Estimation of the strength of Konya pyroclastic rocks from P-wave velocity

The strength of rocks are used for designing surface and underground structures constructed in rock mass in mining and civil engineering projects. Smooth core samples suggested by standards for the laboratory tests cannot always be prepared particularly from soft or weak rocks. Since these techniques are non-destructive and easy to apply, they are increasingly being used in rock engineering applications. In this study, the possibility of predicting the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and Brazilian tensile strength (BTS) from the P-wave velocity was investigated for Konya pyroclastic rocks. The block samples of pyroclastic rocks were collected from six different locations of Konya region and core specimens were prepared for the tests. The P-wave velocity, the UCS and the BTS tests were carried out on the specimens. The P-wave velocity values were correlated to both the UCS and BTS values. A very strong exponential relation was found between the P-wave velocity and the UCS. A strong exponential relation was also found between the P-wave velocity and the BTS. It was concluded that the UCS and BTS of Konya pyroclastic rocks could be predicted from P-wave velocity. Further research is necessary to check the validity of the derived equations for other pyroclastic rocks.