science

Size Strength classification

Size Strength classification is a science topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand Size Strength classification rather than just read about it. In short: In geology, size strength classification is a two-parameter rock classification based on the strength of intact rock and the spacing of discontinuities in the rock mass. It was developed by Louis and Franklin (1970–75).

Key takeaways

Size Strength classification belongs to science; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect Size Strength classification to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of Size Strength classification from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

In geology, size strength classification is a two-parameter rock classification based on the strength of intact rock and the spacing of discontinuities in the rock mass. It was developed by Louis and Franklin (1970–75). The size-strength approach to rock mass characterisation has been found helpful in various mining and civil engineering applications. The concept of block size is analogous to that of grain size but on macroscopic scale. The rock is considered as a conglomerate of discrete intact blocks bounded by joints. The behaviour of this conglomerate depends on the size and strength of a typical block. Block size is defined as the average diameter of a typical rock block in the unit to be classified. On the surface block size is measured by observing exposed rock surface. Underground block size is measured from drill cores. The intact strength of the rock material may be estimated by using a rock hammer.

References

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Size Strength classification

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Size Strength classification claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Size Strength classification before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Size Strength classification ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Size Strength classification

In research: Size Strength classification appears in science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses Size Strength classification in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: Size Strength classification is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Rock mass classification, Rock stubs, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for Size Strength classification outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

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How to study Size Strength classification in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what Size Strength classification means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain Size Strength classification out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Size Strength classification in simple terms?

Why does Size Strength classification matter?

Because it connects several science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Size Strength classification?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Size Strength classification.