Natural Stone Processing Research Articles

Noise and frequency propagation in natural stone processing plants

In this study, 510 noise measurements recorded in eight natural stone processing plants operating in Sivas City, Turkey were evaluated and the noise levels and dominant frequency bands of 11 different processing machines used in these plants were determined. The daily equivalent noise level of all natural stone processing plants was around or above the exposure limit value (87 dBA) specified in relevant regulations. Considering the machines and plant environment, the frequency ranges for the highest noise levels were mostly between 630 Hz - 5000 Hz, centering around 3150 Hz. Variations in the noise level of the processing machines in separate plants where similar processes were carried out was primarily related to the plant size and machine layout, the number of machines operating simultaneously and the type of natural stone processed. While the difference between the noise levels of gangsaws, bridge cutting, ST cutting, head/side cutting, trimming, cement filling, slab polishing, narrow polishing, chamfering and splitting machines were statistically significant, aging machines generated similar noise levels.

Comparative analysis of the technological properties of natural and agglomerated stones in epoxy matrix

Brazil occupies a prominent position among the countries that produce the most ornamental stones in the world, with emphasis on the state of Espírito Santo. However, despite this success in production, the sector faces a considerable challenge in relation to waste generation. The objective of this study was to produce and evaluate the technological properties of an agglomerated stone using 87 wt% waste from the processing of Branco Fortaleza stone in a matrix with 13 wt% epoxy resin, using the vacuum vibro-thermo-compression process. The waste was characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The stones were subjected to evaluation of density, apparent porosity, water absorption, abrasion resistance test, staining, chemical attack, 3-point flexural strength and microstructural analysis (SEM). The results showed a density of 2.26 ± 0.02 g/cm3, water absorption of 0.24 ± 0.01%, apparent porosity of 0.55 ± 0.03%, abrasion resistance test of 1.38 mm and flexural strength of 30.13 ± 1.74 MPa. The results compared with the literature reveal a material with technical feasibility to be used as a coating in the construction sector, presenting high mechanical resistance, good interfacial adhesion, application on high traffic floors, as well as environments subject to liquid penetration such as sinks, floors and countertops. Using this waste to manufacturing new materials, such as agglomerated stones, can not only help reduce dependence on raw materials, but also play an important role in minimizing the environmental impact associated with the extraction and processing of natural stones.

Recovery of Synthetic Diamonds from Fines of Natural Stones Processing

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the flotation process of the fines from the processing of natural stones - Fibro, and to propose a methodology to recovery synthetic diamonds present in it. For this, this research analyzes the influence of the amount of solid mass in the pulp and the amount of reagents used in the process. Theoretical Framework: The productive chain of natural stones generates millions of tons of Fibro annually, which can cause environmental damage if not disposed of or treated properly. Considering that the principles of circular economy are relevant in the pursuit of sustainable development of the sector, it is emphasized that Fibro contains several mineral resources that can be used in other productive chains. In addition to the rock powders resulting from processing, there are other particles of interest such as synthetic diamond. The synthetic diamonds present in Fibro come from the diamond tools used in rock sawing and polishing. These diamond particles have a high added value, and some recovery methods have been implemented to capture these grains for reuse. Among the methods used for this purpose, flotation has obtained the best results in previous studies. Method: The methodology adopted for this research begins with the collection and sampling of the Fibro in the natural stone production industries. Then, this material was classified granulometrically through sieving, and the samples were then subjected to the flotation process. In flotation, the percentage of solids in the pulp and the amounts of collector and frother used in the process were tested. All untested parameters were kept constant, and only the variables under investigation were modified at different levels. The methodology followed an experimental design and it was applied regression models and response surfaces for data modeling. Results and Discussion: The results show that the most efficient solid percentage was 35% in conditioning and 25% in flotation. Regarding the quantities of reagents tested, the model generated by the response surface indicates which levels obtained the best results in terms of concentrate recovery rate. It was also noted that the amount of collector had little influence on the process, which can be inferred by the natural hydrophobicity of the diamond. Implications of the Research: The implications of this research include economic benefits for the natural stones industry from the possibility of entering a new market in the sector. As well as advances in circular economy by reusing industrial waste and developing new technologies for the use of these materials. These results have the potential to impact industrial sustainability and can expand the mining and metallurgy sector. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the mining industry by proposing an innovative flotation methodology to recover synthetic diamonds from the fines of processing of natural stones. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by its ability to provide a practical and efficient solution, with potential positive impact on circular economy and industrial sustainability.

