A Comparative Analysis of Mechanical Properties Between Granite and Basalt Rock Core Samples

Abstract

Structural failure occurs when a load-bearing component of a structure fails to support and transfer loads to another element, leading to a breakdown in the performance of the materials in that structural component. The potential for structural failure is influenced by various variables, emphasizing the importance of understanding the behavior and parameters specific to rocks and soils in construction. In order to prevent failures in construction, engineers must possess a fundamental geological knowledge of rocks during the design process, recognizing the limitations of this construction material. Consequently, it is imperative to conduct tests to determine the precise strength of the rock being utilized. This study focused on granite and basalt, employing the Portable Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Digital Indicating (PUNDIT) test, Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) test, and Brazilian test. The selected rock samples adhered to a diameter and thickness ratio of 1:2 or 2:1, depending on the specific test to be conducted. Density, compressive strength, and tensile strength of the rock samples were evaluated following the guidelines provided by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The findings revealed that basalt exhibited higher density, compressive strength, and tensile strength compared to granite, with variations in results ranging from 13% to 40%.