Relationship Between Petrographic Characteristics and the Engineering Properties of Jurassic Sandstones, Hamedan, Iran

To study the relationship between engineering properties and petrographic characteristics, 20 rock samples were collected from Jurassic sandstones in the Hamedan region, western Iran. The specimens were tested to determine uniaxial compressive strength, point load strength index, tangent modulus, porosity, and dry and saturated unit weights. Samples were also subjected to petrographic examination, which included the observation of 11 parameters and modal analysis. Based on the results of a statistical analysis, polynomial prediction equations were developed to estimate physical and mechanical properties from petrographic characteristics. The results show that textural characteristics are more important than mineral compositions for predicting engineering characteristics. The packing density, packing proximity and grain shape are the petrographic properties that significantly affect the engineering properties of samples. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed, employing four steps comprising various combinations of petrographic characteristics for each engineering parameter. The optimal equation, along with the relevant combination of petrographic characteristics for estimating the engineering properties of the rock samples is proposed.     

Prediction of Engineering Properties of Basalt Rock in Jordan Using Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Test

Basalt is an extrusive igneous rock derived from Lava and spread over different localities in Jordan. It can be used in industrial applications, and as construction materials. Before using basalt, it is essential to determine its dry density, porosity, uniaxial compressive strength, and Brazilian tensile strength. The testing procedure and sample preparation used to determine the engineering properties are time-consuming and need expertise. Hence, the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test, a quick and non-destructive evaluation method, was used to determine the engineering properties. Empirical relationships for determination of dry density, porosity, uniaxial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, and tangent modulus of elasticity were deduced. Good correlation coefficients (R²?=?0.832–0.929) were obtained between UPV and dry density, porosity, uniaxial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. These correlations were limited to intact basalt with UPV?≥?4000 m/s.     

Correlation of mineralogical and textural characteristics with engineering properties of selected granitic rocks from Turkey

Granitic rocks show a variety of engineering properties that may affect quarrying operations, tunneling, mining, slope stability and the use of rock as a construction material. The physical and mechanical properties are a function of the mineralogical and textural characteristics of the rock. The purpose of this study is to apply correlation analysis to investigate the relationships between petrographical and engineering properties of granitic rocks. A variety of granitic rock samples from different parts of Turkey were subjected to petrographic studies. The same samples were then tested to determine specific gravity, dry and saturated unit weight, water absorption, effective and total porosity, sonic velocity, Schmidt hardness, point load strength index, uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. The relationships between these properties and the petrographical characteristics are described by simple regression analyses. The study revealed that the influence of the textural characteristics on the engineering properties appears to be more important than the mineralogy. It also determined that the types of contacts, grain (mineral) shape and size significantly influence the engineering properties of the granitic rocks.     

Effect of salt crystallization on weathering of pyroclastic rocks from Cappadocia,Turkey

Salt crystallization is the most significant factor in the degradation of the natural stones used in cultural and historical structures. Stones decay partially or fully as a result of this exposure. This study is the investigation of the degradation of historical monuments (underground cities and semi-underground settlements) carved in pyroclastic rocks in Cappadocian Region which takes part in World Cultural Heritage List. Samples of pyroclastic rocks were collected from six different quarries in Cappadocia, Turkey. To understand the contribution of salt crystallization to this weathering, dry weight loss (DWL) tests were performed on these samples. To investigate the correlations between salt crystallization and other rock properties, porosity, water absorption, ultrasonic velocity, uniaxial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, and point load index were also measured. During the SC process of weathering, the results showed that porosity and water absorption increased for all the samples whereas ultrasonic velocity, uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, and point load index values decreased. Evaluation of the data obtained from these tests showed very high logarithmic correlations between the dry weight loss values and the mechanical properties.     

Settlement and slaking problems in the world's fourth largest rock-fill dam, the Ataturk Dam in Turkey

