Review of the Geological Strength Index (GSI) as an Empirical Classification and Rock Mass Property Estimation Tool: Origination, Modifications, Applications, and Limitations

Hussian, Sajjad; Mohammad, Noor; Ur Rehman, Zahid; Khan, Naseer Muhammad; Shahzada, Khan; Ali, Sarfraz; Tahir, Muhammad; Raza, Salim; Sherin, Saira

doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/6471837

Advances in Civil Engineering

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Review Article | Open Access

Volume 2020 | Article ID 6471837 | https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/6471837

Review of the Geological Strength Index (GSI) as an Empirical Classification and Rock Mass Property Estimation Tool: Origination, Modifications, Applications, and Limitations

Sajjad Hussian,¹Noor Mohammad,¹Zahid Ur Rehman,¹Naseer Muhammad Khan,^2,3Khan Shahzada,⁴Sarfraz Ali,⁵Muhammad Tahir,¹Salim Raza,¹and Saira Sherin¹

Academic Editor: Paolo Castaldo

Received07 Nov 2019

Revised19 Jul 2020

Accepted30 Jul 2020

Published24 Aug 2020

Abstract

The geological strength index (GSI) is one of the most exceptional rock mass classification system which is used to evaluate very weak and highly jointed rock mass by different approaches and related to rock mass geomechanical properties including generalized Hoek & Brown constants, deformation modulus, strength properties, and Poisson’s ratio for an appropriate design of tunnels, caverns, and other engineering structures. The distinctiveness of this system over the rock mass rating (RMR), Q-system, and other empirical methods is as follows: it utilized field observations, blockiness of rock mass, and surface joint characteristics during the evaluation process of rock mass and efficiently espoused as an empirical tool for estimation of geomechanical properties of rock mass required for pre-post stability of engineering structures using numerical modeling. This study presents the review of the 19 years of research studies conducted by different researchers about the GSI in a systematic way, i.e., origination, modifications, applications, and limitations. Furthermore, this study will provide a better understanding to field professionals (geologists, mining and civil engineers) about the qualitative and quantitative estimation of the GSI and its application as an empirical estimating tool for an appropriate design of engineering structures in rock mass environments.

1. Introduction

The complex nature and uncertain behavior of rock mass due to anisotropic and presence of unconformities make the rock mass as difficult material for empirical and numerical modeling [1–5]. Modeling of such complex nature and uncertain behavior of rock mass in a precise way to decrease the uncertainty associated with the characterization process is quite complicated job [6]. Hudson and Feng [4] presented four primary modeling methods (A, B, C, and D) and eight submethods arranged in two levels for the solution/modeling of complex rock mass conditions using forward and back analysis-based design as shown in Figure 1.

The design process of engineering structure is started from site investigations and followed by the main four methods (A, B, C, and D) for completion of the project. At the preliminary stage of any rock engineering project, the detail data about geology and geotechnics of the area are not available for the proper design of engineering structures. Therefore, to deal with this situation, different rock mass classification systems called empirical methods of design have been developed for completion of the required design at the preliminary stage of the project [7–10]. The empirical methods of design are considered very helpful in rock mass characterization and classification into different classes having similar characteristics for quickly understanding and the construction of underground engineering structures [11, 12] based on discontinuities and physiomechanical properties of rock mass for capturing the real image of the in situ conditions at the preliminary stage for effective design of engineering structures [13, 14]. Numbers of empirical methods of design have been developed based on civil and mining engineering related case studies by various researchers in order to ensure the curative of the complex nature of rock mass for the design of tunnels, caverns, rock slopes, and general purposes as shown in Table 1.

These empirical methods have wide applications in the civil and mining fields. Each empirical approach used defined input parameters, including field observations and laboratory testing, for solving different aspects of rock engineering projects [36, 37]. In the aforementioned empirical methods, RMR and Q-system are widely used classification systems for various purposes in rock engineering and considered as a base for the development of other classification systems [28, 33, 38].

