Predicting the sawability of carbonate rocks using multiple curvilinear regression analysis

Abstract

Performance measurements of large-diameter circular saws were conducted on 13 different carbonate rocks in marble factories located in Turkey. Rock samples were collected from the factories for laboratory tests. Cohesion, friction angle, uniaxial compressive strength, tensile strength, Schmidt hammer value, point load strength, impact strength, Los Angeles abrasion loss and P-wave velocity values were determined in the laboratory. Slab production and rock properties were evaluated using multiple curvilinear regression analysis and estimation models were developed. Advancing rate of saw, saw diameter, depth of cut, tensile strength and impact strength were included for the best model. Alternative and more universal models were developed, including each rock property in turn together with the rotational speed of the saw. The developed models were verified by statistical tests.It was concluded that the slab production of carbonate rocks using large-diameter circular saws can reliably be estimated using one of the developed models. The models which include Schmidt hammer value, point load strength, impact strength and P -wave velocity have practical and economical advantages for the stone industry. © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.