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.     

Engineering classification of rock masses for the design of tunnel support

SummaryEngineering Classification of Rock Masses for the Design of Tunnel Support An analysis of some 200 tunnel case records has revealed a useful correlation between the amount and type of permanent support and the rock mass qualityQ, with respect to tunnel stability. The numerical value ofQ ranges from 0.001 (for exceptionally poor quality squeezing-ground) up to 1000 (for exceptionally good quality rock which is practically unjointed). The rock mass qualityQ is a function of six parameters, each of which has a rating of importance, which can be estimated from surface mapping and can be updated during subsequent excavation. The six parameters are as follows; theRQD index, the number of joint sets, the roughness of the weakest joints, the degree of alteration or filling along the weakest joints, and two further parameters which account for the rock load and water inflow. In combination these parameters represent the rock block-size, the interblock shear strength, and the active stress. The proposed classification is illustrated by means of field examples and selected case records.Detailed analysis of the rock mass quality and corresponding support practice has shown that suitable permanent support can be estimated for the whole spectrum of rock qualities. This estimate is based on the rock mass quality Q, the support pressure, and the dimensions and purpose of the excavation. The support pressure appears to be a function ofQ, the joint roughness, and the number of joint sets. The latter two determine the dilatency and the degree of freedom of the rock mass.Detailed recommendations for support measures include various combinations of shotcrete, bolting, and cast concrete arches together with the appropriate bolt spacings and lengths, and the requisite thickness of shotcrete or concrete. The boundary between self supporting tunnels and those requiring some form of permanent support can be determined from the rock mass qualityQ. With 8 Figures     

Limiting equilibrium versus BS3D analysis of a tetrahedral rock block

In order to analyze the stability of a 3D rock block using a limiting equilibrium method, some simplifications must be introduced, such as neglecting the effects of deformability of the rock block, fractures, and the surrounding rock mass, the progressive failure and the mobilization of shear strength of fractures, and changes in in situ stresses with block displacement. These limitations may cause some errors when calculating the factor of safety of the block. This paper quantifies the error caused by these simplifications comparing the results against those obtained with a numerical method (BS3D). In addition, the effects of the normal stiffness of the fractures, dilatancy, the tunnel radius, and the block size on stability of the tetrahedron are investigated using the numerical tool to demonstrate the importance of the effects eliminated by the limiting equilibrium approach. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rock Mass Characterization and Support Assessment along Power Tunnel of Hydropower in Kohistan Area,KPK, Pakistan

This paper encompasses the engineering geological properties of rock mass along the power tunnel of hydropower in Kohistan, Khayber Pakhtun Khawa (KPK), Pakistan. The major geological units of the study area are Chilas complex (CC) and Gilgit complex (GC) that consists mostly of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Discontinuity surveys were conducted to classify the rock mass by utilizing rock mass rating (RMR) and tunneling quality index (Q) classification systems. RMR system involves collection of data for parameters of rock strength, RQD, spacing of discontinuities, condition of discontinuities, groundwater condition and Q system involves rock quality designation (RQD), joint roughness (J_r), joint sets (J_s), joint alteration (J_a), stress reduction factor (SRF) and joint water reduction (J_w). RMR values ranges from 46 to 66 (fair to good) for rock unit of Chilas complex (CC) and 50 to 58 (fair) for rock unit of Gilgit complex (GC). The evaluated values of tunnel quality by Q-system are 1.55 to 6.4 (poor to fair) for Chilas complex (CC) and 1.35 to 1.84 (poor) for Gilgit complex (GC). The required support along the tunnel route is also estimated by both classification systems. Unwedge program is used to analyze the unstable zones due to the intersection of different joint sets. Total 14 cases are analyzed in Unwedge from which 3 cases have failure potential with FOS less than 1. These failure potential blocks can become stable by applying further support of rock bolting and shotcrete layer.     

