Visualization of rock mass classification systems

A rock mass classification system is intended to classify and characterize the rock masses, provide a basis for estimating deformation and strength properties, supply quantitative data for mine support estimation, and present a platform for communication between exploration, design and construction groups. In most widely used rock mass classification systems, such as RMR and Q systems, up to six parameters are employed to classify the rock mass. Visualization of rock mass classification systems in multi-dimensional spaces is explored to assist engineers in identifying major controlling parameters in these rock mass classification systems. Different visualization methods are used to visualize the most widely used rock mass classification systems. The study reveals that all major rock mass classification systems tackle essentially two dominant factors in their scheme, i.e., block size and joint surface condition. Other sub-parameters, such as joint set number, joint space, joint surface roughness, alteration, etc., control these two dominant factors. A series two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and multi-dimensional visualizations are created for RMR, Q, Rock Mass index RMi and Geological Strength Index (GSI) systems using different techniques. In this manner, valuable insight into these rock mass classification systems is gained.     

The application of rock mass classification systems to underground excavation in weak limestone, Atatürk dam, Turkey

The Atatürk dam was built across the Firat River on clayey limestone. A grout curtain, providing impermeability in the left and right abutments, was done in grouting galleries. The well known rock mass classification systems for tunneling purposes [rock structure rating (RSR), rock mass rating (RMR) and rock mass quality index (Q)] were used to classify the rock mass along these galleries. Based on RSR, RMR and Q values, the rock masses in the galleries have been classified into three different classes. Correlation between the three classification systems is discussed and suggestions are made for using rockbolt, shotcrete with wiremesh and steel ribs for supporting the rock mass.     

Application of rock mass classifications: a case study from Ituango hydroelectric diversion tunnel,Colombia

ABSTRACT

The local site experience is a valuable component for the success of rock mass classification systems as tunnel design methods. The Ituango hydroelectric project is a very important source of information in order to evaluate the usefulness of the main rock mass classification systems. The objective of this research is to improve understanding of some important features of excavated rock mass, such as discontinuities, block size, shear strength and joint alteration, by analyzing some hundreds of data obtained during excavation cycle.

The field study included a survey of exposures after drilling and blasting rounds. Rock mass classification and support measures for each type of terrain along 1400 m tunnel were performed. The rock mass classes could be better explained if shear strength, alteration or block size is calculated. The assessment of these data allows evaluating the block fall risk, improving support and liner. A local correlation between the RMR and Q system was also obtained.     

考虑岩体开挖卸荷边坡岩体质量评价

正确评价开挖后岩体质量并对其进行分类,对研究岩石边坡开挖卸荷后的稳定性有十分重要的意义。以某水电站坝肩高边坡开挖工程为背景,运用卸荷岩体力学的理论与方法,对坝肩边坡开挖岩体进行三维有限元分析。根据边坡岩体开挖后应力应变场的动态变化情况,确定岩体开挖卸荷后质量损伤劣化程度,并根据岩体开挖卸荷后的力学参数,采用RMR法对开挖后的边坡岩体质量进行评价。结果表明,边坡岩体RMR值随开挖后卸荷量的增大基本呈线性递减趋势,进而考虑开挖卸荷影响因素,修正了RMR法中的评价参数,为以后用该法评价开挖后的岩体质量提供参考。     

开挖扰动下地下交叉洞室错动带岩体微震演化规律

错动带具有“历史上多次剪切错动、延伸范围广、遇水易软化、力学强度低”的软弱特性,致使其在开挖卸荷作用下极易诱发不同程度的变形和破坏,进而严重影响地下洞室的稳定性。针对白鹤滩水电站右岸9#母线洞（地下交叉洞室）发生的错动带岩体塌方破坏,借助高精度、实时微震监测系统,系统地研究了塌方孕育过程中的微震活动性,包括微震事件时空演化规律、震级和视应力分布特征。采用矩张量理论,反演塌方孕育过程中的微震事件破裂机制（张拉、剪切或混合）,归纳、总结其演化过程为：表层围岩卸荷张拉破裂→裂纹渐进向围岩深部扩展→破裂沿错动带方向萌生、扩展（张拉破裂为主,伴随剪切或混合破裂）→裂缝与错动带交汇,切割出不稳定楔形体→爆破振动或重力作用下,错动带岩体塌方。该研究结果可为高应力地下交叉洞室错动带岩体的开挖、支护提供参考,同时对类似工程的施工具有重要借鉴意义。     