The Ataturk Dam is the fourth largest clay cored rock-fill dam in the world. Located in southeastern Turkey, it is the centrepiece of a project called the Southeastern Anatolian Project (GAP). The construction of the dam was finished in the short time of 3 years and 8 months in August 1990. As the reservoir level started to rise, settlement problems started to occur along the crest reaching considerable levels by May 1992 and the weathered vesicular basalt used in the rock-fill section of the dam started to slake seriously. The elevation of the crest has fallen down to such an extent that now the upper part of the dam is being reconstructed to the original height of 549 m in order to maintain the 7 m freeboard and keep the dam operational. The settlement and slaking problems of the dam were investigated both in the field and the laboratory using soil and rock mechanical techniques. Standard proctor tests were run to determine the optimum moisture content at which the highest dry density (best compaction) is obtained during compaction of the impervious clay core. Consolidation tests were performed on undisturbed compacted clay core samples to determine if the field compaction of the clay core was done to the standards determined in the laboratory. Unconfined compression tests were run on the two different (sound aphanitic and weathered vesicular) basalts used in the rock-fill section of the dam to determine their unconfined compressive strengths. Slake durability tests were run on the same basalts to determine their durability under wetting and drying cycles. Petrographic and X-ray analysis were done so as to study the mineralogical contents of the two basalts and in turn, to determine the cause of rapid slaking of the vesicular textured weathered basalt. The consolidation test results show that, the field compaction of the impervious clay core of the dam was not done to the standards determined through the proctor tests in the laboratory. The unconfined compressive strength of the sound aphanitic basalt is more than ten times greater than the weathered vesicular basalt, and while the former has extremely high durability the latter only has medium durability. Because of nontronite (iron montmorillonite) and secondary calcite amygdules filling the vesicles, the weathered vesicular basalt used in the rock-fill section is slaking badly causing additional settlement and landslides both in the clay core which is already settling and the rock-fill section of the dam. With the continuing slaking, the present reconstruction of the crest up to the theoretically intended height of 549 m to maintain the 7 m freeboard and keep the dam operational seems only to be a temporary solution.     

Effects of Rock Properties on Specific Cutting Energy in Linear Cutting of Sandstones by Picks

Summary. Specific cutting energy (SE) has been widely used to assess the rock cuttability for mechanical excavation purposes. Some prediction models were developed for SE through correlating rock properties with SE values. However, some of the textural and compositional rock parameters i.e. texture coefficient and feldspar, mafic, and felsic mineral contents were not considered. The present study is to investigate the effects of previously ignored rock parameters along with engineering rock properties on SE. Mineralogical and petrographic analyses, rock mechanics, and linear rock cutting tests were performed on sandstone samples taken from sites around Ankara, Turkey. Relationships between SE and rock properties were evaluated using bivariate correlation and linear regression analyses. The tests and subsequent analyses revealed that the texture coefficient and feldspar content of sandstones affected rock cuttability, evidenced by significant correlations between these parameters and SE at a 90% confidence level. Felsic and mafic mineral contents of sandstones did not exhibit any statistically significant correlation against SE. Cementation coefficient, effective porosity, and pore volume had good correlations against SE. Poisson’s ratio, Brazilian tensile strength, Shore scleroscope hardness, Schmidt hammer hardness, dry density, and point load strength index showed very strong linear correlations against SE at confidence levels of 95% and above, all of which were also found suitable to be used in predicting SE individually, depending on the results of regression analysis, ANOVA, Student’s t-tests, and R² values. Poisson’s ratio exhibited the highest correlation with SE and seemed to be the most reliable SE prediction tool in sandstones.     

Prediction of uniaxial compressive strength of sandstones using petrography-based models

The uniaxial compressive strength of intact rock is the main parameter used in almost all engineering projects. The uniaxial compressive strength test requires high quality core samples of regular geometry. The standard cores cannot always be extracted from weak, highly fractured, thinly bedded, foliated and/or block-in-matrix rocks. For this reason, the simple prediction models become attractive for engineering geologists. Although, the sandstone is one of the most abundant rock type, a general prediction model for the uniaxial compressive strength of sandstones does not exist in the literature. The main purposes of the study are to investigate the relationships between strength and petrographical properties of sandstones, to construct a database as large as possible, to perform a logical parameter selection routine, to discuss the key petrographical parameters governing the uniaxial compressive strength of sandstones and to develop a general prediction model for the uniaxial compressive strength of sandstones. During the analyses, a total of 138 cases including uniaxial compressive strength and petrographic properties were employed. Independent variables for the multiple prediction model were selected as quartz content, packing density and concavo–convex type grain contact. Using these independent variables, two different prediction models such as multiple regression and ANN were developed. Also, a routine for the selection of the best prediction model was proposed in the study. The constructed models were checked by using various prediction performance indices. Consequently, it is possible to say that the constructed models can be used for practical purposes.     