Estimation of Block Sizes for Rock Masses with Non-persistent Joints

Summary  Discontinuities or joints in the rock mass have various shapes and sizes. Along with the joint orientation and spacing, the joint persistence, or the relative size of the joint, is one of the most important factors in determining the block sizes of jointed rock masses. Although the importance of joint persistence on the overall rock mass strength has long been identified, the impact of persistence on rock strength is in most current rock mass classification systems underrepresented. If joints are assumed to be persistent, as is the case in most designs, the sizes of the rock blocks tend to be underestimated. This can lead to more removable blocks than actually exist in-situ. In addition, a poor understanding of the rock bridge strength may lead to lower rock mass strengths, and consequently, to excessive expenditure on rock support. In this study, we suggest and verify a method for the determination of the block sizes considering joint persistence. The idea emerges from a quantitative approach to apply the GSI system for rock mass classification, in which the accurate block size is required. There is a need to statistically analyze how the distribution of rock bridges according to the combination of joint orientation, spacing, and persistence will affect the actual size of each individual block. For this purpose, we generate various combinations of joints with different geometric conditions by the orthogonal arrays using the distinct element analysis tools of UDEC and 3DEC. Equivalent block sizes (areas in 2D and volumes in 3D) and their distributions are obtained from the numerical simulation. Correlation analysis is then performed to relate the block sizes predicted by the empirical equation to those obtained from the numerical model simulation. The results support the concept of equivalent block size proposed by Cai et al. (2004, Int. J. Rock Mech. Min. Sci., 41(1), 3–19).     

岩溶隧道涌突水破坏模式分类及防突厚度研究

在岩溶山区进行隧址选择时,隧道与溶洞之间的防突岩体厚度是重要因素之一.在岩溶隧道修建过程中,若岩墙厚度保留过小,则岩溶水涌出造成安全事故、经济损失和工期延误.目前涌突水破坏分类较为笼统且大多忽略了隧道围岩的岩体结构对防突厚度的影响.本文首先从岩溶隧道围岩的结构类型、溶洞与隧道之间的相对大小和相对位置的角度进行涌突水破坏...     

Preliminary support design for Ankara subway extension tunnel

This paper presents the results of preliminary support design of the subway tunnel for Ankara subway project in accordance with some empirical and numerical methods, using the phase 2D finite element method (FEM). The 5 m diameter subway tunnel will advance through slightly to moderately weathered dacite and weak zones. Rock masses were characterized in terms of rock mass rating (RMR), geological strength index (GSI) and Q System. Core samples were tested in the rock mechanics laboratory to determine uniaxial compressive strength, deformability parameters, unit weight, tensile strength and triaxial compressive strength properties. Finally, rock mass strengths were determined by empirical and numerical methods. Required support system was suggested.     

Engineering geological studies and tunnel support design at Sulakyurt dam site, Turkey

This paper presents the results of engineering geological investigations and tunnel support design studies, carried out at the Sulakyurt dam site, northeast of Ankara, Turkey. The Sulakyurt dam will be used for flow control and water storage for irrigation projects. Studies were carried out both in the field and the laboratory. Field studies include engineering geological mapping, intensive discontinuity surveying, core drilling and sampling for laboratory testing. The diversion tunnel will be driven in rock mass, consisting of granite and diorite. Empirical, analytical and numerical methods were combined for safe tunnel design. Rock mass rating (RMR), Rock mass quality (Q) and Geological strength index (GSI) systems were used for empirical rock mass quality determination, site characterization and support design. The convergence–confinement method was used as analytical method and software called Phase², a 2D finite element program, was utilized as numerical method. According to the results acquired from the empirical, analytical and numerical methods, tunnel stability problems were expected in both granite and diorite rock masses. The support system, suggested by empirical methods, was applied and the performance of suggested support system was evaluated by means of numerical modelling. It was concluded that the suggested support systems were adequate, since after applying the suggested support system to granite and diorite, tunnel deformation and the yielded elements around the tunnel decreased significantly. Thus, it is suggested that for more reliable support design empirical, numerical and analytical methods should be combined.     