考虑剪胀效应的深埋圆形隧道围岩应变软化弹塑性解

隧道围岩非线性体积膨胀影响施工安全,如何正确评价隧道围岩塑性区域内扩容机制非常重要。多数研究从理论上推导深埋圆形隧洞应变软化围岩应力-应变场时仅采用恒定或线性变化剪胀模型,针对此不足,提出了一种基于有限差分法的分析方法,能够合理地考虑围岩非线性剪胀效应及其应变软化特性。利用已有的研究成果,验证了该方法的合理性,并进一步探讨了不同质量石灰岩与支护压力下剪胀系数在围岩塑性区域内的影响因素,比较了恒定与非线性变化剪胀模型下围岩变形的不同。结果表明:对于地质强度指标(GSI)较小、质量较差的岩体,塑性区域内主要由围压控制剪胀效应程度;恒定与非线性变化剪胀模型下围岩洞壁变形差别显著。     

软岩高边坡开挖卸荷变形研究

以大型岩土工程数值分析软件（ADINA）为研究手段,基于卸荷岩体力学理论与方法,对某公路开挖高边坡进行了开挖卸荷分析,综合考虑了初始工况、开挖工况、卸荷工况,加固工况,并与监测数据进行了对比分析,卸荷岩体力学理论考虑了边坡开挖面附近的强卸荷区域以及该区域岩体参数的劣化,计算结果与监测数据吻合较好,进而也验证了卸荷岩体力学理论在边坡开挖计算分析中的合理性。研究成果对边坡的后期运营提供了指导,对其他工程也有一定的借鉴作用。     

锦屏一级坝基岩体质量爆破开挖损伤评价

锦屏一级水电站大坝为双曲拱坝,设计坝高305m,拱坝建基岩体以Ⅱ、Ⅲ₁级岩体为主,开挖过程中岩体质量受爆破开挖影响发生程度不等的损伤。为定量评价岩体质量损伤等级,利用开挖爆破检测成果,采用开挖后岩体松弛深度、松弛岩体开挖前后单孔声波衰减率作为岩体质量损伤分级评价的指标,探索一种快速检测、评价岩体质量损伤等级的划分标准,完成坝基开挖后岩体质量损伤的分级分区评价,提出不同损伤等级处理的建议,并评价处理效果。     

岩体裂隙模拟的扩展有限元法应用研究

岩体中普遍存在着断层﹑节理和裂隙等结构面,这些结构面的存在和发展对岩体的整体强度﹑变形及稳定性有极大的影响。因此,研究岩体中原生结构面的萌生﹑发展以及贯通演化过程对评估岩体工程安全性和可靠性具有非常重要的理论与现实意义。扩展有限元法（XFEM）作为一种求解不连续问题的有效数值方法,模拟裂隙时独立于网格,因此,在模拟岩体裂隙扩展﹑水力劈裂等方面具有独特优势。针对扩展有限元法的基本理论及其在岩体裂隙扩展模拟中的应用展开了研究,建立了扩展有限元法求解岩体裂隙摩擦接触、岩体裂隙破坏等问题的数值模型,并将计算模型应用于岩质边坡稳定性分析和重力坝坝基断裂破坏等工程问题。     

Investigation of the Geological and Geotechnical Characteristics of Daroongar Dam,Northeast Iran

This paper discusses the results of the engineering geological and geotechnical investigations that have been carried out at the Daroongar dam site. According to the geomorphology and geological conditions and economic reason, the dam has been designed as an earth dam with a clay core. The dam foundation is composed of a sequence of sandy limestone and limy marl of the Upper Cretaceous period. This study is based on field and laboratory investigations, surface discontinuity surveying, drilled borehole data and permeability of dam foundation. The present studies include the evaluation of the dam foundation by water pressure tests. The water pressure tests indicate the necessity to provide a grout curtain below the dam foundation.The geology of the Daroongar dam foundation has a significant influence on the permeability and groutability characteristics. The permeability of jointed rock masses is strongly depended on joint characteristics; degree of jointing, opening, continuity and presence of filling materials. The laboratory tests included tests for unit weight, porosity, uniaxial, triaxial, tensile strength and deformation parameters. The strength and modulus of elasticity of rock masses were determined using the Hoek–Brown empirical strength criterion. The rock mass qualities and classifications of the dam site is assigned using the rock mass rating (RMR), the rock quality (Q) and the geological strength index (GSI) classification systems.     

