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This spreadsheet combines the following three numerical, empirical classisifcation systems for estimates of rock support
The Q system, developed by Barton et al. In 1974 and later revised in 1993 and in 2004.
- about the Q system, see: - Grimstad E. and Barton N. (1993): Updating the Q-system for NMT. Proc. I
- Barton, N. and Grimstad, E. (2004): The Q-system following thirty years of d
The RMR or Geomechanics system, developed by Bieniawski in 1973 and later revised in 1974, 1975, 1976, and
- about the RMR system of 1989 version, see Bieniawski Z.T. (1989): Engineering rock mass classifications
The RMi rock support system, developed by Palmstrom in 1995, partly revised in 2000.
- about the RMi system, see: - Palmstrm A. (2000): Recent developments in rock support estimates by th
- Palmstrm A. (2009): Combining the RMR, Q and RMi classification system
In the sheet 'INPUT DATA', the input ratings or values of of the parameters applied in the three systems are given either
'Calculations' sheet. As the three systems apply partly the same input parameters on rock mass and ground, the input va
'Parameters tables' sheet. For many of the parameters, common values are automatically used if no input has been giv
(degree of jointing) for a crude estimate to be made. However, the more input given, the better the result found will be.
In the sheet 'Parameters values', tables are presented for all the input parameters. It is possible here to adjust ithe input
The input parameters in 'INPUT DATA' are linked to the 'PARAMETER TABLES'
The values or rationgs of the input parameters and the calculated RMR, Q, and RMi values are given in the sheet 'RESU
The influence of the rock stresses must be assessed and stress input given in the 'INPUT DATA' sheet according to the
The lists of input parameters in the 'INPUT DATA' sheet can be removed, as shown.
Some important limitations are indicated, but there may be others not being mentioned
As there are very many functions and relations involved in the spreadsheet, errors or unaccuracies may be present. You
ng the Q-system for NMT. Proc. Int. Symp. on Sprayed Concrete, Fagernes, Norway 1993, Norwegian Concrete Association, Oslo, 20 p
Q-system following thirty years of development and application in tunneling projects. Proc. ISRM Symp. EUROCK 2004. Salzburg, Austr
revised in 1974, 1975, 1976, and 1989
neering rock mass classifications. John Wiley & Sons, New York, 251 pp.
ts in rock support estimates by the RMi. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Tunnelling Technology, Vol. 6, No. 1 May 2000, pp. 1 19; also
R, Q and RMi classification systems. www.rockmass.net, 25p
he three systems are given either as input symbols or as values. The calculations are made in the
ock mass and ground, the input values parameters have been combined as shown in the
cally used if no input has been given. Thus, it is sufficient to insert only data for a few parameters
e better the result found will be.
possible here to adjust ithe input ratings or values for most of the parameters.
PUT DATA' sheet according to the SRF factor (in the Q-system).
Observer: Note:
Rock(s):
Input symbols are shown in blue below; see also 'Parameter tables'
Input parameters
Tunnel span or diameter (Dt) (a span of 10m is used as input as no info is given)
Tunnel wall height (Wt) (a wall height of 5m is used as input as no info is given)
A1 Compressive strength of rock (UCS or sc): (UCS = 100MPa is used as input as no info is given)
B1 RQD (Rock Quality Designation): RQD =
B2 Degree of Block volume (Vb): Vb =
B3 jointing Volumetric joint count (Jv): Jv =
B4 Joint spacing: (a = > 2m; b = 0.6 - 2m; c = 0.2 - 0.6m; d = 0.06 - 0.2m; e = < 0.06m)
C1 Block shape: (a = cubical blocks; b = slightly long or flat blocks; c = mod. long or flat blocks; d = very long or flat blocks)
C2 Jointing Joint sets: (a=no sets; b=1 set; c=1 set+random; d=2 sets; e=2 sets+random; f=3 sets; g=3 sets+random; i = crushed)
C3 pattern Orientation of in roof
(a = very favourable; b = favourable; c = fair; d = unfavourable; e = very unfavourable)
C4 main joint set: in wall
D1 Joint Joint smoothness: (a = v. rough; b = rough; c = slightly rough; d = smooth; e = polished; f = slickensided; g = filled joints)
D2 roughness Joint undulation: (a = discontin.; b = strongly undulating; c = mod. undul.; d = slightly undul.; e = planar; f = filled joints)
No filling: (a = healed; b = fresh // no filling; c = slightly altered; d = altered; e = sand/silt coating; f = clay coat.)
