Characterizing rock masses by the RMi for use in practical rock engineering: Part 1: The development of the Rock Mass index (RMi)

The Rock Mass index, RMi, has been developed to satisfy a need for a strength characterization of rock masses for use in rock engineering and design. The method gives a measure of the reduction of intact rock strength caused by discontinuities given by RMi = σ · JP. Here, σ is the uniaxial compressive strength of the intact rock measured on 50 mm diameter samples, and JP is the jointing parameter which is a combined measure of block size (or intensity of jointing) and joint characteristics as measured by joint roughness, alteration and size. This paper describes the method of determining the RMi for a rock mass using various common field observations. The determination of a meaningful equivalent block size is a key issue which is discussed in detail. Several areas of application of the RMi are presented, among others for design of rock support. Discussion of these applications will be developed in Part 2 of this paper.     

Modification of the rock mass rating system (RMRmbi) considering three-dimensional rock block size

Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment - Traditional measurements of block size (or degree of jointing), such as the rock quality designation (RQD), are questionable due to certain...     

Effects of confinement on rock mass modulus: A synthetic rock mass modelling (SRM) study

The main objective of this paper is to examine the influence of the applied confining stress on the rock mass modulus of moderately jointed rocks (well interlocked undisturbed rock mass with blocks formed by three or less intersecting joints). A synthetic rock mass modelling (SRM) approach is employed to determine the mechanical properties of the rock mass. In this approach, the intact body of rock is represented by the discrete element method (DEM)-Voronoi grains with the ability of simulating the initiation and propagation of microcracks within the intact part of the model. The geometry of the pre-existing joints is generated by employing discrete fracture network (DFN) modelling based on field joint data collected from the Brockville Tunnel using LiDAR scanning. The geometrical characteristics of the simulated joints at a representative sample size are first validated against the field data, and then used to measure the rock quality designation (RQD), joint spacing, areal fracture intensity (P₂₁), and block volumes. These geometrical quantities are used to quantitatively determine a representative range of the geological strength index (GSI). The results show that estimating the GSI using the RQD tends to make a closer estimate of the degree of blockiness that leads to GSI values corresponding to those obtained from direct visual observations of the rock mass conditions in the field. The use of joint spacing and block volume in order to quantify the GSI value range for the studied rock mass suggests a lower range compared to that evaluated in situ. Based on numerical modelling results and laboratory data of rock testing reported in the literature, a semi-empirical equation is proposed that relates the rock mass modulus to confinement as a function of the areal fracture intensity and joint stiffness.     

The joint intersection probability

In this paper a practical method to apply block theory is presented. Block theory provides the removable joint pyramids from a given free surface regardless of the number of joints in any joint intersection. While robust, the application of the theory in real practice is hampered by the large outcome space of possibly removable joint pyramids consisting of k mutually exclusive joints in a rock mass consisting of m joint sets. In this paper, we prove that the probability that k is greater than three in a three-dimensional space is zero. Consequently, only tetrahedral blocks need to be considered in the stability analysis for the analyzed free surface. The outcome space of theoretically removable joint pyramids can be further reduced by considering “safe” joint intersections, which consist of at least one line of intersection which is sub-parallel to the free surface. The block failure likelihood of the remaining joint intersections is proportional to two independent parameters: (1) the joint intersection probability and (2) the block instability parameter. We develop here a rigorous joint intersection probability expression based on simple frequency probability considerations which predicts that the probability for x in the rock mass to fall in joint intersection L_i,j,k is inversely proportional to the volume of the parallelepiped formed by joints i,j,k with mean spacing values x_i, x_j, x_k:Using the joint intersection probability and the instability parameter associated with each removable JP the critical key blocks of the excavation can be determined. In a brittle rock mass only the critical key blocks will require reinforcement. The paper concludes with a practical example which demonstrates the application of the concepts.     

Predictions of coefficient of consolidation from CPTU dissipation tests in Quaternary clays

The coefficient of consolidation (c _v or c _h) is an important parameter in both geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering, measuring the flow characteristics of soils. In China, conventionally it is obtained from the oedometer test, which is time consuming and of limited accuracy due to inevitable sample disturbance. These difficulties can be overcome by in situ pizeocone dissipation tests which provide continuous measurements of pore water pressure with time. In this paper, existing methods for interpreting coefficient of consolidation in clays from piezocone dissipation tests are briefly reviewed. Piezocone tests were undertaken at different sites in the Jiangsu province of China and piezocone dissipation tests conducted at different penetration depths. Based on the reference c _v values determined from the laboratory oedometer tests, comparisons with existing interpretation methods were undertaken. It is shown that the Teh and Houlsby’s interpretation method has a much higher accuracy for determining the coefficient of consolidation of Quaternary clay deposits while the values of c _h obtained by the CPTU method are in the range of back-analyzed field values.     

