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rockmass properties

ESTIMATING ROCK MASS PROPERTIES

The RMi system can be used to estimate some rock mass properties useful in rock engineering and design. Such estimates can be performed using equations and diagrams presented in various papers and in the Ph.D. thesis, or from especially made computer spreadsheets.

The RMi-2 spreadsheet (in Excel) is presented for quick calculations of rock mass properties, such as:
  • The RMi value (expressing crudely the uniaxial compressive strength of a rockmass)
  • The input parameters to the Hoek Brown failure criterion (i.e. values of the  s  factor and the  m factor, provided that the mi value is known)
The deformation modulus of a rockmass can be estimated using classification systems as described in  the paper The deformation modulus - comparisons between in situ tests and indirect measurements. Be sure to check the limits of the system you use in your evaluations.

You can find the ratings or values for the parameters for use in the RMi spreadsheet in tables or in the spreadsheet. You may take a copy of the Excel spreadsheet, which is given in a WinZip file, and use it on your own PC.  Hope it will help you in your work.

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