RAILWAY TUNNEL SUPPORT DESIGN THROUG BOLAN

PASS SAND STONE FORMATION BLOACHISTAN

Submitted To
Dr. Zaka Emad

Submitted By
2016-MIN-36
2016-MIN-52
2016-MIN-52

DEPARTMENT OF MINING ENFINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOTY LAHORE.
1
Contents
Introduction and Background: ................................................................................................... 1
1. Site investigation: ................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Site facts: .......................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Site Investigation Program:.................................................................................................. 2
1.3 Cost Estimations: ................................................................................................................. 4
Site Mapping: ......................................................................................................................... 4
Stratigraphy of location.......................................................................................................... 4
Sub surface Investigation: ...................................................................................................... 4
Laboratory testing: ................................................................................................................. 5
Total cost of site investigation: .............................................................................................. 5
1.4 Rock Mass Properties: ....................................................................................................... 5
1.4.1 Intact Rock Properties: .............................................................................................. 5
1.4.2 Rock Mass properties:............................................................................................... 6
2. In-situ stresses: ....................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 Importance of determining in-situ stresses: ..................................................................... 7
2.2 Calculations of In-situ stresses: ....................................................................................... 7
2.3 Calculations of best- & worst-case scenario: ................................................................... 7
2.4 Suitable method for in-situ stress determination: ............................................................ 8
2.4.1 Restoration techniques (Flat jack): ............................................................................... 9
2.4.2 Stress relief (over coring method): ............................................................................... 9
2.4.3 Overstressing technique (hydraulic fracturing): ......................................................... 10
3. Tunnel Cross-section Design: .............................................................................................. 11
3.1. Tunnel shape selection .............................................................................................. 11
3.1.1. Calculations of stresses around openings: ............................................................. 11
3.2. Tunnel size:............................................................................................................ 13
3.3 Underground construction methods: ......................................................................... 13
4. Rock Support Design: .......................................................................................................... 14
4.1. Rock Mass Classification:............................................................................................. 14
4.2. Support design based on RMR:................................................................................. 15
4.2.1 Safety factor: ............................................................................................................ 15
4.3. Verification of tunnel support design by software: ................................................... 16

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Table 1: site investigation cost ................................................................................................... 5
Table 2:Intact Rock Properties................................................................................................... 5
Table 3:comrasion of methods ................................................................................................. 11
Table 4:Values of A & B Underground opening Hook & Brown (1980) .... Error! Bookmark
not defined.
Table 5: support design criteria................................................................................................ 15

Figure 1: Tunnel Site ................................................................................................................. 2

Figure 2: stress map ................................................................................................................... 2
Figure 3: drill Pattern ................................................................................................................. 4
Figure 4:output values................................................................................................................ 6
Figure 5: Major to Minor principal stress graph. ....................................................................... 6
Figure 6:shear stress vs Normal stress ....................................................................................... 6
Figure 7: input Data ................................................................................................................... 6
Figure 8: Flat jack technique...................................................................................................... 9
Figure 9 over coring method .................................................................................................... 10
Figure 10:AutoCad design ....................................................................................................... 13
Figure 11: phase 2D verification.............................................................................................. 16

Appendix-1: Rock Mass Rating System ................................................................................. 18

Appendix -2 Guidelines for excavation and support of 10 m span rock tunnels in accordance
with the RMR system (After Bieniawski 1989). ..................................................................... 19
Appendix - 3 Intact Rock Properties ....................................................................................... 19

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 Workload Distribution
Being the residents of same hostel almost all the work was done with mutual corporation of all
members. Each idea and task presented by a member was rechecked and verified by other
members. Most of calculations were done by Mr. Ali Ejaz Qureshi, software works and poster
was prepared by Mr. Nasir Abbas. Literature review was done by Mr. Zahid Abbas.

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 Abstract
A 200 m tunnel is to be constructed through a sandstone formation in Bolan Pass Balochistan.
The tunnel is to be used for Railway passage that should have double lines. A site investigation
was conducted a moderate cost, that included site mapping, sub-surface investigations and
laboratory testing. Using the given overburden and field conditions in-situ stresses are
determined, based on measured stresses, tunnel cross-section and shape are decided. Drill and
Blast technique was selected as an Excavation Method because of its moderate cost and
efficiency. Dimensions of tunnel are decided on the basis of dimensions of train to be passed
through it. The RMR was calculated according to given conditions that indicated the rock to
be fair. Support system was designed for a fairly strong rock, 4m long bolts spaced at 1.5 m
are used for rock support.

