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

Abstract

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.

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

“…On the other hand, correlation proposed in this study holds good for the range between 1664.85 and 4570.25 m/s. The results Sharma and Singh[63], Sarkar et al[60], Azimian et al[9], Kahraman[38] are very close to the observed UCS in the P-wave velocity range between 1500 and 3000 m/s. But their equation fails in the lower velocity (\1500 m/s) and higher velocity ([3000 m/s) domain.…”

“…As illustrated in Fig. 6b, there are meaningful differences of predicted UCS from P-wave velocity by Sharma and Singh [63], Sarkar et al [60], Azimian et al [9], Kahraman [38] and Cobanglu and Celik [17] with the observed dataset. This is probably due to limited rock types of origin, whereas the proposed correlation is applicable for limestone rocks, but other equations proposed by different …”

“…The equation given by Sharma and Singh[63], Sarkar et al[60], Kahraman[38] and Cobanglu and Celik[17] are only applicable for a lower range of P-wave velocity to predict UCS. For high values, it provides unacceptable results(Fig.…”

Study on Wellbore Stability and Instability Mechanism in Piedmont Structures

“…Rock mechanics parameters can be calculated by the following models [22,23] The overburden pressure can be calculated through formation density integral. Horizontal principle stresses calculation model is:…”

Correlation between Material Properties and Breakage Rate Parameters Determined from Grinding Tests

“…The reliable determination of these properties enables the prediction of milling results and in this case no extensive milling tests that require large amounts of time and material are needed [27]. In this respect, several researchers [28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36] have attempted to identify the relationship between various material properties and P-wave velocity. These studies indicated that sound velocity is closely related to physico-mechanical properties such as uniaxial compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, hardness, effective porosity, water absorption and both saturated and dry density.…”