Geotechnical and mineralogical properties of weak rocks from Central Greece

Thirty bulk samples of hard soils-soft rocks such as marls, originating from Euboea Island and Peloponnesus area, were investigated to evaluate their geotechnical behavior. Specifically, by conducting a series of physical and geotechnical tests, such as liquid limit and plastic limit tests, along with the estimation of the grain size fraction, Slake Durability and Point Load Test. Certain parameters were determined and used for empirical correlations with their mineralogical characteristics. The mineralogical composition was determined by X-ray diffraction, thermo-gravimetric and thermal analysis, succeeded by textural analysis performed by Optical Microscope. With the help of the above mentioned tests, we interpreted the observed geotechnical behavior of the examined weak rocks by means of mineralogical composition and texture. Durability and the unconfined compressive strength was found to be influenced by high percentages in carbonate minerals. In addition, it was found that a decrease in clay content resulted in higher strength and durability values. The concluded empirical correlations verified the influence of these parameters and gave a general overview of the engineering behavior of the examined weak rocks.     

花岗岩矿物组成与其单轴抗压强度的相关性研究

花岗岩体是很多重要工程地基或围岩的首选。选取高放废物地质处置阿拉善预选区巴彦诺日公花岗岩样品,开展薄片鉴定,获得各花岗岩样品的矿物含量和粒径;通过单轴压缩试验,获得花岗岩的单轴抗压强度。通过对比各组样品矿物含量和粒径与单轴抗压强度,研究二者之间的关系。结果表明:对花岗岩单轴抗压强度影响最大的矿物是钾长石和黑云母,斜长石和石英的影响不明显;矿物粒径与单轴抗压强度的相关性不明显,但与某一结构岩石单轴抗压强度的相关性明显;花岗岩的强度不仅仅取决于组成矿物含量和粒径,对于其内部结构的细节（如微裂隙、矿物排列、胶结等）非常敏感。     

冻土单轴抗压强度影响因素的试验研究

新疆地区是我国典型的咸寒区, 渠基土在冬季的冻结引起了输水渠道衬砌的破坏. 为了解冻结状态下渠基土的物理力学特性, 在常应变率条件下对新疆北疆季节性冻土区的含硫酸钠渠基土进行了多种条件下的单轴抗压强度试验. 结果表明: 单轴抗压强度随温度的降低线性增加; 单轴抗压强度随干密度的增加而增大, 二者之间具有较好的幂函数关系. 与氯化钠盐渍土不同, 硫酸盐渍土的单轴抗压强度随着硫酸钠含量的升高而增大, 并且呈现近似线性增加的特性.     

Study of mechanical properties of Vindhayan shaly rocks at elevated temperature

Shale is an important rock due to its suitability for different engineering and scientific applications. Elevated temperature may cause major deformation or damage in shale rock and it may be of irreversible in nature. Such damage have adverse effect on the physicomechnical properties of shale rock. The uniaxial compressive strength and tensile strength of two shales (upper Vindhyan basin, India) have been estimated at elevated temperature using point load strength index method. The rock samples have been analyzed at various temperatures starting from room temperature to 900 °C. The effect of elevated temperature on the physicomechanical properties and their influence on the uniaxial compressive strength has been studied in detail. Damage induced, in both shale have been estimated using compressional wave velocity. The analysis of the experimental result shows that the uniaxial compressive strength decreases from 63.45 to 18.45 MPa and 60.94 to 22.22 MPa, for Jhiri and Ganurgarh shale respectively. Tensile strength of shales have been also estimated. The value of tensile strength decreases from 3.65 to 1.05 MPa and 3.46 to 1.26 MPa respectively for Jhiri and Ganurgarh shale. Multivariate regression analysis has been carried out to obtain the correlation between physicomechanical properties and uniaxial compressive strength of Jhiri and Ganurgarh shale.     

