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Application of Fuzzy Set Theory to Rock Engineering Classification Systems: An Illustration of the Rock Mass Excavability Index

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Abstract

The characterization of rock masses is one of the integral aspects of rock engineering. Over the years, many classification systems have been developed for characterization and design purposes in mining and civil engineering practices. However, the strength and weak points of such rating-based classifications have always been questionable. Such classification systems assign quantifiable values to predefined classified geotechnical parameters of rock mass. This results in subjective uncertainties, leading to the misuse of such classifications in practical applications. Fuzzy set theory is an effective tool to overcome such uncertainties by using membership functions and an inference system. This study illustrates the potential application of fuzzy set theory in assisting engineers in the rock engineering decision processes for which subjectivity plays an important role. So, the basic principles of fuzzy set theory are described and then it was applied to rock mass excavability (RME) classification to verify the applicability of fuzzy rock engineering classifications. It was concluded that fuzzy set theory has an acceptable reliability to be employed for all rock engineering classification systems.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Hafez 424, P.O. Box 15875-4413, Tehran, Iran

    Jafar Khademi Hamidi, Kourosh Shahriar & Bahram Rezai

  2. Department of Mining, Petroleum and Geophysics Engineering, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, Iran

    Hadi Bejari

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  1. Jafar Khademi Hamidi
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  2. Kourosh Shahriar
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Correspondence to Jafar Khademi Hamidi.

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Khademi Hamidi, J., Shahriar, K., Rezai, B. et al. Application of Fuzzy Set Theory to Rock Engineering Classification Systems: An Illustration of the Rock Mass Excavability Index. Rock Mech Rock Eng 43, 335–350 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-009-0029-1

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