Abstract：A set of 3D rheological testing apparatus for surrounding rock of roadways or tunnels was developed by the authors，and rheological experiments and monitoring on it have been going on for over 10 years. Based on attenuation characteristics of long-term strength and strain energy conservation law of rock，a nonlinear rheological mathematical-mechanical model of rock is established，which differs form composite models of elastic，plastic or viscous elements. Based on this model，a nonlinear rheological mathematical-mechanical model of surrounding rock deformation of roadways or tunnels is established. Uniaxial compression strength can be converted to triaxial compression strength by linear Mohr strength theory，so uniaxial compression strength can be used to calculate 3D strain of surrounding rock of roadways or tunnels. The rheological values of surrounding rock deformation of roadways or tunnels calculated with the model are in good coincidence with the values obtained by experiments. The model is successfully applied to forecasting the width of loosened zone of a roadway.