干密度和温度对冻结膨胀土单轴压缩特性影响的试验研究北大核心CSCD

膨胀土是一种特殊的黏土,具有明显的胀缩性和多裂隙性,在寒区渠道工程中极易诱发各种冻害。单轴压缩特性是冻土物理力学特性的重要分支,为研究冻结膨胀土的单轴压缩特性,开展了不同干密度和温度下冻结膨胀土单轴压缩试验。试验结果表明:随着干密度的增加,各温度工况下试样的应力-应变关系曲线均由弱应变软化转为应变硬化形态,且试验温度越高,曲线的软化特征越显著。不同温度工况下试样的破坏模式差异明显。当试验温度为-2℃时,试样破坏时其表面出现明显的局部坍塌与剥落,而-5℃、-10℃和-15℃工况下试样的最终破坏形态均为“鼓状”破坏,试样表面无明显的裂缝和剪切面。冻结膨胀土试样的单轴抗压强度随干密度的增加而线性增大,亦随温度的降低而增大,但在不同的温度区间内增幅不同,其变化幅度主要与试样内部含冰量密切相关。此外,试样的弹性模量随着干密度的增大和温度的降低均线性增大。     

基于岩石地质本质性的碳酸盐岩单轴抗压强度预测

充分认识岩石的地质本质性是准确描述其物理力学特性的桥梁。岩石的地质本质性涵盖了岩石的物质性、结构性和赋存状态3个方面的内容。在综合考虑岩石上述3方面特征及其与单轴试验联系的基础上,以矿物组成、密度、纵波波速和含水状态为基本指标,采用回归和BP神经网络的方法对碳酸盐岩单轴抗压强度进行预测,并采用灰色关联分析法验证本研究所选用的预测基本指标的合理性。实例应用表明：本次采用的回归方法对该类岩石强度预测的最大误差为15.3%,BP神经网络方法预测的最大误差为8.5%。预测误差出现的原因为碳酸盐岩物质组成复杂,所选预测基本指标是实际情况的简化,同时泥灰质岩石所具有的膨胀性也导致实测和预测结果具有一定的差异。     

基于量纲分析的岩石相似材料抗压强度计算模型

物理相似模型试验是复杂、难采矿技术研究的有效手段,而岩石相似材料物理力学特性的研究是试验有效进行的前提。根据相似原理和岩石的力学特性,论证了岩石相似材料单轴抗压强度的力学代表性。统计并分析了影响岩石相似材料单轴抗压强度的一系列因素,基于量纲分析的方法构建了岩石相似材料单轴抗压强度与砂粒径、配比材料总量、充填材料（砂）用量、水用量、养护方式等重要因素间的无量纲计算模型,结合岩石相似材料配比试验得到了定量关系式。选取3组具有代表性的岩石相似材料配比试验对所建立的单轴抗压强度计算关系式进行验证,其计算结果与实验室实测结果相吻合,平均误差为4.20%,定量关系式在岩石相似材料参数的研究上具有一定的合理性。研究结果可以为相似材料物理力学参数的预测及岩土工程物理模型试验相似材料的高效选取提供参考。     

Prediction of specific energy of carbonate rock in industrial stones cutting process

Specific energy (SE) measurements of circular saws were conducted on 12 different carbonate rocks. Rock samples were collected from the factories for laboratory tests. Bulk density, apparent porosity, uniaxial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, flexural strength, Schmidt rebound hardness, Shore hardness, point load strength index, Los Angeles abrasion values, and P-wave velocity values were determined in the laboratory. SE and rock properties were evaluated using simple regression analysis and empirical equations were developed. The equations were verified by statistical tests. Regression analysis showed that high correlations exist between SE and uniaxial compressive strength, Shore and Schmidt hardness, bulk density, apparent porosity, and flexural strength. It was found that the SE value of rocks in cutting process was highest for those rocks having the high density, compressive strength, flexural strength, Schmidt and Shore hardness, point load strength index, and P-wave velocity values.     

多尺度节理岩体力学特性的颗粒流分析

以白云鄂博露天铁矿东矿岩质高边坡为工程背景,结合现场地质调查、室内岩石和节理力学试验等数据,采用等效岩体技术,构建能充分反映节理分布特征的实验室、现场原位试验和工程尺度等多尺度等效岩体模型。通过对各类等效岩体模型进行单轴压缩试验,研究岩体单轴抗压强度、弹性模量等力学特性的尺寸效应和各向异性。研究表明：节理的存在使岩体表现出尺寸效应和各向异性,且随着尺寸的增大,这种特性基本呈逐渐减弱的趋势;研究区域岩体的表征单元体积、单轴抗压强度和弹性模量分别为20 m×10 m×10 m、1.46 MPa和3.91 GPa;岩体单轴抗压强度、弹性模量与轴向尺寸的关系,近似符合渐进式指数函数关系,且该函数能直观地给出工程尺度岩体的力学特性。     

Relationships Between Petrophysical and Mechanical Properties of Certain Calcarenites Used in Building

