Empirical Correlation of Tropical Weathered Sandstone Uniaxial Compressive Strength Using Unconfined Compression Test and Point Load Test

Abstract

This study aims to determine both of the uniaxial compressive and point load strength of tropical weathered sandstone. The sample was collected at Puncak Perdana, Selangor (sandstone). Furthermore, the correlation of both strength has been developed to further investigate the usefulness of point load test in determination of uniaxial compressive strength. There are two different shapes of samples that has been used, cylindrical with H/D ratio of 2:1 for unconfined compression test and irregular shape (3--4 cm wide) for point load test. The irregular shape was used as to simulate the sample condition on site, as with the development of the correlation between UCS and PLS will allow engineers to get an early determination of UCS on site. This will give benefit to engineers to make proper planning, especially for an emergency condition. The verification of laboratory test data shows that the correlation is excellent with the conversion factor of 20.172.