Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Cuttability Assessment of Selected Rocks Through Different Brittleness Values

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Prediction of cuttability is a critical issue for successful execution of tunnel or mining excavation projects. Rock cuttability is also used to determine specific energy, which is defined as the work done by the cutting force to excavate a unit volume of yield. Specific energy is a meaningful inverse measure of cutting efficiency, since it simply states how much energy must be expended to excavate a unit volume of rock. Brittleness is a fundamental rock property and applied in drilling and rock excavation. Brittleness is one of the most crucial rock features for rock excavation. For this reason, determination of relations between cuttability and brittleness will help rock engineers. This study aims to estimate the specific energy from different brittleness values of rocks by means of simple and multiple regression analyses. In this study, rock cutting, rock property, and brittleness index tests were carried out on 24 different rock samples with different strength values, including marble, travertine, and tuff, collected from sites around Konya Province, Turkey. Four previously used brittleness concepts were evaluated in this study, denoted as B 1 (ratio of compressive to tensile strength), B 2 (ratio of the difference between compressive and tensile strength to the sum of compressive and tensile strength), B 3 (area under the stress–strain line in relation to compressive and tensile strength), and B 9 = S 20, the percentage of fines (<11.2 mm) formed in an impact test for the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) model as well as B 9p (B 9 as predicted from uniaxial compressive, Brazilian tensile, and point load strengths of rocks using multiple regression analysis). The results suggest that the proposed simple regression-based prediction models including B 3, B 9, and B 9p outperform the other models including B 1 and B 2 and can be used for more accurate and reliable estimation of specific energy.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Abu Bakar MZ, Gertsch LS (2013) Evaluation of saturation effects on drag pick cutting of a brittle sandstone from full scale linear cutting tests. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 34:124–134

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Altindag R (2002a) The evaluation of rock brittleness concept on rotary blast hole drills. J S Afr Inst Min Metall 102(1):61–66

    Google Scholar 

  • Altindag R (2002b) The useability of coarseness index in the prediction of penetration rate of percussive blasthole drills in a limestone opencast quarry. In: 1st International Symposium of the Istanbul Technical University Faculty of Mines on Earth Sciences and Engineering, 16–18 May. Istanbul, Turkey, p 196 (Abstract)

  • Altindag R (2003) Correlation of specific energy with rock brittleness concepts on rock cutting. J S Afr Inst Min Metall 103(3):163–171

    Google Scholar 

  • Balci C, Bilgin N (2007) Correlative study of linear small and full-scale rock cutting tests to select mechanized excavation machines. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 44:468–476

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Balci C, Demircin MA, Copur H, Tuncdemir H (2004) Estimation of specific energy based on rock properties for assessment of roadheader performance. J S Afr Inst Min Metall 11:633–643

    Google Scholar 

  • Bieniawski ZT (1967) Mechanism of brittle fracture of rock. Part I. Theory of the fracture process. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 4(4):395–406

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bilgin N (1989) Applied rock cutting mechanics for civil and mining engineers. Birsen, Turkey 192 pp

    Google Scholar 

  • Bilgin N, Yazici S, Eskikaya S (1996) A model to predict the performance of roadheaders and impact hammers in tunnel drivages. In: Proceedings, Eurock’96, Balkema, pp 715–720

  • Bilgin N, Balci C, Eskikaya S, Ergunalp D (1997a) Full scale and small scale cutting tests for equipment selection in a celestite mine. In: Strakos V et al (eds) 6th International Symposium on Mine Planning and Equipment Selection. Balkema, Rotterdam, pp 387–392

    Google Scholar 

  • Bilgin N, Kuzu C, Eskikaya S (1997b) Cutting performance of jack hammers and roadheaders in Istanbul metro drivages. In: Golser J, Hinkel WJ, Schubert W (eds) Proceedings World Tunnel Congress ‘97. Tunnels for People, Vienna, pp 455–460

  • Bilgin N, Dincer T, Copur H (2002) The performance prediction of impact hammers from Schmidt hammer rebound values in Istanbul metro tunnel drivages. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 17:237–247