Joint
D3 alteration or Filling < ca. 5mm thickness: (h = sand / silt; j = hard clay; l = soft clay; n = swelling clay)
weathering
Filling > ca. 5mm thickness: (i = sand / silt; k = hard clay; m = soft clay; o = swelling clay)
D4 Joint length: (a = crack; b = parting; c = v. short (0.1-1m); d = short (1-3m); e = medium (3-10m); f = long (10-30m); g = seam or shear)
D5 Joint separation: (a = none; b = v.tight (<0.1mm); c = tight (0.1-0.5mm); d = mod.open (0.5-2.5mm); e = open (2.5-10mm); f = v. open)
E Interlocking or compactness of rockmass structure: (a = very tight; b = tight or compact ; c = disturbed; d = poorly interlocked)
F Ground water inflow to tunnel or cavern: (a = dry; b = damp; c = wet; d = dripping; e = gushing; f = flowing; g = heavily flowing)
G1 Stress level: (input for Q and RMi) (a = very low stress level; b = low stress; c = moderate / medium stress; d = high stress)
Over- Rock spalling or bursting: (e = moderate slabbing; f = rock burst; g = heavy burst) input of
G2
stressing Squeezing: (h = moderate squeeze; i = heavy squeeze) SRF
H1 Type: (j = multiple zones; k = single zone <50m; l = single zone >50m; m = multiple shears; q = crushed)
Weakness
H2 zone Thickness or width of zone (m): (valid for 1 - 20m wide zones)
H3 (fault, in roof
Orientation of
etc.) (a = very favourable; b = favourable; c = fair; d = unfavourable; e = very unfavourable)
H4 zone: in wall
NOTE: Swelling rock is not included
Rock Mass
INFORMATION AND COMMENTS
Fill input symbols for the input parameters as given in blue or shown in the sheet 'Parameters tables
Only input for one of the parameters for the "Degree of jointing" (green cells) is needed to
make a simple estimate.
and
values
For the other input parameters, common1) values are automatically used if no input is given. Where
values on these other parameters are available, or can be estimated, fill in also for these to arrive at a
more accurate result.
For more details of the parameters, see the sheet 'Parameter tables'.
<-- INPUT
m
S
S
1)
Common values:
Where no input has been given, the generally most common values or ratings are used:
- For joint spacing (input to RMR), block diameter is used as the average spacing,
- For 'Joint set number, Jn' (or Nj in the RMi system) the value generally varies with block size (or
Based on this, the joint set number used is estimated according to Table C2 in
2)
Various calculations for the Degree of jointing:
- The RQD is found from Jv (volumetric joint count) from the equation: RQD = 110 - 4.5Jv (for Jv =
- The block volume (Vb) is found from Jv from the equation: Vb = bJv - 3
where b is the block shape factor, see sheet 'Parameter tables'
ers tables
g can be used:
etric joint count).
Project: Date:
Tunnel: Location:
Observer: Note:
Rock(s):
RMR = ? Q= ? Gc =
in roof
Ground quality (related to stability)
in walls RMR = ? Qwall = Gcwall =
Sr =
in roof - -
Blockiness (related to block instability)
Srwall =
in walls - -
Weakness zone -
Rockmass
-
stresses Potential stress problems
Limitations
Limitations
Sr = Size ratio (geometrical factor involving block diameter, tunnel span, plus number of joint sets and orientation of joints)
Gc = Ground condition factor
Reference: A. Palmstrm, Q-RMR-RMi, version 2.2.
Cg = Competency of ground (Cg = scm / sq = RMi / sq) RockMass AS, Jan. 2015
Rock Mass
ed
RMi 2008
MPa
-
m3
-
Degree of jointing'
RMi
?
RMR-RMi, version 2.2.
ockMass AS, Jan. 2015
INTERIM CALCULATIONS
(Blue values and blue text can be adjusted)
RMi system
1. RMi Basic parameters 4. RMi calculations in weakness zones
Parameter Value Comment Parameter Value Comment
Rock strength sc = 100 MPa Zone width Tz = - m
js = 1.25 Cozone = - roof
Joint roughness jR = 1.75 Zone orientation
jw = 1.4 Cozone = - wall
factor
jR used = 1.75 Ground conditions in zone, RMi /GW =
1 no filling Roof condition Gcroof =
jA = filling < 5mm Wall condition Gcwall =
Joint alteration factor Sr roof =
filling >5mm roof
Size ratio zone
jA used = 1 Sr wall = wall
Joint size factor jL = 1 Tz > Dt? - roof
Zone width vs. tunnel size
Joint condition factor jC = 1.75 Tz > Wt? - wall
Block shape factor b= 36
Limit of RMi:
Block volume Vb = ? m
Block diameter Db = ### m
Jointing parameter JP = ###
Massivity factor fs = ### 5. Rockmass continuity
Interlocking//compactness IL = 1 Roof:
Rock Mass index RMi = ? Wall:
Classification of Q
Q= 1000 - 400 Except, good
Q= 400 - 100 Extremely good
Q= 100 - 40 Very good
Q= 40 - 10 Good
Q= 10 - 4 Fair
Q= 4 - 1 Poor
Q= 1 - 0.1 Very poor
Q= 0.1 - 0.01 Extremely poor
Q= 0.01 - 0.001 Exceptionally poor
Classification of RMi
RMi = 100 - 40 Very high
RMi = 40 - 10 High
RMi = 10 - 1 Moderate
RMi = 1 - 0.4 Low
RMi = 0.4 - 0.1 Very low
RMi = 0.1 - 0.01 Extremely low
Back Block volume (Vb) use value Not included Not included Actual value of Vb
Vb may be calculated from Vb = b*Jv-3; A crude value of Vb may be found from 36*Jv-3 (b = block shape factor)
B3 Density of joints - - -
Values of RQD and Vb
Back Volumetric joint count (Jv) use value Not included Not included Not included will automatically be
calculated.