Numerical investigation of reinforcement pullout resistance effects on behavior of geosynthetic-reinforced soil (GRS) piers

In this study, three-dimensional numerical analyses were carried out to investigate the effects of reinforcement pullout resistance including facing connection strength on the behavior of geosynthetic-reinforced soil (GRS) piers under a service load condition. Three different piers were investigated in this study, which simulated different levels of reinforcement pullout resistance. Each pier had two cases with different reinforcement stiffness J and reinforcement spacing S_v but the same ratio of J/S_v. Numerical results showed that reinforcement pullout resistance had a significant effect on the behavior of GRS piers. When the pullout mode prevailed, the case with small S_v and low J had smaller lateral facing displacements and vertical strain of the pier under the same applied pressure as compared to the case with large S_v and high J when the ratio of J/S_v was kept constant. When the pullout mode did not prevail, two cases with the same ratio of J/S_v showed similar performance despite different combinations of S_v and J were used. To more effectively mobilize reinforcement strength and improve GRS pier performance, small reinforcement spacing or high-strength facing connection should be considered when sufficient reinforcement pullout resistance cannot be guaranteed otherwise.     

Classification and assessment of rock mass parameters in Choghart iron mine using P-wave velocity

Engineering rock mass classification,based on empirical relations between rock mass parameters and engineering applications,is commonly used in rock engineering and forms the basis for designing rock structures.The basic data required may be obtained from visual observation and laboratory or field tests.However,owing to the discontinuous and variable nature of rock masses,it is difficult for rock engineers to directly obtain the specific design parameters needed.As an alternative,the use of geophysical methods in geomechanics such as seismography may largely address this problem.In this study,25 seismic profiles with the total length of 543 m have been scanned to determine the geomechanical properties of the rock mass in blocks Ⅰ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ-2 of the Choghart iron mine.Moreover,rock joint measurements and sampling for laboratory tests were conducted.The results show that the rock mass rating(RMR) and Q values have a close relation with P-wave velocity parameters,including P-wave velocity in field(V_(PF)).P-wave velocity in the laboratory(V_(PL)) and the ratio of V_(PF) V_(PL)(i.e.K_p = V_(PF)/V_(PL).However,Q value,totally,has greater correlation coefficient and less error than the RMR,In addition,rock mass parameters including rock quality designation(RQD),uniaxial compressive strength(UCS),joint roughness coefficient(JRC) and Schmidt number(RN) show close relationship with P-wave velocity.An equation based on these parameters was obtained to estimate the P-wave velocity in the rock mass with a correlation coefficient of 91%.The velocities in two orthogonal directions and the results of joint study show that the wave velocity anisotropy in rock mass may be used as an efficient tool to assess the strong and weak directions in rock mass.     

A geo-engineering classification for rocks and rock masses

In this article, an attempt is made to assess the reliability of predicting the uniaxial compressive strength and the corresponding modulus of a rock mass by current approaches. These two basic engineering properties, when estimated from rock mass rating (RMR), Q and geological strength index (GSI), indicate hardly any change in the modulus ratio with the change in the quality of the rock mass from very good to very poor. However, the modulus ratio obtained from the relations involving the joint factor, J_f, indicate a definite decrease in the modulus ratio with a decrease in the quality of the rock mass. The strength and modulus in the unconfined and confined states, the modulus ratio and failure strain in the unconfined case were linked to J_f in earlier publications based on a large experimental database. Some of these relations were adopted to verify the response of jointed test specimens, the response of the rock mass during excavations for mining and civil underground chambers, in establishing ground reaction curves including the extent of the broken zone, and the bearing capacity of shallow foundations.The joint factor is now linked to RMR, Q and GSI. The prediction of compressive strength and modulus of the rock mass appears to be more suitable. For classifying the rock, based on these properties, the Deere and Miller engineering classification, applicable to intact rocks, has been suitably modified and adopted. The results of different modes of failure of jointed specimens establish definite trends of changes in the modulus ratio originating from the intact rock value on the modified Deere and Miller plot. A geo-engineering classification is evolved by considering strength, modulus, quantifiable weathering index and lithological aspects of the rock.     