Assessment of geomechanical characterization of a rock mass using a seismic geophysical technique

Summary In this article the use of the seismic properties of a rock mass to assess the geomechanical behaviour of the rock mass is examined and illustrated. The correlation between the values of seismic velocity and some basic parameters of rock mechanics, such as RQD and fracture frequency, have been established. Moreover, the relationships between the engineering rock-mass classification systems and seismic quality index (QI) have also been derived. The relationships have been derived from an investigation for a proposed dam in Wadi Mujib, Jordan. The ground conditions comprise colluvial and fluvial superficial deposits overlying limestones, mudstones, marls and shales. It is suggested that the relationships obtained in this study could be applied in areas that have similar lithological and structural characteristics.     

Determining the size and shape of blocks from linear sampling for geotechnical rock mass classification and assessment

Classifying and assessing geotechnical aspects of rock masses involves combining parameters in various ways, guided by empirical considerations, to derive quantitative geotechnical parameters. Geological structures and the deformation history of rocks underpin the nature of rock masses. The kinematics of a deforming rock mass may occur as sliding along throughgoing discontinuities or as distributed sliding on block faces. Distributed sliding will tend to disrupt the continuity of planar structures such that data on the size and shape of blocks is needed, rather than relying on discontinuity orientation data alone. Orientation and spacing data can be combined to provide a geometric analysis of block systems from linear samples, such as drill core. Dihedral angles and spacing of sequential pairs of discontinuities provides a sample of the size and shape of blocks that can be interpreted stereologically. Further detail can be derived by combining neighbouring intersections that enclose or partially enclose individual blocks. The shape and size of a block can be represented on a stereograph with the enclosing faces shown as poles and their perpendicular distance from an arbitrary point inside the block shown as a number. Identifying the size and shape of specific blocks rather than relying on statistical methods is beneficial to critical aspects of design such as analysing keyblocks that would be exposed during excavations. The detailed characterization of block size and shape is also a step toward interpreting the kinematics of rock mass deformation and the analysis of rock masses as ultra-close packed dilatant granular systems.     

基于岩体精细化描述的围岩分类及力学参数概率分布特征分析

针对目前水电站地下厂房工程中不同围岩分类方法存在评价结果不一致、围岩力学参数存在室内试验值与实际情况不吻合的现象,现推荐采用岩体精细化描述体系对围岩岩体结构进行定量化评价。将常用围岩分类方法(RMR、Q、RMi、GSI、BQ、HC)评价指标予以归纳分组,并通过各组内不同指标对比分析获得围岩分类方法中的基础评价指标。以大岗山水电站主厂房某区段为分析对象,采取现场岩体精细化地质素描与后期数据挖掘、拟合相结合方法,并依据评价指标间的关联关系,获得了基础、非基础评价指标的分布概型及对应参数,实现对该段围岩岩体精细化描述认知;基于精细化描述结果,应用Monte Carlo法生成符合各评价指标分布概型的大量随机数,而后参照各分类方法评价思路与评分流程,得到评价指标在各分类方法对应的大量随机评分值,通过归纳统计获得不同围岩分类方法评价结果的分布概型;基于各围岩分类方法评价结果与力学参数值之间的关联关系实现对力学参数概率特征分析。该分析方法与思路可为类似工程围岩质量及力学参数的精确确定提供一定借鉴,并可为实现围岩支护极限状态设计提供必要的原始参数支持。     

