Analysis of the results of the laboratory tests that used to determine the mechanical properties of two types of rocks in Syria

Abstract

Rocks are present in most engineering projects, so it is necessary to determine their mechanical properties. Despite this, it can be noted that there is a dearth of research concerned with determining the specifications of rocks compared to studies and research related to the properties of soils in Syria.

This research presents the results of laboratory tests that were carried out on two types of rocks found in Syrian Arab Republic, namely: dolomite from Lattakia city, and basalt from Daraa city. Three types of experiments were conducted on intact specimens, namely, uniaxial compression test, Brazilian test and point load test. The compressive and the tensile strength of the two mentioned rock were determined from these tests. The elastic properties for the two types of rock were also determined by comparing the results with reference studies.