Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Modification of the rock mass rating system (RMRmbi) considering three-dimensional rock block size

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Traditional measurements of block size (or degree of jointing), such as the rock quality designation (RQD), are questionable due to certain theoretical limitations, including orientation bias and their weakness in considering the joint persistence and three-dimensional shapes of block sizes. This may lead to inaccurate characterizations of rock mass structures and unreliable classification of rock mass qualities. The modified blockiness index (MBi) is a three-dimensional measurement of block size which was developed to overcome these problems. In this study, correlations between MBi and several traditional block size measurements were assessed; based on the MBi, the rock mass rating (RMR) system was modified, and this version was termed RMRmbi. In the first part of this work, multiple simulated experiments were conducted using the GeneralBlock software program and 3DEC (three-dimensional distinct element code), and a large volume of MBi, RQD, joint frequency (JF) and volumetric joint count (Jv) values (artificial data sets) were obtained; subsequently, the correlations between MBi and RQD, JF and Jv were assessed. In the second part, the combined use of RQD and JF in the RMR system was replaced with MBi, and hence, the RMRmbi system was developed; based on the artificial data sets, the viability of RMRmbi was preliminarily supported. At the end of this study, the correlations between MBi and RQD, JF and Jv were verified based on actual data; the RMRmbi was applied to real cases, and a comparison between RMRmbi and RMR was conducted. The results showed that (i) the MBi can capture the influence of joint persistence; (ii) the RMRmbi system can overcome the theoretical limitations caused by RQD and JF; and (iii) simulated experiments showed that the RMRmbi values are more reliable, thus validating the accuracy of RMRmbi and revealing its great potential for future application.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15
Fig. 16
Fig. 17
Fig. 18
Fig. 19
Fig. 20
Fig. 21
Fig. 22
Fig. 23
Fig. 24
Fig. 25
Fig. 26
Fig. 27
Fig. 28
Fig. 29
Fig. 30
Fig. 31
Fig. 32
Fig. 33
Fig. 34

Similar content being viewed by others

Abbreviations

3DEC:

Three-dimensional distinct element code

3DJN :

Three-dimensional joint network model

A :

Rotation matrix

COV :

Coefficient of variation

d 3 :

Three-dimensional joint density

JF :

Joint frequency

JN :

Joint set number

JO :

Joint orientation

JP :

Joint persistence

JS :

Joint spacing

J v :

Volumetric joint count

MAPE:

Mean absolute percentage error

MB i :

Modified blockiness index

REV:

Representative elementary volume

R M :

The rating of MBi in the RMRmbi system

RMR :

Rock mass rating system

RMR mbi :

A modified RMR system based on the MBi

RMSE:

Root-mean-square error

RQD :

Rock quality designation

R RQD+JF :

The ratings of RQD plus JF in the RMR system

VIF:

Variance inflation factor

References

  • Aksoy CO (2008) Review of rock mass rating classification: historical developments, applications, and restrictions. J Min Sci 44:51–63. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10913-008-0005-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aydan Ö, Ulusay R, Tokashiki N (2014) A new rock mass quality rating system: rock mass quality rating (RMQR) and its application to the estimation of geomechanical. Rock Mech Rock Eng 47:1255–1276. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-013-0462-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barton N, Lien R, Lunde J (1974) Engineering classification of rock masses for the design of tunnel support. Rock Mech Felsmechanik Mécanique des Roches 6:189–236. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01239496

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bejari H, Khademi Hamidi J (2013) Simultaneous effects of joint spacing and orientation on TBM cutting efficiency in jointed rock masses. Rock Mech Rock Eng 46:897–907. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-012-0314-2

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bieniawski ZT (1989) Geomechanics classification: engineering rock mass classifications. Wiley, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Buyer A, Schubert W (2017) Calculation the spacing of discontinuities from 3D point clouds. Procedia Eng 191:270–278. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proeng.2017.05.181

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Celada B, Tardáguila I, Varona P, Bieniawski ZT (2014) Innovating tunnel design by an improved experience-based RMR system. In: Proceedings of the World Tunnel Congress 2014 – Tunnels for a better Life. Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, vol 3, pp 1–9