Using portable particle sizing instrumentation to rapidly measure the penetration of fine and ultrafine particles in unoccupied residences

Much of human exposure to particulate matter of outdoor origin occurs inside buildings, particularly in residences. The particle penetration factor through leaks in a building's exterior enclosure assembly is a key parameter that governs the infiltration of outdoor particles. However, experimental data for size‐resolved particle penetration factors in real buildings, as well as penetration factors for fine particles less than 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) and ultrafine particles less than 100 nm (UFPs), remain limited, in part because of previous limitations in instrumentation and experimental methods. Here, we report on the development and application of a modified test method that utilizes portable particle sizing instrumentation to measure size‐resolved infiltration factors and envelope penetration factors for 0.01–2.5 μm particles, which are then used to estimate penetration factors for integral measures of UFPs and PM_2.5. Eleven replicate measurements were made in an unoccupied apartment unit in Chicago, IL to evaluate the accuracy and repeatability of the test procedure and solution methods. Mean estimates of size‐resolved penetration factors ranged from 0.41 ± 0.14 to 0.73 ± 0.05 across the range of measured particle sizes, while mean estimates of penetration factors for integral measures of UFPs and PM_2.5 were 0.67 ± 0.05 and 0.73 ± 0.05, respectively. Average relative uncertainties for all particle sizes/classes were less than 20%.     

基于三维裂隙网络的RQD尺寸效应与空间效应的研究

 岩石质量指标(RQD)是岩土工程与地质工程中的重要概念,在岩体性质分析中起到了重要作用,但RQD存在着明显的尺寸效应与空间效应,这在以后岩体工程设计计算中并没有引起充分的重视。为研究RQD的空间效应,采用三维裂隙网络模拟方法模拟现场真实岩体,并在模型中设立大量测线获取岩体中不同位置的RQD值。结果表明,岩体中不同位置的RQD值并不相同,存在明显的空间效应。为获取可整体代表岩体好坏程度的RQD值,需在大量RQD样本的基础上进行分析。另外,为更好地体现岩体的非均质性,研究不同阈值下的RQD范围,最终确定可充分反映待分析岩体的最佳阈值,为4 m。尺寸效应是RQD参数的重要性质,通过改变测线长度的方法探讨RQD在不同尺度下的变化情况。总结、提出RQD的计算模型与公式,即：A-A模型、T-T模型、A-A-S模型、Priest-Hudson公式与Senz-Kazi公式。分别研究与对比不同模型下RQD的尺寸效应,结果表明,采用A-A-S模型可充分减少尺寸效应带来的RQD的计算误差;当阈值较大时,Priest-Hudson公式与Senz-Kazi公式存在一定的误差,基于三维裂隙网络模拟的方法进行RQD的计算将会更为准确。     

Classification of geological and engineering properties in weak rock: a case study of a tunnel in a fault zone in southeastern Korea

Given that the rock mass classifications of weak rocks observed in tunnels are evaluated only as ‘poor rock mass’ or grades IV–V using existing rock mass classification methods, a new scheme is needed that would better distinguish the various geological properties of weak rocks. In this study, geological and engineering properties of weak rocks were classified based on the analysis results of a total of 55 faces in a tunnel that passes through a fault zone in southeastern South Korea. Geological observations, point load tests, and Schmidt hammer tests were conducted to analyze the properties of the weak rocks. Through this analysis, the weak rocks were classified into two weathering types: ‘disintegrated rocks’ and ‘decomposed rocks’. This division is based on the tectonic mechanisms and parameters necessary to determine the engineering geological properties of individual rock-weathering types according to their geological properties. The ‘disintegrated rocks’ have been physically weathered by brittle deformation and are classified into three subtypes using the rock quality designation (RQD) and joint set number (J_n), which can characterize the discontinuity properties of the rocks. Point load tests were conducted on these individual subtypes to calculate the point load index (Is₍₅₀₎). The resultant values are clearly related to the assigned three subtypes. The ‘decomposed rocks’ have been chemically weathered by ductile deformation and are classified into five subtypes based on the results of Schmidt hammer tests conducted on faces and Is₍₅₀₎ values calculated using the average of the Schmidt hammer values. The geological properties of the individual subtypes of the ‘disintegrated rocks’ and ‘decomposed rocks’ are clearly related to their engineering properties. Based on these results, rock mass classification diagrams are proposed that can be simply and easily applied to weak rocks.

