Relationship between Texture and Uniaxial Compressive Strength of Rocks

Akbar Esmailzadeh,Masoud Zare Naghadehi,Salar Saei,Reza Mikaeil,Shekar Behnam

doi:10.28991/cej-2017-00000106

Abstract

Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) is one of the most important parameters of rocks that is routinely used in rock engineering designs. This parameter is influenced greatly by textural properties of rocks; hence it is possible to estimate it from quantified texture coefficient (TC). In this paper, fourteen different types of rocks were experimentally studied to evaluate the effect of texture coefficient on UCS. Thin sections were first prepared, and then some digital photographs were taken from each section and were digitized in computer. Then, the texture coefficient for all samples were calculated. Subsequently, UCS of the samples were measured in laboratory. Finally, relationships between TC and UCS of rock samples were evaluated and related mathematical equations were presented. Results showed that the UCS has a power relationship with TC which can be utilized for future estimation purposes.

Highlights

Processes involved in the development of igneous and metamorphic rocks include some combination of crystal growth, solution, movement and deformation which is expressed as changes in texture
This study evaluated the effects of texture coefficient on the uniaxial compressive strength of selected rock samples in the laboratory
The results showed a good correlation between texture coefficient (TC) and Uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of the samples

Summary

Introduction

Processes involved in the development of igneous and metamorphic rocks include some combination of crystal growth, solution, movement and deformation which is expressed as changes in texture (microstructure). Petrographic characteristics such as grain size shape of grains, degree of interlocking, type of contacts and mineralogy composition could affect the mechanical properties of the rock [1]. The uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) is one of the most important indices in rock mechanical studies, and it is commonly used for a variety of engineering applications such as rock mass classification and rock failure criteria. An experimental practice is taking on to quantitatively investigate rock texture properties and its relationship with strength characteristic to come up with useful relationships to be utilized in the future

Determination of Uniaxial Compressive Strength of Rocks

Measurement and Calculation the Texture Coefficient of Rocks

Statistical Analysis

Conclusion