Corrected Rock Fracture Parameters Applied to Qatari Rock Masses

Abstract

This paper is the continuation of the author's previous publications and an attempt to shed light on some of the presented propositions, therein. In his previous work, the author introduced a novel parameter for borehole rock mass evaluation, the FIC, (Fracture Index Corrected) and applied it to Qatari rock masses along with RQDC (Rock Quality Designation Corrected). This was the first case of such wide scale application of these borehole evaluation parameters. A short history is given on alternative proposals by several authors for improvements and amendments of RQD (Rock Quality Designation) since its proposal in 1963, with their authors' commentaries. Scale considerations are presented for both parameters, which are an essential consideration factor for any borehole parameter. The paper is concluded with remarks on assumed advantages and limitations of the two parameters and their future research and usage prospects. The paper is concluded with statements that Qatari rock masses are of unique type, which has not been sufficiently researched or classified by the leading world scientists in this field.