Assessing serpentinite compressive strength using regression analysis

. Today, the express method for assessing rock compressive strength using the Schmidt hammer is becoming more and more relevant and demanded. Compared to laboratory methods, measurements by this non-destructive express method result in the height of striker rebounding. The device has to be calibrated for further transition from the rebound height Hr to compressive strength in the UCS sample of the rock type under study. Research methodology included selection of hand specimen on the slopes of the Kiembai chrysotile asbestos open pit for laboratory tests. The height of striker rebounding was measured of Proceq RockShmidt Type N Schmidt hammer according to the ASTM method in local areas of exposed massif. Compressive strength of rock samples was tested in the laboratory using Wille Geotechnik servo hydraulic testing system. Research results. Based on the obtained data, an empirical formula has been established describing the dependence between compression strength of serpentinite in the UCS sample and striker height of rebounding of a Schmidt Type N hammer. The author’s results were compared to the ones obtained by the predecessors using a Schmidt Type L hammer when studying physical and mechanical properties of serpentinite in another field. The difference in the empirical formulas is due to the difference in physical and mechanical properties of serpentinite building up the deposits under consideration, as well as the difference in impact energy of the working Schmidt hammers