ABSTRACT
Some topics, which difficult the effective use of RMR for dam foundations, are reviewed and a new geomechanics classification system, DMR (Dam Mass Rating), is proposed -as an adaptation of RMR – giving tentative guidelines for several practical aspects in dam engineering and appraisal of dam foundations (overall stability, needed excavation/treatment, relative deformation modulus dam/foundation) taking account of the effects of rock mass anisotropy and of the water saturation. The formulae for estimation of the rock mass deformation modulus Em are discussed.
