ROCK MASS CLASSIFICATION

Rock mass classifications were developed to create in site investigation procedures more
systematic. Idea is not to replace analytical studies, field observations, measurements or
engineering judgement.

Theobjectivesofrockmassclassificationsare,

Parametersinfluencingthebehaviourofarockmass.

Divideaparticularrockmassformulationintogroups

Provideabasisofunderstandingthecharacteristicsofeachrock

Relatetheexperienceofrockconditionsatdifferentsites

Derivequantitativedataandguidelinesforengineeringdesign

Providecommonbasisforcommunicationbetweenengineersandgeologists

Mainbenefitsofrockmassclassifications,

Improvingthequalityofsiteinvestigationsbycallingfortheminimuminputdataas
classificationparameters.

Providingquantitativeinformationfordesignpurposes.

Enablingbetterengineeringjudgementandmoreeffectivecommunicationonaproject.
 Table 4: Rock Mass Rating System (After Bieniawski 1989)

 Table 5: Guideline properties of Rock Mass Classes