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.     

Correlation between Cerchar abrasivity index,rock properties,and drill bit lifetime

The Cerchar abrasivity index (CAI) is one of the most widely known index method for identification of rock abrasivity. It is a simple and fast testing method providing reliable information on rock abrasiveness. In this study, the relationships between the CAI and some rock properties such as uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), point load strength, Brazilian tensile strength and Schmidt rebound hardness, and equivalent quartz content (EQC) are examined. The relationships between the CAI and drill bit lifetime is also investigated and the type of drill bit wear observed is mentioned. Additionally, the CAI is modeled using simple and multiple linear regression analysis based on the rock properties. Drill bit lifetime is also modeled based on the CAI. The results show that the CAI increases with the increase of the UCS, point load strength, Brazilian tensile strength, L-type and N-type Schmidt rebound hardness, and the EQC. It is concluded that the higher and the lower bit lifetime are obtained for marl and andesitic-basaltic formation, respectively. Moreover, flushing holes, inserted button, button removal, and failures of button on the bits are determined as the type of drill bit wear. The modeling results show that the models based on the UCS and the EQC give the better forecasting performances for the CAI.     

A new rock mass classification for Coal Measures Rocks

This paper examines a new rock mass classification system (RMCR) for Coal Measures Rocks which is based on extensive laboratory testing results. The new system has been developed using 12 parameters which consist of mineral content index, uniaxial compressive strength, uniaxial tensile strength, Young's modulus of elasticity, shear strength, cohesion of rocks, angle of internal friction, point load index, cone indenter index, Cerchar index, Shore schleroscope hardness and specific energy index. The RMCR value was obtained by a number of laboratory and in situ testing results which were obtained from the coal site. The objective of the RMCR is to estimate the rock mass properties for engineering purposes.     

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.     

The effect of the textural characteristics on the engineering properties of the basalts from Yozgat region,Turkey

Engineering properties of rocks vary as they are heterogeneous materials by nature because of mineralogical composition, texture, porosity, and alteration, etc. This study focuses on the investigation of the relationship between internal structure and engineering parameters of basalt samples by digitizing the textural properties. Thin sections studies of basalts were made into three groups: aphanitic, amygdaloidal, and vesicular on the basis of texture. Further, the textural properties were digitized in thin sections and the texture coefficient (TC) of each group was calculated. Uniaxial compressive strength, dry unit weight, point load strength index, Schmidt hammer rebound, and P-wave velocity of the samples were determined in the laboratory. Simple regression analyses were performed using the laboratory results incorporating first TC and engineering parameters and the second phase of the analysis focused on the relationship between uniaxial compressive strength and the rest of the parameters of samples with different texture coefficients. The highest texture coefficient was found to be 0.50 in aphanitic basalts while vesicular basalts have the lowest TC of 0.37. As the TC increases, rock strength increases. Strong-very strong correlations between uniaxial compressive strength and the rest of the engineering parameters of aphanitic and amygdaloidal-basalts with a TC of 0.50 and 0.45 are in agreement with the findings in the literature while there are no meaningful correlations between uniaxial strength and the aforementioned parameters except dry unit weight in vesicular basalts. These results indicate that the presence of empty pores in vesicular basalts reduced the uniaxial compressive strength and TC by increasing the heterogeneity.     

Correlation of Schmidt hardness with unconfined compressive strength and Young''s modulus in gypsum from Sivas (Turkey)

This study aims to express the relationships between Schmidt rebound number (N) with unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and Young's modulus (E_t) of the gypsum by empirical equations. As known, the Schmidt hammer has been used worldwide as an index test for a quick rock strength and deformability characterisation due to its rapidity and easiness in execution, simplicity, portability, low cost and nondestructiveness. In this study, gypsum samples have been collected from various locations in the Miocene-aged gypsum of Sivas Basin and tested. The tests include the determination of Schmidt hammer rebound number (N), tangent Young's modulus (E_t) and unconfined compressive strength. Finally, obtained parameters were correlated and regression equations were established among Schmidt hammer rebound hardness, tangent Young's modulus and unconfined compressive strength, presenting high coefficients of correlation. It appears that there is a possibility of estimating unconfined compressive strength and Young's modulus of gypsum, from their Schmidt hammer rebound number by using the proposed empirical relationships of UCS=exp(0.818+0.059N) and E_t=exp(1.146+0.054N). However, the equations must be used only for the gypsum with an acceptable accuracy, especially at the preliminary stage of designing a structure. Finally, by using the obtained Schmidt hammer rebound number from this study, unconfined compressive strength was calculated and compared with the calculated value from different empirical equations proposed by different authors. It can be said that it is impossible to obtain only one relation for all types of the rocks.     