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blindheim OT, Bruland A (1998) Boreability testing, Norwegian TBM tunneling 30 years of experience with TBMs in Norwegian tunneling. Norwegian Soil and Rock Engineering Association Publication No. 11, Trondheim, pp 29–34

  • Comakli R, Kahraman S, Balci C (2014) Performance prediction of roadheaders in metallic ore excavation. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 40:38–45

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cook NGW, Hood M, Tsai F (1984) Observation of crack growth in hard rock by an indenter. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci Abstr 21(2):97–107

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Copur H (2010) Linear stone cutting tests with chisel tools for identification of cutting principles and predicting performance of chain saw machines. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 47:104–120

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Copur H, Tuncdemir H, Bilgin N, Dincer T (2001) Specific energy as a criterion for use of rapid excavation system in Turkish mines. Inst Min Metall Trans A Min Technol 110(A):149–157

    Google Scholar 

  • Copur H, Bilgin N, Tuncdemir H, Balci C (2003) A set of indices based on indentation test for assessment of rock cutting performance and rock properties. J S Afr Inst Min Metall 103(9):589–600

    Google Scholar 

  • Copur H, Balci C, Tumac D, Bilgin N (2011) Field and laboratory studies on natural stones leading to empirical performance prediction of chain saw machines. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 48(2):269–282

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dahl F (2003) DRI, BWI, CLI Standards, NTNU. Angleggsdrift, Trondheim

    Google Scholar 

  • Dahl F, Bruland A, Grov E, Nilsen B (2010) Trademarking the NTNU/SINTEF drillability test indices. Tunn Tunn Int 44–46. doi:10.1016/j.tust.2012.08.010

    Google Scholar 

  • Dahl F, Bruland A, Jakobsen PD, Nilsen B, Grov E (2012) Classifications of properties influencing the drillability of rocks, based on the NTNU/SINTEF test method. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 28:150–158

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Davis JC (1973) Statistics and data analysis in geology. Wiley, New York, p 550

    Google Scholar 

  • Deketh HJR, Grima MA, Hergarden IM, Giezen M, Verhoef PNW (1998) Towards the prediction of rock excavation machine performance. Bull Eng Geol Environ 57:3–15

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Demou SG, Olson RC, Wingquist CF (1983) Determination of bit forces encountered in hard rock cutting for application to continuous miner design. U.S. Bureau of Mines, Report of Investigations; 8748

  • Dogruoz C, Bolukbasi N (2014) Effect of cutting tool blunting on the performances of various mechanical excavators used in low- and medium-strength rocks. Bull Eng Geol Environ 73:781–789

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dollinger GL, Handewith HJ, Breeds CD (1998) Use of the punch test for estimating TBM performance. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 13(4):403–408

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dursun AE, Bilim N, Comakli R, Gokay MK (2011) Correlation of rock brittleness and specific energy obtained from linear rock cutting tests. In: Proceedings of the 20th International Symposium on Mine Planning and Equipment Selection, 12–14 October 2011, Almaty, Republic of Kazakhstan, pp 83–848

  • Eberhardt E, Stead D, Stimpson B, Read RS (1988) Identifying crack initiation and propagation thresholds in brittle rock. Can Geotech J 35(2):222–233

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eren Y (1993) Stratigraphy of autochthonous and cover units of the Bozdağlar massif NW Konya. Geol Bull Turkey 36:7–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Eren Y (1996) Pre-Alpine overthrusts in the north of Sille-Tatköy (Bozdağlar massif-Konya). Bull Geol Congr Turkey 11:163–169

    Google Scholar 

  • Fowell RJ, McFeat-Smith I (1976) Factors influencing the cutting performance of a selective tunnelling machine. In: Proceedings of Tunnelling’76 Symposium, 3–10 March 1976. I.M.M., London, pp 301–309

  • Fowell RJ, Pycroft AS (1980) Rock machinability studies for the assessment of selective tunneling machine performance. In: Summers DA (ed) Proceedings of the 21st US Symposium on Rock Mechanics, 28–30 May 1980. University of Missouri, Rolla, pp 149–162