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 Introduction and Background:
A tunnel is an underground passage that is built on
highways, railways and Hydel-power projects, for transport of
passengers, goods, sewages etc. In railway tracks short turns and
steep slopes are not possible so it becomes essential to build
tunnels in hilly and mountainous areas.
The history of tunnels is very old. The first tunnel was
constructed about 4000 years ago in Babylon to connect two
buildings. The first railway tunnel in the world was constructed
at the end of the nineteenth century to connect Switzerland and
Italy. The cross section of the tunnel was in the shape of a
horseshoe and its length was about 20 km In the early days Figure 1: Railway tunnel

tunnels were constructed using hand tools, hard rocks were

broken by providing sudden temperature difference. Drilling and explosive method advance
the tunneling around the world. Though the tunnels were constructed but the danger of collapse
was always there. There were a lot of concerns regarding to support design and tunnel stability.
Rock or soil properties play vital role in the design and
construction of tunnels. Generally Hard rocks are hard to excavate
but they may be self-supporting, similarly soft rocks are easy to
excavate but need to provide support as required. Tunnel are usually
made for long term use so, it is important to consider the rock
properties of the location where tunnel is to be constructed. A well
organized site investigation should be conducted to insure the proper
testing of rock nature. Ground conditions such as water level,
geological conditions, tectonic stresses should be well understood.
A tunnel is to be construct in Bolan pass (sandstone formation), Figure 2: High way Tunnel

Balochistan western province of Pakistan. we are assigned to

design a support using rock mass classification and the tunnel cross-section for a railway by
pass with 2 standard lanes. The tunnel overburden varies from 200 m to 1000 m. The data
required for rock mass classification was provided.
Rock mass under our focus is un-weathered sandstone with a dominant joint set dipping at
75o with the direction of the drive. Point-load strength index values vary from 5 to 9 MPa
and average RQD values of 55%. The smooth and slightly weathered joints with a separation
of 2.5 mm, are spaced at 600 mm. Ground water inflow is 25 ltr/m.
A site Investigation program was planned for site mapping,
stratigraphic studies, sub-surface investigations and laboratory
testing. The cost requires for the investigation program was
estimated. Using the given conditions in-situ stresses are
determined, based on measured stresses, tunnel cross-section and
shape are decided. The support is designed for a fairly strong rock
as indicated by RMR calculated for given local conditions. Figure 3: Sewage Tunnels

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1. Site investigation:
Site investigation is the foremost step of a construction project. It is done to gather the
facts about ground conditions such as ground water conditions, rock mass properties and
bedding mechanism etc.

1.1 Site facts:

Location: Bolan pass Balochistan province
of Pakistan.
Latitude: 29° 41.041'N
Longitude : 67° 31.996'E
Stratigraphy: The Moro River and
Bolan Pass sections Hunting Survey
Corporation (1961) differentiated three
units. The lower consists of limestone and
marl with subordinate volcanic
conglomerate and sandstone. the middle
Figure 4: Tunnel Site
consists mainly of soft weathering marl and
shale with locally developed sandstone
beds, and the upper consists of dominant limestone, capped by the basal conglomerate of the
overlying formation. These sub-divisions hold good in the area northwest of Pui except for the
absence of volcanic conglomerate and sandstone.
World stress map:
World stress map are essential to
understand the stresses changes, due to
tectonic motions ,Earthquake or volcanic
actions. The stress are to considered in
underground constructions specially in dam
and tunnel construction. World stress maps
also indicate any possible stress change in
future that can affect the construction.

Figure 5: stress map

1.2 Site Investigation Program:
We have divided the site investigation plan into four phases;
a. Site mapping. c. sub-surface
b. Stratigraphy of location d. laboratory testing

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 Site Investigation Plan

Site Investigation

Site Stratigraphy of Subsurface Rock Mass

Mapping site Investigations Properties

PKR 66660/_ PKR 30000/_ PKR 1260,000/_ PKR 72,000/_

PKR 1428660/_

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1.3 Cost Estimations:

Site Mapping:
In this phase we are getting the topographic maps of site.
How to get: Instead of traditional mapping methods, we are going to get the topographic maps
using the software technologies. AutoCAD latest tool “ plex.Eatrh” can be used to make precise
topographic maps.
Cost of software: $ 399 = PKR 56660/-
Geo-referencing: PKR 10,000/-

