Probabilistic rock mass classification using electrical resistivity - Theoretical approach of relationship between RMR and electrical resistivity-

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.