An Empirical Correlation of Index Geomechanical Parameters with the Compressional Wave Velocity

The geomechanical strength of rockmass plays a key role in planning and design of mining and civil construction projects. Determination of geomechanical properties in the field as well as laboratory is time consuming, tedious and a costly affair. In this study, density, slake durability index, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and P-wave velocity tests were conducted on four igneous, six sedimentary and three metamorphic rock varieties. These properties are crucial and used extensively in geotechnical engineering to understand the stability of the structures. The main aim of this study is to determine the various mechanical properties of 13 different rock types in the laboratory and establish a possible and acceptable correlation with P-wave velocity which can be determined in the field as well as laboratory with ease and accuracy. Empirical equations were developed to calculate the density, slake durability index and UCS from P-wave velocities. Strong correlations among P-wave velocity with the physical properties of different rock were established. The relations mainly follow a linear trend. Student’s ‘t’ test and ‘F’ test were performed to ensure proper analysis and validation of the proposed correlations. These correlations can save time and reduce cost during design and planning process as they represent a reliable engineering tool.     

A correlation between Schmidt hammer rebound numbers with impact strength index,slake durability index and P-wave velocity

The main objective of this study was to establish statistical relationship between Schmidt hammer rebound numbers with impact strength index (ISI), slake durability index (SDI) and P-wave velocity. These are important properties to characterize a rock mass and are being widely used in geological and geotechnical engineering. Due to its importance, Schmidt hammer rebound number is considered as one of the most important property for the determination of other properties, like ISI, SDI and P-wave velocity. Determination of these properties in the laboratory is time consuming and tedious as well as requiring expertise, whereas Schmidt hammer rebound number can be easily obtained on site which in addition is non-destructive. So, in this study, an attempt has been made to determine these index properties in the laboratory and each index property was correlated with Schmidt hammer rebound values. Empirical equations have been developed to predict ISI, SDI and P-wave velocity using rebound values. It was found that Schmidt hammer rebound number shows linear relation with ISI and SDI, whereas exponential relation with P-wave velocity. To check the sensitivity of empirical relations, Student’s t test was done to verify the correlation between rebound values and other rock index properties.     

An Investigation into the Rock Properties Influencing the Strength in Some Granitoid Rocks of KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa

The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of rocks is a critical parameter required for most geotechnical projects. However, it is not always possible for direct determination of the parameter. Since determination of such a parameter in the lab is not always cost and time effective, the aim of this study is to assess and estimate the general correlation trend between the UCS and indirect tests or indexes used to estimate the value of UCS for some granitoid rocks in KwaZulu-Natal. These tests include the point load index test, Schmidt hammer rebound, P-wave velocity (V_p) and Brazilian tensile strength (σ_t). Furthermore, it aims to assess the reliability of empirical equations developed towards estimating the value of UCS and propose useful empirical equations to estimate the value of UCS for granitoid rocks. According to the current study, the variations in mineralogy, as well as the textural characteristics of granitoid rocks play an important role in influencing the strength of the rock. Simple regression analyses exhibit good results, with all regression coefficients R² being greater than 0.80, the highest R² of 0.92 being obtained from UCS versus σ_t. Comparison of equations produced in the current study as well as empirical equations derived by several researchers serves as a validation. Also illustrate that the reliability of such empirical equations are dependent on the rock type as well as the type of index tests employed, where variation in rock type and index tests produces different values of UCS. These equations provide a practical tool for estimating the value of UCS, and also gives further insight into the controlling factors of the strength of the granitoid rocks, where the strength of a rock is a multidimensional parameter.     

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.     

Artificial neural networks and nonlinear regression techniques to assess the influence of slake durability cycles on the prediction of uniaxial compressive strength and modulus of elasticity for carbonate rocks