北京大理岩物理力学参数的相关性研究

北京有大量采用房山大理岩制造的石质文物,这使得北京大理岩力学性质的研究对于科学指导文物保护和修复具有重要意义。但由于文物本体取样困难,难以获得其力学参数。因此本文对北京大理岩的物理、力学参数进行测试,通过建立物理参数和力学参数的回归方程,实现利用物理参数评价力学参数的目的。以北京大理岩中的青白石和汉白玉为研究对象,对8个边长为150 mm立方体试样进行施密特回弹测试,对40个Ф50 mm×100 mm的圆柱体试样进行里氏硬度、纵波波速测试和单轴压缩试验,得到了大理岩的回弹值、里氏硬度值、纵波波速与单轴抗压强度、弹性模量。分别以单轴抗压强度和弹性模量为因变量,选择单个或两个物理参数作为自变量建立回归方程。通过对比相关系数发现:（1）对于单个物理参数,单轴抗压强度与D探头里氏硬度值的相关性最好,而弹性模量与回弹值的相关性最好;（2）对于两个物理参数,单轴抗压强度（或弹性模量）都与回弹值和D探头里氏硬度值的组合相关性最好。     

Predicting the Performance of Chain Saw Machines Based on Shore Scleroscope Hardness

Shore hardness has been used to estimate several physical and mechanical properties of rocks over the last few decades. However, the number of researches correlating Shore hardness with rock cutting performance is quite limited. Also, rather limited researches have been carried out on predicting the performance of chain saw machines. This study differs from the previous investigations in the way that Shore hardness values (SH₁, SH₂, and deformation coefficient) are used to determine the field performance of chain saw machines. The measured Shore hardness values are correlated with the physical and mechanical properties of natural stone samples, cutting parameters (normal force, cutting force, and specific energy) obtained from linear cutting tests in unrelieved cutting mode, and areal net cutting rate of chain saw machines. Two empirical models developed previously are improved for the prediction of the areal net cutting rate of chain saw machines. The first model is based on a revised chain saw penetration index, which uses SH₁, machine weight, and useful arm cutting depth as predictors. The second model is based on the power consumed for only cutting the stone, arm thickness, and specific energy as a function of the deformation coefficient. While cutting force has a strong relationship with Shore hardness values, the normal force has a weak or moderate correlation. Uniaxial compressive strength, Cerchar abrasivity index, and density can also be predicted by Shore hardness values.     

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.     

Estimation of rock engineering properties using hardness tests

In engineering projects such as tunnels, dams, foundations, and slope stability, the strength and elastic properties of the intact rock affect both the project design and the construction operation. It is sometimes expensive and time consuming to perform direct tests to evaluate the engineering properties (such as strength, modulus of elasticity, and Poisson's ratio) of the intact rock. The purpose of this work is to investigate the relationships between the engineering properties of the intact rock and the different types of hardness (Schmidt, shore scleroscope, abrasion, and total hardness), which are relatively cheap and easy to evaluate. In this study, dolomite, dolomitic limestone, and shale rocks were used. For simplicity, linear statistical analyses were performed. The results show that there are good relationships between the engineering properties of the intact rock and its hardness. Also, the results of this study are compared well with the results obtained by other investigators conducted on different types of rocks.     

基于点荷载试验武当群片岩的风化分组及强度特性研究

针对中元古界武当山群（Pt2wd）片岩,开展大量的现场点荷载试验,基于概率统计的方法,确定全风化、强风化、中等风化（Pt2wd）片岩的点荷载强度（垂直岩层）的均值、方差以及分组区间。通过开展沿片岩不同层面方向的点荷载试验,分析平行岩层和垂直岩层点荷载强度的相关性,确定该种片岩的各向异性指数;结合室内单轴抗压强度的试验结果,给出适用于武当群片岩的点荷载强度IS与单轴抗压强度Rc的经验关系式     

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.     

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.     

