Rock Mass Classification Workshop

Optional pre-ACRM Workshop

The Rock Mass Characterisation Workshop is part of the pre-conference program of the 2026 Australian Conference on Rock Mechanics (ACRM2026). The workshop aims to provide participants with a practical and integrated overview of rock mass characterisation, from intact rock testing through to classification systems and real world engineering applications.

Through a combination of fundamental concepts, applied methods, and case studies, participants will gain insight into:

• Laboratory testing and intact rock characterisation
• Rock mass classification frameworks and their appropriate use
• The role of characterisation in engineering design and decisionmaking
• Strengths, limitations, and calibration of classification methods using case studies

The workshop is intended for engineers, researchers, and practitioners seeking a practical, experience-based perspective on rock mass characterisation in mining and civil engineering contexts.

Agenda

Workshop Structure

Part 1: Laboratory testing and intact rock characterisation

Focus on laboratorybased testing, intact rock properties, and interpretation for engineering purposes.

Part 1 focuses on the quantitative analysis of intact rock and discontinuity properties through laboratory testing. Emphasis is placed on the determination of mechanical and physical characteristics, such as strength, deformability, and failure behaviour. Based on these results, the engineering behaviour of rock masses is interpreted in relation to the interaction between intact rock and discontinuities.

Part 2: Rock mass classification and characterisation methods

Overview of commonly used rock mass classification systems, their assumptions, applicability, and limitations.

Part 2 will briefly put into context the development classic rock mass classification systems (RMR, Q, Stability Graph and GSI), introduce them and put forward some weak points and limitations of the application of these tools for characterization (geological framework, variability, anisotropy, poorly jointed rock masses) and for the application on rock engineering design (zonation, support design, rock parameter estimate). 

Bim-rock characterization?

Part 3: Case studies: rock slope stabilities, underground mining room and pillar stabilities

Application of characterisation and classification methods to practical design and stability assessment problems.

Part 3 illustrates the application of characterisation techniques to some real case studies. First, a particular a slope design case study will be introduced. Then, an underground mining room excavation that generated a relevant instability phenomena and the management of pillar instability issues in an underground room and pillar mine will be presented. In all cases, the presenter will focus on the connection of the rock mass response with the characterisation of the rock masses at stake.

Part 4: Case studies: mine collapse, subsidence

Use of rock mass characterisation in the interpretation and analysis of largescale failure mechanisms in mines.

This part presents case studies of mine collapse, ground subsidence, and tunnel deformation. The underlying causes of these phenomena are analyzed from geological and rock engineering perspectives. Particular emphasis is placed on the critical role of rock mass characteristics in governing such failures.

About the presenters

Prof. Seokwon Jeon ISRM President; Seoul National University, South Korea

Seokwon Jeon is a Professor at Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mineral and Petroleum Engineering from Seoul National University in 1987 and 1989, respectively, and his Ph.D. in Mining and Geological Engineering from the University of Arizona in 1996. Since joining the Department of Energy Resources Engineering at Seoul National University in 1997, he has been leading the Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Laboratory. He has authored or co-authored more than 150 peer-reviewed papers and delivered over 250 technical presentations at national and international conferences. His research interests include rock fragmentation, rock fracture mechanics, tunneling engineering, surface subsidence, and radioactive waste disposal. He is a member of National Academy of Engineering of Korea. He has served in various leading roles, including President of the Korean Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering and President of the Korean Society of Mineral and Energy Resources Engineers. Within the International Society for Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering (ISRM), he has served as a member of the Commission on Testing Methods and the Commission on Design Methodology. He also served as ISRM Vice-President for Asia (2015-2019) and currently serves as ISRM President for the office term 2023-2027. 

Prof. Leandro R. Alejano University of Vigo, Spain

Prof. Leandro R. Alejano is a Professor of Rock Mechanics at the University of Vigo, Spain, where he has been an academic staff member since 1995 and became a full professor in 2020. He graduated as a mining engineer and as a Doctor in Mining Engineering in 1992 and 1996 at the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Spain. His research focuses on rock engineering and its applications in mining and construction, including rock post-failure behaviour, dilatancy, tunnelling, subsidence, and underground excavations. His recent work examines rock slope engineering, particularly the stability of large granitic boulders, rockfall hazard management in quarries and mountain areas, and complex rock slope failures. Professor Alejano has visited relevant Universities and research institutions along his career including the University of Nottingham in UK, The Asse mine in Germany, Colorado School of Mines in USA or the Politécncio di Toriono, among others. A regular consultant for mining companies in Spain, he has published more than 100 journal papers and over 120 conference papers. He currently serves as President of the Spanish Group of the ISRM, was VP Europe of the ISRM (2019–2023), and was Associate Editor of IJRM&MS (2013–2018).

Registration

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Information about discounts and refunds can be found here.

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