Rock mass quality rating (RMQR) system and its application to the estimation of geomechanical characteristics of rock masses

Abstract

In this study, a new rock mass quality system designated as Rock Mass Quality Rating (RMQR) is explained and its application to the estimation of geomechanical properties of rock masses is described. First, a brief outline of the input parameters of RMQR and their ratings are given. Then the unified formula proposed by the first author is used for estimating the rock mass properties as a function of intrinsic properties of intact rock material and they are compared with the results of the in situ tests carried out in Japan and those estimated from some other empirical relationships developed by some researchers.