Laboratory Rock Mechanics

MNG 551 Laboratory #2

Rock Mass Classification
ASTM D6032 & 5878

Philipe Innecco Rosa

Lab Performed: 9/17/14

Lab Reported: 9/24/14

Purpose

The purpose of the lab exercise is to determine a rock mass classification through different
methods. The objective of rock classification is to quantify and combine qualitative features with
mechanical properties of rock masses, which are important to an engineering project. In general
those classification methods consider structural aspects of rock masses such as joints, fractures,
faults, groundwater, weatherability and strength of the rock. There are several rock classification
methods, each one consider this properties differently based on the application that method was
created for. It is important to understand those differences and take those methods as an initial
stage of you engineering project.
Equipment
The following list of equipment was used to complete the lab exercise:
Rock Quality Designation and FERM Classification (RQD)

Drill core
Tape measure
FERM Classification Booklet

Bieniawskis Rock Mass Rating (RMR)

A rock mass to classify

Ability to perform laboratory and field testing
RMR classification charts and tables

Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR)

A coal mine roof to classify or drill core sample from roof

Ability to perform laboratory and field testing
CMRR Software provided by NIOSH
Ball-peen hammer
Chisel
Water bucket

Procedure
Rock Quality Designation and FERM Classification (RQD)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

With a tape measure, measure the length of each core peace greater than 4in.
Sum the lengths of core pieces greater than 4 in.
Measure the total length of the drill core.
Use the equation provided in section 2.4 to calculate RQD.
Record the approximate description using table provided in 2.4.
Use the FERM classification booklet to classify the rock type of each core piece.

Bieniawskis Rock Mass Rating (RMR)

1. From the descriptions provided in the problem statement, determine ratings for
parameters 1 to 5 in table 6.9A.

2. Use table 6.10 to determine the discontinuity strike and dip classification.
3. Use the strike and dip classification to determine rating adjustment for joint orientations
in table 6.9B.
4. Use table 6.9C to determine rock description.
5. Use table 6.9D to determine cohesion and friction angle of the rock mass.
6. Use table 6.4 to determine average stand-up time of an unsupported excavation.
7. Use the equations provided in section 2.4 to estimate the modulus of deformation of the
rock mass.
Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR)
Part 1.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Open the CMRR program in the NIOSHI folder located in the start menu.
Select File > New, and fill out the project description. Click next.
Fill out the general information tab.
Fill out the unit information tab.
Fill out the specific information for each unit.
Fill out the CMRR tab
The CMRR is shown at the top right of the dialogue box.
Save the plot of roof layers.
Save the CMRR report.

Part 2.
1. Perform the chisel splitting test on the three different rock types to determine cohesion of
the joint.
2. Perform the moisture sensitivity test on each rock type to determine the moisture
sensitivity.
3. Perform the ball-peen hammer test on each tock type to determine the strength index.
4. Determine the FERM classification of each rock type.
5. Fill out the forms on the CMRR program and determine the CMRR.

Results
Rock Quality Designation and FERM Classification (RQD)

After following the procedures listed above, we were able to fill table1.
RQD DATA SHEET
Project: Rock Mass Classification
Date: 09/17/14
Core Box I.D. no.:
Recorders: Rachel, Thales, Luis Felipe
and Philipe
Total Length of Core Run, mm (in):
Checkers:
235.52
Core Diameter, mm (in):
Date Checked:
Sketch or
Length of Each
Run
Photographic
Sound Piece of
FERM Index
Image of core
Core > 100 mm
7
5.75
5.75
5.5
7
7

333

2
An image of entire
core sample is
provided bellow

4
5
6
5.5
5
8.25
7.75
8
8.75

Lengths of Sound Pieces of Core > 100 mm (4-in): 96.25

RQD ( ) =

Lengths of Sound Piecesof Core>100 mm(4)

Total Length of Core Run, mm()

RQD ( ) =

335

40.87

Table. 1 RQD Data Sheet

Rock Classification: Poor

323

332

328

Figure 1 Core Sample

Bieniawskis Rock Mass Rating (RMR)

After following the procedures listed above, we were able to fill table2 and
determine the samples RMR value.

Rock Mass Rating

1) Strength Rating
2) RQD Rating
3) Joint Spacing Rating
4) Joint Condition Rating
5) Groundwater Rating
6) Joint Orientation Adjustment
Total Rating
Class No.
Description
Cohesion (kPa)
Friction Angle
Stand-up time
Modulus of Deformation (GPa)

12
17
15
20
7
-5
66
II
Good Rock
300 400 kPa
35 45 degrees
6 months for 8m span
32

Table. 2 RMR Data Sheet

Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR)

Part 1.
After following the procedures listed above, weve obtained the following ground
water CMRR value. Also the CMRR report is attached at the end of this paper.

Image. 2 CMRR Final Value

Part 2.

After following the procedures listed above, weve obtained the information on table
3 and then weve obtained ground water CMRR value for this problem. Also the
CMRR report is attached at the end of this paper.

