This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D5878 − 19

Standard Guides for

Using Rock-Mass Classification Systems for Engineering
Purposes1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5878; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* conversions to inch-pounds units that are provided for infor-

1.1 These guides offer the selection of a suitable system of mation only and are not considered standard.
classification of rock mass for specific engineering purposes, 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
such as tunneling and shaft-sinking, excavation of rock safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
chambers, ground support, modification and stabilization of responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
rock slopes, and preparation of foundations and abutments. priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
These classification systems may also be of use in work on mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
rippability of rock, quality of construction materials, and 1.7 This standard offers an organized collection of informa-
erosion resistance. Although widely used classification systems tion or a series of options and does not recommend a specific
are treated in this standard, systems not included here may be course of action. This document cannot replace education ore
more appropriate in some situations, and may be added to experience and shall be used in conjunction with professional
subsequent editions of this standard. judgement. Not all aspects of this standard may be applicable
in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to
1.2 The valid, effective use of this standard is contingent
represent or replace the standard of care by which the
upon the prior complete definition of the engineering purposes
adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor
to be served and on the complete and competent definition of
shall this document be applied without consideration of a
the geology and hydrology of the engineering site. Further, the
project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the
person or persons using this standard shall have had field
title of this document means only that the document has been
experience in studying rock-mass behavior. An appropriate
approved through the ASTM consensus process.
reference for geotechnical mapping of large underground
openings in rock is provided by Guide D4879. 1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.3 This standard identifies the essential characteristics of
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
seven classification systems. It does not include detailed
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
guidance for application to all engineering purposes for which
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
a particular system might be validly used. Detailed descriptions
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
of the first five systems are presented in STP 984 (1),2 with
abundant references to source literature. Details of two other
2. Referenced Documents
classification systems and a listing of seven Japanese systems
are also presented. 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
1.4 The range of applications of each of the systems has
Fluids
grown since its inception. This standard summarizes the major
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
fields of application up to this time of each of the seven
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
classification systems.
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the D4879 Guide for Geotechnical Mapping of Large Under-
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical ground Openings in Rock (Withdrawn 2017)4

