Practical use of the concept of geotechnical categories in rock engineering

The aim of the paper is to show how Eurocode 7: Geotechnical Design Part 1: General Rules (EC7) could be developed in order to be in accordance with practise in rock engineering and construction. A main feature is the geological uncertianties, which imply that a risk based approch should be used. The use of Geotechnical Category (GC) has therefore to be improved by (1) combining the consequences of a failure to the geological uncertainties before excavation, and (2) combining the consequences to the ground quality found after excavation. Three GC classes are needed to properly use the GC in rock construction. The paper further describes how GC influences the design, which design method to be applied. It also outlines the types of control, inspection and supervision to be applied in the various GC classes during various stages of a project. An example is presented showing how GC can be determined at various stages of a rock construction.