The rock mass rating (RMR) and tunneling quality index (Q-system) used rock quality designation (RQD) as an integral input parameter in the evaluation of rock mass quality for the design of a support system for underground structures [39]. The value of RQD is determined by core drilling, which is a very tedious procedure [17]. The procedure is cost-effective, and the value of RQD for a very weak rock is usually considered zero [17]. This condition leads to an estimation of the inappropriate value of RMR and Q-system for the classification of rock mass [40]. The RMR and Q-system classification systems are mostly used for simple rock mass behavior, and these are less reliable to be used in squeezing, defined structural failures, rock bursting under very high-stress conditions, and estimation of rock mass properties for numerical modeling and less helpful in gaining information about the sequential installation of supports for controlling of progressive failure in weak rock mass conditions during tunneling construction [41]. Keeping in view of the above weaknesses of RMR and Q-system, the GSI rock mass classification system was developed. After development of the GSI system, different researchers, worldwide, have conducted research studies about the various aspects of the GSI system to accommodate and evaluate weakest, jointed, and heterogeneous rock mass environment for design of engineering structures and numerical modeling [11, 13, 41–57]. The research conducted so far on GSI is not comprehensive reviewed in a systematic way, therefore, it is very important, to carry out a systematic and comprehensive review of the research conducted about the various aspects of GSI system in order to provide a better understanding to field professionals (geologists, mining and civil engineers) about the GSI system and its application as an empirical classification and rock mass property estimation tool for an appropriate design of engineering structures and numerical modeling.

In this study, a review of 19 years of research conducted by different researchers about the various aspects of the GSI is presented in a systematic way. The review about the GSI is divided into four categories, i.e., origination, modifications, applications, and limitations, in order to provide a better understanding to field professionals (geologists, mining and civil engineers) about the qualitative and quantitative estimation of the GSI for assessment of rock mass and use the GSI as an empirical estimating tool for an appropriate design of engineering structures in rock mass environments.

2. Origination of the Geological Strength Index (GSI)

After reviewing the empirical methods of design as presented in Table 1, the following grounds are identified for the development of the GSI:(a)RQD is an integral part of RMR and Q-system. In weak rock mass conditions, RQD value is taken as zero using Deree et al. procedure and equation (1) [58]. This condition leads to an estimation of the inappropriate value of RMR and Q-system for rock mass classification [40].(b)RMR, Q-system, and other rock mass classification systems are inconvenient to provide information about the requirement of the support system in complex tunneling conditions for controlling progressive failure and design of proper sequentially installed temporary supports, and on the contrary, the numerical methods are considered very effective to give detail information about this situation. The numerical methods used the physiomechanical and deformation properties of rock mass surrounding the tunnel as input parameters. These properties of the rock mass are difficult to measure in the field due to uncertain rock mass conditions and challenging procedure [7, 40, 58–60]. Researchers are now focused on estimating the rock mass properties rather than finding in the field [61]. In this regard, the first attempt was made to estimate the rock mass properties by Hoek and Brown in 1980 [61]. Hoek and Brown developed failure criteria to estimate the rock mass properties. It was realized after the development of Hoek and Brown’s failure criteria that this failure criterion should be linked with actual geological observations of the field to gain its practical value [41]. Thus, in this context, the development of the geological strength index (GSI) was started in Toronto with taking engineering geology as input from David Wood in 1992 by Hoek et al. to classify weak and jointed rock mass environments.

3. Geological Strength Index (GSI)

The geological strength index (GSI) is a rock mass characterization tool developed for the design of tunnels, caverns, and other underground structures based on field observations including geological data about rock mass, inputs from qualified and expertise field geologists/engineers about the visual impression of the rock structure including block and surface condition of the discontinuities represented by joint characteristics (roughness and alteration) and providing reliable data in the form of rock mass strength properties which are used as input parameters for numerical analysis or closed-form solutions [41, 46, 50, 55, 62]. The GSI classification system has gained wide acceptance as an empirical tool for estimating the strength and deformation characteristics of heavily jointed rock masses [11]. The development process of the GSI was started in Toronto, Canada, taking input about engineering geology from David Wood by Hoek et al. [41, 44]. The GSI was further linked with Hoek and Brown failure criterion to estimate rock mass properties in true spirit in 1994 as presented by Hoek and Kaiser in 1995 [29] and Hoek and Brown in 1997. The GSI system classifies the rock mass environment into five categories ranging from very good to very poor based on the field observations about the rock mass structure ranging from blocky to disintegrated (poorly interlocked and heavily broken rock mass) [43, 61, 63]. The numeric value of the GSI is estimated from the quantified diagonal lines ranging from 10 to 80 and having an interval of 5. The quality of rock mass is divided into five categories and four rock mass structure domains. The basic GSI chart is presented in Figure 2.

