A new method for evaluating rock mass quality of slopes based on interval continuous mathematical models

Rock mass classification has been playing an important role in the analyses of civil engineering in recent years. The quality evaluation of slope rock mass becomes essential for slope stability assessment. Neither continuous expression and comparable function are rarely taken into consideration in rock mass classification, nor is the shortage in the previous quality evaluation of slop rock mass. Through constructing the benchmark intervals of evaluation indicators; mathematical models between quantized value and relative quantized value which is a new proposed parameter; and linear weighted function, the interval continuous mathematical models (ICMM) for quality evaluation of slope rock mass are presented. The application result shows that ICMM is effective for improving the comparability of rock mass quality of slopes by unifying evaluation indicators. On the other hand, the ICMM realizes the continuous expression of rock mass quality of slopes by removing the step-like features caused by the pre-set rating criteria of each evaluation indicator and rock mass quality classification, guiding the follow-up construction and protection of slopes, and ensuring the balance between economy and safety. Therefore, the ICMM is more scientific and reasonable than extant classification systems for evaluating rock mass quality of slopes.