山区隧道穿越韧性剪切带的地质条件探讨

研究了山区铁路隧道穿越脆韧性剪切带(断裂带)及与其次生的韧性剪切带时设计及施工围岩分级问题。从几何、小构造、运动形迹、组构特征、构造岩、糜棱岩、同变形变质及机械作用等方面探讨韧性剪切带特征,从宏观、微观、野外研究及测试、施工类比总结其围岩分级,对比韧性剪切带(脆韧性及韧脆性)与节理密集带内岩体的工程性质及工程设计的围岩分级的异同。确定了山区隧道通过韧性剪切带时应单独研究这种无明显破裂面围岩带的分级评价因素、评价结论和围岩分级原则,设计和施工需特别注意。可供构造带复杂山区类似工程参考。     

基于间断位移场的隧道围岩承载能力研究

岩体是岩石块体和分割这些块体的边界的组合体。沿边界面(结构面)的局部剪切变形使得位移场产生间断,对岩体的力学性能产生巨大的影响。采用光滑函数组合来描述滑移面上的间断,得到反映岩体沿着边界局部剪切的数学模型。利用此局部剪切模型得出了应力–滑移关系具有强化阶段时圆形坑道围岩自身承载能力的解析表达式,研究了岩体滑移面对坑道围岩自身承载能力的影响。通过分析得到,自承能力在深部坑道围岩的稳定中发挥了重要作用,应力–滑移关系的强化段对围岩承载力有着很大的影响;围岩压力与坑道的埋深、坑道的尺寸以及围岩的物理力学性质等具有直接关系;围岩出现不稳定的动力现象(岩爆)与此岩体参数m关系极大,而岩体参数与接触面的软化程度、能量转移、耗散结构的几何尺寸以及弹性模量有关。     

松散堆积体隧道围岩变形破坏细观特征研究

隧道穿越复杂松散堆积体地层时,如何确保隧道施工过程的安全是工程人员普遍关心的课题。依托云南省罗打拉隧道,基于Monte Carlo随机原理,结合数字图像处理技术,建立了考虑接触面单元及抗拉强度的堆积体地层隧道开挖细观结构模型,并探讨了隧道开挖引起的堆积体围岩变形、破坏过程以及失稳机制,并在现场进行应用验证。研究结果表明,构建的堆积体地层隧道开挖细观结构模型可有效反映隧道开挖过程中围岩的破坏过程,围岩位移等值线呈波动性与非对称性分布;围岩破坏以剪切破坏为主,局部存在拉裂?剪切复合破坏,且破坏区由边缘块石尖端向深层逐步扩展,形成包裹块石的剪切楔形区及拉剪松动圈,在施工扰动下易发生局部失稳。针对堆积体地层破坏特征,提出了围岩注浆加固措施,地层加固后土石颗粒间胶结良好,开挖轮廓周边形成有效的注浆加固圈,开挖支护过程围岩变形可控,支护结构稳定,效果良好,可为后续类似松散堆积体地层隧道的设计、施工提供新思路。     