  • Fowell RJ, Xu C, Chen JF (1991) The CCNBD test for cutting performance prediction. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Rock Mechanics, Aachen, pp 467–470

  • George EA (1995) Brittle failure of rock material—test results and constitutive models. AA Balkema/Rotterdam/Brook field, pp 123–128

  • Gokceoglu C (2002) A fuzzy triangular chart to predict the uniaxial compressive strength of Ankara agglomerates from their petrographic composition. Eng Geol 66:39–51

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gokceoglu C, Zorlu K (2004) A fuzzy model to predict the uniaxial compressive strength and the modulus of elasticity of a problematic rock. Eng Appl Artif Intell 17(1):61–72

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goktan RM (1991) Brittleness and micro scale rock cutting efficiency. Min Sci Technol 13:237–241

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goktan RM, Yilmaz NG (2005a) A semi-empirical approach to cutting force prediction for point-attack picks. J S Afr Inst Min Metall 105(4):257–264

    Google Scholar 

  • Goktan RM, Yilmaz NG (2005b) A new methodology for the analysis of the relationship between rock brittleness index and drag pick cutting efficiency. J S Afr Inst Min Metall 105:725–733

    Google Scholar 

  • Gong QM, Zhao J (2007) Influence of rock brittleness on TBM penetration rate in Singapore granite. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 22:317–324

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Görür N, Oktay FY, Seymen İ, Şengör AMC (1984) Paleotectonic evolution of the Tuzgölü basin complex, Central Turkey: sedimentary record of a Neo-Tethyan closure. Geol Soc Lond Spec Pub 17:467–482

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grima MA, Babuska R (1999) Fuzzy model for the prediction of unconfined compressive strength of rock samples. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 36(3):339–349

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hamilton HW, Handewith HJ (1971) Apparatus and method for testing rock. United State Patent Office, No. 3618369

  • Hucka V, Das B (1974) Brittleness determination of rocks by different methods. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 11:389–392

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Inyang HI (2002) Developments in drag bit cutting of rocks for energy infrastructure. Int J Surf Min Reclam Environ 16(4):248–260

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ISRM (2007) In: Ulusay R, Hudson JA (eds) The complete ISRM suggested methods for rock characterization, testing and monitoring: 1974–2006. Turkey, Ankara

    Google Scholar 

  • Kahraman S (2002) Correlation of TBM and drilling machine performance with rock brittleness. Eng Geol 65:269–283

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kahraman S, Balci C, Yazici S, Bilgin N (2000) Prediction of the penetration rate of rotary blast hole drills using a new drillability index. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 37(5):729–743

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Koçyiğit A (1984) Intra-plate neotectonic development in Southwestern Turkey and adjacent areas. Bull Geol Soc Turkey 27:1–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Matern N, Hjelmer A (1943) Försök med pågrus (‘‘Tests with Chippings’’), Medelande nr. 65, Statens väginstitut, Stockholm, p 65. (English summary, pp 56–60)

  • McFeat-Smith I, Fowell RJ (1977) Correlation of rock properties and the cutting performance of tunneling machines. In: Proceedings of a conference on rock engineering, CORE-UK, The University of Newcastle upon Tyne, pp 581–602

  • NTH-Anleggsdrift (1994) Hard Rock Tunnel Boring, Norwegian Institute of Technology, Department of Civil and Transport Engineering, Project Report 1–94

  • NTNU-Anleggsdrift (1998) Hard Rock Tunnel Boring, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Department of Civil and Transport Engineering, Report 1B-98

  • Pang SS, Goldsmith W (1990) Investigation of crack formation during loading of the brittle rock. Rock Mech Rock Eng 23:53–63

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Protodyakonov MM (1963) Mechanical properties and drillability of rocks. In: Proceedings of the 5th Symposium Rock Mechanics, University of Minnesota, pp 103–118

  • Rostami J, Ozdemir L, Neil D (1994) Performance prediction, a key issue in mechanical hard rock mining. Min Eng 11:1264–1267

    Google Scholar 

  • Roxborough FF (1973) Cutting rock with picks. Mining Engineering, pp 445–455

  • Schwartz AE (1964) Failure of rock in the triaxial shear test. In: Proceedings of sixth symposium rock mechanics Rolla Missouri, pp 109–135

