Process / pipelineRock Mass Classification

Rock Mass Rating (RMR)

The Rock Mass Rating (RMR) system, developed by Zbigniew Bieniawski starting in 1973, is an empirical classification that characterizes rock mass quality and estimates mining and civil engineering behavior. RMR combines five measurable geotechnical parameters into a single index ranging from 0 to 100, where higher values indicate stronger, more stable rock masses. It is the most widely used rock classification system worldwide for underground mining design.

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Sources

  1. Bieniawski, Z. T. (1989). Engineering rock mass classifications. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN: 978-0-471-60437-4
  2. Hoek, E., Marinos, P., & Benissi, M. (1998). Applicability of the Geological Strength Index (GSI) classification for very weak and sheared rock masses. Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, 57(2), 151-160. DOI: 10.1007/s100640050031

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Referenced by

ScholarGateRock Mass Rating (Rock Mass Rating (RMR) System for Geotechnical Classification). Retrieved 2026-06-04 from https://scholargate.app/en/mining-engineering/rock-mass-rating