Modal testing: An innovative approach to dynamic rock specimen characterization

Ariel Sarno, Nick Hudyma, Dennis Hiltunen, Mary Maclaughlin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Laboratory based dynamic characterization of rock specimens typically consists of analyzing time data to calculate compression (P) wave and sometimes shear (S) wave velocities. These wave velocities have been correlated to numerous physical and engineering properties of rock. There are important modal properties and additional dynamic properties of rock specimens that can be attained by capturing full waveforms and applying modal analysis techniques. Since the 1960's, modal testing has been routinely employed to investigate the dynamic behavior of machines, structures, and components. However the application of modal testing to rock characterization is an area that is virtually unexplored. Modal testing, specifically impact hammer testing, can be used to determine a number of dynamic properties such as mode shapes, damping, natural frequencies, as well as P-wave and constrained velocities, dynamic modulus, and dynamic Poisson's ratio. The equipment required for such testing is relatively simple: accelerometer, instrumented hammer, and a dynamic signal analyzer. Three different case studies involving the use of modal testing are presented. The case studies consist of developing relationships between macroporosity and wave velocity for plaster of Paris specimens, developing relationships between wave velocity and damping with weathering for limestone specimens, and the comparison of dynamic properties from pre- and post- destructive testing. In all case studies interesting relationships were developed. Modal testing using an impact hammer testing was found to be a fast and convenient method to characterize rock core specimens. Modal properties proved to be an excellent supplement to common dynamic properties used for rock characterization.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication42nd Engineering Geology and Geotechnical Engineering Symposium and 14th Intermountain Conf. on the Environment
Subtitle of host publicationGeotechnics, Environment, Energy, and Economics (GE) - The Links for Sustainability
Pages147-160
Number of pages14
StatePublished - 2009
Event42nd Engineering Geology and Geotechnical Engineering Symposium and 14th Intermountain Conference on the Environment: Geotechnics, Environment, Energy, and Economics (GE) - The Links for Sustainability - Pocatello, ID, United States
Duration: 5 Nov 20096 Nov 2009

Publication series

Name42nd Engineering Geology and Geotechnical Engineering Symposium and 14th Intermountain Conf. on the Environment: Geotechnics, Environment, Energy, and Economics (GE) - The Links for Sustainability

Conference

Conference42nd Engineering Geology and Geotechnical Engineering Symposium and 14th Intermountain Conference on the Environment: Geotechnics, Environment, Energy, and Economics (GE) - The Links for Sustainability
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPocatello, ID
Period5/11/096/11/09

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