Empirical Development of the Rock Mass Deformation Modulus

Empirical Development of the Rock Mass Deformation Modulus

Manouchehr Sanei and Lohrasb Faramarzi

Department of Mining Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111, Iran

Doi:10.17265/2328-2193/2014.01.006

Abstract  

Rock mass deformation modulus is a fundamental factor for a safe and economical design of rock structures like large underground openings, tunneling, and open pit mine as well as foundations in both the initial state of stresses act on rock mass and its strength characteristics. The rock mass deformation modulus recently has been measured by in-situ loading tests and has been estimated by use of empirical equation based on classification systems and data of laboratory tests. In-situ tests to measure modulus directly are so expensive, times consuming and the reliability of the results of these tests is sometimes doubtful; subsequently, many researches have been carried out to estimate this parameter based on classification systems. In this study, a new empirical equation was proposed by use of statistical analyses based on a database of more than 142 in-situ tests, like plate load tests, dilatometer tests, flat jack tests, and classification systems; in addition, properties of the intact rock.

Keywords: Rock mass deformation modulus, in-situ tests, classification systems, empirical equation