The performance of the non-destructive tests in predicting the uniaxial compressive strength of the limestone: A Case study of Asmari Formation, Lorestan Province, western Iran

The present paper aims to investigate the performance of P–wave velocity (Vp) and Schmidt hardness (SH) to predict the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of the limestone using simple and multiple regression analyses. For this purpose, twenty limestone samples were collected from Asmari Formation, Lorestan Province (Iran) and their UCS, Vp, and SH were determined. The simple and multiple regression equations have been developed for predicting the UCS from Vp and SH. To check the accuracy and validity of the regression equations, the determination coefficient (R2), standard error of estimate (SEE), the diagonal line (1:1), and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used. In addition, the validity and performance of the regression equations in predicting the UCS were investigated using the raw data obtained from the experimental works of several researchers and statistical indices. There are moderate correlations between UCS with Vp and SH with the R2 values of 0.86 and 0.71, respectively, whereas there is a strong multiple correlation with an R2 of 0.92 for predicting the UCS when both Vp and SH are considered. According to the results of R2, SEE, diagonal line, and variance analysis, the multiple regression equation was more reliable than the simple regression equations for predicting the UCS. Overall, it was concluded that the multiple regression equation has acceptable performance for predicting the UCS of the limestone in other regions of the world. As a result, the multiple regression equation avoids the UCS test, which is cumbersome and time-consuming for determining the UCS of the rocks.