Prediction of Basic Mechanical Properties of Tuffs Using Physical and Index Tests

Abstract

The main objective of this experimental work is to determine the physico-mechanical properties of tuffs used as building stone and to investigate the relationships between basic mechanical properties (compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, loss of volume by abrasion and impact strength) as well as physical and index properties (apparent porosity, dry unit weight, water absorption, P-wave velocity, Brinell hardness and point load index) of tuffs which are relatively easy to implement and low cost. The rock type investigated in this study was tuffs. Statistical analyses were performed to correlate the different properties. The results show that there are good and satisfactory relationships between the mechanical and physical-index properties of tuffs.