Estimation of the rock mass deformation modulus using a rock classification system

It is often difficult to directly obtain specific design parameters of interest. In these situations, estimation based on empirical correlations is an alternative. The deformation modulus of a rock mass, which is important to know for engineering projects, is measured by in situ tests, such as plate bearing, flat jack, pressure chamber, borehole jacking and dilatometer tests. Nevertheless, these in situ tests are expensive, time consuming and sometimes even impossible. Many attempts have been made to estimate the E modulus using easy-to-obtain parameters of a rock mass. This paper reviews previous studies and the equations that have been developed. In addition, this study presents a new relation developed using a database of 82 dilatometer test results gathered from two dam sites and a tunnel site. Statistical analyses were performed to correlate accessible rock parameters with measured E modulus values from in situ tests. Knowing that discontinuity characteristics and the strength of rock materials are the most important contributors to rock deformability, the focus was on identifying parameters that are affected by the mentioned properties. Among the tested parameters, RMR (Rock Mass Rating) showed the best correlation with the E modulus. Statistical analyses resulted in a new empirical equation that has an acceptable estimation ability.