Stratigraphy of location:
Stratigraphy includes the study of bedding in the area of interest.
How to do: site visit and literature review, books and online resources
Cost: PKR 30000/-

Sub surface Investigation:

Sub-surface investigation includes rotary core drilling.
How to do: A private company namely “ Ultra-pure Pakistan” do this job at appropriate coat.
Sampling pattern:

Figure 6 Sampling Pattern

Cost:
Depth of hole B = 600 ft
Depth of other 6 holes = 200 ft
Total length to drill = 1800 ft
Cost per feet = RS700/-
Total cost = PKR 1260,000/-

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Laboratory testing:
The samples core in field are finally brought to laboratory for testing.
How to do: satisfactory laboratory test re performed in UET rock mechanics laboratory.
Cost: Rs 900/- per sample
No of samples to be tested = 80
Total coast = 80 x 900 = RS 72,000/-

Total cost of site investigation:

Table 1: site investigation cost

Sr.N0 Phase Resources Cost

1 Site Mapping Software RS 56660/-

2 Stratigraphy of Literature review RS 3000/-

site

3 Subsurface Ultra-pure RS
Investigations Drilling company 1260,000/-

4 Rock Mass UET rock RS 72,000/-

Properties mechanics
laboratory
Total cost 1391660/-

1.4 Rock Mass Properties:

1.4.1 Intact Rock Properties:
Intact rock properties are measured in by testing the samples in laboratory according
to ASTM or ISRM standards. Intact rock is a rock free of discontinuities and fractures. we are
using these properties as found in the literature.
Table 2:Intact Rock Properties

Sr.No Property Value

1 UCS 57.00 MPa

2 Unit Weight 24 kN/m3
3 Poison Ratio 0.25
4 GSI 50
5 Eq.Cohesion 1.2
6 Eq.Friction 55
7 MOD 8400 MPa

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 1.3.2 Rock Mass properties:
Rock mass properties are determine the behavior of rock bodes with discontinuities. In field
we usually have to deal with rock mass, these properties are calculated by using Hoek et
relationships.
Alternatively Rock Mass properties can be calculated by computer software “ RocLab”. We
are using this software to calculate rock mass properties.
Results

Figure 10: input Data

Figure 9:shear stress vs Normal stress

Figure 8: Major to Minor principal stress graph.

Figure 7:output values

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2. In-situ stresses:
In situ stresses are the stresses present in a rock where no engineering activity is done.
Whenever an engineering activity is performed then there is a new set of stresses produced in
that rock. There are two types of in-situ stresses produced in a rock i.e. vertical and horizontal
in-situ stresses. Vertical stresses are due to overlying rock mass and horizontal stresses are due
to lateral load. The magnitude and direction of these stresses plays an important role in
designing underground cavity and tunnels.

2.1 Importance of determining in-situ stresses:

➢ Engineering analyses require boundary conditions. One of the most important boundary
conditions for the analysis of underground excavations is in-situ stress.
➢ In-situ stresses give us the basic knowledge about stress state (e.g. the direction and
magnitude of the major principal stress; the direction in which the rock is most likely
to fail; etc.).

2.2 Calculations of In-situ stresses:

As discussed above that the in-situ stresses are of two types
1) Vertical Stress
2) Horizontal stress
For the calculations of vertical stress, we use following relationship:
σv = ρgz
where,
σv= Vertical stress.
ρ= density of material.
z= overburden

For the calculation of horizontal stress, we use following relationship:

σh= (K) σv
𝑣
K = 1−𝑣
where,
v = poison ratio

2.3 Calculations of best- & worst-case scenario:

For the calculation of best-& worst-case scenario we need the height of overlying rock.
Best case means that overburden is minimum and subsequently that stresses because of this
burden are also low. Worst case scenario means that overburden is maximum and the stresses
because of it are also very high.
According to given scenario:
Best case scenario:
Vertical Stress:
σv = ρgz
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 σv = (24)(200)

σv = 4800 kN/m2

σv = 4.8 MPa
Horizontal Stress:
𝑣
K = 1−𝑣
0.3
K = 1−0.3

K = 0.42

σh = (0.42) 4.8

σh = 2.05
MPa

Worst case scenario:

Vertical Stress:

σv = ρgz

σv = (24)(1000)

