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<p>This paper is prepared for the specialty rockmass classification edition of RMRE in tribute to Dr. Evert Hoek and Prof. Paul Marinos for their development of the Geological Strength Index (<i>GSI</i>) as an intuitive method for geologically characterizing rockmasses for engineering purposes. Assessing rockmass strength has long been a challenge due to natural variability. Early efforts to apply the Hoek–Brown criterion using existing classification systems from the 1970s were often inaccurate. During the 1980s–1990s, a trend toward purely numerical classifications, ignoring geological controls, further compromised reliability. In response, Hoek and Marinos introduced the <i>GSI</i> system. Their 2000 observational chart considered rockmass quality, rock type, and geological history, enabling effective characterization of weak and complex rockmasses affected by tectonics, weathering and alteration. <i>GSI</i> was envisaged not just as a number that could be used for estimating rockmass strength but also as an index that could be projected across the chart for predicting neighboring characteristics, based on the geological model. Due to variability in practitioner interpretations and various attempts to quantify the observational chart, a quantified version was developed in 2013, remaining faithful to the original intent. However, <i>GSI</i> alone is insufficient to fully define rockmass strength using the Hoek–Brown failure criterion. The parameter m<sub>b</sub> also requires accurate determination, which in turn depends on <i>GSI</i>, <i>UCSi</i>, and especially the intact rock parameter <i>m</i><sub><i>i</i></sub>. This paper proposes two complementary approaches, the laboratory testing and petrography-based visual assessment, to enhance the reliability of <i>m</i><sub><i>i</i></sub> determination for use in Hoek–Brown strength estimation.</p>

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Integrating GSI and mi for Reliable Rockmass Strength Estimation

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月19日

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  • Vassilis P. Marinos,
  • Trevor G. Carter

摘要

This paper is prepared for the specialty rockmass classification edition of RMRE in tribute to Dr. Evert Hoek and Prof. Paul Marinos for their development of the Geological Strength Index (GSI) as an intuitive method for geologically characterizing rockmasses for engineering purposes. Assessing rockmass strength has long been a challenge due to natural variability. Early efforts to apply the Hoek–Brown criterion using existing classification systems from the 1970s were often inaccurate. During the 1980s–1990s, a trend toward purely numerical classifications, ignoring geological controls, further compromised reliability. In response, Hoek and Marinos introduced the GSI system. Their 2000 observational chart considered rockmass quality, rock type, and geological history, enabling effective characterization of weak and complex rockmasses affected by tectonics, weathering and alteration. GSI was envisaged not just as a number that could be used for estimating rockmass strength but also as an index that could be projected across the chart for predicting neighboring characteristics, based on the geological model. Due to variability in practitioner interpretations and various attempts to quantify the observational chart, a quantified version was developed in 2013, remaining faithful to the original intent. However, GSI alone is insufficient to fully define rockmass strength using the Hoek–Brown failure criterion. The parameter mb also requires accurate determination, which in turn depends on GSI, UCSi, and especially the intact rock parameter mi. This paper proposes two complementary approaches, the laboratory testing and petrography-based visual assessment, to enhance the reliability of mi determination for use in Hoek–Brown strength estimation.