  • Central South University, Huaxi Group, Liuzhou Huaxi Nonferrous Designing Institute (2011) Assessment of the engineering rock mass quality in Xintongkuang mine (a concluding report)

  • Chen Q, Niu W, Zheng W et al (2018) Correction of some problems in blockiness evaluation method in fractured rock mass. Rock Soil Mech 39(10):3727–3734 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Chen Q, Yin T, Jia H (2019) Selection of optimal threshold of generalised rock quality designation based on modified blockiness index. Advances in Civil Engineering 2019:1340549

    Google Scholar 

  • Deere DU, Hendron AJ, Patton FD et al (1967) Design of Surface and Near-Surface Construction in rock. In: Fairhurst C (ed) Failure and breakage of rock. Society of Mining Engineers of AIME, New York, pp 237–302

    Google Scholar 

  • Dershowitz W, Doe T, Uchida M et al (2003) Correlations between fracture size, transmissivity, and aperture. Soil and rock America. In: Proceedings of the 12th Panamerican Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering, 39th US Rock Mechanics Symposium, Cambridge, 22-26 June, pp 887–891

  • Feng X, Jimenez R (2015) Estimation of deformation modulus of rock masses based on Bayesian model selection and Bayesian updating approach. Eng Geol 199:19–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2015.10.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grenon M, Hadjigeorgiou J (2003) Evaluating discontinuity network characterization tools through mining case studies. Soil Rock America 2003, Boston, 1, 137–142

  • Guangxi University, Huaxi Group (2013) Classification for the jointed rock masses and optimization of the mining technology in Tongkeng mine (a concluding report)

  • Harrison JP (1999) Selection of the threshold value in RQD assessments. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 36:673–685

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoek E, Diederichs MS (2013) Quantification of the geological strength index chart. Presented at the 47th US Rock Mechanics/Geomechanics Symposium, ARMA 13-672, San Francisco CA, June 23-26, 2013

  • ISRM (1978) Suggested methods for the quantitative description of discontinuities in rock masses. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Geomech Abstr 15:319–368. https://doi.org/10.1016/0148-9062(79)91476-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Itasca (2013) 3DEC: three-dimensional distinct element code. Ver. 5.0. Itasca Consulting Group Inc, Minneapolis

    Google Scholar 

  • Kim BH, Cai M, Kaiser PK, Yang HS (2007) Estimation of block sizes for rock masses with non-persistent joints. Rock Mech Rock Eng 40:169–192. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-006-0093-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koutsoftas DC (2017) Discussion of “rock quality designation (RQD): time to rest in peace”. Can Geotech J 55:584–592. https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-2017-0497

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li Y, Wang Q, Chen J et al (2014) Determination of structural domain boundaries in jointed rock masses: an example from the Songta dam site, China. J Struct Geol 69:179–188

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lin F (2008) Evaluation of in-situ measurement methods for counting volumetric joints of rock mass. J Eng Geol 16:663–666 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu Q, Liu J, Pan Y et al (2017) A case study of TBM performance prediction using a Chinese rock mass classification system – hydropower classification (HC) method. Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 65:140–154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2017.03.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martin MW, Tannant DD (2004) A technique for identifying structural domain boundaries at the EKATI diamond mine. Eng Geol 74:247–264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2004.04.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Miller SM (1983) A statistical method to evaluate homogeneity of structural populations. Math Geol 15:317–328

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Palmstrom A (1982) The volumetric joint count: a useful and simple measure of the degree of rock mass jointing. Proc 4th Congr Int Assoc, Engng Geol, vol 2, pp 221–228

  • Palmstrom A (1996) Characterizing rock masses by the RMi for use in practical rock engineering: part 1: the development of the rock mass index (RMi). Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 11:175–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/0886-7798(96)00015-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Palmstrom A (2005) Measurements of and correlations between block size and rock quality designation (RQD). Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 20:362–377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2005.01.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pan H (2012) Research on grouting uplifting mechanism of plinth of concrete facing dam. Xihua University, Chengdu

