Characterization of rock mass by geostatistical analysis at the Masua Mine ( Sardinia, Italy).

The purpose of the present paper is to show the application of geostatistical analysis to rock mass characterization, with the Masua Mine (Sardinia, Italy) being the case study. Following a brief description of geostatistical methods and use of 'Variograms' and 'Kriging', the criteria applied for quantification of rock mass properties are discussed. The analysis of rock mass data by geostatistical procedures allows one to infer the variability of rock quality such as defined by the RMR index. Additionally, the deformability and strength parameters are obtained for numerical modelling of mine structures. It is stated that the use of geostatistical methods such as 'Kriging' is more likely to reflect the expected rock mass mechanical behaviour.-from Author