A graphical method for the classification of rock and weak rock masses based on field observations
Kirk Palicki
2299 Piedmont Avenue, Berkeley, CA, United States
Weak and weathered rock masses are not described effectively by traditional classification systems. These systems do not account for time dependent changes in strength, nor are they universally applicable to rocks of differing strengths or weathering mechanisms. This engineering classification system for rock and weak rock masses considers three factors that control the overall strength of rock bodies: compressive strength, nature and density of discontinuities, and decrease in strength over engineering time. Measurements of these three factors are conducted using simple field observations and then a particular rating is assigned to the rock mass for each property. The strength, discontinuity and rate of change in strength ratings are then plotted in a three-dimensional manner that allows for the visual comparison of rock masses and their anticipated engineering behaviors.
This record provided courtesy of AGI/GeoRef.
