Example framework for evaluation of synthetic rock-like materials as applied to a commercial gypsum cement

Abstract

Estimating material properties is an essential part of any engineering field. In rock mechanics, obtaining an infinite number of samples and/or samples at desired orientations is often not possible. Thus, replica materials have been extensively used to serve in the laboratory as analogues of natural rock. In this note, a framework is established to assess the suitability of a replica material to replicate natural rock for research purposes. The framework involves the evaluation of the mechanical properties in terms of the modulus ratio and the strength ratio. This framework is used to evaluate the adequacy and suitability of a plaster-like material, commercially known as “Flowstone”. The replica material formation process most closely resembles that of sedimentary rocks. From a physical and mechanical perspective, the modulus ratio, strength ratio, Poisson's ratio, and density fall within ranges that define sedimentary rock, indicating that this replica material is a suitable analogue to rock (i.e., ‘rock-like materials' or ‘synthetic rocks').