The effect of mechanical rock properties and brittleness on drillability

Abstract

This paper examines the relationships between drilling rate index (DRI) and some mechanical properties of rocks in order to evaluate the effect of properties of strength, indexes, and brittleness of rock on rock drillability. For this purpose, some index properties (Shore scleroscope hardness (SSH), and point load strength (PLS) and geomechanical (uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and Brazilian tensile strength (BTS)) values of 32 sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rock samples were determined. Then, the brittleness concepts which use the uniaxial compressive strength and tensile strength of rocks were determined for calculations. Four different brittleness concepts were used in the statistical analysis. In this study, a new brittleness concept (B4) which was found as a result of laboratory studies has proposed by authors for percussive drilling and rotary drilling. The relationships among of DRI and both mechanical rock properties and brittleness concepts were evaluated using regression analysis and statistical methods. As a result, decreasing linear relationships were found among of DRI and uniaxial compressive strength, shore scleroscope hardness, diametral and axial point load strength. In additional to meaningful relations were obtained between drillability of rocks and brittleness of B3 and B4.