4. Modifications in the GSI

The GSI rock mass classification system was updated and modified from time to time, keeping in view its applicability and the mode of assessment of rock mass and estimation of rock mass strength properties. The details of the review of the improvements and modification in the GSI system made by different researchers are described in the following paragraphs.

Hoek, in 1994 [63], linked the Hoek and Brown failure criterion, and its constants with each surface quality of rock mass of the basic GSI chart in order to achieve the primary estimating objective of the GSI system for each rock mass structure domain as presented in Figure 3 without changing the rock mass structure domain and quality in the basic GSI chart. The estimating parameters for each rock mass quality and structure domain includes Hoek and Brown constants (s, a), rock mass deformation modulus (E_m), and Poisson’s ratio ().

Hoek et al., in 1998 [43], made an extension in the GSI classification system to accommodate the weakest Athens Schist rock masses. The foliated/laminated/sheared rock mass category of the said area has been added to the basic GSI chart to represent thinly laminated, foliated, and structurally sheared weak rocks. The rock mass included in this category is not associated with good to very good surface quality, while it is associated with poor to very poor surface quality; due to its poor rock mass quality and shear behavior, the rock mass falls into disintegrated and foliated/laminated categories having the GSI value ranging from 5 to 30 [43]. The extension in the GSI is shown in Figure 4.

From 1974 to 1998, the GSI value is estimated qualitatively based on thorough geological visual observations of field and expertise of professionals about collecting data. The degree of correctness of the GSI value mainly depends on the expertise of the data collector and vice versa. It means that the GSI value may be estimated differently by different people based on the degree of expertise [47]. Therefore, it was essential to overcome these difficulties in the estimation of the GSI value. The era of switching from qualitative to quantitative estimation of the GSI value started in early 1999 in order to estimate the GSI value appropriately as possible. In this regard, the first attempt was made by Sonmez and Ulusay in 1999 to develop a refined quantitative numerical basis for estimating the GSI value, to suggest quantities for estimation of rock mass strength as an additional tool, and to apply the GSI in the stability analysis of slopes [52]. During the development of the quantification of the GSI chart, Sonmez and Ulusay did not consider the extension made in the basic GSI chart by Hoek et al. [43]. For GSI quantification, Sonmez and Ulusay suggested structure rating (SR) based on (volumetric joint count), which describes the rock mass structure and surface condition rating (SCR) based on roughness, weathering, and infilling nature of joints. SCR was calculated using a rating of R_r, , and R_f [21, 64]. The total rating of SCR is obtained using the following equation [52]:where R_r, , and R_f represent roughness, weathering, and infilling, respectively.

The SCR maximum range of the rating is 18, and the SCR axis is divided into 18 equal parts as shown in Figure 5.

is estimated from a joint survey about block size using equations (3) and (4) [52]:where S is joint spacing, N is the number of joints along scanline, L is the scanline length, and n is the joint set number. Equations (3) and (4) are used when there are limited joints available, and the rock may deal as isotropic and homogenous. For highly joint conditions, Sonmez and Ulusay suggested the following equation to be used [52]:

It is complicated to assess joints in all directions during a scanline joint survey; therefore, for easiness, the rock mass is assumed as a homogenous material. For this condition, equation (5) is simplified as

Marinos and Hoek, in 2000 and 2001, thoroughly worked on incredible jointed rock masses surrounding the tunnels in Greece and included the intact/massive category in the structure domain and joint characteristics in the GSI chart from lithology, structure, and surface conditions of rock mass discontinuities [42, 45, 48] as shown in Figure 6.

