A comparative evaluation of indirect methods to estimate the compressive strength of rocks

A comparative evaluation of indirect methods, comprising uniaxial compression test, schimidt hammer test, point load test, and impact strength tests, were carried out to estimate the compressive strength of rocks. The tests were analyzed using regression analysis and predictive equations for compressive strength were developed. The derived equations upon comparison with the previously obtained equations shows that differentiation of rocks types, rock microstructures, and test conditions resulted in irregularities in observations. The comparison of observation with previously held studies predicts the uniaxial compressive strengths (UCS) of the rocks from point load strength.