     

Computing in-situ strength of rock masses based upon RQD and modified joint factor: Using pressure and damage sensitive constitutive relationship

In this study, a new model was presented for computing strength of rock masses based upon in-situ observations of RQD popularly known as rock quality designation. This model links up the rock mass parameters from in-situ investigations with the strength parameters of jointed rocks obtained from laboratory scale experimental observations. Using the constitutive relation, the author derived a pressure and damage sensitive plastic parameter to determine strength of rock masses for varied extents of discontinuity and pressure induced damage. The test results show that plasticity characterized by hardening and softening inclusive of damage invariably depends upon mean pressure and extent of deformations already experienced by rock masses. The present work explores the test data that reveal the dependence of in-situ strength on incremental joint parameters obtained from the joint number,joint orientation, joint roughness, gouge parameters and water pressure. Substituting the relationship between the RQD and modified joint factor with that between modulus ratio and strength ratio, the model shows successfully that using damage inclusive plastic parameter and RQD provides a relationship for estimating the strength of rock masses. One of the main objectives of this work is to illustrate that the present model is sensitive to plasticity and damage together in estimating in-situ strength of rock masses in foundations, underground excavation and tunnels.     

Three-dimensional geotechnical modeling of the soils in Riyadh city,KSA

A standard penetration test (SPT) was carried out for 700 samples from 143 boreholes in four districts in Riyadh city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Rock quality designation (RQD) and unconfined compression strength (UCS) tests were also performed for 238 samples from 154 boreholes in 15 districts of the city. Three-dimensional (3D) models of the SPT, RQD, and UCS were produced using the Voxler 3 software package. Further, 333 soil samples collected from 106 boreholes in 11 districts were examined to spatially model the distinctive geotechnical patterns of the alluvial soils in two dimensions. Tests were carried out to determine the soil grain size distribution, natural water content (NWC%), Atterberg’s consistency limits [liquid limit (LL%), plastic limit (PL%), and plasticity index (PI%)], and soil–water chemical components (pH Cl⁻, SO₃²⁻, and CO₃⁻). Spatial maps of the geotechnical parameters were produced by applying the geostatistical ordinary kriging implemented in ArcGIS. Soil samples were classified according to the unified soil classification system (USCS), and a thickness of the silty clay layer was produced. Plasticity charts indicated that the soils are inorganic cohesive clays with low and moderate plasticity (CL). Soil strength parameters showed wide ranges of UCS (average 220, range 21.3–618 kg/cm²), SPT (average 39, 0–100 N), and RQD (average 44, 11–78%). UCS and SPT 3D models clarified a regional southeastward trend of increase. RQD 3D models showed poor to fair engineering quality of rocks (25–75%). The results presented here can help to establish geohazard zonation maps with construction favorability ratings for safe urban expansion.

     

矿体可崩性区域化评价模型研究

在考虑可崩性区域化评价需要的基础上,选择了完整岩石强度、RQD值、节理间距、节理摩擦角等指标作为可崩性区域化评价的指标体系,并重点讨论了这些指标的数据采集和计算方法。在应用MicroMine软件平台建立整个矿体的三维块段模型的基础上,应用地质统计学的方法对每个块段的评价指标值进行估值,并根据每个块段的评价指标值利用RMR指标估计整个区域的可崩性级别。研究目标是开发一个在三维环境下用来预测矿体可崩性分布的工具。金川III矿区矿岩可崩性分级表明矿岩可崩性属于中等偏上,与生产实际相符,在生产中可应用该方法进行矿岩可崩性分级工作。     

Failure modes of reticulated domes subjected to impact and the judgment

FE models of both the single-layer Kiewitt-8 reticulated domes with a span of 60 m and the cylindrical impactor were developed incorporating ANSYS/LS-DYNA. Numerical simulations of the dynamic behaviours of domes subjected to impact on the apex were conducted, and the four failure modes were indentified according to the dynamic responses. It was found that correlation between the initial impact conditions, mass and velocity of impactor, and dynamic responses, and correlation between the initial impact conditions and the failure modes are both poor. However, close correlation between the response velocity v_IJ of the impacted joint, i.e. the velocity of the impacted joint when the first impact is just over, and the dynamic responses of dome was revealed. v_IJ was used to judge the failure modes. Furthermore, theoretical solution of v_IJ was achieved by means of the defined impact zone and the equivalent mass of the zone. By so doing, the response velocity v_IJ and the judgment of the failure modes of dome can be solved by the simplified theoretical approach, without resorting to the sophisticated FE modelling.     

