Study of Rock Mass Rating (RMR) and Geological Strength Index (GSI) Correlations in Granite, Siltstone, Sandstone and Quartzite Rock Masses

Abstract

A comprehensive understanding of geological, structural geological, hydrogeological and geotechnical features of the host rock are essential for the design and performance evaluation of surface and underground excavations. The Hungarian National Radioactive Waste Repository (NRWR) at Bátaapáti is constructed in a fractured granitic formation, and Telfer Gold Mine in Australia is excavated in stratified siltstones, sandstones and quartzites. This study highlights relationships between GSI chart ratings and calculated GSI values based on RMR rock mass classification data. The paper presents linear equations for estimating GSI from measured RMR89 values. Correlations between a and b constants were analyzed for different rock types, at surface and subsurface settings.

Keywords

• rock mass classification
• RMR
• GSI
• granite
• sandstone
• quartzite