Understanding rock material characterizations and solving relevant problems are quite difficult tasks because of their complex behavior, which sometimes cannot be identified without intelligent, numerical, and analytical approaches. Because of that, some prediction techniques, like artificial neural networks (ANN) and nonlinear regression techniques, can be utilized to solve those problems. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of the cycling integer of slake durability index test on intact rock behavior and estimate some rock properties, such as uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and modulus of elasticity (E) from known rock index parameters using ANN and various regression techniques. Further, new performance index (PI) and degree of consistency (Cd) are introduced to examine the accuracy of generated models. For these purposes, intact rock dataset is established by performing rock tests including uniaxial compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, Schmidt hammer, effective porosity, dry unit weight, p‐wave velocity, and slake durability index tests on selected carbonate rocks. Afterward, the models are developed using ANN and nonlinear regression techniques. The concluding remark given is that four‐cycle slake durability index (I_d4) provides more accurate results to evaluate material characterization of carbonate rocks, and it is one of the reliable input variables to estimate UCS and E of carbonate rocks; introduced performance indices, both PI and Cd, may be accepted as good indicators to assess the accuracy of the complex models, and further, the ANN models have more prediction capability than the regression techniques to estimate relevant rock properties. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

P- and S-wave velocities and densities in silicate and calcite rocks from the Peloritani Mountains, Sicily (Italy): The effect of pressure, temperature and the direction of wave propagation

The Peloritani Mountain Belt (north-eastern Sicily) represents the connection between the Southern Appenninic Range and the Appenninic Maghrebid Chain. The lithotypes outcropping in a 36 km long and approximately 8 km wide area in the eastern part of the Peloritani Mountains are considered to represent most properly the composition of the lower crust. We selected 7 representative samples of silicate rocks (amphibolite, paragneisses, augen gneiss, phyllitic quartzite, pegmatitic rock) and 3 samples of calcite rocks (calc-schist, marbles) for the petrophysical measurements. Measurements were done on sample cubes of dry rocks in a multi-anvil apparatus. Raising of pressure gives rise to velocity increase, but the rate is different in the silicate and calcite rocks and closely related to progressive closure of microcracks. Linear behaviour is approached above about 200 MPa. Increasing temperature at 600 MPa decreases velocities in most silicate and in the calcite rocks with almost linear slopes. Substantial anisotropy of P- and S-wave velocities and shear wave splitting is found in both rock types. The residual anisotropy observed above about 200 MPa is attributed to lattice preferred orientations (LPO) of major minerals. 3D velocity calculations for an amphibolite, a paragneiss and a marble sample based on the LPO of hornblende, biotite and calcite, respectively, confirm the experimental findings of a close relationship between velocity anisotropy, shear wave splitting, shear wave polarization, lattice preferred orientation and the structural frame of the rocks (foliation, lineation). In the silicate rocks, the intrinsic (600 MPa) average P-wave velocities and Poisson's (Vp / Vs) ratios exhibit a tendency for a linear increase with densities, whereas the three calcite rocks cluster at markedly higher P-wave velocities and Poisson's (Vp / Vs) ratios, compared to their densities. In the silicate rocks, there is also a linear trend for an inverse relationship between the SiO₂ content, density and the Poisson's (Vp / Vs) ratio, respectively.     

Performance Prediction of Large-Diameter Circular Saws Based on Surface Hardness Tests for Mugla (Turkey) Marbles

Surface hardness tests such as Shore hardness (SH) and Schmidt hammer rebound hardness (SR) may provide a quick and inexpensive measure of rock hardness, which may be widely used for estimating the mechanical properties of rock material such as strength, sawability, drillability and cuttability. In the marble industry, circular sawing with diamond sawblades constitutes a major cost in the processing. Therefore, several models based on the relations between hourly slab production (P _hs), rock surface hardness (SH and SR) and mineral grain size (S _cr) were developed using the data obtained from field and laboratory measurements on five different marbles quarried in the Mugla Province of Turkey. The models which include surface hardness and crystal size may as well be used for the prediction of sawability (hourly slab production) of carbonate rocks using large-diameter circular saws.     

A correlation between P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness with mechanical properties of travertine building stones

As known, P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness are non-destructive tests, which have been used for many years in geological, geotechnical, and civil engineering as an index tests for a quick assessment of rocks mechanical properties due to its rapidity and easiness, and non-destructiveness. The purpose of this study is to investigate the correlation between P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness with some of mechanical properties of travertine building stones by empirical equations. Moreover, we have compared the accuracy of P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness to estimate the mechanical properties of rocks. For this purpose, 15 types of travertine have been collected from various quarries of Iran and tested. The tests include the determination of P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness, and mechanical properties include the unconfined compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, and point load strength. Using data analysis, empirical equations have been developed for estimating the mechanical properties from P-wave velocity and Schmidt hardness. To check the validity of the empirical equations, a t test was performed, which confirmed the validity of the proposed empirical equations. Moreover, the results show that P-wave velocity appears to be more reliable than the Schmidt hardness for estimating the mechanical properties. Consequently, we propose empirical equations avoiding from cumbersome and time consuming tests for determining the mechanical properties of rocks.     