Test the Effectiveness of Eco-Enzyme Bioremediation as a Reducing Agent for Natural Stone Waste on Rice Plant Productivity and Water Quality in Dukupuntang District

Water is a natural resource that is needed for all living things. Likewise with the river used for irrigation of agricultural land. The Cigayem River is located in Dukupuntang District, Cirebon Regency. Above the river there are many natural stone cottage industries. The processing of natural stone into decorative stone requires a lot of water for its processing, so that a lot of river water in this area is polluted from this home industry activity. The waste is in the form of powder cut from natural stone with water which is directly channeled into irrigation canals without being processed first. The effect is siltation of irrigation canals and decreased water quality. This decrease in water quality has an impact on rice productivity in heavily affected areas. Pollution that occurs in irrigation canals in the study area can be identified by physical changes such as color and other impacts such as decreased productivity of rice yields in the study area since the establishment of the natural stone industry. The decline in rice productivity will threaten the sustainability of rice farming in central areas. Wastewater treatment technology has been developed a lot, but not all home industries can carry out waste treatment at a high cost. Eco enzyme can be a solution to waste pollution that pollutes rivers at a relatively low cost, easy to obtain and sustainable because all materials do not contain harmful chemicals and residues.

Quality index control for building products made of natural facing stone

Purpose is to assess the influence of technological and natural factors on the decorative properties of natural facing stone to identify the regularities of changes in lightness and saturation of its surface. Methods. To assess the effect of technological and natural factors on the decorative properties of natural facing stone, methods of digital processing of images and infrared spectroscopy have been applied. The methods make it possible to obtain the data on the influence of mineralogical and chemical composition on the decorative properties of natural stone and characterize the physicochemical processes that occur during the natural stone processing by different methods. Findings. The regularities of changes in surface gloss of facing stone after its chemical treatment have been specified. It has been proved that all chemical impregnations increases stone gloss; the lower the initial indices of the natural stone surface gloss are, the greater stone changes are observed. In turn, that is caused by the fact that each type of natural stone has its own gloss limit. The regularities of lightness changes and surface saturation of natural facing stone after chemical treatment have been defined. They indicate that all agents reduce lightness and increase saturation of the natural stone surface (except Impregnation agent 3). According to the identified regularities, it is possible to control quality indices of the natural stone surface with simultaneous provision of uniform colour shade of a stone-faced building. The main problem arising during the study of surfaces of natural stone samples by means of infrared spectroscopy was inhomogeneity of its mineral-chemical composition over the sample area. As a result, various spectra have been obtained that are difficult to identify without the prepared reference samples. Complete infrared spectra of the natural stone surfaces of Pokostivskyi granodiorite and Bukivskyi gabbro. Both Pokostivskyi granodiorite and Bukivskyi gabbro have different infrared spectra within the analyzed range of wavelengths that can be explained by the difference in mineralogical composition of both natural stone types. Originality is in identifying the regularities of changes in lightness and saturation of the natural facing stone surface after its chemical treatment. Practical implications. The determined regularities of changes in lightness and saturation of the natural facing stone surface can help control the quality indices of the natural stone surface with the simultaneous provision of uniform colour shade of a stone-faced building.

Identifikasi Risiko Bahaya Pada Proses Produksi Batu Alam Di Stasiun Pemotongan Menggunakan Metode Hirarc Dan Five Why's

