INFLUENCE OF WATER ON HARDNESS, STRENGTH AND COMPRESSIBIITY OF ROCK

The influence of water on the indentation hardness, the unconfined compressive strength and the compressibility of eight types of rock consisting of one sandstone, four granites, one tonalite and two limestones was studied in the laboratory. It was observed that the unconfined compressive strength consistently decreased with saturation. Irrespective of the rock type or the degree of saturation, a correlation between unconfined compressive strength and the product of unit weight and hardness was established. Similarly, a correlation between tangent modulus and the product of unit weight times hardness for both air-dried and saturated specimens was obtained. The influence of water in this investigation relates to the effects that water might produce in weakening the bonding srength of the rock structure irrespective of the pore-water pressures generated. Because all specimens were initially partially saturated, the loss of the bonding strength displays an overriding effect on the pore-water pressures generated in unconfined compression.

• Corporate Authors:

  Association of Engineering Geologists

  8310 San Fernando Way
  Dallas, TX  United States  75218
• Authors:
  • Michalopoulos, A P
• Publication Date: 1976-12

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: p. 1-22
• Serial:
  • Association of Engineering Geologists, Bulletin
  • Volume: 13
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Association of Engineering Geologists

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Adhesive bond strength; Bonding; Compressive strength; Granite; Hardness; Impacts; Laboratory tests; Limestone; Percent saturation; Pore water pressures; Rock mechanics; Sandstones; Water
• Old TRIS Terms: Water effects
• Subject Areas: Geotechnology; Highways;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00131578
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 11 1976 12:00AM