Experimental laboratory tests focused on rock characterization for mechanical excavation

The geomechanical characterisation of rocks has become increasingly important for predicting the performance of excavation tools. Besides describing rocks in terms of physical parameters such as density, porosity and lithological details, properties such as rock strength and deformability as well as other characteristics related to abrasion, surface toughness and penetrability should be determined for technological applications. The objective of this study is to provide an analysis of the interactions between rocks and tools. Four tests were performed with this aim: brittleness test, Sievers’ miniature drill test, Cerchar abrasiveness test and Knoop micro-hardness test. Furthermore, the drilling rate index (DRI) was used to characterise and classify other indexes typically used in rock mechanics. Finally, a correlation among different rock indices is presented.