Characterization of the Petrographic and Physicomechanical Properties of Rocks from Otanmäki, Finland

Abstract

Intact rock properties are important for mining and geotechnical engineering because they are important design parameters for tunnels, rock foundations, rock slopes, among others. Some of the properties are also used as input parameters in some rock mass classification systems. Therefore, as rock properties are site-specific, there is need to investigate rock properties at a site especially when such site is used for engineering purpose. This paper documents the petrographic and X-ray fluorescence analyses, and physical and mechanical tests conducted to estimate the physical and mechanical properties of the two rock types (i.e. gabbro and granite) selected from quarries at Otanmäki, Finland. Mineral composition, grain size and chemical composition, water content, porosity, Brazilian tensile strength, uniaxial compressive strength, Young’s modulus, and Poisson ratio of the rock types were determined. Both gabbro and granite samples have fine to medium grained texture. The results of laboratory experiments conducted show that rock properties investigated have low to high variability. Simple and multiple regression analyses were performed and useful predictive models for estimating Brazilian tensile strength from physical test results were developed and validated.