An example of estimating rock mass deformation around an underground opening using numerical modeling

In rock engineering, rock strength is regarded as an important rock mass parameter and it is widely estimated using the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) test. A UCS test in laboratory requires sampling and preparation of core samples, which necessitates time consuming and expensive studies. Furthermore, preparation of cores is almost impossible for a weak rock material taken from foliated, laminated or thinly bedded rock masses of low Rock Quality Designation (RQD) values (0-20%). In this case, determination of UCS by laboratory test may be impossible in compliance with ISRM or ASTM standards. To overcome this difficulty, indirect tests, such as Point Load Index (PLI), Schmidt Hammer (SH) Rebound Number tests are often employed to predict the UCS. However, indirect tests are likely to yield UCS values with large standard deviations depending on the geological origin of the rock mass.