Evaluation of rock mass deformability using RQD, Q, RMi and other parameters – A review

Evaluation of the deformability of rock masses is important in rock mechanics and rock engineering because it is used in the analysis and design of different structures founded in or on rock, from underground openings and excavations to foundations of dams, bridges and high-rise buildings. Determining this parameter with in-situ tests requires significant costs and difficult operational processes. For this reason, empirical equations for indirect estimation of deformation modulus are an interesting topic for rock engineers and engineering geologists. These empirical methods exist in different forms and are scattered in different sources. Therefore, it is often difficult, time-consuming, or even impossible for a practitioner to find the appropriate information to determine the deformation modulus of rock masses for a particular project. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to comprehensive review and collection empirical equations of rock mass deformation related to with the RQD, Q, RMi and other parameters.