Performance prediction of circular diamond saws from mechanical rock properties in cutting carbonate rocks

Possibility of estimating the sawability of carbonate rocks from some mechanical rock property was evaluated using simple and multiple regression analysis. Hourly Production of circular saws was firstly correlated with rock properties and then, multiple regression analysis was performed. Rock blocks were collected from the factories for laboratory tests, and attempt was made to collect rock samples that were large enough to obtain all of the test specimens of a given rock type from the same piece. Linear, logarithmic, exponential and power curve fitting approximations with the highest correlation coefficient was determined for each regression. Results showed that sawability of carbonate rocks can reliably be predicted from compressive strength, tensile strength using simple regression equations.