σv = 24000 kN/m2
σv = 24 MPa
Horizontal Stress:
𝑣
K=
1−𝑣
0.3
K = 1−0.3

K = 0.428
σh= (0.428) 24

σh = 10.27 MPa
2.4 Suitable method for in-situ stress determination:
As in-situ stresses are helpful in designing underground cavity and tunnels, therefore it is
important to measure in-situ stresses accurately and precisely. There are many methods for the
measurements of in-situ stresses. Some of them are discussed below:

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2.4.1 Restoration techniques (Flat jack):
It is an instrument which is used to determine the in-situ stresses by using restoration technique.
Procedure:
➢ Install pins on drift wall and measure their spacings.
➢ Create slot with diamond blade (pins come closer by ~1 mm).
➢ Insert flat-jack into the slot.
➢ Pressurize flat-jack until the pins are back to their initial positions.

Figure 11: Flat jack technique

Advantages Disadvantages
Almost direct stress measurement (no Good welding required for pressures up to
calculation 100 MPa
Quick (~1 hour) The drift surface has already been disturbed
by the excavation.
Stresses averaged over ~1 m3 Need to relate the stresses measured locally
and the far-field stresses
Extremely reliable: no electronic device. Only the normal stress on the flat‐jack is
compensated, not the shear stress.
Less cost than others. Rock behavior has to be reversible.

2.4.2 Stress relief (over coring method):

In this method we make the stress relax and measure induced strains.
Procedure:
➢ Drill access hole (4’’1/2) up to several meters away from drift.
➢ Drill pilot hole (1’’1/2), about 1 meter long.
➢ Insert strain cell into pilot hole and fasten it to the hole (glue).
➢ Record changes in strain while stresses are relieved by over cored.

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 Figure 12 over coring method

Advantages Disadvantages
Very precise (~5 μ strain/~0.1 MPa). Stress are not measured, but calculated
assuming the rock to behave elastically.
All stress components determined Very local strain measurement, so even small
simultaneously at one point. heterogeneous (~5 mm) may influence the
result.
Access to virgin stress because the Highly sensitive device (e.g. heat produced
measuring device is far away from the drift. by the drilling).

2.4.3 Overstressing technique (hydraulic fracturing):

In this technique we intentionally increase the pressure inside a borehole until the surrounding
rock fails.
Procedure:
➢ Drill vertical (or inclined) borehole.
➢ Install hydro frac tool at selected depth.
➢ Inflate the two straddle packers to isolate a borehole interval.
➢ Inject a fluid between packers to create fracture in the rock.
➢ Reopen the fracture propagate it.
➢ Remove the frac tool and determine orientation of the fracture.

Advantages
Stress orientations well-‐determined by the
orientation of induced fracture.
Minimum stress measured out of the
influence of the borehole.
Stresses averaged over a volume of 1 to10m3.
Disadvantages
High pressure required to create or stimulate
fractures in a highly stress environment.
Expensive equipment, mostly used in oil
industry.
The major stress is generally difficult to
determine precisely.

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Comparison of above methods:
Table 3:comrasion of methods

Sr. Method Cost Accuracy Ease of installation

no.
Easy to install (Just a
01. Flat jack Less Reliable and precise cut of its size is
required
Easy but installation
02. Over coring Relatively Satisfactory of strain cell is bit
high difficult
Note easy to install
03. Hydraulic jack High Reliable but only for (Bore hole is
minor stress required)

For the determination of in-situ stresses we use flat jack method, as it is easy to install, less
costly and reliable.

3. Tunnel Cross-section Design:

The size and shape of a tunnel depend upon the nature and type of ground it passes through
and also on whether it is designed to carry a single or a double railway line. It also depends on
the purpose of tunnel.

3.1. Tunnel shape selection:

We are intended to build a tunnel for a double railway line. The tunnel is to be passed through
a sand stone formation having vertical and horizontal stresses as calculated in section 2.2. The
best method that can be chosen for these conditions is a “horse shoe “ shape. The RMR
indicates the rock to be fairly strong, capable to bearing the rock load of the overburden by
prevailing the stress around sides of tunnel.