Jv may be used instead of Vb and/or RQD
B4 Joint spacing1) A3 = - -
Very large spacing spacing (m) > 2 a 20
When value for joint
Large spacing 0.6 - 2 b 15 spacing (B3) is not given, it
Moderate spacing 0.2 - 0.6 c 10 Not included Not included is automatically calculated
Back Small spacing 0.06 - 0.2 d 8 from the block diameter
(Db)
Very small spacing spacing (m) < 0.06 e 5
1)
Where more than one joint set occurs, the rating for the smallest spacing should be applied
(t = joint thickness) t < 5mm t > 5mm contact *) contact **) t < ca. 5mm t > ca. 5mm or t < ca. 5mm 5mm
No filling - 6 - - - -
Friction materials (silt, sand, etc.) h // i 5 2 4 8 4 8 <-- 4 8
Hard, cohesive materials (clay, talc, chlorite) j // k 4 2 6 8 6 8 <-- 6 5 - 10
Back Soft, cohesive materials (soft clay) l // m 2 0 8 12 8 12 <-- 8 12
Swelling clay materials n // o 0 0 10 18 10 18 <-- 8 - 12 13 - 20
*) Wall contact before 10cm shear; **) No contact when sheared;
Note: Q and RMi apply a combination of joint weathering and infilling, while RMR has input of both weathering and infilling
D4 Joint length A4a = - jL =
Crack 1) (irregular break) Length < ~0.3m a 8 5
Parting (very short, thin joint) < 1m b 3
6
Very short joint 0.3 1m c 2
Short joint 1 3m d 4 Not included 1.5
Medium joint 3 10m e 2 1
Back Long joint 10 30m 2) f 1 0.75
Filled joint, seam or shear 3) > 10m g 0 0.5
1)
"Crack" has been introduced in this spreadsheet; 2)
Length 10 20 m is applied in the RMR; 3)
Used in cases where most joints in the location are filled
D5 Joint separation or aperture (A) A4b = - -
None a 6
Very tight
A < 0.1mm b 5
Tight 0.1 0.5mm
c 4 Partly included in
0.5 - 1mm
Moderately open Not included 'Interlocking of
1 2.5mm rockmass structure'
d 1
2.5 - 5mm
Open
Back 5 - 10mm
e 0
Very open 10 - 25mm
Back Thickness or width of the zone (Tz) use value Not included Not included Width of zone in m In one WALL
TERM
H3,
Orientation of zone related to excavation (H3 in roof; H4 in walls) - - Coz = strike (o) dip (o)
H4
Very favourable a 1 Very favourable 70 all
Favourable b 1 Favourable < 70
Fair c Not included Not included 1.5 50 - 70 >
Fair
Back Unfavourable d 2 50 20 -
Very unfavourable e 3 Unfavourable 30 - 50
*)
Most weakness zones should be especially evaluated, together with the use of engineering judgement Very unfavourable 30
Reference: A. Palmstrm, Q-RMR-RMi, version 2.2. RockMass AS, Jan. 2015 NOTE: blue values can be adjusted
er of JOINT SETS
joints
m joints
m joints
heavily jointed
ALL In opposite WALL In ROOF
dip (o) strike (o) dip (o) dip (o)
all > 60 all > 60
20 ### - 60 all 45 - 60
all strikes
20
30 45 30 - 45
45
45 30 > 45 15 - 30
45 15
sc / s1 sq / sc
200 0.01
10 0.3
5 0.5
3 0.65
2 1
2 <1
n the Q system sc /s1 0.65
assumed values
d sq /scm are used 1
ALL In opposite WALL In ROOF
Rock support
Ground class Excavation (drill and blast) Rock bolts
(20 mm diam., fully bonded)
1.Very good rock Full face:
Generally no support required except for occasio
RMR: 81-100 3m advance
2. Good rock Full face: Locally bolts in crown, 3m long,
RMR: 61-80 1.0 - 1.5m advance; spaced 2.5m with occasional
Complete support 20 m from face wire mesh
3. Fair rock Top heading and bench:
RMR: 41-60 1.5 - 3m advance in top heading; Systematic bolts 4m long,
