Predicting Strength Parameters of Igneous Rocks from Slake Durability Index

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate and develop statistical models for predicting the strength parameters (point load strength, uniaxial compressive strength and Brazilian tensile strength) of igneous rocks, using slake durability index (SDI). In this study, the index, mechanical and slake durability index parameters of the 23 rock samples collected from different locations of the Central Anatolia have been detected by testing. A very high exponential relation between the strength parameters and SDI was found out. However, it has seen that the equations developed cannot estimate the strength parameters when SDI values greater than 98%. The relationship between strength parameters and SDI was reexamined in the case of SDI values being greater and less than 98%, and very high correlations were developed for strength parameters. These developed empirical equations can be applicable for igneous rocks having similar geomechanical properties.