The effect of length to diameter ratio of test specimens on the uniaxial compressive strength of rock

One of the parameters which affect the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) of rock materials is the length to diameter ratio (L/D) of test cores. ASTM recommends a ratio of between 2 and 2.5, and ISRM suggests 2.5–3:1. Research has shown that high UCS values are obtained for L/D ratios <2, a very slight difference in values between 2 and 2.5, and they remain effectively constant with a L/D ratio >2.5:1. In this study, the shape effect on the UCS of seven rocks was investigated by testing dry cores with L/D ratios from 1 to 2.5:1. Based on the results, a decrease in UCS with increasing L/D ratios up to 2.5:1 was measured for all the rocks except the tuff. By omitting the data from the tuff sample, a correction formula was determined for the rocks tested in this study and results obtained from the literature. However, further work is required on different types of rock to verify or modify this formula.