Rock mechanical laboratory tests
Rock mechanical tests in the laboratory offer the advantage that the properties of rocks and their development can be tested under easily controllable conditions. With its modern equipment, BGR can simulate the entire spectrum of possible in-situ effects – for example: Static load - uniaxial, triaxial or true-triaxial, temperature, pore pressure, hydraulic action, short-term and long-term tests. Tests are carried out on different types of rock such as salt rock, salt backfill, clay and mudstone, crystalline rock.
In its rock mechanical laboratory, BGR measures rock behaviour and develops material laws for predictive calculations:
Elastic and thermal parameters, compressive and tensile strength, creep, creep fracture, short-term fracture, loosening (dilatancy), swelling, healing, acoustic emissions, ultrasonic velocities, porosity, permeability, influence of moisture and solutions, compaction of bulk material (displacement), identification of homogeneous areas. It is important to consider the interaction between thermal, hydraulic, mechanical and chemical influences and reactions (THMC).
The large laboratory with various types of testing machines is supervised by experienced engineers and technicians. It has a high standard, which forms the basis for targeted research, reliable standard tests and special tests. Test control and evaluation are computer-aided and the results are stored in an extensive database.
Scientific support is provided by scientists (geologists, physicists, civil engineers). Special experience is gained in the investigation of salt rock, salt grout and clay rock. The results are used in calculations and evaluations.