Estimation of Elastic Modulus of Rock Using Modified Point-Load Test

An alternative method for determining the elastic modulus of sandstone using a point-load test (PLT) is presented. The PLT was modified to obtain the relationship curve between the test load and the displacement of the load platen. A model is modified to establish the relationship between the elastic modulus and the slope of the linear portion of the curve. Several types of sandstone specimens with different sizes were used in the tests conducted to examine the validity of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method in the present study is in good agreement with the standard test method for the elastic modulus. In addition, the adaptability of the method for irregular rock specimen was also discussed.