Thermodynamic interpretation of weathering indices and its application to engineering properties of rocks

Weathering indices typified by the Miura index (W^o_m) that are the ratios of geochemically mobile to relatively immobile elements can be shown to be logarithmically related to the free energy of the weathering reaction. This can be demonstrated for silicate minerals; other extensive properties such as the moduli of elasticity and rigidity are similarly correlated. The mass strength envelope implied by the corresponding o-log W plot concurs well with plotted values for rocks, suggesting that the correlation is valid for intact rocks as well.By a combination of the Miura index and an index believed to show not only the state of weathering but also the susceptibility to further weathering (the Parker index W^o_p), it is possible to obtain estimates of the activation energy for the incongruent aqueous dissolution of minerals, which compare favourably with experimental determinations. Although the engineering behaviour of rocks is generally governed by physical parameters, and thus by short-term mechanical or physico-chemical forces, there are some instances where failure has been attributed to the chemistry of the rock itself. For these rocks a good correlation is obtained between a chemical weatherability index (log W^o_m/W^o_p) and rock durability, as measured by the Los Angeles abrasion test.     

不同岩性及含水率的岩石声波传播规律试验研究

利用智能声波仪对红砂岩、大理岩和花岗岩试样在干燥及饱和条件下进行了声波纵波透射试验,研究声波在岩石中传播的速度特征,同时利用傅里叶变换及小波变换研究声波在岩石中传播的波形、波幅衰减规律、波谱特征。结果表明： （1）红砂岩、大理岩和花岗岩在饱和状态下的纵波波速比其在干燥状态下略高。（2）岩石纵波速度受到岩石的致密程度、孔隙度、密度及硬度的影响。（3）在同样的激发信号下,饱水的砂岩、大理岩、花岗岩岩样声波信号能量集中在低频部分较多,而干燥岩样声波信号能量集中在高频部分较多。（4）饱水的3种岩样声波信号能量衰减较快,尾波不发育;干燥的3种岩样声波信号能量衰减较慢,尾波较发育。（5）穿过岩石的声波信号的波速、波形的时域特征、频域特征及时-频域特征能在一定程度上反映出岩石内部的孔隙及微裂隙的发育情况和岩石含水情况等特征。     

Anchorage behaviour of reinforced specimens containing a single fissure under uniaxial loading: a particle mechanics approach

Particle flow code (PFC^2D) software was adopted to investigate the anchorage behaviour and the characteristics of crack initiation, propagation and coalescence of reinforced specimens containing a single fissure (RSCSF). The microscopic parameters of the specimens in the numerical simulation were first validated by experimental outcomes of intact specimens, while the microscopic parameters of the rock bolts were validated based on the results of the RSCSF tests. Then, the mechanical parameters as well as the failure modes in the physical experiments were compared with those derived by the numerical simulation; the results showed good agreement between the simulated macroscopic mechanical properties and failure modes and those obtained in the laboratory experiments. The peak strength, number of cracks and the failure mode varied considerably as the anchorage angle α and fissure angle β increased. Three types of stress–strain curves, types I to III, were obtained from the RSCSF. Shear cracks were observed for all three categories of curves, but the tensile cracks were dominant. The number of cracks and the rate of bond failures decreased as the curve changed from type II to type I to type III. RSCSF failure can be classified into three failure modes: (1) tip crack propagation mode, (2) midpoint crack propagation mode and (3) rock bolt crack propagation mode. These failure modes are primarily differentiated by relations between α and β, and the ratio UCS_S/UCS_I between the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS, σ _max) of the RSCSF (UCS_S) and the uniaxial compressive strength of the intact specimen (UCS_I).     