峰前卸荷对节理岩体力学特性影响试验研究

实际工程中,岩体的应力变化状态非常复杂,并不只是简单的加载或者卸荷,如水利工程中的大坝,当坝基开挖时其力学条件主要表现为开挖方向的卸荷(其他方向有可能卸荷,也有可能加载),而坝体修筑以后,力学条件又主要表现为加载。因此,对卸荷损伤后的岩体再次加载时的力学性质进行研究具有十分重要的工程意义。通过三轴卸荷及卸荷损伤后加载破坏试验,研究了不同围压下,含断续预制节理岩体经过不同程度卸荷损伤后再次加载时的力学特性。研究结果表明:围压对于含断续节理岩体变形模量影响不明显,岩体弹性模量与围压没有明显关系,相同围压下节理岩体弹性模量和变形模量均显著低于完整岩体:节理岩样峰值应变随着围压的增大线性增大,二者之间有较好的相关性,相比于完整岩样,节理岩体峰值应变随围压增大增长更快:围压越低,卸荷对岩体强度的影响越大,随着围压增加,卸荷量不同造成岩样的损伤差异逐渐减小。     

Geotechnical Engineering Assessment of the Nargesi Damsite, Southwest Iran

This paper describes the results of the engineering geological investigations and geotechnical studies performed in the Nargesi dam site. The dam foundation located on the sedimentary rocks of Neogen period. To conduct this study, the steps including field and laboratory investigations, surface discontinuity surveying, drilled borehole data, and permeability were performed on dam foundation. Besides, the evaluation of the dam foundation was carried out by water pressure tests, which indicate the necessity of creating a grout curtain below the dam foundation. The permeability and groutability characteristics of the Nargesi dam foundation are significantly affected by geology of the site. The rock mass properties of the test section obtained from secondary permeability index (SPI) completed with the degree of jointing of the drill core acts as a useful reference for ground treatment design. Here, the performed laboratory tests were as: determination of density, moisture percent, porosity percent, water absorption, uniaxial compressive strength, Point-load strength index (Is50), p-wave velocity (Cp), s-wave velocity (Cs), deformability, and triaxial tests. The rock mass properties and classifications of the damsite is assessed using rock mass rating, the rock quality (Q), and the geological strength index classification systems. The strength and modulus elasticity of rock masses were determined through the equations proposed by different researchers. According to the findings of this work, except for some cases, there is a reasonable correlation between SPI and rock quality designation values. Based on these results, grout type and composition was suggested for the design of grout curtain.     

Estimation of the rock mass deformation modulus using a rock classification system

It is often difficult to directly obtain specific design parameters of interest. In these situations, estimation based on empirical correlations is an alternative. The deformation modulus of a rock mass, which is important to know for engineering projects, is measured by in situ tests, such as plate bearing, flat jack, pressure chamber, borehole jacking and dilatometer tests. Nevertheless, these in situ tests are expensive, time consuming and sometimes even impossible. Many attempts have been made to estimate the E modulus using easy-to-obtain parameters of a rock mass. This paper reviews previous studies and the equations that have been developed. In addition, this study presents a new relation developed using a database of 82 dilatometer test results gathered from two dam sites and a tunnel site. Statistical analyses were performed to correlate accessible rock parameters with measured E modulus values from in situ tests. Knowing that discontinuity characteristics and the strength of rock materials are the most important contributors to rock deformability, the focus was on identifying parameters that are affected by the mentioned properties. Among the tested parameters, RMR (Rock Mass Rating) showed the best correlation with the E modulus. Statistical analyses resulted in a new empirical equation that has an acceptable estimation ability.     

模糊聚类分析及在坝基岩体分类中的应用初探

基于模糊聚类的基本理论,提出坝基岩全动态系统综合分类的思路,并针对某建水电站坝基岩体进行试算,初步划分了不同深度岩体的可利用性,为确定合理的建基面提供了一定的依据。     

Probabilistic analysis of tunnel displacements based on correlative recognition of rock mass parameters