1
These guides are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
3
Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.12 on Rock Mechanics. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2019. Published March 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D5878 – 08, which Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
was withdrawn July 2017 and reinstated in February 2019. DOI: 10.1520/D5878-19. the ASTM website.
2 4
The boldface numbers given in parentheses refer to a list of references at the The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
end of the text. www.astm.org.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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D5731 Test Method for Determination of the Point Load hard-rock mining, coal mining, stability of rock slopes, rock
Strength Index of Rock and Application to Rock Strength foundations, borability, rippability, dredgability, weatherability,
Classifications and rock bolting.
D5777 Guide for Using the Seismic Refraction Method for 4.1.2 Rock Structure Rating System (RSR)—This system has
Subsurface Investigation been used in tunnel support and excavation and in other ground
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical support work in mining and construction.
Data 4.1.3 The Q System or Norwegian Geotechnical Institute
D6032/D6032M Test Method for Determining Rock Quality System (NGI)—This system has been applied to work on
Designation (RQD) of Rock Core tunnels and chambers, rippability, excavatability, hydraulic
D7012 Test Methods for Compressive Strength and Elastic erodibility, and seismic stability of roof-rock.
Moduli of Intact Rock Core Specimens under Varying 4.1.4 The Unified Rock Classification System (URCS)—This
States of Stress and Temperatures system has been applied to work on foundations, methods of
excavation, slope stability, uses of earth materials, blasting
3. Terminology
characteristics of earth materials, and transmission of ground-
3.1 Definitions: water.
3.1.1 classification, n—a systematic arrangement or division 4.1.5 The Rock Material Field Classification System
of materials, products, systems, or services into groups based (RMFCS)—This system has been used mainly for applications
on similar characteristics such as origin, composition, involving shallow excavation, particularly with regard to
properties, or use (Regulations Governing ASTM Technical hydraulic erodibility in earth spillways, excavatability, con-
Committees).5 struction quality of rock, fluid transmission, and rock-mass
3.1.2 rock mass (in-situ rock), n—rock as it occurs in situ, stability (2).
including both the rock material and its structural discontinui- 4.1.6 The New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM)—This
ties (Modified after Terminology D653 [International Society system is used for both conventional (cyclical, such as drill-
for Rock Mechanics, ISRM]). and-blast) and continuous (tunnel-boring machine or TBM)
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Rock mass also includes at least some tunneling. This is a tunneling procedure in which design is
of the earth materials in mixed-ground and soft-ground condi- extended into the construction phase by continued monitoring
tions. of rock displacement. Support requirements are revised to
3.1.3 rock material (intact rock, rock substance, rock achieve stability (3).
element), n—rock without structural discontinuities; rock on NOTE 2—The Austrian standard (4) specifies methods of payment based
which standardized laboratory property tests are run. on coding of excavation volume and means of support.
3.1.4 structural discontinuity (discontinuity), n—an inter- 4.1.7 The Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR)—This system
ruption or abrupt change in a rock’s structural properties, such applies to bedded coal-measure rocks, in particular with regard
as strength, stiffness, or density, usually occurring across to their structural competence as influenced by discontinuities
internal surfaces or zones, such as bedding, parting, cracks, in the rock mass. The basic building blocks of CMRR are unit
joints, faults, or cleavage. ratings. The units are rock intervals defined by their geotech-
NOTE 1—To some extent, 3.1.1, 3.1.2, and 3.1.4 are scale-related. A nical properties, and are at least 0.15 m (6 in.) thick. The unit
rock’s microfractures might be structural discontinuities to a petrologist, ratings are combined into roof ratings, using additional geo-
but to a field geologist the same rock could be considered intact. Similarly, technical characteristics (5).
the localized occurrence of jointed rock (rock mass) could be inconse-
quential in regional analysis. 4.1.8 Japanese Rock Mass Classification Systems—The
Japanese Society of Engineering Geology has recognized
3.1.5 For the definition of other terms that appear in this
seven major classification systems in use in Japan (6). These
standard, refer to STP 984, Guide D4879, and Terminology
are summarized in 4.1.8.1 – 4.1.8.7, without additional details
D653.
in this guide.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 classification system, n—a group or hierarchy of 4.1.8.1 Rock-Mass Classification for Railway Tunnels by
classifications used in combination for a designated purpose, Railway Technical Research Institute—Rock-masses are clas-
such as evaluating or rating a property or other characteristic of sified based on the values of P-wave velocity, unconfined
a rock mass. compressive strength and unit weight. Support patterns for
tunnels, such as shotcreting and rock bolting, is recommended
4. Significance and Use depending upon the rock-mass classification obtained.
4.1.8.2 Rock-Mass Classification for Tunnels and Slopes by
4.1 The classification systems included in this standard and
Japan Highway Public Corporation—This system classifies
their respective applications are as follows:
the rock-mass using RQD, P-wave velocity, unconfined com-
4.1.1 Rock Mass Rating System (RMR) or Geomechanics
pressive strength and unit weight.
Classification—This system has been applied to tunneling,
4.1.8.3 Rock-Mass Classification for Dam Foundations by
Public Works Research Institute, Ministry of Construction—In
5
Available from ASTM Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West this system, the rock-masses are classified by observing spac-
Conshohocken, PA 19428. ing of joints, conditions of joints and strength of rock pieces.

