Kalliomassaa

Kalliomassaa is a Finnish term that translates to "rock mass" or "rock mass strength." It is a concept used in geology and civil engineering to describe the physical properties of rock formations, particularly their ability to withstand stress and deformation. This includes factors such as the type of rock, its intactness, the presence of discontinuities like joints and faults, and the overall geological structure.

Understanding kalliomassaa is crucial for projects involving underground excavations, such as tunnels, mines, and caverns. It helps engineers assess the stability of the rock and predict its behavior under various loads. For example, a strong and intact kalliomassaa will require less support than a fractured or weathered rock mass.

The assessment of kalliomassaa often involves field investigations, laboratory testing, and numerical modeling. These methods provide data on parameters like rock strength, rock mass quality indices (e.g., RMR, Q-system), and groundwater conditions, all of which contribute to the overall assessment of the rock mass. The term emphasizes that the behavior of a rock formation is not solely determined by the properties of the individual rock material but also by the collective characteristics of the entire rock mass.