The effect of specimen diameter size on uniaxial compressive strength,P-wave velocity and the correlation between them

Estimation of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) by P-wave velocity (V_P) is of great interest to geotechnical engineers in various design projects. The specimen diameter size is one of the main factors that influence rock parameters such as UCS and V_P. In this study, the diameter size of specimens that effect UCS and V_P is investigated. Moreover, the correlation between UCS and V_P are examined via empirical analysis. For this purpose, 15 travertine samples were collected and core specimens with a diameters size of 38, 44, 54, 64 and 74 mm were prepared. Then, uniaxial compressive strength and P-wave velocity tests were conducted according to the procedure suggested by ISRM (1981). It is concluded that the diameter size of the specimen has a significant effect on UCS and V_P. Moreover, it was found that the best correlation between relevant parameters obtained for the specimen diameter of 38 mm.     

岩石受热后的强度,变形破坏特性的微观研究

本文对砂岩、灰岩、大理岩在不同温度条件下的单轴抗压强度进行了实验研究,并对岩石在各种温度下结构变化进行了镜下分析,探讨了岩石受热后的破裂机理,定性定量地分析了岩石裂纹随温度变化而发展的规律。研究和分析结果表明:在热应力和外应力的作用下,随着温度增加,砂岩单轴抗压强度有增加的趋势,而灰岩、大理石的强度则有所降低。温度对这几种岩石的变形和破坏特性也有很大影响。     

Assessment of Durability and Weathering State of Some Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks Using Micropetrographic Index and Rock Durability Indicators: A Case Study

Weathering and durability are the key factors of the rock in the suitability and usefulness of different construction materials, building materials and engineering structures. A single test never predicts the entire factor for suitability of rock stone and aggregate in different uses. Thus, variety of physical, mechanical and chemical tests and indices of rocks are widely used to estimate and evaluate the rocks for the suitability of the required purpose. In all the cases, knowledge of durability and weathering properties are the most important along with the strength of the rock. Micropetrographic index and rock durability indicators (dynamic and static) are the one of the best methods to evaluate the rock for weathering and durability. To estimate these indices, variety of tests are performed such as petrographic examination test, point load index, sulfate soundness test, water absorption test, modified aggregate impact value test and test for specific gravity. Slake durability index and impact strength index tests were also performed for correlation with static and dynamic rock durability indicators due to its application and usefulness in the durability and strength of the rock materials. Micropetrographic index was obtained by petrographic examination test and correlated with all the physical and mechanical properties used for find out the durability indicators. The present study is to express the usefulness of these three indices in the classification of weathering and durability classes and estimation of durability indices by slake durability index, impact strength index and micropetrographic index.     

Application of statistical methods for predicting uniaxial compressive strength of limestone rocks using nondestructive tests

Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of an intact rock is an important geotechnical parameter for engineering applications. Using standard laboratory tests to determine UCS is a difficult, expensive and time-consuming task. The main purpose of this study is to develop a general model for predicting UCS of limestone samples and to investigate the relationships among UCS, Schmidt hammer rebound and P-wave velocity (V _P). For this reason, some samples of limestone rocks were collected from the southwestern Iran. In order to evaluate a correlation, the measured and predicted values were examined utilizing simple and multivariate regression techniques. In order to check the performance of the proposed equation, coefficient of determination (R ²), root-mean-square error, mean absolute percentage error, variance accounts for (VAF %), Akaike Information Criterion and performance index were determined. The results showed that the proposed equation by multivariate regression could be applied effectively to predict UCS from its combinations, i.e., ultrasonic pulse velocity and Schmidt hammer hardness. The results also showed that considering high prediction performance of the models developed, they can be used to perform preliminary stages of rock engineering assessments. It was evident that such prediction studies not only provide some practical tools but also contribute to better understanding of the main controlling index parameters of UCS of 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.     