PBA Surya Alam is one of the industries engaged in the natural stone processing industry (PBA) which has a fairly high risk of work accidents due to the lack of hazard control in the production process for workers. The application of occupational safety and health at PBA Surya Alam has been implemented, but its application has not been maximized, such as in terms of worker awareness in using personal protective equipment (PPE). From 2020 the cutting station experienced 7 work accident cases, in 2021 the cutting station experienced 4 work accident cases, and in 2022 the cutting station experienced 2 work accident cases. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential for work accidents, risk assessment, and efforts to control hazard risks in natural stone production process activities. In addition, this study aims to determine the most dominant risk controls and provide suggestions for controlling work accident factors in the natural stone production process. Therefore, this study uses the HIRARC (Hazard Identification Risk Assessment and Risk Control) method, which is a method for determining potential hazards that occur, knowing risk assessment to determine risk levels and knowing risk controls to reduce the occurrence of work accidents. The results of calculations using the HIRARC and 5W + 1 H methods show that there are 6 cases of potential hazards recorded at PBA Surya Alam with each risk, namely 6 cases of potential hazards with extreme risk, then as many as 8 potential cases hazard with high risk (high risk), as many as 5 cases of potential hazard with high risk. Whereas for the 5 W + 1 H method in the process of cutting Natural Stone from the results of observations and observations in the field making control proposals such as installing SOP signs at Natural Stone production stations so as a reminder when operators are working, safety controls for employees and safety helmets to minimize falling products (PPE), and controlling the use of gloves.

Using natural stone for buildings - an analysis of educational programs in Romania

Abstract The topic of sustainability is of utmost importance today, especially referring to construction industry - a sector that contributes with almost 40% to the global CO2 emissions. This subject comprises various areas of research and knowledge and one study cannot cover all of them; the studies are usually focusing on a restrained field starting from one of the sustainability characteristics. Some principles of sustainable development are referring to the use of natural products, using local raw materials, using traditional construction methods, and respecting the cultural heritage. Therefore, in this context, the use of natural stone could be a sustainable solution especially in communities that historically used stone as a building material. Considering the value which the use of natural stone in new and existing buildings could bring for a more sustainable society, the current study aims to explore how topics like use of natural stone, stone processing, stone restauration and others related to them are included in the educational programs and curricula of higher education and vocational education and training in Romania. The results are compared with the situation from other European countries in order to formulate some conclusions and recommendations.

Reusing granite waste in eco-friendly foamed concrete as aggregate

The consumption of wastes from natural stone processing factories not only could prevent from degression of natural resources, but also preserve the environment to attain sustainable development. In this study, the feasibility of reusing granite waste produced by natural stone processing factories in production of foamed concrete was investigated. Seven foamed concrete mixtures with the density of 1400–2000 kg/m3 were designed, and it was made once with fine sand and once with granite waste. Compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption, thermal conductivity and microstructure tests were done on specimens. Additionally, the life cycle assessment (LCA) of specimens was also evaluated. The results indicated that the microstructure of the foamed concrete using granite waste (FCGW) was similar to the foamed concrete using fine sand (FCS). Compressive and flexural strength of FCGW were 8% and 10% higher than the res42ults for FCS respectively. The cement paste of both specimens was similar, however due to the high water absorption of the granite waste, the maximum water absorption of FCGW was 17% more than FCS. Moreover, results revealed that replacement of granite waste had no influence on thermal conductivity of the specimens. The results of LCA showed that using granite waste instead of fine sand could lead to improve abiotic depletion (ADP), global warming (GWP), acidification (AP), eutrophication (EP) and photochemical oxidization (OP) by 16.4, 32.4, 13.3, 58.2 and 20.7%, respectively.

Characteristics of Waste Generated in Dimension Stone Processing

Natural dimension stone processing generates large volumes of stone waste, which have a significant impact on the environment, as well as on the efficiency and profitability of the stone-processing plant. The article presents the characteristics of waste produced as a result of natural dimension stone processing and the structure of the waste production process. Solid stone scraps and sludge were distinguished. On the basis of the performed analyses, it was shown that stone waste constitutes 10–35% in relation to the quantity of the processed stone material, with the quantity of sludge being even threefold greater than the volume of solid scraps. According to the circular economy principles, the aim should be to reduce the amount of waste generated by reducing primary resources in favour of secondary material. Reducing the volume of stone waste is possible through rational planning of stone production while at the same time maximising the efficiency of stone material usage and introducing the most modern processing machines. This significant volume of stone waste encourages efforts to find solutions for both its management and reduction. This paper reviews the utility potential of stone waste. Sensible use of waste is important to increase the profitability and productivity of processing plants while incentivising environmental protection.

