The Evaluation for Estimation Method of Deformation Modulus of Rock Mass Using RMR System

The deformation modulus of rock masse is a very important design factor for the computation of stability of tunnels and their support systems. Several empirical formulas to estimate the deformation modulus using simple rock classification methods such as RQD or RMR are widely used because field tests to evaluate the deformation modulus are very expensive and time consuming work. However, these formulas can be depended on experiences from the characteristics of local sites in each country. Therefore, in this study, the applicability of empirical formulas was analyzed by comparing estimated value with the measured value from eight sites in South Korea. The results show that the estimated value based on the empirical formulas partially have tendency to overestimate. Especially, in case of sedimentary rocks, it was too difficult to apply to the empirical formulas because there was no relationship between estimated value and measured value. For these reasons, additional data from many tests and accurate analyses are necessary to evaluate the estimation method for the deformation modulus considering the local characteristics of rock masse.