莲花隧道软弱围岩大变形预测方法适用性评价研究

评估地质条件以及开挖风险是地下空间设计和施工中的重要阶段之一。在选择合适的开挖方法和支护系统时,识别和估计岩体的变形潜在趋势非常重要。在本研究中,对萍莲高速莲花隧道中的岩体变形潜在趋势进行了研究。首先介绍了莲花隧道的工程地质环境、隧道围岩工程特性、岩体质量评价以及现场实测的隧道变形情况,然后运用经验法和半经验-半理论法预测莲花隧道变形趋势,并将预测结果与实际变形监测情况进行对比。结果表明,莲花隧道的大变形主要受松散破碎、遇水膨胀的软弱围岩和丰富的地下与地表水以及断层破碎带与构造活动的影响。对于莲花隧道而言,现行大变形预测方法普遍存在一定问题：经验法主要依据岩体质量分级结果进行变形趋势预测,具有一定的主观性,其预测结果与实际变形情况存在一定偏差;半经验-半理论方法中运用围岩强度与应力关系进行预测效果较好,但基于围岩强度应力比的Jethwa法、Hoek法与ISRM法预测结果偏保守,且针对无变形段的预测效果较差。综上所述,在工程勘察与设计阶段,应客观、细致地进行围岩质量分级、地应力量测、地下水与地质构造勘探等工作,结合经验法、半经验-半理论方法对大变形趋势和变形量值进行预测,综合研判隧洞沿线...     

Stability analysis and optimization of the support system of an underground powerhouse cavern considering rock mass variability

Input parameters, such as rock mass strength parameters and deformation modulus, considered in the design of underground openings involve some uncertainty. The current uncertainty in these parameters is due to the inherent variability of these parameters. To quantify these parameters and design underground openings, the statistical methods must be utilized. In this research, a statistical method was used to define the GSI of rock mass (Geological Strength Index), block volume (V_b), and joint conditions (J_c). Using the GSI distribution function obtained from field data and intact rock strength characteristics, the statistical distribution functions of rock mass parameters were defined using the Monte Carlo method. The statistical analysis of the stability in Azad-pumped storage powerhouse cavern was carried out through the point estimate method. The appropriate support system was suggested according to the support pressure and the plastic zone around the cavern. This study showed the application of the statistical method, by combining the uncertainties of the intact rock strength and discontinuity parameters, in the assessment of the strength and deformability of rock masses and the support selection process in comparison with the deterministic methods.     

Analysis of support requirements for a shallow diversion tunnel at Guledar dam site, Turkey

Engineering geological properties and support design of a planned diversion tunnel at Guledar dam site, which was located at the North of Ankara, Turkey were studied in this article. The main purpose of the construction of the planned tunnel is to regulate, drainage and to provide water for irrigation purposes. The diversion tunnel runs mainly through formations of limestone, sandstone and diabase. Rock masses at the site were characterized using Rock Mass Rating (RMR), Rock Mass Quality (Q), Rock Mass Index (RMi) and Geological Strength Index (GSI). RMR, Q, RMi and GSI were determined by using field data and mechanical properties of intact rock samples, measured in the laboratory. Support requirements for the planned diversion tunnel were determined accordingly in terms of the rock mass classification systems. Recommended support systems by empirical methods were also analyzed using 2D Finite Element method. Calculated parameters based on empirical methods were used as input parameters in the finite element models. The results from both methods were compared with each other. This comparison suggests that more reliable support design could be achieved by using the finite element method together with the empirical methods.     

基于统一强度理论深埋圆形隧道围岩的剪胀分析

基于连续介质理论中岩体的剪胀角与围压和塑性剪切应变密切相关,隧洞周边岩体的应力状态因开挖卸荷而发生应力重分布,迫使其围压由原地应力逐渐衰减,塑性剪切应变不断增加,引起剪胀效应呈非线性变化。首先,基于统一强度理论和非关联流动法则,将潜在塑性区围岩按等围压释放划分为若干同心圆,提出了考虑中间主应力和非线性剪胀性的有限差分法,计算应变软化围岩的力学问题,并以实例验证其正确性。其次,通过参数分析,研究塑性区内岩体的剪胀角受中间主应力、临界软化系数和支护力的影响规律。研究结果表明,中间主应力主要影响剪胀角的峰值,随着中间主应力效应增加,剪胀峰值增加;临界软化系数主要影响剪胀角的变化率,随着临界软化系数的增加,剪胀角变化缓慢;中间主应力和临界软化系数共同影响塑性区剪胀角的变化;随着支护力的增加,洞壁处的剪胀角增加;双剪强度理论计算的位移值较小,应谨慎采用,同时采用Mohr-Coulomb强度准则时可以适当考虑围岩的承载潜力。     

