Abstract:
The relationship between textural
properties of selected Nigeria rocks and
penetration rate of top-hole hammer drill was
investigated. These rock samples were tested in the
laboratory for mineral composition, silica content
and porosity. Also, average grain size and packing
density were determined from photomicrograph of
the samples using empirical equations proposed by
researchers. Penetration rate for each rock samples
obtained in the field were correlated with the
textural properties to establish their relationships.
The results show that all textural character and
penetration rate have high coefficient of correlation
for all the samples. The highest penetration rate
was experience on biotite hornblende-granite
having mean packing density of 92.58% and the
silica content vary for 82.60 - 82.72%. This has
revealed that penetration rate of rock drill bit in
quarries is related to textural rock properties and
this will be necessary to have overview of time of
drilling as well as rock response to mechanical
loading