Investigation of Thermal Comfort Conditions by Considering Metabolic Rates of Natural Stone Processing Plant Employees

Doğaltaş işleme fabrikalarında çalışanların meslek hastalığına yakalanması durumunu ortam kalitesi etkilemektedir. Ortam kalitesini belirleyen en önemli faktörler; termal konfor şartları, aydınlatma, ortaya çıkan gürültü ve titreşimdir. Termal konforu tanımlayan 6 önemli parametre vardır. Termal konfor şartlarını etkileyen metabolizma hızı, çalışanların işlerinin ağırlığına göre farklılık göstermektedir. Çalışma ortamında sıcaklık, nem vb. etkenler aynı olsa bile çalışanların metabolizma hızındaki farklılık, termal konfor algısını değiştirecek bir etken olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Metabolik oran hem araştırma hem de uygulamada en kabaca değerlendirilen faktördür. Çalışma sahası olarak Afyonkarahisar İl’inde bulunan doğaltaş fabrikası belirlenmiştir. Fabrika içerisinde 6 farklı bölgeden ölçümler alınmıştır. Çalışanların metabolik oranlarının farklı olmasının termal rahatlığı etkilemesi göz önüne alınarak riskli ortamlar için önerilerde bulunulmuştur.

Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Cement-Stabilized Soil Blended with Crushed Stone Waste

Waste generated by the processing of natural stone poses environmental and economic problems. One promising use for stone waste is soil stabilization. In this paper, a number of tests including unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California bearing ratio (CBR) of crushed stone were performed to study the effect of curing time, soaked and unsoaked conditions and freeze-thaw cycles on the geotechnical characteristics of cement-stabilized specimens. The results indicate that crushed stone waste can be combined with cement as a stabilizer to improve soil properties. Also the optimum moisture content (OMC) and maximum dry density (MDD) are dependent on the cement content and almost independent of the crushed stone waste content. The CBR increased significantly as the crushed stone waste and cement contents increased under both soaked and unsoaked conditions, but these had little effect on the UCS at curing times of less than 14 days. Cement-stabilized specimens with 10% crushed stone waste showed a significant increase in UCS. The CBR and UCS of unsoaked specimens were higher than for soaked specimens at different crushed stone waste and cement contents. The CBR and UCS values increased with an increase in curing time. However, the curing time had a more obvious effect on UCS than on CBR.

Occupational Noise Exposure in Natural Stone Proccesing Plants

Occupational noise exposure is a serious physical risk factor leading to occupational diseases including hearing loss. In this study, occupational noise measurements taken at seven natural stone processing plants operating in Sivas, Turkey and its environs are evaluated in accordance with the task-based assessment method given in TS EN ISO 9612-2009 standard. Though the processes in natural stone processing plants are similar, significant differences were observed in the noise levels, which are often above the limits specified in the relevant regulation. The highest noise levels to which workers were exposed are S/T, bridge cutting, sizing/honing, head/side cutting machine while the lowest noise levels were from narrow polishing machine and gang saw machines. In plants B, F and G the S/T block cutting machines, in plants B and D the head/side cutting machines, in plants C and E the sizing/honing machines and in plant D the bridged cutting and narrow polishing machines exposed workers to noise levels above the lowest exposure action value of 80 dBA. The bridge cutting machine in plant D exposed the workers to noise levels above the highest exposure action value of 85 dBA. High noise emitting machines were proposed to be isolated in separate compartments.

An Investigation on the Turbidity Removal from Natural Stone Processing Plant Wastewater by Flocculation

This study aimed to determine the effects of three different high molecular weight (HMW) flocculants (anionic, cationic and non-ionicflocculants) on the fine particles removal from natural stone (foid-bearing rock) processing plant wastewater at alkaline pH conditions.The test results were investigated in terms of turbidity values depending on pH of the medium, flocculant concentration and time (0–60min). According to the results obtained, the turbidity values of the wastewater in the absence of the flocculants were pH dependent anddecreased as the pH increased, resulted in the minimum turbidity values at pH 12. In the presence of the flocculants, the pH dependedturbidity removal efficiencies varied with flocculant type, flocculant concentration and time. The best results were obtained at highlyalkaline pH values (pH 12) with the turbidity removal efficiency of ≤99% in the presence of non-ionic flocculant. In the case of anionicand cationic flocculants, the minimum turbidity values were also obtained at pH 12 with turbidity removal efficiencies over 90%.

