ASTM_D_5878_-_08.pdf

Designation:D587808Standard Guides forUsing Rock-Mass Classification Systems for EngineeringPurposes1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5878;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope*1.1 These guides offer the selection of a suitable system ofclassification of rock mass for specific engineering purposes,such as tunneling and shaft-sinking,excavation of rockchambers,ground support,modification and stabilization ofrock slopes,and preparation of foundations and abutments.These classification systems may also be of use in work onrippability of rock,quality of construction materials,anderosion resistance.Although widely used classification systemsare treated in this standard,systems not included here may bemore appropriate in some situations,and may be added tosubsequent editions of this standard.1.2 The valid,effective use of this standard is contingentupon the prior complete definition of the engineering purposesto be served and on the complete and competent definition ofthe geology and hydrology of the engineering site.Further,theperson or persons using this standard must have had fieldexperience in studying rock-mass behavior.An appropriatereference for geological mapping in the underground is pro-vided by Guide D4879.1.3 This standard identifies the essential characteristics ofseven classification systems.It does not include detailedguidance for application to all engineering purposes for whicha particular system might be validly used.Detailed descriptionsof the first five systems are presented in STP 984(1),2withabundant references to source literature.Details of two otherclassification systems and a listing of seven Japanese systemsare also presented.1.4 The range of applications of each of the systems hasgrown since its inception.This standard summarizes the majorfields of application up to this time of each of the sevenclassification systems.1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as thestandard.The values given in parentheses are mathematicalconversions to inch-pounds units that are provided for infor-mation only and are not considered standard.1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.1.7 This standard offers an organized collection of informa-tion or a series of options and does not recommend a specificcourse of action.This document cannot replace education oreexperience and should be used in conjunction with professionaljudgement.Not all aspects of this standard may be applicablein all circumstances.This ASTM standard is not intended torepresent or replace the standard of care by which theadequacy of a given professional service must be judged,norshould this document be applied without consideration of aprojects many unique aspects.The word“Standard”in thetitle of this document means only that the document has beenapproved through the ASTM consensus process.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:3D653 Terminology Relating to Soil,Rock,and ContainedFluidsD3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for AgenciesEngaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock asUsed in Engineering Design and ConstructionD4879 Guide for Geotechnical Mapping of Large Under-ground Openings in RockD6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in GeotechnicalDataD6032 Test Method for Determining Rock Quality Designa-tion(RQD)of Rock CoreD7012 Test Methods for Compressive Strength and ElasticModuli of Intact Rock Core Specimens under VaryingStates of Stress and Temperatures1These guides are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil andRock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.12 on Rock Mechanics.Current edition approved July 1,2008.Published August 2008.Originallyapproved in 1995.Last previous edition approved in 2005 as D5878 05.DOI:10.1520/D5878-08.2The boldface numbers given in parentheses refer to a list of references at theend of the text.3For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standardCopyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 3.Terminology3.1 Definitions:3.1.1 classification,na systematic arrangement or divisionof materials,products,systems,or services into groups basedon similar characteristics such as origin,composition,properties,or use(Regulations Gover