Relationship between large-hole drilling rates and compressive strength of NTS (Nevada Test Site) rock types

Conference · Thu Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:5599533

Anderson, G D; Rambo, J T; Kusubov, A S; Dockery, H A; McKinnis, W B

Calculations to simulate and evaluate nuclear test containment require data on the strength of the geologic media at the work point and in the surrounding region. Studies cited in the literature reveal correlations between mechanical properties of rocks and various drilling parameters of large horizontal boring machines that share similarities with drilling assemblies used at the Nevada Test Site (NTS). An extensive selection of downhole core samples spanning the strength range of NTS rocks has been collected, stratigraphically and petrologically identified, and tested for strength as a function of confining pressure. Detailed data on the drilling rates are available for similar geologic units identified in the compilation and also for the specific rocks from these vertical holes that were tested. These data are used to discuss a preliminary empirical correlation between reported laboratory-measured compressive strength and drilling rates for various NTS rock types.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 5599533
• Report Number(s): UCRL-96313; CONF-870961-7; ON: DE88005219
• Resource Relation: Conference: 4. symposium on containment of underground nuclear explosions, Colorado Springs, CO, USA, 21 Sep 1987
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
42 ENGINEERING
ROCK DRILLING
CORRELATIONS
ROCKS
COMPRESSION STRENGTH
NEVADA TEST SITE
DRILLING
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
US DOE
US ORGANIZATIONS
580300* - Mineralogy
Petrology
& Rock Mechanics- (-1989)
450202 - Explosions & Explosives- Nuclear- Weaponry- (-1989)
422000 - Engineering- Mining & Underground Engineering- (1980-)