SEDL / STP / STP599-EB / STP39073S

Four Factors Influencing Observed Rock Properties

Chamberlain, PG
Geophysicist and supervisory mechanical engineer, Twin Cities Mining Research Center, Bureau of Mines, U. S. Department of the Interior, Minneapolis, Minn.

Van Eeckhout, EM
Research engineer, Continental Oil Co., Ponca City, Okla

Podnieks, ER
Geophysicist and supervisory mechanical engineer, Twin Cities Mining Research Center, Bureau of Mines, U. S. Department of the Interior, Minneapolis, Minn.

Pages: 16    Published: Jan 1976

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Abstract

This paper presents a review of the effects of four factors in specimen preparation that influence mechanical property tests—moisture content, orientation with respect to rock fabric, fractures, and specimen tolerances—and discusses methods developed during various Bureau of Mines testing programs for controlling these factors. Bureau and other research is cited to present problems in obtaining suitable property data arising from these factors and to define solutions to the problems. Rock mechanics researchers dealing with field sampling and laboratory testing should find the material helpful in establishing specimen handling and preparation procedures for obtaining relevant test results.