Cai et al., in 2004 [50] introduced block volume (Vb), joint condition (J_c) factor for quantifying GSI value and insert massive block segment in structure domain of GSI as shown in Figure 7. Inserting these parameters not only decreased the dependency on field experience required for estimation of GSI value but also maintained the simplicity of GSI chart developed by Marinos and Hoek in 2000 and 2001. The influence of these two parameters, i.e., V_b and J_c, were calibrated using published data and further verified on two caverns as case studies based on the back analysis technique. The block volume is determined by the following equation:where s is joint spacing and is the angle between joint sets, as shown in Figure 8.

Due to variations in joint spacing, the effect of between joint sets is relatively small. Therefore, the block volume can be estimated for practical purpose as

Since joints are discontinued, it is essential to determine equivalent block volume using the following equation:where P is the joint persistent factor.

The joint condition factor, similar to the factor used by Palmstrom [28], is determined by the following equation:where J_s, , and J_a are joint spacing, roughness, and alteration ratings.

Hoek et al., in 2005 [64], incorporated weak, heterogeneous rock masses, and lithological variability of a rock mass. Hoek et al. developed two charts for confined and fissile molaissic rock masses for tunnels and surface excavations.

Hoek et al., in 2013, inserted scales at the x-axis and y-axis represented by A and B, respectively, in the GSI chart developed by Hoek and Marinos 2000. Scale A is representing the surface quality of rock mass, having a range from 0 to 45 divided into 5 divisions at an interval of 9. Scale B is representing block interlocking and structure domains of the rock mass, having a range from 0 to 50 divided into 5 divisions at an interval of 10 [13].

Furthermore, Marinos and Hoek defined scale A by 1.5 JCond₈₉, and scale B is defined as RQD/2 in the basic GSI chart, as shown in Figure 9.

5. Applications of the GSI as an Empirical Estimation Tool for Geomechanical Properties of Rock Mass

The GSI system is explicitly used in estimations of rock mass strength and deformation properties based on Hoek and Brown failure criterion for numerical modeling and analysis of projects in rock engineering [8, 9, 11, 22, 39–41, 43, 47, 49–51, 53, 54, 61, 64–73]. The exceptionality of the GSI over other empirical methods (RMR, Q-system, etc.) is that this empirical method determined the rock mass strength and deformation properties of weak to very weak rock mass environment and addressed the rock heterogeneity in the best way. The details of the GSI, as an empirical estimation tool, are discussed in the following.

5.1. Estimation of the Generalized H-B Failure Criterion Constants and Mohr–Coulomb Failure Constants

Hoek and Brown, in 1980 [61, 74, 75], proposed the nonlinear failure criterion as given in equation (11) for estimation of intact rock strength based on a wide range of triaxial tests on intact rock samples.where and are major and minor principal stresses, respectively, Co is the uniaxial compressive strength, and m and s are Hoek and Brown constants. Equation (11) can also denoted as

The Hoek and Brown failure criterion is updated from time to time in accordance to experience gained and to address certain practical limitations [29, 44, 61, 76]. Hoek and Brown developed a generalized failure criterion, also known as 2002 edition, to estimate jointed rock mass strength as given in the following equation [11, 13, 42, 48, 49, 76, 77]:where m_b, s, and a are material constants. Hoek and Brown constants are determined by equations (14)–(16), respectively, when the GSI value and D are known [78, 79]. The other empirical methods are used to determine the Hoek and Brown constants.where D is a disturbance factor which depends on the nature of the blast and m_i is the intact rock constant.

The Hoek–Brown constants m_b, s, and a for jointed rock mass are determined using the following equations without disturbance factor (D) or when the D value is zero (control blast of excavation by TBM) [52].

When the GSI value is estimated, then the following equation is used to determine the value of m_b:

When GSI > 25, then s is calculated from the following equation as

For good quality of rock mass,

When GSI < 25, then the rock mass is of poor quality, and

And the value of a is determined by the following equation:

The Mohr–Coulomb failure criterion is also called as the linear failure criterion which is used in estimation of strength of rocks for design purpose. The constants, i.e., cohesion (C_m) and angle of internal friction (φ_m), or shear strength parameters are empirically estimated using equations (22) and (23) [80, 81], respectively, when intact rock and rock mass constants (m_b, s, and a) are known:

When the GSI value is known, then equations (14)–(21) can be used to find the values of m_b, s, and a for estimation of cohesion and angle of internal friction.

