Rock mass classification schemes in volcanic rocks

Author(s):  
M Menéndez ◽  
J González-Gallego
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Ainul Fatayaatis Salaamah ◽  
Teuku Faisal Fathani ◽  
Wahyu Wilopo

One important part of rock mass investigation is the geomechanical assessment in terms of rock mass classification systems. Rock mass classification is one of themost efficient methods in rock mechanics to provide a basic understanding of rock masscharacterization. Rock mass properties can be determined by a seismic refraction surveyas an indirect geophysical assessment. In this study, the P-wave velocity from seismicrefraction was compared with the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) from the boreholes.The empirical correlation between the RQD and the P-wave velocity was found by usingthe linear regression analysis. The RQD value estimated from the P-wave velocity can beapplied for tropical environment study with geological conditions of volcanic rocks. This study helps to estimate and predict the subsurface rock quality, to reduce investigation costs, and to improve understanding of subsurface rock quality.


2008 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 800-811 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin S. Brook ◽  
Erin Hutchinson

Rock mass classification systems were first generated for use in engineering applications, but their potential for utilization in geomorphic studies has since been recognized. These techniques were mostly developed for hard rock environments, and questions remain about their applicability to weak rocks. Here, the applicability of three rock mass classification techniques (rock mass strength (RMS), rock mass rating (RMR), and slope mass rating (SMR)) to weak rock masses was analyzed. Techniques incorporated parameters such as uniaxial compressive rock strength, discontinuity condition and orientation, and groundwater ratings. Rock mass classification values were determined from 14 profiles sited on recently excavated road cuttings on the Saddle Road, in the Ruahine Range, North Island, New Zealand. This is an important transport route across the North Island’s axial ranges, with the road excavated into weak late Pliocene – Early Pleistocene mudstone. Mean slope and minimum slope angle were measured at each profile in concert with the rock mass classification schemes. The three classification techniques all appear to have limited usefulness given the subaerial conditions prevalent at the study site. It would appear that the relative weightings of the different parameters within the RMR, RMS, and SMR classification schemes would need modifying for weak rock masses, but the precise details of this are difficult to determine.


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