Experimental testing and ultrasonic pulse transmission technique of granite for sustainable rock testing approach at Rawang, Selangor

Abstract

Advanced characterization technique which is Non-destructive Testing (NDT) technique are required to monitor the testing for physical and mechanical properties of rock. Using Non-destructive Testing technique, the information gather are much faster and easier without any disturbance to the sample test. In rock engineering, the key role in the long term stability are depending on the characteristics of rock and the rock masses. Since the finding of strength parameter are time consuming and very expensive, this research is conducted to perform experimental testing and ultrasonic pulse transmission technique on granite for a sustainable rock testing approach. Through this study, it enables to identify a simple way to predict these strength parameters especially and specifically for Unconfined Compression Strength (UCS) by using Point Load Test (PLT) and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) Test. From this study, the correlation can be made among UCS, point load index, and sound velocity which the empirical formula for point load and the ultrasonic pulse velocity test are UCS = 20.8(Is50) + 2.2 and UCS = 144.68Vp – 684.37 respectively. The ultrasonic pulse transmission technique methods can be used to predict the compressive strength of rock. It can be practically used in the field since the technique are portable and easy to use. By using the least-square regression method, the empirical formula formulated between UPV and UCS values signifies that the correlation coefficient (R2) obtained for the equation is 0.9692 and indicates that both variables have a good agreement relationship.