DefinePK

Abstract

Limestone is regarded as one of the most important construction materials for mega-engineering projects. The evaluation of strength and durability characteristics of limestone is a pre-requisite for its use in any engineering project. The rock's compressive strength is obtained using the Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) test and Point Load Index (PLI). However, in large projects, performing UCS test is time-consuming, needs effort and is costly, while PLI can be misleading in the case of anisotropic rocks. In such cases, the implementation of the non-destructive tests is useful that are cost-effective and reduce time. Schmidt Hammer Test (SHT), is an indirect method to estimate the UCS and PLI. The test is easy and quickly applicable in the laboratory as well as in the field. Strength tests, such as UCS, PLT, and SHT were performed on rock samples of two Eocene formations i.e, Shekhan Formation (SF) and Kohat Formation (KF) of Kohat Basin. A strong linear relationship obtained between the SHT and UCS for the limestone of SF and KF having a correlation coef. of 0.827 and 0.840, respectively. Furthermore, strong linear relationship is also obtained between the SHT and PLI having a correlation coef. of 0.727 and 0.758, respectively. This study presents new correlations with high accuracy for the prediction of UCS and PLI from indirect SHT.