3.1.1. Calculations of stresses around openings:

For the stability of the tunnel we need to calculate the stresses around the boundary of the
opening. If the stresses are not appropriate for the stable opening, then we need to overcome
these stresses in design support.
For the calculation of tangential stresses around the opening we use Hook and Brown (1980)
relationships i.e.
The tangential stress in roof σθr = (A × k - 1) σv
The tangential stress in wall σθw = (B - k) σv
where A and B are roof and wall factors for various excavation shapes in Table 1
k is the ratio horizontal/vertical stress
σv is the vertical virgin stress
For the values of A and B we need to consult the following table:

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 Table 4:Values of A & B Underground opening Hook & Brown (1980)

For best case scenario:

σv = 4.8 MPa
k = 4.28
A = 3.2
B = 2.3
By using above relationship:
The tangential stress in roof σθr = (A × k - 1) σv
= (3.2 × 0.428 – 1) (4.8)
σθr = 1.77 MPa
MPa
The tangential stress in wall σθw = (B - k) σv
= (2.3 – 0.428)(4.8)

σθw = 8.98 MPa

For worst case scenario: MPa
σv= 24 MPa
k = 4.28
A = 3.2
B = 2.3
By using above relationship:

The tangential stress in roof σθr = (A × k - 1) σv

= (3.2 × 0.428 – 1) (24)

σθr = 8.87 MPa

The tangential stress in wall σθw = (B - k) MPa
σ v

= (2.3 – 0.428)(24)

σθw = 44.92
12
MPa MPa
3.2. Tunnel size:
The tunnel size can be decided according to the dimensions of train to be passed. For double
line railway track.
Width of train = 9’
Distance between passing trains = 4’
man ways, maintenance and supplies = 4’
total width of tunnel = 30’
Height along central axis = 24’
Area calculation:

Total Area = Area of rectangle + Area of semi-

circle.

3.14(7.52)
= 9 x 30 + =
2
Figure 13:AutoCad sketch

358.31 ft2

Volume calculations
Volume of material to be handled = A x l
= 358.31 x656 = 71662 ft3

3.4 Underground construction methods:

Method Advantages Disadvantages References
Adaptable, flexible, Short Safety of workers is a serious (Girmscheid
mobilization time requirement, any issue; Performance rate of and
required shape tunnel cross section advance excavation is lower Total Schexnayder
Drill & is possible, Primary rock support labor cost is high Involvement of 2002)
Blast can be installed, Total investment hard and high manual labor. Low
cost is less. Tunnel shape can be level of automation and
changed along the drive length. mechanization of tasks
Very high performance and low Limited flexibility in response to (Girmscheid
labor costs, High progress rate, extremes of geologic conditions and
especially in soft ground soil High investment costs and require Schexnayder
Excellent cost efficiency and high high backup systems TBM 2002,
TBM automation level, Continuous mobilization take considerable Abdallah and
operation, less noise and time Fixed circular geometry and Marzouk
disturbance to surrounding tunnel diameter Longer 2013)
structures, Best way for mobilization time and higher
constructing deep and long tunnels. capital costs.

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 Economical and Better-quality Needs trained staff and skilled (Hiren,
control, Time of completion is less supervision Imposition of caution Pitroda et al.)
Jacked Saving in man power & Machinery order exists for a longer period No
Box No involvement of crane & heavy scope of the night working Once
equipment, Less involvement of the vertical & the lateral
other Departments. alignment of box disturbed it
becomes almost impossible to
rectify it
Preservation of the environment Not suitable for very deep (Sharma
Safe initiation and completion of excavations More dust and noise 2011,
railway tunnels Safe work progress impact may arise Cause Abdallah and
Cut & in unstable weak ground May interference with traffic and other Marzouk
Cover applied as sequential construction urban activities. 2013, Cut and
in case of most adverse Cover 2015)
geotechnical conditions Cheaper
and more practical than other
underground tunneling Small risk,
relative to other construction
techniques.

4. Rock Support Design:

4.1. Rock Mass Classification:
Rock mass classification is a ranking system based on different parameters, each parameter is
given a specific value according to its local conditions out of its maximum role in the overall
properties of rock mass. The purpose is to categorize the rock into classes so that design could
be made accordingly. A 1st class rock is likely to be self-supporting, while a poor rock need a
strong support.
RMR CALCULATION:
Using the given conditions the RMR can be calculated as follows:
Point-load strength index values of 5 to 9 = 12%

RQD values of 55% = 13%

Ground water inflow is 25 ltr/m. = 7%

Joints with a separation of 2.5 mm, = 10% (spacing)
spaced at 600mm + 6% (No infillings)
+5%( slightly weathered)
+1% (smooth)
+0%( very favorable dip)
1% ( separation 2.5mm)

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 RMR = 55% (FAIR)

4.2. Support design based on RMR:

Table 5: support design criteria.

