SIST EN ISO 14689-1:2004

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2004
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Geotechnical investigation and testing - Identification and classification of rock - Part 1:
Identification and description (ISO 14689-1:2003)
Geotechnische Erkundung und Untersuchung - Benennung, Beschreibung und
Klassifizierung von Fels- Teil 1: Benennung und Beschreibung (ISO 14689-1:2003)
Recherches et essais géotechniques - Dénomination et classification des roches - Partie
1: Dénomination et description (ISO 14689-1:2003)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 14689-1:2003
ICS:
93.020 Zemeljska dela. Izkopavanja. Earthworks. Excavations.
Gradnja temeljev. Dela pod Foundation construction.
zemljo Underground works
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN ISO 14689-1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
December 2003
ICS 93.020
English version
Geotechnical investigation and testing - Identification and
classification of rock - Part 1: Identification and description (ISO
14689-1:2003)
Recherches et essais géotechniques - Dénomination et Geotechnische Erkundung und Untersuchung -
classification des roches - Partie 1: Dénomination et Benennung, Beschreibung und Klassifizierung von Fels-
description (ISO 14689-1:2003) Teil 1: Benennung und Beschreibung (ISO 14689-1:2003)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 28 November 2003.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United
Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2003 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 14689-1:2003 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

CORRECTED  2004-01-14
Foreword
This document (EN ISO 14689-1:2003) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 182
"Geotechnics" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 341 "Geotechnical
Investigation and Testing", the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of
an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by June 2004, and conflicting national
standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by June 2004.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of
the following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
the United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 14689-1:2003 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 14689-1:2003 without any
modifications.
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 14689-1
First edition
2003-12-01
Geotechnical investigation and testing —
Identification and classification of rock —
Part 1:
Identification and description
Recherches et essais géotechniques — Dénomination et classification
des roches —
Partie 1: Dénomination et description

Reference number
ISO 14689-1:2003(E)
©
ISO 2003
ISO 14689-1:2003(E)
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ii © ISO 2003 — All rights reserved

ISO 14689-1:2003(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references. 1
3 Terms and definitions. 2
4 Identification and description of rock. 3
4.1 Rock identification. 3
4.2 Description of rock material . 4
4.2.1 Colour. 4
4.2.2 Grain size. 4
4.2.3 Matrix. 4
4.2.4 Weathering and alteration effects . 4
4.2.5 Carbonate content. 5
4.2.6 Stability of rock material . 5
4.2.7 Unconfined compressive strength. 6
4.3 Rock mass. 6
4.3.1 General. 6
4.3.2 Structure. 7
4.3.3 Discontinuities. 7
4.3.4 Weathering of the rock mass. 12
4.3.5 Rock mass permeability. 13
5 Report. 13
Annex A (informative) Aid to identification of rock types on the basis of geological features for
engineering purposes. 14

ISO 14689-1:2003(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 14689-1 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 182, Geotechnics, Subcommittee SC 1,
Geotechnical investigation and testing.
ISO 14689 consists of the following parts, under the general title Geotechnical investigation and testing —
Identification and classification of rock:
 Part 1: Identification and description
 Part 2: Electronic exchange of data on identification and description of rock.
iv © ISO 2003 — All rights reserved

ISO 14689-1:2003(E)
Introduction
This part of ISO 14689 covers areas in the international field that were never previously standardized. It is
intended that this document presents broad good practice throughout the world and significant differences
with national documents are not anticipated. A more detailed description of rock and related to the site and
project is likely to be appropriate.
This document is based on international practice (see the Bibliography).
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 14689-1:2003(E)

