The answer of this question is extensive and comprehensive.In my perspective, you must have detail geological and geo-technical investigation of rock mass and its precise classification and categorization in terms of different class.For empirical method to calculate the support in underground you can use both RMR system and Q-System.They have developed some empirical derivative for different support system.
I suggest you to refer Rock Mass Rating (RMR) established by Bieniawski (1989) or/and Rock Tunneling Quality Index or Q-index published by Barton et. al (1974). I hope this link will help u little bit. Good Luck.
I would reccomend to have a look in the enclosed handbook of the Q-system. It propose the rock support type (e.g. shotcrete, reinforced shotcrete ribs, bolt spacing and type) based on the Q-value.