Rock Rock bolts 20mm

Class Excavation diameter, fully Shotcrete Steel
Grouted sets
Top heading and Systematic bolts 4 m 50-100 mm None
3rd bench long, spaced 1.5 - 2 m in crown and
Class 1.5-3 m advance in in crown and walls 30 mm in sides
(FAIR) top heading. with wire mesh in
Commence support crown.
after each
blast. Complete
support 10 m from
face.

4.2.1. Safety factor:

It is important to check the stability of tunnel. For this purpose, we need to calculate safety
factor, which gives us an idea that the tunnel design can withstand under the stresses. If the
safety factor is greater than 1 then it means that tunnel design is safe. If it is less than 1 then it
means that the design not safe.
We use following relation for the calculation of safety factor:
Safety factor = 𝑈𝐶𝑆
ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑝 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠
Where;
UCS= Uniaxial compressive strength
Hoop stress= 3σh – σv
For best case scenario:
UCS = 73.8 MPa
Hoop stress = 3σh – σv = 3 × 2.05 – 4.8
= 1.35 MPa
Safety factor = 𝑈𝐶𝑆
ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑝 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠

73.8
Safety factor = 1.35

Safety factor = 54.6

For best worst scenario:
UCS = 73.8 MPa

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Hoop stress = 3σh – σv = 3 × 10.27 – 24
= 6.81 MPa
Safety factor = 𝑈𝐶𝑆
ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑝 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠
73.8
Safety factor =
6.81

Safety Factor = 10.83

As in both cases the safety factor for tunnel is greater than 1; it means that tunnel is stable.

4.3. Verification of tunnel support design by software:

Figure 14: phase 2D verification

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References:
Books:
1. Railway Engineering by SATISH CHANDRA Professor, Department of Civil
Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorke
2. Fundamentals of Rock Mechanics by J.C.Jaeger, N.G.W.Cook, and R.W.Zimmerman.
3. Brady BHG, Brown ET (1995) Rock mechanics for underground mining.
4. Bieniawski, Z.T. 1989. Engineering rock mass classifications.
5. Site Investigation by C. R. I. Clayton, M. C. Matthews and N. E. Simons.
6. Support of underground excavations in hard rock by E. Hoek, P.K. kaiser &W.F. baw.
7. Stratigraphy of Pakistan by S.M. Ibrahim Shah.
Online resources:
8. https://www.ita-aites.org/
9. http://ultrapurepakistan.com/boring-and-drilling/
10. http://www.rockmass.net/files/classifications_of_rock_properties.pdf
11. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/in-situ-stress
12. http://www.world-stress-map.org/

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Appendix: 1: Rock Mass Rating System

18
Appendix: 2 Guidelines for excavation and support of 10 m span rock tunnels in accordance with the RMR system
(After Bieniawski 1989).

Rock mass Excavation Rock bolts Shotcrete Steel sets

class (20 mm diameter, fully
grouted)
I - Very good Full face, Generally no support required except spot bolting.
rock 3 m advance.
RMR: 81-100
II - Good rock Full face , Locally, bolts in crown 50 mm in None.
RMR: 61-80 1-1.5 m advance. Complete 3 m long, spaced 2.5 m crown where
support 20 m from face. with occasional wire required.
mesh.
III - Fair rock Top heading and bench Systematic bolts 4 m 50-100 mm in None.
RMR: 41-60 1.5-3 m advance in top heading. long, spaced 1.5 - 2 m crown and 30
Commence support after each in crown and walls with mm in sides.
blast. wire mesh in crown.
Complete support 10 m from face.
IV - Poor rock Top heading and bench Systematic bolts 4-5 m 100-150 mm Light to medium ribs
RMR: 21-40 1.0-1.5 m advance in top heading. long, spaced 1-1.5 m in in crown and spaced 1.5 m where
Install support concurrently with crown and walls with 100 mm in required.
excavation, 10 m from face. wire mesh. sides.
V – Very poor Multiple drifts 0.5-1.5 m advance Systematic bolts 5-6 m 150-200 mm Medium to heavy ribs
rock in top heading. long, spaced 1-1.5 m in in crown, 150 spaced 0.75 m with
RMR: < 20 Install support concurrently with crown and walls with mm in sides, steel lagging and
excavation. Shotcrete as soon as wire mesh. Bolt invert. and 50 mm on forepoling if required.
possible after blasting. face. Close invert.

Appendix: 3 Intact Rock Properties

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