Investigation of the ability of ultrasonic parameters to evaluate the physical and mechanical characteristics and durability of carbonate rocks

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Gwology, University of Isfahan

2 Department of Geology, University of Isfahan

3 -

Abstract

In this research by analyzing the signals of ultrasonic waves and obtaining the ultrasonic parameters in nine carbonate rocks from different parts of Iran, the ability of these parameters to assess the physical and mechanical properties and durability of rocks was investigated. For this purpose, firstly the petrographic, physical and mechanical properties of studied rocks were determined and then, in order to determine the durability of samples, long-term weathering tests of slake durability and wetting-drying up to 15 and 50 cycles were carried out, respectively. Moreover, a precise ultrasonic device capable to record wave signal was used and ultrasonic parameters of compressional wave velocity (VP), maximum amplitude (Amax), spatial attenuation (αs), and temporal attenuation (αs) were determined from recorded signals, before and after wetting-drying cycles. Results indicated that each of the ultrasonic parameters has different capabilities in rock characterization, such as VP can assess both physical and mechanical properties more accurate in comparison with other ultrasonic parameters. Results also indicated that Amax and αs detect the development of the microcracks resulted from wetting-drying cycles and the development of weathering within rocks more better than VP. On the other hand, αt is not sensitive to the weathering development in rock, while if this parameter is corrected and converted to αtc, it can detect the development of weathering within rocks.

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References

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Scientific Quarterly Journal of Iranian Association of Engineering Geology
Volume 11, Number 2
September 2018
Pages 81-98

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 January 2019
  • Revise Date: 08 March 2019
  • Accept Date: 09 March 2019

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