Natural stone waste generation from the perspective of natural stone processing plants: An industrial-scale case study in the province of Bilecik, Turkey

Natural stone has been used for various purposes, such as for building stone, megaliths, ornamental stone, hunting, and grinding, throughout history. Upon the advent of industrial-scale production for natural stone, both quarries and stone processing plants began to generate a high quantity of waste in large bulk. Natural stone waste is a current worldwide environmental problem. It is imperative to use natural stone waste in other industries and to declare the amount of waste generated by users. This study presents an on-site industrial analysis of the natural stone production process for natural stone waste which has not previously been quantitatively and qualitatively examined on an industrial scale. The study was conducted in nineteen natural stone processing plants, generating almost 98% of the marble produced in the province of Bilecik and 11% of that produced in Turkey. The resulting daily amount of waste generated was calculated on a monthly basis based on current production capacity. Following an analysis, the industrial waste was quantified, with the waste generation mechanism being analyzed and the types of waste being classified by size and quality. The results suggest that a natural stone processing plant generates nearly 1044 tons (solid and sludge) of natural stone waste a day. The waste generated was divided in two parts as sludge waste and large-size solid waste, and then analyzed under three categories. In addition, the samples collected from the plants were evaluated via physical-mechanical tests and XRD analyses. According to the figures of the marble processing plants, it can be said that a mid-scale marble processing plant with a monthly production capacity of 10.000 m2, on average generates a total of 50 tons of waste, comprising 25 tons of solid waste and 25 tons of sludge. It was also observed that natural stone waste was 28% in block cutting and 20% in gangsawing, as a result of cutting operations performed to turn one cubic meter of natural stone into a block. This translates into 756 kg and 540 kg of waste, respectively. Additionally, the storage of natural stone waste dispatched from various plants should be revised, and new categorized landfill areas and storage models should be introduced to individually store solid waste and sludge.

Manufacturing process and mechanical properties of a novel acrylonitrile butadiene styrene-based composite, with recycled natural granite micro-particles

Manufacture and characterization of a novel, environmentally friendly stone composite based on acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and recycled natural granite stone particles is introduced. The proposed composite can be considered as a byproduct of natural stone processing, and potentially lead to a solution to the associated waste management problem. Results indicated that the composite’s tensile strength and fracture property generally deteriorated with increasing the stone particle content, especially beyond 50%. Stiffness and thermal conductivity, however, continually increased with the addition of the granite powder, which would suggest multi-functional applications of this material.

Experimental analysis of the correlation between ultrasonic velocity and metallographic and cutting performance parameters of boron carbide-doped diamond sockets

The natural stone cutting process is carried out by cutting tools called diamond socket (DS) consisting of two parts diamond and matrix. DS performance in rock cutting highly depends on the production cost of the socket, cutting precision, and energy costs. However, DS performance can be demonstrated after the circular saw with DS is connected to the cutting machine and performs the cutting operation. This trial and error method causes negative effects such as time loss, an increase in labor costs, and disruption in production for natural stone processing plants. For this reason, ultrasonic velocity measurement (UVM) processes are performed on DS to predict DS performance. Within the scope of the study, eight groups of boron carbide (B4C)-doped DS are produced. In the one group of these DSs, no-doped is made, and therefore it is considered as a reference socket. The other seven groups are B4C-doped at different rates. Metallographic parameters (MPs) (unit volume weight, porosity, Knoop hardness, weight wear loss) of DSs produced before cutting experiments are determined. Then cutting performance parameters (CPPs) (specific cutting energy, power consumption, specific abrasion) of circular saws prepared with DS groups are obtained by performing cutting experiments on granite samples. After ultrasonic velocity (UV) in diamond sockets is measured experimentally, the correlations between UV and MPs and CPPs are analyzed. As a result of the experimental analyses, it has been determined that there is a significant correlation between these parameters and UV. Based on these correlations, it has been determined that the UVM method can be used both in the quality control of DSs and in the prediction of cutting performance.

