Predicting Index-Mechanical Properties of Igneous Rock Using Electrical Resistivity Method

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the index-mechanical properties of igneous rocks by using electrical resistivity method. To this end, electrical resistivity, index (P-wave velocity, dry density, and porosity), and uniaxial compressive strength values of 48 different igneous rock samples (plutonic, volcanic, and pyroclastic) were measured in the laboratory. Simple regression analysis was performed between index-mechanical properties compatible with the values of electrical resistivity. A strong exponential correlation was obtained between the electrical resistivity and porosity values of the igneous rock samples used in this study. On the other hand, a strong logarithmic correlation was found between the electrical resistivity values and other index-mechanical properties. The electrical resistivity method can be used as a non-destructive method to assess the engineering properties of rocks where it is hard to get regular-shaped rock samples either from an outcrop or a historical building.