INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROCK MECHANICS AND MINING SCIENCES, vol.45, no.8, pp.1469-1479, 2008 (SCI-Expanded)
This study investigated the correlations between the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), elastic modulus (E) or the differential stress (Delta sigma) and density, P- and S-wave velocity, volumetric block proportion (VBP), average block diameter (($) over bar (block)), average block diameter factor (ABD(F)), aspect ratio and roundness. The results were evaluated by both simple and multiple regression analysis. Simple regression analysis results show no correlation between UCS, E or Delta sigma and the other examined parameters, except S-wave velocity. A correlation was, however, found between UCS and S-wave velocity for 25% and 75% VBP. Other significant models including density, P- and S-wave velocity and textural properties for the prediction of UCS and Ds were found by multiple regression analysis. From these results it is concluded that the strength of the Misis fault breccia cannot be defined by a single parameter such as VBP as is the case for some bimrocks. It is also concluded that the models developed by multiple regression analysis can be used to predict the UCS and Ds of the Misis fault breccia. The multiple regression models including two or three independent variables are the most practical equations. Using these equations to predict the UCS and Ds of the fault breccia is easier, faster and cheaper than conducting triaxial or uniaxial compressive strength tests. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.