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 D5878 − 19
4.1.8.4 Rock-Mass Classification for Water Tunnel Design 5.1.2 Rock Structure Rating System (RSR)
by The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries—The Rock type plus rock strength
rock-mass is classified into four categories based on values of Geologic structure
P-wave velocity, compressive strength and Poisson ratio as Spacing of joints
well as rock type. Orientation of joints
4.1.8.5 Rock-Mass Classification by Central Research Insti- Weathering of joints
tute of Electric Power Industry—This system classifies rock- Groundwater inflow
mass based on rock type and weathering characteristics. 5.1.3 The Q System or Norwegian Geotechnical Institute
4.1.8.6 Rock-Mass Classification by Electric-Power Devel- (NGI) System
opment Company—This system is somewhat similar to the Rock quality designation (RQD) (see D6032/D6032M)
system developed by the Central Research Institute of Electric Number of joint sets
Power Industry (see 4.1.8.5). The three factors used for Number of joint roughness
classifying rock-mass are weathering, hardness and joint spac- Number of joint alteration
ing. Joint water-reduction factor
4.1.8.7 Rock-Mass Classification for Weathered Granite for Stress-reduction factor
Bridge Foundation by Honshu-Shikoku Bridge Authority—This 5.1.4 Unified Rock Classification System (URCS)
system uses results of visual observations of rock-mass in-situ, Degree of weathering
geophysical logging, laboratory tests on rock samples, pres- Uniaxial compressive strength (see D7012, Method C)
suremeter tests or other forms of in-situ tests or a combination Discontinuities
thereof, to estimate strength and stiffness. Unit weight
4.2 Other classification systems are described in detail in the 5.1.5 Rock Material Field Classification System (RMFCS)
general references listed in the appendix. Rock Material Properties—The results are applicable to hand
specimens and representative specimens of intact rock
4.3 Using this standard, the classifier shall be able to decide
material, which do not account for the influence of disconti-
which system appears to be most appropriate for the specified
nuities or boundary conditions of the rock. Typical classifica-
engineering purpose at hand. The next step shall be the study
tion elements include:
of the source literature on the selected classification system and
Principal rock type
on case histories documenting the application of that system to
real-world situations and the degree of success of each such Mineralogy
application. Appropriate but by no means exhaustive refer- Primary porosity, voids
ences for this purpose are provided in the appendix and in STP Discrete rock particle size
984 (1). The classifier shall realize that taking the step of Hardness category
consulting the source literature, which might lead to abandon- Uniaxial compressive strength (see D7012, Method C)
ment of the initially selected classification system and selection Unit weight (dry)
of another system, to be followed again by study of the Color
appropriate source literature. Rock Mass Properties—Normally, rock mass properties are
NOTE 3—The quality of the results produced by this standard is too large or extensive to be observed directly in their entirety
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the at a single outcrop and are diffıcult or impossible to sample for
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the laboratory analysis. Typical classification elements include:
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent Discontinuity type
and objective testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this standard are
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure Joint set spacing category
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors. Practice D3740 Joint persistence category
provides a means for evaluating some of these factors. Aperture category
Joint count number
5. Basis for Classification Roughness condition of joint walls
5.1 The parameters used in each classification system fol- Joint infilling (gouge)
low. In general, the terminology used by the respective author Type of large geomorphic features, geologic structures,
or authors of each system is listed, to facilitate reference to major voids
STP 984 (1) or source documents. Seismic velocity (see D5777)
5.1.1 Rock Mass Rating System (RMR) or Geomechanics Rock quality designation (RQD) (see D6032/D6032M)
Classification Geohydrologic Properties—Geohydrologic properties in-
Strength of intact rock material (Uniaxial compressive strength clude material and mass properties, but also account for the
(see D7012, Method C) or Point Load Strength Index (see interaction and behavior of subsurface water within the rock
D5731) mass. Typical classification elements include:
Rock quality designation (RQD) (see D6032/D6032M) Primary porosity
Spacing of discontinuities Secondary porosity
Condition of discontinuities Hydraulic conductivity
Groundwater conditions Transmissivity
Adjustment for joint orientations Storativity/specific yield