5.2. Estimation of the Rock Mass Deformation Modulus

Rock mass deformation modulus is an integral parameter for numerical modeling of rock engineering problems for pre and post failure analysis and assessment of the effectiveness of design [7]. The determination of rock mass deformation modulus in the field is a very challenging job, and the obtained results may be questionable due to complicated procedures [7, 38, 59, 61, 73, 82]. Therefore, most of the researchers prefer to estimate the rock mass deformation modulus rather than determining in the field through in situ techniques [49, 59, 69–73, 77, 82–85]. The empirical models developed based on GSI values for rock mass deformation modulus are presented in Table 2.

5.3. Estimation of the Rock Mass Strength and Poisson’s Ratio

The strength and passion ratio are very important parameters used in numerical modeling of rock engineering problems for evaluating the behavior of rock mass. The in situ determination of these properties of rock mass using different methods is difficult and time-consuming as compared to empirical methods [7]. The following are different empirical models using GSI and other parameters for estimation of strength and Poisson’s ratio of a rock mass.

Ramamurthy, in 1993, established an empirical model using GSI and (compressive strength of the rock) for estimating the compressive strength of rock mass as given in the following equation [91]:

Vásárhelyi in 2009 [93], developed linear empirical models, as shown in equations (36) and (37), for estimation of Poisson’s ratio using GSI, Poisson’s ratio for intact rock (), and Hoek–Brown constant (m_i) [93]:where vrm is Poisson’s ratio for rock mass and is intact-rock Poisson’s ratio.

5.4. Relation of GSI with Other Rock Mass Classification Systems

Hoek and Diederichs developed an alternate equation for estimation of the GSI using surface joint characteristics/ratio, as shown in the following equation [46]:

Equation (38) can be rearranged to estimate the value of RQD, as shown in the following equation:

Barton et al., in 1974, suggested a relation representing the detail of joint condition (joint alteration (Ja), joint roughness (Jr)) as given in the following equation:

Substituting equation (40) into equation (39), we will get

Various researchers, worldwide, have developed different correlations for estimating the GSI value using RMR_76, RMR₈₉, Q value, RMR, RCR, RSR, and RMI as shown in Table 3.

5.5. Application of the GSI System in Stability Analysis of Slope, Tunnels, and Excavations

Sonmez and Ulusay, in 1999 [52], developed a refine quantitative numerical basis for estimating the GSI value, as shown in Figure 5. They used disturbance factor due to the method of excavation (mode of blasting) and rock mass strength for estimating the GSI value. For stability of slopes, they used the GSI value as the input in HOBRSLP software for slope stability analysis of circular and noncircular slip surfaces. In 2013, Hoek et al. [13] presented a simplified qualitative approach for stability analysis of tunnels having s span of 10 m and slopes having a height less than 20 m. For larger caverns and slopes, consider reducing value of the GSI for decreasing block interlocking. Furthermore, the GSI value is usually used as an input parameter in RocLab software for evaluating different strength parameters of rock mass and numerical tools such as RS² and RS³ developed by Rocscience, for numerical modeling, stability analysis of engineering structures, and pre- and postbehavior of rock mass (tunnels, slopes, and excavations). The value of RMR, Q-system, and other empirical methods is not used as compared to the GSI value directly in numerical tools, but indirectly, the support system recommended by these empirical methods is installed and evaluated in numerical modeling.

