Analysis of RQD dependencies on geological characteristics of rocks

A.V. Nekrasov, V.V. Cheskidov, A.Yu. Nekrasova
National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Moscow, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №1/ 2026 p. 143-150

Abstract: This article presents the revealed dependencies of the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) parameter developed in 1964 by Deere on the geological characteristics of rocks, the degree of rock displacement during muck pile formation after blasting. Possible directions in application of this parameter are defined. Various methods are described for determining the RQD index. Interrelation has been revealed between the RQD index and the widely used similar classifications of Bieniawski (Rock mass rating) and the Barton rating system (Q). Analysis of the main dependencies of the RQD index was performed at a mining company, where a geological block model was available with the data values for each sub-block. Correlation dependences were obtained of the RQD index on the rock fracturing, horizontal displacement of rock mass in the muck pile, rock density, etc. The degree of the horizontal rock mass displacement was determined based on experimental tests using marker sensors. The dependencies revealed in this article between the RQD index and the geological characteristics of rocks and the horizontal displacement of rock mass make it possible to predict the displacement of rocks with a greater degree of reliability. The presented matrix of pair correlation between the horizontal displacement of rock mass and the geological characteristics of rocks and the RQD index allows assessing the impact of geological parameters on the degree of horizontal rock displacement.

Keywords: rock quality designation, RQD, rock properties, open pit mining, underground mining, rock characteristics, geologic block model, geomechanical rock parameters, rock displacement prediction

Acknowledgments: The authors express their gratitude to colleagues from mining companies for providing the necessary materials.

For citation: Nekrasov A.V., Cheskidov V.V., Nekrasova A.Yu. Analysis of RQD dependencies on geological characteristics of rocks. Russian Mining Industry. 2026;(1):143–150. https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2026-1-143-150

Article info

Received: 16.10.2025

Revised: 16.12.2025

Accepted: 26.12.2025

Information about the authors

Andrey V. Nekrasov – Postgraduate Student, Department of Geological and Surveying Engineering, Mining Institute, National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Moscow, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9614-6440; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Vasilii V. Cheskidov – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Associate Professor, Mining Institute, National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Moscow, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6165-5439; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Alena Yu. Nekrasova – Postgraduate Student, Department of Geological and Surveying Engineering, Mining Institute, National University of Science and Technology “MISIS”, Moscow, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0009-0003-5459-7316; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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