Unit A
Thickness (ft.)
FERM class
Strength Index
No. of
Discontinuities
(1) Cohesion
(1) Roughness
(1) Spacing
(1) Persistence
(2) Cohesion
(2) Roughness
(2) Spacing
(2) Persistence

Unit B

Unit C

3
994
2

0.5
994
2

6.5
994
2

Weak
Wavy Planer
0.5
50
Weak
Wavy
10
20

Weak
Weak - Planer
0.25
30
-

Weak
Jagged - Wavy
0.75
30
-

Contact Quality
Water Sensitivity
Water Movement
Bolt

S
Slight
Light Drip
5

S
Slight

S
Slight

Table. 2 CMRR Underground Data Sheet

Image. 3 CMRR Final Value

Discussion
Rock Quality Designation and FERM Classification (RQD)
After the measurements we have obtained a total length of sound pieces of core of 96.25 in and
the total length of core run was 235.52 in. Using the equation provided on table 1, we came up
with a RQD of 40.87% which classifies the core sample as a poor rock. General Tunnelers
description, describes this as being shattered, very blocky and seamy.
This experiment were the most propitious to have any kind of error, because it consist in
evaluating which discontinuity we should or should not considerate.
Bieniawskis Rock Mass Rating (RMR)
With all information provided we were able to quantify the final RMR value which were 66, and
from there classify the rock into class number 2 which describes it as a Good Rock Mass.

Following this method we can infer some of the rock properties. It has a cohesion value that
ranges from 300 to 400 kPa, a friction angle that ranges from 35 to 45 degrees and a stand up
time of six months for an eight meters span. There are several empirical equations for
determination of a variety parameters from RMR, one of these were proposed by Bieniawski in
1978 and we can obtain the deformation modulus. This equation is shown on Rock Mechanics
Lab Manual page 35. Weve obtained a rock mass deformation modulus of 32 GPa.
We have also obtained some geomechanics characteristics for excavation and support in that rock
mass. Due to its classification we can have a full face advancement from 1.0 to 1.5 meters with
support at twenty meters from face. Support will consist in locally bolts in crown, three meters
long, spaced 2.5 meters with occasional wire mesh. Also a 50 millimeters shotcrete in crown is
required but there is no need for steel sets.
Considering that we were provided with the data for this exercise the only source of error on this
experiment could be a misunderstanding on those charts by the student.
Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR)
Part 1.
We filled the CMRR software with the underground database provided. As a result we have
obtained a final groundwater adjusted CMRR value of 52.9, which classify this as a moderate
roof, and a six feet long roof bolt is required for anchoring this rock mass.
Part 2.
For this we had to complete the underground information by performing the chisel splitting test,
moisture sensitivity test and ball-peen hammer test to determine the cohesion of the joint,
moisture sensitivity and strength index respectively. All of those tests are simple and fast to do
and combining them with the charts provided we were able to have a better understanding of the
rock properties. Also those are most important properties we should know to apply CMRR,
considering that we need a strong layer to have our bolt fixed in.
After filling the CMRR software with this database weve obtained a final groundwater adjusted
CMRR value of 50.8, which classify this as a moderate roof, and a five feet long roof bolt is
required for anchoring this rock mass.
The source of error on this experiment could be a careless performing on the test, which lead to
improper results.
Conclusion
The purpose of this laboratory report was to have a better understanding about rock mass
classification systems by applying each one of them on real cases scenarios. We have performed
three major experiments, they are Rock Quality Designation, Rock Mass Rating and Coal Mine
Rating. In every one we were trying to quantify qualitative data like geologic features for further
engineering design. For the first test, Rock Quality Designation, we have obtained a RQD of
40.87% which classifies the core sample as a poor rock. For the RMR test we had a final value of

66, classifying that sample into a Good Rock Mass. We had two databases to fill the CMRR
software and we had a final Moderate Roof classification for both of them.
Suggested Exercises
1) Any natural joints or fractures that crosses transversely the core sample should be
considered when evaluating rock mass quality under RQD. Artificial discontinuities
should not be considered.
2) RQD system is needed for a classification system, RQD alone is not a classification
system. It is used to get a general evaluation of rock masses, in other words, it is the
starting point for our research.
3) Bieniawskis RMR system combine some factors to classify rocks into some groups with
similar characteristics. It provide a good basis for understanding characteristics of the
rack mass, so it is recommended for general use in preliminary design. RMR should be
simple and meaningful, thats why it is based on measurable parameters which can be
determined quickly and cheaply in the field. Those parameters are:
1. Strength of Intact Rock Material. UCS or point load test.
2. Rock Quality Designation (RQD).
3. Discontinuity Spacing. Including all discontinuities.
4. Joint Condition. This includes joint separation, persistence, roughness, and
infilling material.
5. Groundwater Conditions.
4) CMRR was developed in order to have a rock mass classification system that was
specially tailored for evaluation of coal mine roofs. It is designed for bedded coal
measure rocks and concentrates on the bolted horizon and its ability to provide a stable
mine structure. CMRR considers three major parameters: Discontinuities, Strength and
Moisture sensitivity.
5) The primary factor in assessing the strength of the immediate roof is discontinuities and
discontinuities conditions.
6) Water movement can reduce rock strength, generating swelling pressures, or
compromising support effectiveness by causing sloughing around roof bolt plates.
7) Four common rock mass classification systems are: Q-System, RMR, CMRR and GSI
Required Reading Exercises
1) Rock Classification systems are important because they provide a methodology for
characterizing rock mass strength using simple measurements; they allow geologic
information to be converted into quantitative engineering data and they also make it
possible to compare ground control experiences between sites, even when geologic
conditions are very different.
2) Rock Classifications have their weaknesses as well. Some of them are: Some of them
only provide a general idea of the rock mass, therefore they should be used on early
stages of an engineering design; each one tend to focus on properties and characteristics
which are more important for the application they were developed for; they rate just one
rock unit at a time.

3) A rock material is a small piece of rock, which is natural aggregate of minerals. This
small piece may not contain all the geologic features present in a larger mass. A rock
mass is a large quantity of rock containing all the geologic features such as joint,
fractures, faults, folds, etc.
4) Structural features are related to discontinuities such as joints, bedding planes, faults and
fractures.
5) Spacing, persistence, cohesion and roughness.