• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.15 no.1 s.54
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• pp.39-46
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• 2005

The RMR ratings, one by horizontal pre-boring in a tunnel and another by tunnel face mapping, are compared at the fault zone in a tunnel. Generally. the horizontal pre-borings were so effective as to forecast reasonably the supporting patterns after tunnel excavation. But the maximum difference in RMR ratings estimated by two methods was about 50 at a certain section of a tunnel. The differences were analyzed on each parameter of the RMR system: the rating differences were 24 in the condition of discontinuities, 15 in the RQD and 13 in the uniaxial compressive strength of rock. To minimize the gap between RMR by pre-borings and by face mappings, it is necessary to select the horizontal pre-boring location where tunnel stability could be critical and to evaluate in detail the sub-parameters of the condition of discontinuities.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.393-401
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• 2015

In the construction of a TBM tunnel, it is very important to acquire accurate information of the excavated rock mass for an efficient and safe work. In this study, we developed the prediction system of TBM tunnel face ahead using probe drilling equipment and drilled hole imaging equipment to predict rock mass conditions of the tunnel face ahead. The prediction system consists of the probe drilling equipment, drilled hole imaging equipment and analysis software. The probe drilling equipment has been developed to be applicable to both non-coring and coring. Also the probe drilling equipment can obtain the drilling parameters such as feed pressure, torque pressure, rotation speed, drilling speed and so on. The drilling index is converted to the drilling index RMR through the correlation between a drilling index and core RMR. The developed system verification was carried out through a slope and tunnel field application. From the field application result, the non-coring is four times faster than a coring and the drilling index RMR and core RMR are similar in the distribution range. This system is expected to predict the rock mass conditions of the TBM tunnel face ahead very quickly and efficiently.

• Journal of Korean Tunnelling and Underground Space Association
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.97-111
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• 2013

It is very important to understand the condition of the surround rock for the successful construction of underground space. Representative methods of estimating the rock mass condition are RMR method and Q-system, and they are applied on design, construction, and maintenance. However, many problems with the accuracy of the measurement method and the subjective viewpoint are questioned continuously, so many researchers have been studied for estimating rock condition from various methods. Most of them show only the local relation and a tendency between site investigation data and rock conditions. In this paper, the relationship between RMR method and electrical resistivity is deducted using the analytical equation derived theoretically from electric field analysis on jointed rock mass. And also, probabilistic relationship between RMR method and electrical resistivity is deducted for the increase of accuracy. If a suggested method is applied with the conventional method for estimating the rock condition, it will be helpful to estimate RMR values on the field.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.197-205
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• 2008

Total displacement under non-reinforcement is a quantitative index of rock mass behavior during tunnel excavation and depends widely upon geological characteristics. The primary purpose of this study is to suggest a rock mass evaluation method, well representing tunnel behavior during excavation, according to rock type. A 3-D numerical analysis was carried out, with consideration of the shape of tunnel section, excavation condition and so forth, in a sedimentary rock-based tunnel, and total displacements under non-reinforcement according to rock mass class were calculated. Finally, quantification analysis was carried out to assess correlation of the total displacement with RMR parameters. As the result, a modified RMR system fer quantification of rock mass behavior during tunnel excavation is suggested.

• Proceedings of the Korean Geotechical Society Conference
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• 2002.03a
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• pp.79-86
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• 2002

Rock mass classifications form the back bone of the empirical design approach and are widely employed in rock engineering. In this paper the inter-relations were discussed among RMR, Q-system, RCR, N, M-RMR, RMi, and L-RMR. Several relationships for the assessment of the modulus of deformation of rock mass, Poisson's ratio, uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, cohesion and internal friction angle were also analysed and suggested.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.86 no.5
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• pp.621-633
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• 2023