Geotechnical investigation and testing — Identification and
classification of rock —
Part 1:
Identification and description
1 Scope
This part of ISO 14689 relates to the identification and description of rock material and mass on the basis of
mineralogical composition, genetic aspects, structure, grain size, discontinuities and other parameters. It also
provides rules for the description of other characteristics as well as for their designation.
This part of ISO 14689 applies to the description of rock for geotechnics and engineering geology in civil
engineering. The description is carried out on cores and other samples of natural rock and on rock masses.
Rock mass classification systems using one or more descriptive parameters to suggest likely rock mass
behaviour are beyond the scope of this part of ISO 14689 (see Bibliography).
Identification and classification of soil for engineering purposes is covered in ISO 14688-1 and ISO 14688-2.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 710-1, Graphical symbols for use on detailed maps, plans and geological cross-sections — Part 1:
General rules of representation
ISO 710-2, Graphical symbols for use on detailed maps, plans and geological cross-sections — Part 2:
Representation of sedimentary rocks
ISO 710-3, Graphical symbols for use on detailed maps, plans and geological cross-sections — Part 3:
Representation of magmatic rocks
ISO 710-4, Graphical symbols for use on detailed maps, plans and geological cross-sections — Part 4:
Representation of metamorphic rocks
ISO 710-5, Graphical symbols for use on detailed maps, plans and geological cross-sections — Part 5:
Representation of minerals
ISO 710-6, Graphical symbols for use on detailed maps, plans and geological cross-sections — Part 6:
Representation of contact rocks and rocks which have undergone metasomatic, pneumatolytic or
hydrothermal transformation or transformation by weathering
ISO 710-7, Graphical symbols for use on detailed maps, plans and geological cross-sections — Part 7:
Tectonic symbols
ISO 14689-1:2003(E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
NOTE Additional terms and definitions are given in EN 12670.
3.1
rock
a naturally occurring assemblage of minerals, consolidated, cemented, or otherwise bonded together, so as to
form material of generally greater strength or stiffness than soils
3.2
rock mass
the rock together with its discontinuities and weathering profile
3.3
rock material
the rock within the framework of the discontinuities
3.4
rock type
a name in relation to a defined petrological composition, predominant grain size and genetic origin, including
relevant structure and texture
NOTE Common examples are given in Table A.1.
3.5
matrix
fine grained, glassy or amorphous groundmass of a rock containing larger mineral grains or rock particles
3.6
texture
size, shape and arrangement of the grains for sedimentary rocks and crystals for igneous and metamorphic
rocks
3.7
fabric
spatial arrangement of the constituents (grains) in the rock
NOTE In sedimentary rocks, fabric is the orientation (or lack of it) in space of the elements (discrete particles, crystals,
cement) comprising the rock. The term is used in igneous and other crystalline rocks for the patterns produced by non-
uniform arrangements of grains, crystals and matrix.
3.8
foliation
planar arrangements of components like minerals in any type of rock, especially the planar structure that
results from flattening, segregation and other processes undergone by the grains in a metamorphic rock
3.9
discontinuity
surface which breaks the rock material continuity within the rock mass and that is open or may become open
under the stress applied by the engineering work
EXAMPLES Bedding plane, joint, fissure, cleavage and fault in rock mass.
3.10
structure
pattern of discontinuities in rock masses, which subdivide the mass into individual rock blocks
2 © ISO 2003 — All rights reserved