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 D5878 − 19
Soluble rock Rock type plus strength, geologic structure (Parameter
Water table/potentiometric surface “A”)
Aquifier type Joint spacing and orientation (Parameter “B”)
Electrical conductivity Weathering of joints and groundwater inflow (Parameter
5.1.6 New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM) “C”)
A:1.Stable ~ RSR 5 A1B1C ! (1)
2.Overbreaking
B:1.Friable 6.1.3 Guide C—The Q System or Norwegian Geotechnical
2.Very friable Institute (NGI) System:
3.Rolling/running Rock quality designation, RQD
C:1.Rock bursting Joint set number, Jn
2.Squeezing Joint roughness number, Jr
3.Heavily squeezing Joint alteration number, Ja
4.Flowing Joint water reduction factor, JW
5.Swelling Stress reduction factor, SRF
5.1.7 Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR) ~ Q 5 ~ RQD/J n ! 3 ~ J r /J a ! 3 ~ J W /SRF! (2)
Unit Ratings
Shear strength of discontinuities 6.1.4 Guide D—Unified Rock Classification System (URCS)
Cohesion Degree of weathering (A–E)
Roughness Estimated strength (A–E)
Intensity of discontinuities Discontinuities (A–E)
Spacing Unit weight (A–E)
Persistence Schematic of notation (results = AAAA through EEEE)
Number of discontinuity sets 6.1.5 Guide E—Rock Material Field Classification System
Compressive strength (RMFCS)
Moisture sensitivity Schematic of procedure through performance assessment
Roof Ratings Classification (description and definitions),
Strong bed adjustment Rock unit
Unit contact adjustment Classification Elements—Including rock material properties,
Groundwater adjustment rock mass properties, and geohydrologic properties.
Surcharge adjustment Performance Assessment—Performance objectives
Hydraulic erodibility in earth spillways
5.2 Comparison of parameters among these systems indi- Excavation characteristics
cates some strong similarities. It is not surprising, therefore, Construction quality
that paired correlations have been established between RMR, Fluid transmission
RSR, and Q (7). Some of the references in the appendix also Rock Mass stability
present procedures for estimating some in situ engineering Classification by objective
properties from one or more of these indexes (7, 8, 9, and 10). Determine class of rock or each selected performance
NOTE 4—Reference (7) presents step-by-step procedures for calculating objective
and applying RSR, RMR, and Q values. Applications of the first five 6.1.6 Guide F—NATM
systems are discussed in STP 984 (1), as is a detailed treatment of RQD. Rock mass types
Calculation of support factor (SF)
6. Procedures for Determining Parameters Excavation class matrix for conventional tunneling (The
6.1 The annex of this standard contains tabled and other excavation class matrix for continuous (TBM) tunneling is
material for determining the parameters needed to apply each determined by standup time and the support factor, the latter
of the classification systems. These materials shall be used in calculated in the same way as for conventional tunneling,
conjunction with detailed, instructive references such as STP although there may be some differences in the way in which
984 (1) and Ref (7). The annexed materials are as follows: rating factors, RF, are assigned.)
6.1.1 Guide A—Rock Mass Rating System (RMR) Support elements and rating factors
Classification parameters (a total of five) and their ratings NOTE 5—Standup time is the length of time following excavation that
(Sum ratings) an active span in an underground opening will stand without artificial
Rating adjustment for joint orientations (Parameter support. An active span is the largest unsupported span between the face
No. 6) (RMR = adjusted sum) and artificial supports (11).
Effect of discontinuity strike and dip orientations in tun- 6.1.7 Guide G—CMRR
neling CMRR calculation
Adjustments for mining applications Immersion test
Input data from the Geomechanics Classification Field data sheet
6.1.2 Guide B—Rock Structure System (RSR) Directions for field data sheet
Schematic of the six parameters Cohesion-roughness rating

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Spacing-persistence rating the accuracy with which the data can be applied in design or
Multiple discontinuity set adjustment other uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using
Strength rating this standard is beyond its scope.
Moisture sensitivity rating
7. Precision
Unit rating (UR) calculation sheet
Roof rating (CMRR) calculation sheet 7.1 Precision statements will be available for some compo-
Strong bed adjustment nents of some of the classification systems, such as uniaxial
Unit contacts adjustment compressive strength and rock quality designation.
Groundwater adjustment 8. Keywords
Surcharge adjustment
8.1 classification; classification system; coal mine roof rat-
CMRR values
ing (CMRR); Japanese rock mass classification systems; new
6.2 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the Austrian tunneling method (NATM); Q-system (NGI); rock
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in mass; rock mass rating system (RMR); rock material field
Practice D6026. classification system (RMFCS); rock quality designation
6.2.1 The method used to specify how data are collected, (RQD); rock structure rating system (RSR); unified rock
calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to classification system (URCS)