Stability analysis and support system estimation of the Beheshtabad water transmission tunnel is investigated in this research. A combination approach based on the rock mass rating (RMR) and rock mass quality index (Q) is used for this purpose. In the first step, 40 datasets related to the petrological, structural, hydrological, physical, and mechanical properties of tunnel host rocks are measured in the field and laboratory. Then, RMR, Q, and height of influenced zone above the tunnel roof are computed and sorted into five general groups to analyze the tunnel stability and determine its support system. Accordingly, tunnel stand-up time, rock load, and required support system are estimated for five sorted rock groups. In addition, various empirical relations between RMR and Q i.e., linear, exponential, logarithmic, and power functions are developed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). Based on the significance level (sig.), determination coefficient (R²) and Fisher-test (F) indices, power and logarithmic equations are proposed as the optimum relations between RMR and Q. To validate the proposed relations, their results are compared with the results of previous similar equations by using the variance account for (VAF), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and mean absolute error (MAE) indices. Comparison results showed that the accuracy of proposed RMR-Q relations is better than the previous similar relations and their outputs are more consistent with actual data. Therefore, they can be practically utilized in designing the tunneling projects with an acceptable level of accuracy and reliability.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.86-96
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• 2004

Rock mass classification methods such as RMR, Q system and GSl have been widely adopted with certain modifications for the design of mine openings. The GSI system is the only rock mass classification system that is related to Mohr-Coulomb and Hoek-Brown strength parameters and gives a simple method to calculate the engineering properties of rock masses which can be useful input parameters for a numerical analysis. A detailed surveying for GSI mapping as well as far calculating RMR values was undertaken at Daesung and Pyunghae underground limestone mining sites. RQD values were determined for row locations in these two mining sites. Based on GSI values and intact rock strength properties, the rock mass strength modulus of elasticity as well as the Mohr-Coulomb strength parameter c$_{m}$ and $\phi$$_{m}$ were determined. GSI and RMR are correlated.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.6-19
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• 2003

This study has for its object to increase an objectivity of the observation result in the face mapping of tunnel and to suggest the reasonable support and reinforcement methods to be considered the rock properties. It was developed in this study to the tunnel stability evaluation system(Prototype NFEST) to be used fuzzy set theory and neuro-fuzzy techniques, and this system was verified according to the reliability evaluation between the 36 learning data and the inferred results. When it summarized the results; (1) 12 evaluation items and ranges were proposed to be modified basis on the RMR which are well known to the domestic workers. (2) It was shown that correlation coefficient(│R│) between $RMR_{inf}$ inferred by 12 items and $RMR_{org}$ due to arithmetic total, $RMR_{chk}$ due to subjective judgement of observer are relatively high relationship with each 0.83 and 0.79. (3) Inferred result of the total tunnel safety shows also a good relationship with $RMR_{inf}$ (│R│=0.7) and the rock weathering(│R│=0.84).

• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.13-18
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• 2010

It is crucial to decide reasonably the parameters necessary for design through research on the characteristics of rock in order to analyze stability of rock structure. This article has conducted both pressure meter test, uniaxial and triaxial compression test to the areas of andesite or tuff located in local regions such as Yeosu, Gwangju, Yangsan, Busan, and Daejeon and has comparatively analyzed previously proposed estimative formulas. According to the result of estimating the deformation modulus through using the damping coefficient suggested by Nicholson & Bieniawski, when RMR is less than 60, it is desirable to use the result of the pressure meter test considering the damping coefficient. If the RMR value is over 60, however, the formula suggested by Kim Gyo-won has been proved to be the most applicable. Moreover, according to the result of comparing the RMR, adhesion, and angle of internal friction, both the adhesion and angle of internal friction best correspond to the formula proposed by Tsuchiya. Comparatively analyzing the relations between the rock deformation modulus and RMR and also suggesting the formula of calculating the shear strength parameter to use the RMR value, this study did not include the deformation modulus and shear strength parameter as factors to decide the RMR index. Since result can differ by several factors, it will be necessary afterwards to suggest practical estimative formulas applicable to the actual spots of Korea.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.503-510
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• 2007

Rock classification schemes such as RMR, Q-system were applied to investigate the stability of large-scale gangways mined in a limestone mine. 22 areas for engineering geological surveys were selected and rock classifications at each survey point had been carried out. Considering the fact that the observed gangways have not experienced some severe failure and have been stably maintained till now, it is found that Q-system is more reasonable than RMR in evaluating the stability of unsupported span. Also, extended Mathews stability graph method which is a kind of revised Q-system was used to assess the stability of gangways and the results represent that all gangways except for one area are under stable condition. Based on above the mentioned results, the empirical equations to design the maximum unsupported span and critical height of a large-scale gangway are suggested.