• Geomechanics and Engineering
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.491-498
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• 2018

The Earth Mechanics Institute (EMI) was established at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) in 1974 to develop innovations in rock mechanics research and education. During the last four decades, extensive rock mechanics research has been conducted at the EMI. Results from uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Brazilian tensile strength (BTS), point load index (PLI), punch penetration (PP), and many other types of tests have been recorded in a database that has been unexamined for research purposes. The EMI database includes over 20,000 tests from over 1,000 different projects including mining and underground construction, and analysis of this database to identify relationships has been started with preliminary results reported here. Overall, statistically significant correlations are identified between bulk density and mechanical strength properties through UCS, BTS, PLI, and PP testing of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks. In this paper, bulk density is considered as a surrogate metric that reflects both mineralogy and porosity. From this analysis, sedimentary rocks show the strongest correlation between the UCS and bulk density, whereas metamorphic rocks exhibit the strongest correlation between UCS and PP. Data trends in the EMI database also reveal a linear relationship between UCS and BTS tests. For the singular case of rock coral, the database permits correlations between bulk density of the core versus the deposition depth and porosity. The EMI database will continue under analysis, and will provide additional insightful and comprehensive understanding of the variation and predictability of rock mechanical strength properties and density. This knowledge will contribute significantly toward the increasingly safe and cost-effective geostructures and construction.

• Tunnel and Underground Space
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.413-420
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• 2003

Modelling for performance prediction of mechanical excavation is discussed in this paper. Two of the most successful performance prediction models, namely theoretical based CSM model and empirical based NTH model, are discussed and compared. The basic principles of rock cutting with disc cutters, especially Constant Cross Section cutters, are discussed and a theoretical model developed is introduced to provide an estimate of disc cutting forces as a function of rock properties and the cutting geometry. General modelling logic for the performance prediction of mechanical excavation is introduced. CSM computer model developed and currently used at the Earth Mechanics Institute(EMI) of the Colorado School of Mines is discussed. Example of input and output of this model is illustrated for the typical operation by Tunnel Boring Machine(TBM).