Determination of the strength and elastic modulus of basalt based on point load test

Abstract

Point load test is an effective method for obtaining the mechanical parameters of the rock. However, the theoretical basis of the test is not clear at present, which greatly limits its acceptability and application. Therefore, it is essential to find the theoretical solution for point load test and its testing results. To calculate the uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength and elastic modulus of rocks, this paper establishes the quantitative relationship between point load strength and rock mechanical parameters based on the theory of elasticity mechanics. The point load tester was used to test 120 cylindrical basalt specimens, the thickness range of basalt is from 18 to 60 mm. Comparing the calculated results with the experimental results, it is found that the prediction error range of the proposed method is from 4% to 8%. The approach provides a new way for predicting the mechanical parameters of the rock.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

point load test / mechanical parameters / basalt / elastic mechanics

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