pressures for intermediate RMR values greater than 40.
(4) The ratings for individual parameters are given in Table 6.4.
(5) This table is applicable where the stability of the rock mass is not subject to the effect of
adversely oriented discontinuities.
(6) If allowable bearing pressure, qa, determined by RMR is greater than c, use qa = c.

30

P10-2O (13.6)
P15O (12.6)
P7-2O (7.5)
25
P14 (3)
P11-1 (?)
Allowable Bearing Pressure, qa (MPa)

Bearing pressure that

can induce settlement P2C(11.3)
20 P13-2O (15.5)
of about 1% of the
pile diameter at the P11-2O (2)
pile base.
P9 3O (86)
14.5
15
12.5

P9 1 (63.9) 10
10
7.5

P4 (18.3)
5
Recommended
5
3 3 allowable bearing
pressure using RMR
method
88
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Rock Mass Rating (RMR)

Legend :
= End-bearing resistance substantially mobilised

) = Degree of mobilisation of end-bearing resistance unknown (i.e. not fully mobilised)

(64) = denotes the measured settlement at pile base in mm

Notes : (1) Refer to Appendix A for details of pile tests.

(2) Higher bearing pressure can be used when substantiated by pile loading tests.

Figure 6.8 Allowable Bearing Pressure Based on RMR Value for a Jointed Rock Mass beneath Piles