ISO 14689-1:2003(E)
4 Identification and description of rock
4.1 Rock identification
The identification of rocks is based on the determination of the following:
a) genetic group:
 sedimentary: clastic, chemical, organic;
 metamorphic;
 igneous: plutonic, volcanic;
b) structure:
 bedded, foliated or massive (without sharp genetic discontinuities);
c) grain size:
 descriptive terms (for various sizes) are given in Table A.1 in correlation to rock types;
d) mineralogical composition:
 quartz, feldspars and related silicate minerals;
 dark coloured minerals (e.g. biotite, amphibole, pyroxene);
 clay minerals;
 carbonate minerals (e.g. calcite and dolomite);
 siliceous amorphous material (e.g. glass);
 carbonaceous material (e.g. coal and graphite);
 salts (e.g. halite [rock salt]), gypsum);
 swelling minerals (e.g. anhydrite and clay minerals)
 sulfide minerals (e.g. pyrite);
e) void content:
 primary voids (e.g. gas bubbles in volcanic rocks);
 secondary voids (e.g. solution voids).
NOTE Lithological identification of rock is necessary to appreciate the geology of an area, to correlate geological
profiles seen in boreholes or to distinguish boulders from bedrock. It is also important when rock material is required for
construction purposes. Engineering properties can only partially be inferred from the identification of rock type.
The names of the more common rock types are given in Table A.1, which presents an aid to rock identification
for engineering purposes.
Rock names are given particular combinations of features in this subclause and correct naming requires
recognition of the attributes listed. The rock shall be correctly identified within geological science.
Geological maps related to the project shall be used for the designation of rocks.
ISO 14689-1:2003(E)
4.2 Description of rock material
4.2.1 Colour
Rock material colour may be described using Colour Charts of an approved type. As an alternative, the
following simple system should be used, which serves to limit the subjectivity of an estimation. One term is
selected as required from each column (see Table 1) and combined as a colour assessment.
Examples of use are: yellow, light yellowish brown, dark reddish brown, dark brown, etc. If necessary, colour
differences can be emphasised separately by the use of terms such as spotted, dappled, mottled, streaked;
for example, light yellowish brown spotted with dark brown.
A colour chart provides a useful aid, particularly to improve the consistency between descriptions by different
persons.
Table 1 — Terms for lightness, chroma and hue which may be used in combination for colour
description (examples)
Lightness Chroma Hue
Tertiary descriptor Secondary descriptor Primary descriptor
Pink
Pinkish
Red
Reddish
Yellow
Yellowish
Light Brown
Brownish
Dark Green
Greenish
Blue
Bluish
White
Grey
Greyish
Black
4.2.2 Grain size
A descriptive scheme is given in Table A.1. Grain size refers to the average dimension of the predominant
mineral or rock fragments comprising the rock material. It is usually sufficient to estimate the size by eye,
which may be aided by a hand lens in the assessment of fine-grained or amorphous rocks, but separate
descriptions of the grains and the matrix may be appropriate.
4.2.3 Matrix
The particle size and the mineralogical composition of the matrix shall be determined. Mineralogical
composition shall be described using the terms given in Table A.1 (siliceous, calcareous, carbonaceous, etc.)
but may be amplified, as appropriate, with such standard geological terms as ferruginous, argillaceous
(containing clay minerals), quartzose and others.
4.2.4 Weathering and alteration effects
The results of weathering/alteration of rock material are given in Table 2. Any or all of the descriptive terms
can be used to describe weathering/alteration
4 © ISO 2003 — All rights reserved

ISO 14689-1:2003(E)
Table 2 — Terms to describe weathering/alteration of rock materials
Term Description
Fresh No visible sign of weathering/alteration of the rock material
Discoloured The colour of the original fresh rock material is changed and is evidence of weathering/alteration. The
degree of change from the original colour should be indicated. If the colour change is confined to
particular mineral constituents, this should be mentioned.
Disintegrated The rock material is broken up by physical weathering, so that bonding between grains is lost and the
rock is weathered/altered towards the condition of a soil in which the original material fabric is still
intact. The rock material is friable but the mineral grains are not decomposed.
Decomposed The rock material is weathered by the chemical alteration of the mineral grains to the condition of a
soil in which the original material fabric is still intact; some or all of the mineral grains are decomposed.
The weathering terms given in Table 2 may be subdivided using qualifying terms, for example “partially
discoloured”, “wholly discoloured” and “slightly discoloured”, as this will aid the description of the material
being examined. The last three terms may be used in combination, for example, “wholly discoloured and
slightly decomposed”.
4.2.5 Carbonate content
The carbonate content is determined by the application of droplets of dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) (3:1 or
10 %). The following characteristics could be distinguished:
a) carbonate-free (O) if the addition of HCl produces no effervescence;
b) calcareous (+) if the addition of HCl produces clear, but not sustained, effervescence;
c) highly calcareous (++) if the addition of HCl produces strong and sustained effervescence.
It should be noted that, in wet or moist rocks, the effervescence usually occurs with some delay.
4.2.6 Stability of rock material
The degradation of rock material when it is exposed to a new water or atmospheric environment should
...