Mechanical characterization of limestone from sound velocity measurement

The aim of this research was to establish correlations between different physical properties (Sound velocity, Vp, bulk density, ρ, and open porosity, P0) and mechanical properties (compressive strength, Rc, tensile strength, Rt, static elasticity modulus, E0, and Poisson's ratio, i µi¼ˆ) of limestones. The first step of the work consisted in an experimental campaign on limestone cores drilled from a gothic building in Paris. Eight cores were extracted from the monument and tested in the laboratory. Secondly, the experimental results were added to those proposed by 14 authors in the international scientific literature and all of these data were analyzed using the generalized least-squares method so that correlation curves could be suggested. Seven correlations are proposed: Rc-VP, Rc-ρ, ρ-Vp, P0-ρ, E0-RC, i µi¼ˆ-Vp, Rt-Rc. Finally, the dispersion of the results led to an estimated confidence level of 90% according to statistical considerations. Highlights  We carried out an experimental physical and mechanical campaign on limestones cores  Correlations between different physical and mechanical properties are established.  Dispersion of results led to an estimated confidence level according to statistical considerations