A quantitative study of the weathering of greywacke

Geotechnical tests (point load, Los Angeles abrasion, and Shore hardness) and field tests of strength (Schmidt hammer, shear vane, and penetrometer) we of samples from fresh greywacke to greywacke-derived soil, in a single quarry. Many samples showed a smaller-scale variation: essentially an unweathere The variation of strength across such transects was measured and correlated with indices determined from mineralogy and chemical composition. This corr of strength of similar rocks in the region which may be used as a cheap alternative to geotechnical testing, at least for regional reconnaissance of ag     

香港岩石的硬度与点荷载指标和强度的关系

无损硬度测试——施密特锤及肖氏硬度实验和点荷载试验是三种经常用来间接测定岩石强度指标的方法。目前很多学者已提出了不同的经验关系,这些关系主要是把硬度指标、点荷载指标和单轴抗压强度、单轴抗拉强度与间接拉伸强度联系起来。但是在应用这些关系时,必须首先用当地的岩石特性数据加以验证,查看地质变化的影响,才可确保使用无误。本文的主要目的是根据大量香港岩石（包括花岗岩、石灰岩、大理岩和凝灰岩）的实验数据,提出一套适用于香港地区岩石的经验关系,另外也对其他经验关系作了考证。     

Prediction of Unconfined Compressive Strength for Jointed Rocks Using Point Load Index Based on Joint Asperity Angle

This research paper is aimed to briefly highlight the correlation between unconfined compressive strength and point load index for jointed rocks based on joint asperity & orientation. In this observe, specimens were tested to obtain their unconfined compression strength and point load index for a different joint condition. The different joint conditions considered for this study were clean joint and joint filled condition. For both clean joint and joint filled specimens were prepared by various asperity angles of 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° with different orientation angles such as 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°. Plaster of Paris was used as model material to simulate weak rock mass in the field. By testing intact model specimens for unconfined compressive strength leads to revealing of optimum moisture content for further testing. The curing period for the model specimens is 3 days at room temperature. To simulate jointed rocks, various moulds of different orientation of joint with respect to major principal stress are prepared separately. The inner diameter of the mould is 50 mm and height is 100 mm. After casting, a rough joint was created by cutting the prepared sample using the cutter. The specimens are tested for both clean joint and joint filled condition to determine the favorable joint orientation and asperity angle. After curing, the specimens are tested for unconfined compressive strength and Point load index. The new multi-linear correlation for determining unconfined compressive strength with the help of point load index is developed and cross checked with equations formed for actual rock. On comparing both results it is found that the new equation can suitable for assessing the unconfined compressive strength of limestone and serpentinite rocks through point load index value.     

The Schmidt hammer in rock material characterization

The Schmidt hammer provides a quick and inexpensive measure of surface hardness that is widely used for estimating the mechanical properties of rock material. However, a number of issues such as hammer type, normalization of rebound values, specimen dimensions, surface smoothness, weathering and moisture content, and testing, data reduction and analysis procedures continue to influence the consistency and reliability of the Schmidt hammer test results. This paper presents: a) a critical review of these basic issues; and b) the results of tests conducted on granitic rocks of various weathering grades in the light of the conclusions of this review. It was found that a very good correlation exists between L and N hammer rebound values and that both hammers are fairly sensitive to the physical properties, particularly to dry density though less so to effective and total porosities. The N hammer, producing a lesser scatter in the data, proved to be more efficient than the L hammer in predicting uniaxial compressive strength and Young's modulus. The exponential form of the correlation curves was found to reflect microstructural changes during the course of weathering and the differences in the probing scales or mechanisms in the means of measuring these mechanical properties, and could be generalized to other crystalline igneous rocks. The possibility of predicting weathering grades from rebound values was also explored. The changes in the rebound values during multiple impacts at a given point produced a better indication of the weathering grade than a single impact value. It was concluded that increasing the impact energy and plunger tip diameter should significantly reduce the scatter in coarse-grained weathered rocks and hence improve the reliability of the Schmidt hammer as a rock material characterization tool.     

Evaluation of rock mechanical behaviors under uniaxial compression with reference to assessed weathering grades

Summary  A weathering classification for granitic rock materials from southeastern Brazil was framed based on core characteristics. The classification was substantiated by a detailed petrographic study. Indirect assessment of weathering grades by density, ultrasonic and Schmidt hammer index tests was performed. Rebound values due to Schmidt hammer multiple impacts at one representative point were more efficient in predicting weathering grades than averaged single impact rebound values, P-wave velocities and densities. Uniaxial compression tests revealed that a large range of uniaxial compressive strength (214–153 MPa) exists in Grade I category where weathering does not seem to have played any role. It was concluded that variability in occurrences of quartz intragranular cracks and in biotite percentage, distribution and orientation might have played a key role in accelerating or decelerating the failure processes of the Grade I specimens. Deterioration of uniaxial compressive strength and elastic modulus and increase in Poisson’s ratio with increasing weathering intensity could be attributed to alteration of minerals, disruption of rock skeleton and microcrack augmentation. A crude relation between failure modes and weathering grades also emerged. Correspondence: Prof. T. B. Celestino, Universidade de S?o Paulo, S?o Carlos, Brazil     

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.     

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.