Performance Prediction of Circular Diamond Saws by Artificial Neural Networks and Regression Method Based on Surface Hardness Values of Mugla Marbles, Turkey

Sawing of natural stones with diamond-impregnated circular saws is extensively implemented in stone processing plants in variety of applications that include sawing, cutting, splitting and trimming. Hence, the cost of diamond saws and energy have become important input in terms of estimating the hourly areal slab productions (HASPs) from the standpoint of effective cost analyses, feasible and sustainable designing of stone processing plants prior to reaching a decision for the investment. This study aimed at estimating the HASPs of the machines with circular diamond saws during the dimensioning of marble blocks quarried in Mugla (Turkey) Region. Thus, the models were generated to estimate the HASPs by artificial neural networks (ANN) and regression method (RM), based on Shore and Schmidt hardness values of rocks. Also, HASPs were acquired through in-plant measurements in order to justify the HASPs estimated by ANN and RM models. The analyses of the models generated using ANN proved to yield very strong consistencies with HASPs measured in the plants. Hence, the HASPs can be estimated reliably by the ANN models which also may be considered as a tool in designing of natural stone processing plants based on rock surface hardness.

Optimizing approach on Fibre Engineered Cementitious Materials with Self-Healing capacity (SH-FECM) by the use of slurry lime (SL) addition

SH-FECM (Fibre Engineered Cementitious Materials with Self-Healing capacity), developed at NIRD “URBAN-INCERC” Cluj-Napoca Branch in the last five years, are consistently based on Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECCs) concept, elaborated in the early nineties at Michigan University (USA). They all represent a cement-based typology of dispersed reinforcement composites able to develop high deformability by the means of multiple cracking pattern under loading, leading to a cumulative set of valuable material features: metal like behaviour when subjected to loads, brittle failure prevention, increased self-healing potential via the compositional design, etc. The process of development and constant improvement of the SH-FECMs represents a long term theoretical and experimental approach, aiming to establish the optimum raw materials (mostly locally available) compatibility within the cementitious matrix so that the composites would present superior performance under comparative evaluation. This paper presents the first results, evaluated as positive for both, fresh and hardened state materials, regarding the inclusion of Slurry Lime (SL) addition as replacement of the initial lime powder addition (L) in the material composition. The long-term effects are on ongoing investigation, but the initial results are clearly promising, starting from a better fresh state aspect and evaluating for faster setting time and improved early age mechanical behaviour. The beneficial effects are also in terms of economic and ecological aspects, considering that the used lime slurry (SL) addition represents an actual waste resulted from a local, natural stone processing factory. Its use as direct addition in the SH-FECMs mixtures could represent an efficient recycling and waste prevention action, with long term beneficial potential, in terms of Circular Economy principles.

Investigation of the change of rock waste ammount at the diamond-disk cutting of blocks

The extraction and processing of natural stone is accompanied by the formation of a significant amount of waste. When processing natural stone, the largest amount of waste is formed precisely during the operation of cutting the raw material block on the slabs. It is therefore important to study the patterns of waste generation at this stage to make recommendations for their reduction.Single-disk diamond cutting is the most commonly used cutting method for small and medium stone processing enterprises of Ukraine. Therefore, the article studies the order of the waste production precisely with one-disk diamond cutting, and the changes in the amount of waste in absolute and relative terms depending on the size of the raw stone blocks and the cutting tool. The dependence of the amount of waste on the diameter of the cutter, the losses on the slabs from the linear dimensions of the block is established.

Estimation of Power Consumption in the Circular Sawing of Stone Based on Tangential Force Distribution

Circular sawing is an important method for the processing of natural stone. The ability to predict sawing power is important in the optimisation, monitoring and control of the sawing process. In this paper, a predictive model (PFD) of sawing power, which is based on the tangential force distribution at the sawing contact zone, was proposed, experimentally validated and modified. With regard to the influence of sawing speed on tangential force distribution, the modified PFD (MPFD) performed with high predictive accuracy across a wide range of sawing parameters, including sawing speed. The mean maximum absolute error rate was within 6.78%, and the maximum absolute error rate was within 11.7%. The practicability of predicting sawing power by the MPFD with few initial experimental samples was proved in case studies. On the premise of high sample measurement accuracy, only two samples are required for a fixed sawing speed. The feasibility of applying the MPFD to optimise sawing parameters while lowering the energy consumption of the sawing system was validated. The case study shows that energy use was reduced 28% by optimising the sawing parameters. The MPFD model can be used to predict sawing power, optimise sawing parameters and control energy.