Rapid intelligent evaluation method and technology for determining engineering rock mass quality

The evaluation of engineering rock mass quality is fundamental work for the engineering activities of rock mass. The increasing scale of rock mass engineering necessitates higher intelligence, timeliness, and accuracy in engineering rock mass quality evaluation. As the core aspects of engineering rock mass quality evaluation, the structural characteristics, mechanical characteristics, and quality classification of rock mass have been innovated in recent years. The non-contact measurement technology for rock mass structure and rapid interpretation of rock mass structure information enables the intelligent extraction and analysis of rock mass structure parameters. The modular backpack laboratory system of rock mechanics provides an effective means to acquire rock mechanical parameters on-site conveniently. The theory of statistical mechanics of rock mass (SMRM) integrates various factors such as the rock mass properties, geological environment, and engineering disturbance, providing a theoretical basis for accurately evaluating the weakening and anisotropy of rock mass. The cloud computing platform established based on SMRM can provide technical support for the rapid calculation of rock mass parameters and instant evaluation of the rock mass quality. The development of intelligent evaluation method and technology is altering the conventional technical state of qualitative and semi-quantitative evaluation of engineering rock mass quality, supporting the realization of rock mass engineering construction with intellectualization and informatization. •Evaluation methods and techniques of engineering rock mass quality are reviewed.•Weakening and anisotropy are the keys to engineering rock mass quality evaluation.•Modular backpack laboratory system of rock mechanics is developed and applied.•Rapid intelligent application of statistical mechanics of rock masses is realized.