ENGINEERING CLASSIFICATION OF JOINTED ROCK MASSES

An engineering classification of jointed rock masses, termed the geomechanics classification, is proposed which is characterized by the following features: 1. Best aspects of previously used classification systems are incorporated. 2. It is based on properties of rick materials and rock masses. 3. It is functional (it can be applied to solutions of practical engineering problems). 4. Standard terms are employed. 5. A rating system is provided to weigh the relative importance of various classification parameters. The geological parameters which the engineer needs for his design are specified and the reasons therefore are explained. The functional feature of the geomechanics classification is demonstrated by applying it to the selection of primary support in tunnel design. The proposed classification system is based on a detailed study of all existing major rock classifications, on personal discussions with many overseas specialists in this field and on experience gained in numerous visits to construction sites aboard and in South Africa, where various classification systems has been used. /Author/

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00097845
• Corporate Authors:

  South African Institute of Civil Engineers

  Kelvin House, 75 Marshall Street
  Johannesburg,   South Africa 
• Authors:
  • Bieniawski, Z T
• Publication Date: 1973-12

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 353-343
• Serial:
  • CIVIL ENGINEER IN SOUTH AFRICA
  • Volume: 15
  • Issue Number: 12
  • Publisher: South African Institution of Civil Engineers
  • ISSN: 0009-7845

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Classification; Engineering geology; Geophysics; Mass; Rock mechanics; Rocks; Structural design; Tunneling; Tunnels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Rock mass; Tunnel design
• Old TRIS Terms: Rock tunneling
• ITRD Terms: 8513: Classification; 4053: Geology; 5455: Mechanics; 4154: Rock; 5757: Rock mechanics
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00260051
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 5 1974 12:00AM