5.6. Application of the GSI in Excavatability Assessment of Rock Masses

GSI system has been successfully utilized in excavability assessment of rock mass during construction of underground excavation. The mode of excavation is defined based on 61 site investigations including sedimentary and metamorphic rocks having deformed structures and joint conditions utilizing the GSI value by Tsiambaos and Saroglou [98]. The research study concluded that (1) when GSI value > 65 and point load index (Is₅₀) > 3 MPa and GSI value > 60 and Is₅₀ < 3 MPa, blasting is preferred to be used in massive blocky, having tight joint conditions. (2) When the GSI value ranges from 20 to 45 and Is₅₀ ≥ 3 MPa and the GSI value ranges from 25 to 55 and Is₅₀ < 3 MPa, excavation is carried out by ripping, while in the transition phase from blasting to ripping, the hyudraulic breaker is to be used for excavation. This excavability assessment is suitable to be used in rock mass, where discontinuities control the excavation, while it is not suitable in heterogeneous rock masses such as sheared flysch, bimrocks, and soft rocks.

6. Limitations

The GSI system is based on assumptions that the rock mass behaves like isotropic media, and the behavior of rock mass is not reliant on the direction of the applied load. Based on GSI assumptions, this system should not be used in such conditions where predominant structural orientation and structurally dependent gravitational instability exist.

The GSI system is not applied to already excavated faces in very hard rock having few discontinuities spaced at distances of similar magnitude to the dimensions of the tunnel or slope under consideration, because in this case, the stability of the tunnel or slope is controlled by the three-dimensional geometry of the intersecting discontinuities and the free faces created by the excavation.

The quantitative version of the GSI developed by H Sonmez and Ulusay is valid to use in such cases in which frequency and orientation of discontinuities are measured easily. The quantification version of the GSI is not effective in tectonically disturbed rock masses having destroyed structural fabric. In such a case, the researchers recommend using a qualitative version of the GSI based on careful visual observations.

7. Conclusions

The following conclusions are drawn from this study:(1)The empirical methods such as RMR, Q, and RMI used RQD as input parameters which are not suitable to be applied in a very weak and highly jointed rock mass environment because for such rock mass conditions, RQD value is taken as zero.(2)The empirical methods (RMR, Q-system, RMI, etc.) are inconvenient to be used for design of tunnels, caverns, and other underground excavations in squeezing, high-stress, and weak rock mass environments.(3)The empirical methods (RMR, Q-system, RMI, etc.) are not suitable to be used for prepost failure and stability analysis of engineering projects through numerical modeling.(4)The GSI system, as compared to other rock mass classification systems, may represent the heterogeneity of rock mass in a convenient way in terms of rock mass structure domain.(5)Three different approaches are effectively used to estimate the GSI value, i.e., qualitative, quantitative, and empirical models based on other empirical methods. The qualitative and quantitative approaches are suitable to be used for evaluating the weak, jointed, layered, and heterogeneous rock mass for engineering design purpose.(6)It has been concluded from the study that the RMR, Q-system, and other empirical methods are convenient to be used in favorable joint conditions or presence of less joints in the hard rock mass environment, while the GSI system is recommended to be used for weak to very weak and high-stress rock mass environments.(7)The GSI system is explicitly used for estimation of geomechanical properties of rock mass with maximum confidence level as compared to other rock mass classification systems.(8)GSI has a wide range of applications in rock engineering. However, this system did not cover the design of the support system for tunnel and other structures as compared to RMR and Q-system.(9)The qualitative approach for estimating the GSI system required better knowledge and skills about collecting and evaluating the field data. However, the quantitative and empirical model approaches are easy to be used for the assessment of rock mass environment.(10)This study will provide a common understanding to field professionals to use different estimating approaches for the GSI value in a convenient way for evaluating the rock mass environment and estimating the required rock mass strength and deformation properties for numerical modeling.

Data Availability

The data used to support the findings of this study are included within the article.

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.

Supplementary Materials

Figure 1: GSI charts for confined and fissile molaissic rock masses for tunnels and surface excavations, respectively [64]; Hoek et al., in 2005 [64], incorporated weak, heterogeneous rock masses and lithological variability of a rock mass. Hoek et al. developed two charts for confined and fissile molaissic rock masses for tunnels and surface excavations, as presented in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), respectively. Figure 2: scale A and B inserted at x- and y-axis of the GSI chart [13]. (Supplementary Materials)

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Copyright © 2020 Sajjad Hussian et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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