Investigating the effects of micro-texture and geo-mechanical properties on the abrasiveness of volcanic rocks

Abstract

The abrasiveness of rocks is a fundamental rock property that affects sawing and cutting performance, wear of Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) heads. The CERCHAR Abrasiveness Index (CAI) test is a commonly used procedure to define rock abrasivity. This paper investigates the relationship between quantitative mineralogical and petrographic data and CAI values for some selected volcanic rocks. In addition, the research examines the relationship between physical (e.g., effective porosity and P-wave velocities) and mechanical (e.g., uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Brazilian Tensile Strength (BTS), Young's Modulus (E)) properties including brittleness values and CAI values.