  • Singh SP (1986) Brittleness and the mechanical winning of coal. Min Sci Technol 3:173–180

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Su O, Akcin NA (2011) Numerical simulation of rock cutting using the discrete element method. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 48:434–442

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Szwedzicki T (1998) Draft ISRM suggested method for determining the indentation hardness index of rock materials. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 35(6):831–835

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tiryaki B (2006) Evaluation of the indirect measures of rock brittleness and fracture toughness in rock cutting. J S Afr Inst Min Metall 106:407–423

    Google Scholar 

  • Tiryaki B (2008) Application of artificial neural networks for predicting the cuttability of rocks by drag tools. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 23:273–280

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tiryaki B, Dikmen A (2006) Effects of rock properties on specific cutting energy in linear cutting of sandstones by picks. Rock Mech Rock Eng 39(2):89–120

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tiryaki B, Boland JN, Li XS (2010) Empirical models to predict mean cutting forces on point-attack pick cutters. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 47:858–864

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tumac D (2014) Predicting the performance of chain saw machines based on Shore scleroscope hardness. Rock Mech Rock Eng 47:703–715

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Verhoef PNW, Ockeloen JJ, Van Kesteren WGM (1996) The significance of rock ductility for mechanical rock cutting. In: Aubertin M, Hassani F, Mitri M (eds) Proceedings of the 2nd North American Rock Mech Symp (NARMS), Montreal, vol 1. Balkema, pp 709–716

  • Vihtuk AA (1998) Determination of strength of solid porous body. Acta Phys Pol A 93(Suppl):S71

    Google Scholar 

  • McFeat-Smith I, Fowell RJ (1979) The selection and application of roadheaders for rock tunnelling. In: Proceedings 4th Rapid Excavation and Tunneling Conference, Atlanta, AIME, New York, pp 261–80

  • Yagiz S (2002) Development of rock fracture and brittleness indices to quantify the effects of rock mass features and toughness in the CSM Model basic penetration for hard rock tunneling machines, Ph.D. thesis, Colorado School of Mines, USA

  • Yagiz S (2003) A model for prediction of TBM performance in hard rock condition. In 56th Geological congress of Turkey in abstract book. MTA General Directory, Ankara

  • Yagiz S (2004) Correlation between uniaxial compressive strength and brittleness of selected rock types. In 57th Geological congress of Turkey in abstract book. MTA General Directory, Ankara

  • Yagiz S (2006) TBM performance prediction based on rock properties. In: Cotthem AV, et al. (eds) EUROCK’06-multiphysics coupling and long term behavior in rock mechanics, pp 663–670

  • Yagiz S (2008) Utilizing rock mass properties for predicting TBM performance in hard rock condition. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 23(3):326–339

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yagiz S (2009) Assessment of brittleness using rock strength and density with punch penetration test. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 24(1):66–74

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yagiz S, Ozdemir L (2001) Geotechnical parameters influencing the TBM performance in various rocks. In program with abstracts, 44th annual meeting of AEG, technical session 10, engineering geology for construction practices, St. Louis

  • Yarali O, Kahraman S (2011) The drillability assessment of rocks using the different brittleness values. Tunn Undergr Space Technol 26:406–414

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yilmaz NG, Yurdakul M, Goktan RM (2007) Prediction of radial bit cutting force in high-strength rocks using multiple linear regression analysis. Int J Rock Mech Min Sci 44:962–970

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Occupational Safety and Health Department, Technical Science College, Selçuk University, Konya, 42075, Turkey

    Arif Emre Dursun

  2. Mining Engineering Department, Selçuk University, Konya, 42075, Turkey

    M. Kemal Gokay

Authors
  1. Arif Emre Dursun
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. M. Kemal Gokay
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Arif Emre Dursun.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Dursun, A., Gokay, M.K. Cuttability Assessment of Selected Rocks Through Different Brittleness Values. Rock Mech Rock Eng 49, 1173–1190 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-015-0810-2

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-015-0810-2

Keywords

Search

Navigation