In geology, size strength classification is a two-
parameter rock classification Classification is a process related to categorization, the process in which ideas and objects are recognized, differentiated and understood.
Classification is the grouping of related facts into classes.
It may also refer to:
Business, organizat ...
based on the strength of intact rock and the spacing of discontinuities in the rock mass. It was developed by Louis and Franklin (1970–75).
The size-strength approach to rock mass characterisation has been found helpful in various mining and civil engineering applications.
The concept of block size is analogous to that of
grain size
Grain size (or particle size) is the diameter of individual grains of sediment, or the lithified particles in clastic rocks. The term may also be applied to other granular materials. This is different from the crystallite size, which refer ...
but on macroscopic scale. The rock is considered as a
conglomerate
Conglomerate or conglomeration may refer to:
* Conglomerate (company)
* Conglomerate (geology)
* Conglomerate (mathematics)
In popular culture:
* The Conglomerate (American group), a production crew and musical group founded by Busta Rhymes
** Co ...
of discrete intact blocks bounded by joints. The behaviour of this conglomerate depends on the size and strength of a typical block.
Block size is defined as the average diameter of a typical rock block in the unit to be classified. On the surface block size is measured by observing exposed rock surface. Underground block size is measured from drill cores. The intact strength of the rock material may be estimated by using a
rock hammer.
Rock mass classification
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