Modified Kuz—Ram fragmentation model and its use at the Sungun Copper Mine

Rock fragmentation, which is the fragment size distribution of blasted rock, is one of the most important indices for estimating the effectiveness of blast work. In this paper a new form of the Kuz—Ram model is proposed in which a prefactor of 0.073 is included in the formula for prediction of X_50. This new equation has a correlation coefficient that is greater than 0.98. In addition, a new approach is proposed to calculate the Uniformity Index, n. A Blastability Index (BI) is used to correct the calculation of the Uniformity Index of Cunningham, where BI reflects the uniformity of the distribution. Interestingly, this correction also can be observed in the Kuznetsov—Cunningham—Ouchterlony (KCO) model, which uses In situ block size as a parameter for calculating the curve-undulation in the Swebrec function. However, it is in contrast to prediction of X₅₀ as the central parameter in Swebrec and Rosin–Rammler distribution functions. The new model is a two parameter fragmentation size distribution that can be easily determined in the field. However, it does not consider the timing effect, or upper limit for sizes, as does the original Kuz—Ram model. The model is used at the Sungun Mine, and it does a good job of predicting the fines produced during blasting.     

Correlation between one-dimensional consolidation coefficients and different basalt fiber lengths and RHA-cement contents in fiber-reinforced stabilized expansive soils

Recently, environmentally friendly soil reinforcement and stabilization techniques, used to reconstitute weak expansive soils, are on the rise, calling for an in-depth analysis of the consolidation projections on the engineering structures built on them. This study investigated one-dimensional consolidation coefficients by conducting a series of oedometer tests on expansive soils reinforced with basalt fibers of different lengths, stabilized with rice husk ash (RHA) as an environmentally friendly cement-reducing aggregate, and nominal dosages of cement in specified combinations. The correlation between the coefficients of consolidation (c_v), volume change (m_v), and permeability (k) and different basalt fiber lengths and RHA-cement contents in ultimate soil composite material was quantified using equations and graphical forms. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopic imagery (SEM) was conducted to examine the structural modifications within the reinforced and stabilized soil specimens upon one-dimensional consolidation. The results showed that basalt fiber-reinforced specimens, comprised of 5% RHA and 3% cement mixtures, showed the lowest one-dimensional consolidation coefficients with a notably greater reduction at high-stress states than the control specimen. Additionally, the coefficients of volume change (m_v) and permeability (k) decreased with the increased compactive effort, with a clear and significant reduction in the basalt fiber-reinforced stabilized soil composites. This study also proposed the best material combination scheme and analytical equations for evaluating the c_v, m_v, and k considering basalt fiber lengths at different pressure levels. The ultimate soil composites had superior properties, and thus, can be used as fill or subbase material for such engineering structures as embankments, pavements, and foundations.     

Quantitative three-dimensional description of a rough surface and parameter evolution with shearing

The choice of a general criterion to determine the shear strength of rough rock joints is a topic that has been investigated for many years. The major problem is how to measure and then to express the roughness with a number (e.g., joint roughness coefficient) or a mathematical expression in order to introduce the morphology of the joint into a shear strength criterion. In the present research a large number of surfaces have been digitised and reconstructed using a triangulation algorithm. This approach results in a discretisation of the joint surface into a finite number of triangles, whose geometric orientations have been calculated. Furthermore, during shear tests it was observed that the common characteristic among all the contact areas is that they are located in the steepest zones facing the shear direction. Based on this observations and using the triangulated surface data, it is possible to describe the variation of the potential contact area versus the apparent dip angle with the expression A_θ^*=A₀[(θ_max^*−θ^*)/θ_max^*]^C, where A₀ is the maximum possible contact area, θ_max^* is the maximum apparent dip angle in the shear direction, and C is a “roughness” parameter, calculated using a best-fit regression function, which characterises the distribution of the apparent dip angles over the surface. The close agreement between analytical curves and measured data therefore suggests the possibility of defining the influence of roughness on shear strength by the simple knowledge of A₀, C and θ_max^*. Based on the samples studied here, the values of these parameters capture the evolution of the surface during shearing. Moreover, they tend to be characteristic for specific rock types, indicating that it might be possible to determine ranges for each rock type based on laboratory measurements on representative samples.     

基于三维裂隙网络RQD的确定及最佳测线数量的研究

作为评价岩体质量好坏的重要指标,RQD的应用已十分广泛,其在工程地质与岩土工程的分析中发挥着重要的作用。而通过钻孔的方法进行RQD的获取具有明显缺点。真实岩体不同方向的RQD并不一致,而以垂直于地表的钻孔获取的RQD并不能完全代表整体岩体的好坏程度。引入三维裂隙网络的方法进行RQD的计算,在三维裂隙网络内设立测线,以测线的形式来模拟钻孔,获取指定方向的RQD值。岩体不同于其他人工材料,其具有明显的非均质性,即在不同位置获取的RQD值并不一致,现今RQD的研究则鲜有考虑。对岩体内的最佳测线数量进行了研究。结果表明：当沿x,y与z轴分别存在25,80与55条测线时,可获取岩体各方向的真实RQD值,且最大限度的节省计算时间以实施进一步的研究。