The effect of weathering on drillability of dolomites

Abstract

In this study, an aggregate quarry was investigated in order to understand the impact of weathering phenomenon on the drillability of dolomite stones, respectively. Samples were collected from the study area and analyzed in terms of physicomechanical tests (specific gravity, dry unit weight, uniaxial compressive strength, point load index (Is50), and Brazillian tensile strength). The drillability of the rocks was investigated using the drilling rate index method. Based on the analysis results, significant relationships were obtained between physicomechanical properties and drillability of dolomites at different weathering grades. Initial evaluations can be interpreted as an increase in the weathering degree would result in an increase in drillability. This understanding of weathering's impact on drillability is actually the main purpose of this study. This article could be a tool as regards initial evaluations of the drillability of dolomites combined with the weathering mechanism, since successful evaluations and meaningful relations were achieved.

Keywords

• dolomites
• weathering
• drilling rate index
• physicomechanic properties