Rock mass classification

Ok kiddo, let me explain to you what rock mass classification is. Imagine that we have a big piece of rock that we want to use for building a tunnel or a dam, but we don't know how strong the rock is or how easy it will be to dig through it. That's where rock mass classification comes in handy.

Rock mass classification is like giving the rock a grade, just like the grades you get in your school work. It helps engineers and construction workers know how much support they need to build and how to excavate the rock safely without causing any accidents.

When we grade a rock, we look at different characteristics, such as how hard the rock is, how it may break or move under pressure, how much water or cracks it has, and many other factors. We use all this information to put the rock into a category, like A, B, C, or D.

Then, we can use different methods and tools to design the right supports for the rock mass and make sure that the construction will be safe and long-lasting.

So, in short, rock mass classification helps us understand how strong or weak a piece of rock is, and how to work with it to build things that will last for a long time.