Mendicino calcarenite was once widely used in traditional constructions by Italy’s foremost stonemasons’ schools. This paper provides a complete physico-mechanical characterization in order to improve understanding of strength and durability properties and so apply that knowledge to conservation and new construction. Stone samples from three lithofacies are taken from the following quarries of Cosenza province: Scannelle in Malito; Cannataro in Carolei; Albanese in San Lucido. Samples are subjected to: X-ray diffraction, mercury intrusion porosimetry, ultrasonic pulse velocity, capillary water absorption, uniaxial compressive, flexural, point load tests with respect to the X, Y, Z axes. Malito samples exhibit creamy colour, better hydric behaviour, low open porosity, reduced water absorption capability, isotropic hydric behaviour, higher fossil abundance (both in number and size) than the lithofacies taken from Carolei and San Lucido, which exhibit whitish colour, greater strength and more homogeneous texture. The greater compactness of Carolei and San Lucido samples can be ascribed to homogeneity and low porosity and their better mechanical properties to textural features. Anisotropy plays an important role. Placing stone samples along the Z axis prevents water intrusion, and improves mechanical strength. Isotropy and compact and heterogeneous fabric in stones result in higher strength and lower water absorption.

     

The uniaxial compressive and tensile tests of frozen saturated clay in Shanghai area

The compressive and tensile strengths of frozen clay are important parameters for frozen wall design in artificial freezing excavation of tunnels and foundation pits. Up to now, nobody has conducted the compressive and tensile test of frozen clays in Shanghai area. In this paper, the unconfined compressive and tensile tests of frozen clay specimens drilled from the soil horizons 3–5 in Shanghai area were conducted in Zwick-Z020kN High-low Temperature Materials Testing Machine and Frozen Soil Triaxial Testing Machine, the corresponding constitutive equations were suggested; the temperature-unconfined uniaxial compressive strength relation was discussed; the strain rate–unconfined uniaxial compressive strength and strain rate–uniaxial tensile strength relations were studied. The relation between moisture content, dry density and unconfined uniaxial compressive strength was analyzed, too. In addition, the uniaxial compressive elastic modulus of Shanghai frozen clays and its influence factors were discussed. The research work of the current paper is very helpful for the design and theoretical studies of artificial freezing excavation in soft soil areas.     

膨胀性硅藻土的力学性质及其灾害效应研究

在云南保山－腾冲高速公路建设中,遇到了与膨胀性硅藻土相关的边坡稳定问题。通过对云南腾冲五合乡、芒棒乡、团田乡多个地质剖面现场调查和室内物质成分、微观结构分析、力学性质测试表明,云南腾冲新近纪芒棒组硅藻土是一种富含膨胀性黏土矿物的黏土质硅藻土,在性状上属于膨胀性极软岩。天然硅藻土具有很强的结构性,导致其物理性质与力学性质的关系与传统岩土力学规律极不相符,如孔隙比高达2.20～2.78、液性指数为0.66～2.73的天然硅藻土单轴抗压强度竟高达1.09～2.11 MPa。综合研究表明,云南保山－腾冲高速公路建设中黏土质硅藻土边坡的滑坡灾害、风化剥落灾害与其工程特性密切相关。     

Estimation of Durability Aspects of Al Masjid Al-Haram Marble,Makkah City,Saudi Arabia

The durability is a measure of the rock’s ability to resist degradation during its working life. Rock durability is greatly related to the mineralogical composition of rocks, rock texture (crystal interlocking, crystal shape and size), and the nature of fluids that are in contact with rock. Marbles have been among the most important building materials since ancient times. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the durability of Al Masjid Al-Haram marble and Ordinary white marble “Carrara” (M₁ and M₂) and develop some correlations among the physical and mechanical properties such as P-wave velocity, slake durability index, dry uniaxial compressive strength (UCS_Dry), abrasion resistance, point load index, impact strength index, Brazilian tensile strength, and Shore hardness. After testing and the evaluation of the test results, strong statistical correlations were found between P-wave velocity and other rock properties. Statistical correlations between the UCS_Dry other tests were also carried out. The coefficients of regressions (R²) range from 0.6177 to 0.997. The study shows that the UCS_Dry values of M1 and M2 have positive relationship with P wave velocities. Concluding remark is that the rocks tested in the study have good durability characteristics and can be reliably used for construction projects. On the other hand, the derived empirical equations can be used for the estimation purposes for similar rock types.