Multivariate Analysis Methods Based Methodology for Rock Microcracking Characterization

The quality control of aggregates lies within the scope of the management of the quality and durability of construction materials. Although it is evaluated as additional cost, it makes possible to optimize the resistance of construction materials. This paper aims at developing an easy classification procedure of qualification and control of the aggregates. This methodology is based on (1) the constitution of an experimental database based on the measurement of ultrasonic parameters and water porosity determined by water saturation under vacuum conditions on samples coming from the two quarries chosen for the study: the quarry of Aïn Tebournouk (Tunisia) and the quarry of Boulonnais (France) (2) the application of the multivariable statistical methods on the database. The methodology developed makes possible not only to characterize the direct relations between the parameters studied, but also to classify the samples into two distinct groups corresponding to the two quarries studied using the principal component analysis and the cluster analysis.