Methodologies for geological-geotechnical characterization of rock masses: Role of geomechanical classifications and indexes

Abstract

The geological and geotechnical description and evaluation are fundamental in engineering projects and the extractive industry, emphasizing underground environments where the rock mass is subjected to high stresses. In excavating rock masses, the classification systems contribute to parameterizing the rock material and rock mass characteristics. In addition, it is essential to the definition of the support to be applied, which limits are often based on the value of the geomechanical classifications. Therefore, determining the characteristics demands structured techniques to reconcile rigour, accuracy, and efficiency in the execution of the site investigation to obtain reliable data in an integrated action of the work cycle. This study analyses the applicability and feasibility of the Geological Strenght Index (GSI), based on field data collected in different underground projects. Various geological environments and distinct excavation purposes were selected to evaluate the possibility of expanding this version of the GSI to other rock types with the inclusion of the influence of groundwater on this classification.