X射线荧光光谱分析技术在大理岩鉴定与分类中的应用

大理岩的鉴定与分类主要依靠岩石薄片鉴定及X射线衍射(XRD)矿物半定量检测技术。工作中发现,岩石薄片鉴定技术及XRD矿物半定量检测技术所测得矿物组分含量很少一致,这就需要引入其他技术对岩石薄片鉴定及XRD矿物半定量检测结果加以验证。本文利用X射线荧光光谱仪(XRF)对野外采集的32件大理岩样品进行全岩化学成分分析,以岩石化学成分为基础,分析岩石杂质系数、镁质系数和钙质系数特征,对大理岩进行分类。结果表明:方解石大理岩、白云石大理岩、菱镁矿大理岩的镁质系数值分别为0.01~0.13、0.40~0.46、0.97~0.98,钙质系数值分别为0.78~0.84、0.30~0.49和0.01~0.02,不同类型大理岩的钙质系数和镁质系数明显不同,可以作为划分大理岩类型的主要依据。当岩石中SiO_2+Al_2O_3含量大于35%(杂质系数大于为1.20),不能定为大理岩,只有岩石中SiO_2+Al_2O_3含量小于30%(杂质系数小于1.00)时,可定为大理岩。杂质系数、镁质系数和钙质系数的应用,能够校正岩石薄片鉴定法及XRD矿物半定量法矿物含量检测不一致的问题,使大理岩分类定名更加准确。     

华北地台太行-五台和阴山地块地壳物质组成——岩石地震波速实验证据

在模拟地壳的温度和压力条件下,测定了华北地台太行－五台和阴山地块的主要变质岩群和侵入岩共５４个岩石样品的纵波速度（ｖｐ）．各类岩石的ｖｐ在约４～１０ｋｍ深度内上升很快,在１０～２５ｋｍ内继续增大,但是幅度变小,在该深度范围内达到了ｖｐ最大值;在３０～３５ｋｍ之后到５０ｋｍ深度内的ｖｐ都趋于恒定．综合对比地壳的波速结构和岩石的波速特征表明,在太行－五台地块,五台群、滹沱群和古老花岗岩岩类构成上地壳,阜平群和恒山群构成中地壳,集宁群代表了下地壳的岩石组成;在阴山地块,马家店群、二道凹群、色尔腾山群和古老侵入岩类是中地壳和上地壳的组成部分,乌拉山群岩石则是下地壳的代表     

Durability Characterization of Marls from the Region of Dalmatia,Croatia

Durability is one of the most important engineering properties of weak and clay-bearing rocks. Weathering can induce a rapid change in rock material from initial properties to soil-like properties. The sensitivity of a rock type against weatherability is usually described by a durability parameter, such as the slake durability index. However, marl resistance is not detected satisfactorily by the durability indices by using slake durability test as suggested by ISRM for two wetting–drying cycles. The results of this study are obtained from samples of compact or laminated eocene marls from region of Dalmatia, Croatia. The samples were subjected to 4 cycles of slake durability, point load tests, determination of dry density, determination of carbonate content and absorption of water. The scatter of data suggests that strength probably has no influence on the durability of marls. On the other hand a separate group of marl samples have a second-cycle slake durability index higher than approximately 85%, and the durability of these samples is classified as “medium-high” to “high”, although the visual inspection of samples after testing, suggests that they should have “medium” to “low” durability classification. According to obtained results these samples of marl fulfil the criterions for the durability classification: a carbonate content lower than approximately 65%, a dry density lower than 2.4 Mg/m³, and values of water absorption higher than 5%.     

Joint Frequency in the Rock Mass Rating 2014 Classification System Based on Field P-wave Propagation Velocity Tests: A New Rating Method

The joint frequency rating index accounts for 40% of the weight in the hundred-mark Rock Mass Rating 2014 (RMR14) classification system. However, owning to the natural variations of in-situ rock mass, this parameter is difficult for site engineers to obtain along the tunnel axis, especially in groundwater-rich conditions or prior to any disturbances made to rock mass. In this study, we propose an equivalent joint frequency, expressed quantitatively in terms of the ratio of the P-wave propagation velocity in the rock mass to that of the intact rocks, which is mainly based on engineering statistics easily obtained from the Chinese National Standard, GB/T 50218. We also explore a new rating method, based on field P-wave propagation velocity tests, for the joint frequency in the RMR14 classification system. Literature from in-situ databases is discussed to verify the applicability of the proposed rating method. The verifications demonstrate that, compared with the results of on-site parameters ratings as per the RMR classification system, the new rating method using P-wave propagation velocity can obtain a certain degree of accuracy. Hence, this enables the presentation of the primary state of integrity of an in-situ rock mass in accordance with the RMR14 classification system, through simple and non-destructive field P-wave velocity tests.