Displacement is vital in the evaluations of tunnel excavation processes,as well as in determining the postexcavation stability of surrounding rock masses.The prediction of tunnel displacement is a complex problem because of the uncertainties of rock mass properties.Meanwhile,the variation and the correlation relationship of geotechnical material properties have been gradually recognized by researchers in recent years.In this paper,a novel probabilistic method is proposed to estimate the uncertainties of rock mass properties and tunnel displacement,which integrated multivariate distribution function and a relevance vector machine(RVM).The multivariate distribution function is used to establish the probability model of related random variables.RVM is coupled with the numerical simulation methods to construct the nonlinear relationship between tunnel displacements and rock mass parameters,which avoided a large number of numerical simulations.Also,the residual rock mass parameters are taken into account to reflect the brittleness of deeply buried rock mass.Then,based on the proposed method,the uncertainty of displacement in a deep tunnel of CJPL-II laboratory are analyzed and compared with the in-situ measurements.It is found that the predicted tunnel displacements by the RVM model closely match with the measured ones.The correlations of parameters have significant impacts on the uncertainty results.The uncertainty of tunnel displacement decreases while the reliability of the tunnel increases with the increases of the negative correlations among rock mass parameters.When compared to the deterministic method,the proposed approach is more rational and scientific,and also conformed to rock engineering practices.     

Spatial predictions of geological rock mass properties based on in-situ interpretations of multi-dimensional seismic data

The article presents a statistical approach to characterize and predict engineering geological conditions in the up to 2000 m deep Faido tunnel and Gotthard base tunnel in Switzerland. Seismic investigations were conducted to improve the technology of interpreting seismic tomographic images. Overall, the goal of this study was to predict spacial maps of geological rock mass properties, such as, uniaxial compressive strength or total fracture spacing, by using up to six seismic features in combination, e.g., compression-wave and shear-wave velocities and dynamic Poisson's ratio. Self-Organizing Mapping (SOM), an artificial intelligent method, was used for the purposes of interpreting multi-dimensional geophysical attributes derived from seismic profiles of tomographic images along tunnel sidewalls. The SOM-method was applied in the Faido tunnel to delineate complex physical relations between the geological and seismic parameters. Then, the method was applied to predict geological properties around a segment of the Gotthard base tunnel with unknown geological–geotechnical conditions. The results illuminate that correlation analyses (pairwise parameter classification) are substantially less powerful than the SOM-method (multi-parameter classification) in order to interpret geological features from seismic in-situ data. Moreover, predicted spatial distributions of the total fracture spacing and the uniaxial compressive strength, for example, corresponded well with drill core and tunnel mapping results. The SOM-approach was a helpful tool for practitioners in predicting zones of instabilities and geological complexity during underground excavation processes of the Gotthard base tunnel. It is suggested to use such an interpretation method as decision support for purposes of sub/surface exploration and long-term geophysical monitoring of large-scale geoengineering projects, such as, disposals of nuclear waste and greenhouse gases or geopower plants for renewable energy (geothermal, biosoils).     

A spatial estimation model for continuous rock mass characterization from the specific energy of a TBM

Summary  Basic principles of the theory of rock cutting with rolling disc cutters are used to appropriately reduce tunnel boring machine (TBM) logged data and compute the specific energy (SE) of rock cutting as a function of geometry of the cutterhead and operational parameters. A computational code written in Fortran 77 is used to perform Kriging predictions in a regular or irregular grid in 1D, 2D or 3D space based on sampled data referring to rock mass classification indices or TBM related parameters. This code is used here for three purposes, namely: (1) to filter raw data in order to establish a good correlation between SE and rock mass rating (RMR) (or tunnelling quality index Q) along the chainage of the tunnel, (2) to make prediction of RMR, Q or SE along the chainage of the tunnel from boreholes at the exploration phase and design stage of the tunnel, and (3) to make predictions of SE and RMR or Q ahead of the tunnel’s face during excavation of the tunnel based on SE estimations during excavation. The above tools are the basic constituents of an algorithm to continuously update the geotechnical model of the rock mass based on logged TBM data. Several cases were considered to illustrate the proposed methodology, namely: (a) data from a system of twin tunnels in Hong Kong, (b) data from three tunnels excavated in Northern Italy, and (c) data from the section Singuerlin-Esglesias of the Metro L9 tunnel in Barcelona. Correspondence: G. Exadaktylos, Department of Mineral Resources Engineering, Technical University of Crete, Chania, Greece