Developing Empirical Models for Uniaxial Compressive Strength Prediction by Using Non-Destructive TestResults

Abstract

In the current study, uniaxial compressive strength, Schmidt hammer and Sonic velocity tests are performed on NX size rock core samples from Sakesar and Namal formation limestone. Least square regression analysis is used to develop any possible correlations between the destructive and non-destructive test results. Empirical models, for predicting the uniaxial compressive strength of rocks by using the rebound number and P-wave/S-wave velocity, have been developed and evaluated. Analysis shows that the empirical model for predicting UCS with Schmidt hammer rebound number is more reliable over a wide range of strength values for both the formations. Whereas the model that uses P-wave/S-wave velocities is reliable particularly when the strength values are low to medium.