DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING UNCONFINED COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH IN DISC-SHAPED SAMPLES OF ROCK OR OTHER MATERIALS SUBJECTED TO DIAMETRAL LOADING

摘要

The present invention consists of a model for confinement clamps and a method for characterising material specimens by determining compressive strength, with the application of unconfined compression on disc-shaped samples subjected to diametrally distributed loads. According to the invention, the disc-shaped samples are samples of intact rock that have a length-to-diameter ratio (L/D) below that established by Standard ASTM D4543. The clamps developed are characterised, inter alia, in that: the area in contact with the disc has a curved edge that follows the circular profile of the disc; the clamps have a pair of fins at the ends of the arc, such that the force exerted by the press is regularly distributed across the whole area of the clamp that is in contact with the disc. The fins have a rounded or bevelled end to prevent deformations in the clamp. The base of the clamp also comprises curved edges that ensure appropriate mechanical working of the material so that the clamp does not experience excessive compression that could destroy the part.