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An approach to predict the length-to-diameter ratio of a rock core specimen for uniaxial compression tests

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Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of length-to-diameter ratio (L/D) of a rock core specimen on uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and to investigate the optimum L/D range for different rock types. For this purpose, a considerable amount of rock block was compiled and a series of laboratory tests were carried out to determine some geo-mechanical properties of the rocks and the UCS values of test specimens having different L/Ds. Some assessments were made on the limit L/Ds [(L/D)lim] based on theoretically calculated values and those experimentally observed, and then some easily determined properties of the studied rocks were statistically evaluated to predict (L/D)lim values. By considering the results of these evaluations, some L/D classes were suggested for selection of the L/D intervals of rock specimens before uniaxial compression tests. In addition, an equation was proposed to correct the UCS values obtained from core specimens shorter than lower limits of the suggested L/D classes.

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Acknowledgements

This research was conducted by the financial support of The Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) with a project number of 109Y307.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geological Engineering, Hacettepe University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey

    Ergün Tuncay, Nazlı Tunar Özcan & Aycan Kalender

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  1. Ergün Tuncay
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  2. Nazlı Tunar Özcan
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  3. Aycan Kalender
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Correspondence to Ergün Tuncay.

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Tuncay, E., Özcan, N.T. & Kalender, A. An approach to predict the length-to-diameter ratio of a rock core specimen for uniaxial compression tests. Bull Eng Geol Environ 78, 5467–5482 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-019-01482-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10064-019-01482-6

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