    Google Scholar 

  • Pells PJ, Bieniawski ZT, Hencher SR, Pells SE (2017) Rock quality designation (RQD): time to rest in peace. Can Geotech J 54:825–834. https://doi.org/10.1139/cgj-2016-0012

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • PRC Ministry of Construction (1995) Standard for engineering classification of rock masses. China planning press, China (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Priest SD, Hudson JA (1976) Discontinuity spacings in rock. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 13:135–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/0148-9062(76)90818-4

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Riquelme AJ, Abellán A, Tomás R (2015) Discontinuity spacing analysis in rock masses using 3D point clouds. Eng Geol 195:185–195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2015.06.009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Riquelme AJ, Tomás R, Abellán A (2016) Characterization of rock slopes through slope mass rating using 3D point clouds. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 84:165–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrmms.2015.12.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shang J, West LJ, Hencher SR, Zhao Z (2018) Geological discontinuity persistence: implications and quantification. Eng Geol 241:41–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2018.05.010

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Terzaghi RD (1965) Sources of error in joint surveys. Géotechnique 15:287–304. https://doi.org/10.1680/geot.1965.15.3.287

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang X (2011) Analysis and simulation of fractured character in layer rockmass based on probabilistic: a case study of the dam of Jinping I hydropower station. China University of Geoscience, Wuhan

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang C, Hu P, Sun W (2010) Method for evaluating rock mass integrity based on borehole camera technology. Rock Soil Mech 31:1326–1330. (in Chinese with English abstract). https://doi.org/10.16285/j.rsm.2010.04.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Warren SN, Kallu RR, Barnard CK (2016) Correlation of the rock mass rating (RMR) system with the unified soil classification system (USCS): introduction of the weak rock mass rating system (W-RMR). Rock Mech Rock Eng 49:4507–4518. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-016-1090-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wong LNY, Lai VSK, Tam TPY (2018) Joint spacing distribution of granites in Hong Kong. Eng Geol 245:120–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2018.08.009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xia L, Li M, Chen Y et al (2015) Blockiness level of rock mass around underground powerhouse of three gorges project. Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 48:67–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2015.02.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xia L, Zheng Y, Yu Q (2016) Estimation of the REV size for blockiness of fractured rock masses. Comput Geotech 76:83–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compgeo.2016.02.016

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yarahmadi R, Bagherpour R, Taherian SG, Sousa LMO (2018) Discontinuity modelling and rock block geometry identification to optimize production in dimension stone quarries. Eng Geol 232:22–33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2017.11.006

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang L (2016) Determination and applications of rock quality designation (RQD). J Rock Mech Geotech Eng 8:389–397. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrmge.2015.11.008

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Q, Bian Z, Yu M (2009) Preliminary research on rockmass integrity using spatial block identification technique. Yanshilixue Yu Gongcheng Xuebao/Chinese J Rock Mech Eng 28(3):507–515 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang W, Wang Q, Chen J et al (2012) Determination of the optimal threshold and length measurements for RQD calculations. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 51:1–12

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang W, Chen J, Cao Z, Wang R (2013) Size effect of RQD and generalized representative volume elements: a case study on an underground excavation in Baihetan dam, Southwest China. Tunn Undergr Sp Technol 35:89–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tust.2012.12.007

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng J, Deng J, Yang X et al (2014) An improved Monte Carlo simulation method for discontinuity orientations based on fisher distribution and its program implementation. Comput Geotech 61:266–276

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zheng J, Yang X, Lü Q et al (2018) A new perspective for the directivity of rock quality designation (RQD) and an anisotropy index of jointing degree for rock masses. Eng Geol 240:81–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enggeo.2018.04.013

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

This work was funded by the National Key R&D Program of China (no. 2018YFC0808402).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, People’s Republic of China

    Qingfa Chen & Tingchang Yin

Authors
  1. Qingfa Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Tingchang Yin
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Qingfa Chen.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Chen, Q., Yin, T. Modification of the rock mass rating system (RMRmbi) considering three-dimensional rock block size. Bull Eng Geol Environ 79, 789–810 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-019-01596-x

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-019-01596-x

Keywords

Search

Navigation