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 D5878 − 19

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MATERIAL

A1.1 The materials presented in this Annex for RMR, RSR,

and URCS have been extracted from STP 984 (1). The
materials for Q (NGI) are from Ref (9). The materials for
NATM are from Ref. (3). The materials for CMRR are from
Ref. (5). The materials for RMFCS are from Ref. (2).

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APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Afrouz, A. A., Practical Handbook of Rock Mass Classifi- Sauer, G. and Gold, H.,“ NATM Ground Support Concepts
cation Systems and Modes of Ground Failure, CRC Press, and their Effect on Contracting Practices,” Proceedings, Rapid
Boca Raton, 1992. Excavation and Tunneling Conference, Los Angeles, June
Bell, F. G., Engineering Properties of Soils and Rocks, 1989, Sect. 2, Chapt. 5, pp. 67–86.
Butterworth-Heinemann, Oxford, 1992. Wickham, G. E., Tiedemann, H. R., and Skinner, E. H.,
Bieniawski, Z. T., “Engineering Classification of Jointed “Ground Support Prediction Model, RSR Concept,” in
Rock Masses”, Transactions of the South African Institution of Proceedings, Second Rapid Excavation and Tunneling
Civil Engineers, Vol 15, 1973, pp. 335–344.
Conference, San Francisco, June 1974, Vol I, pp. 691–707.
Deere, D. U., Hendron, A. J., Jr., Patton, F. D., and Cording,
E. J., “Design of Surface and Near-Surface Construction in Williamson, D. A., “Uniform Rock Classification for Geo-
Rock”, in Failure and Breakage of Rock, Fairhurst, C., Ed., technical Engineering Purposes,” Transportation Research Re-
Society of Mining Engineers of AIME, New York, 1967, pp. cord 783, National Academy of Sciences, Washington, DC,
237–302. 1980, pp. 9–14.

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REFERENCES

(1) Rock Classification Systems for Engineering Purposes, ASTM STP (7) Bieniawski, Z. T., Rock Mechanics Design in Mining and Tunneling,
984, ASTM, 1988. Balkema, A. A., Rotterdam, 1984.
(2) Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, (8) Barton, N., Lien, R., and Lunde, J., “Engineering Classification of
“Classification of Earth (Geologic) Material,” National Engineering Rock Masses for the Design of Tunnel Support,” Rock Mechanics, Vol
Handbook, Part 631, Ch. 12, 2002, p.16. 6, No. 4, 1974, pp. 189–236.
(3) Lauffer, H., “Rock Classification Methods Based on the Excavation (9) Barton, N., and Grimstad, E., “The Q-System Following Twenty Years
Response,” Felsbau, Vol 15, No. 3, 1997, pp. 179–182. of Application in NMT Support Selection,” Felsbau, Vol 12, No. 6,
(4) Austrian Standards Institute, ŐNORM B 2203, 1994. 1994, pp. 428–436.
(5) Molinda, G. M., and Mark, C., “Coal Mine Roof Rating (CMRR): A (10) Bieniawski, Z. T., Engineering Rock Mass Classifications, Wiley-
Practical Rock Mass Classification for Coal Mines,” Information
Interscience, New York, 1989.
Circular 9387, U.S. Bureau of Mines, Pittsburgh, PA, 1994.
(11) Hoek, E. and Brown, E. T., Underground Excavations in Rock,
(6) “Rock Mass Classification in Japan,” Japanese Society of Engineering
Institution of Mining and Metallurgy, London, 1980.
Geology, 1992.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D5878 – 08) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved March 1, 2019.)

(1) Reinstated with revision.

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