Pre-investigation to determine the effects of rock properties on performance of chain saw and diamond wire machines

Preliminary results of a project supported by Tubitak (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, Project No: 112M860) are presented in this study. One of the quarries located in Kavaklidere-Turkey of Tekmar Marble Industry is visited to analyze and measure the field performance of chain saw and diamond wire machines. Technical properties of the chain saw and diamond wire machine (power-torque-thrust capacities, dimensions, diameters, cutter properties, bead properties, cutter-bead array) and general geological properties of the quarry are recorded. Performance parameters of these machines (net cutting rate, energy consumption, and cutter-bead consumptions) and operational parameters (rotational speed, dip angle, depth of arm, etc.) are recorded. Block samples with a minimum size of around 30 × 30 × 30 cm³ are obtained from the white marble quarry, where these machines are employed to produce large blocks. Physical and mechanical property tests are carried out according to The International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM) standards including uniaxial compressive strength, Brazilian tensile strength, Schmidt hammer rebound values, Shore hardness values, static elasticity modulus, acoustic velocity (dynamic elasticity modulus and Poissoion's ratio), Cerchar abrasivity index. Mineralogical and petrographical properties are also analyzed to define the textural properties of white marbles. Investigations indicate that textural coefficient (TC) values of white marbles have a dominant effect on the cutting performance of chain saw and diamond wire machines.