spaced 1.5 - 2m in crown and
Commence support after each blast; walls with wire mesh in crown
Commence support 10 m from face
4. Poor rock Top heading and bench:
Systematic bolts 4 - 5m long,
RMR: 21-40 1.0 - 1.5m advance in top heading;
spaced 1 - 1.5m in crown and
Install support concurrently with excavation - 10 m walls with wire mesh
from face
5. Very poor rock Multiple drifts:
RMR < 21 0.5 - 1.5m advance in top heading; Systematic bolts 5 - 6m long,
spaced 1 - 1.5m in crown and
Install support concurrently with excavation; walls with wire mesh. Bolt invert
shotcrete as soon as possible after blasting
Rock support
20 5
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
10 4.0 m 3
ESR
3.0 m
5 2.4
2.0 m
1.6 m
2 1.3 m 1.5
1.0 m
1
0.001 0.004 0.01 0.04 0.1 0.4 1 4 10 40 100 400 1000
RQD Jr Jw
Rock mass quality Q = Jn xJa x
SRF
REINFORCEMENT CATEGORIES:
1) Unsupported 6) Fibre reinforced shotcrete and bolting, 9- 12 cm
2) Spot bolting 7) Fibre reinforced shotcrete and bolting, 12 - 15 cm
3) Systematic bolting 8) Fibre reinforced shotcrete, > 15 cm,
4) Systematic bolting, (and unreinforced shotcrete, 4 - 10 cm) reinforced ribs of shotcrete and bolting
5) Fibre reinforced shotcrete and bolting, 5 - 9 cm 9) Cast concrete lining
The RMi rock support chart for jointed rock and weakness zones The RMi rock support chart for overstressed rock
Note: use
Li mit
RMi rock support chart for jointed rocks and weakness zones
also for initial support in overstressed, particulate ground an
REINFORCED
Rock
S P ECI A L DE SI GNE D
1x1 - 1.5x1.5m Limit 200 - - -
400
ROC
else Sr = (Dt/Db) x K2
1.2 - - - - 1.5 -
For weakness zones with thickness Tz < Dt: Sr = (Tz/Db) x K2
200
very h
100
80
FIBRECRE
SP E CIA L DE SI GNE D
ROCK SUP P ORT
60
2 0 0 ---1 5 0 ----
40 ROC
1.2 - - - - 1.5 -
SHOTCRETE AND ROCK BOLTS
roc
Siz e ra tio ( Sr)
20
very heavy
10 overs
8
ONLY ROCK BOLTS 0.1 0.2
6
1
0 .0 1 0.02 0. 04 0 .1 0.2 0.4 0.6 1 2 4 6 10 20 40 60 100 200 400 600
Note: use it with care, as there might be uncertainties in stress measurement or in calculations,
Li mit
and the fact that the chart for squeezing is based on a limited amount of cases
particulate rocks
ductile, massive
FOR MASSIVE ROCKS: NO ROCK SUPPORT
S P ECI A L DE SI GNE D
and some
ROCK BOLTS (spacing, m) FOR PARTICULATE ROCKS: U se su p p or t ch ar t
1.2 - - - - 1.5 - - - - 1.7 - - - - - 2 - - - - 2.5 - - - - - 3 fo r j oi n ted ro c ks
squeezing
very heavy heavy fair light
0.35 0.5 0.7 1
SCALING
ROCK SUP P ORT
massive
+ N O R OC K
brittle,
r ocks
ROCK BOLTS ( spacing, m) SPOT BOLTING SU PPOR T
1.2 - - - - 1.5 - - - - - 1.7 - - - - - 2 - - - - 2.5 - - - - - 3
overstressed (incompetent)
0.1 0.2 0.5 1 2.5 10
METAMORPHIC ROCKS
Siltstone 10 - 80 - 180 9.6 Greenschist 65 - 75 - 85
Tuff 3 - 25 - 150 Greenstone 120 - 170 - 280
Andesite 75 - 140 - 300 18.9 Greywacke 100 - 120 - 145
Anorthosite 40 - 125 - 210 Marble 60 - 130 - 230
Basalt 100 - 165 - 355 (17) Mica gneiss 55 - 80 - 100
Diabase (dolerite) 227 - 280 - 319 15.2 Mica quartzite 45 - 85 - 125
Diorite 100 - 140 - 190 (27) Mica schist 20 - 80 - 170
IGNEOUS ROCKS
SOIL
Rating of
the factor
mi
(see notes)
31.2
(31)
(30)
(30)
29.2
(30)
(20)
9.3
(30)
(25)
(15)
(13)
23.7
11.4
(10)