Empirical and numerical analyses of support requirements for a diversion tunnel at the Boztepe dam site, eastern Turkey

This paper presents the engineering geological properties and support design of a planned diversion tunnel at the Boztepe dam site that contains units of basalt and tuffites. Empirical, theoretical and numerical approaches were used and compared in this study focusing on tunnel design safety. Rock masses at the site were characterized using three empirical methods, namely rock mass rating (RMR), rock mass quality (Q) and geological strength index (GSI). The RMR, Q and GSI ratings were determined by using field data and the mechanical properties of intact rock samples were evaluated in the laboratory. Support requirements were proposed accordingly in terms of different rock mass classification systems. The convergence–confinement method was used as the theoretical approach. Support systems were also analyzed using a commercial software based on the finite element method (FEM). The parameters calculated by empirical methods were used as input parameters for the FEM analysis. The results from the two methods were compared with each other. This comparison suggests that a more reliable and safe design could be achieved by using a combination of empirical, analytical and numerical approaches.     

Stability of openings in jointed rock

The slide line approach is combined with the finite element method to represent the action of a removable block on a lined tunnel. The present paper examines the strength and ductility required of the tunnel liner to resist the forces imposed by a block when the surrounding rock mass is subjected to explosive loading. Key block theory developed by Goodman and Shi provides the conceptual framework for simplifying a general jointed domain to a manageable size for analysis with finite element models.     

Engineering geological studies of the diversion tunnel, focusing on stabilization analysis and support design, Iran

In this paper a detailed engineering geological assessment of rock masses and support design studies at Garmi Chay dam site, has been carried out. This project is located in the northwest of Iran and will be used for flow control and water storage. The diversion tunnel of the dam has a diameter of 5.5 m and a length of 420 m and will be driven in slightly to highly weathered micaschist and trachy andesite rock units. The geological studies include field and laboratory investigations that based on the results; for more exact investigation, tunnel alignment was divided into three geotechnical zones. These zones consist mainly of highly weathered gray micaschists, dark red trachy andesites and slightly weathered gray micaschists, respectively. Then, for every zone, support capacity of rock masses was evaluated by means of empirical and numerical methods. The rock mass classification systems (RMR, Q, GSI, RSR, SRC and RMi), the convergence–confinement method and a 2D finite element computer software, Phase² were used for empirical and numerical method, respectively. According to the results acquired from these methods some stability problems were expected in the tunnel especially in highly weathered micaschist zone, so that in practice two big collapses occurred. Because of high weathering, low constants of rock masses and their soil-like behavior, the stability analysis by analytical method does not give illogical results in lightly weathered micaschist zone. The support system, suggested by empirical method, was applied and its performance was evaluated by means of numerical modeling. After installation the support suggested by Phase² program, the thickness of plastic zone and deformations around the tunnel decreased significantly. Consequently the agreement of these methods with each other was resulted and using combination of them was recommended for more reliable support design.     

Application of Rock Mass Characterization for Determining the Mechanical Properties of Rock Mass: a Comparative Study

The results of geotechnical explorations, engineering geological investigation (including laboratory and in situ tests) and field observations have been used, along with borehole logging charts, to obtain the rock mass geotechnical data. Based on the data, the rock mass along the Sabzkuh water conveyance tunnel route was classified by rock mass rating (RMR), Q-system (Q), rock mass index (RMi) and geological strength index (GSI) (3 methods). A new series of correlations were established between the systems based on the data collected from the study area. These relationships were then compared with those reported in the literature, and two new relations were recommended. The classifications were utilized to calculate mechanical properties (rock mass strength and deformation modulus) of the rock mass along the tunnel according to available empirical relations, and to distinguish the upper-bound and lower-bound relations.