Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method of calculating the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of subterranean rock having a borehole formed or being formed therein comprises the steps of:

(a) establishing or accessing a set of input variables pertaining to characteristics of the rock and the geographical region in which the rock exists;(b) allocating to each of a plurality of mnemonic types each representing a respective UCS calculation expression and contained within a database of UCS calculation curves up to one said input variable in the form of a data element or up to one series of said input variables in the form of a data curve the allocation taking place on the basis of identity of each said input variable or data curve, as applicable, to which a said UCS calculation curve is allocated to a variable of a said UCS calculation curve (herein “curve variables”);(c) dividing the set of allocated UCS calculation curves according to one or more respective zones of the rock to which they pertain and calculating a resultant curve;(d) as necessary filtering the resulting set of UCS calculation curves to reduce the number of allocated UCS calculation curves to a single UCS calculation curve for each zone;(e) repeating step (d) in respect of any further said zones of the rock;(f) when step (d) is repeated one or more times, combining the resulting single curves allocated to the respective zones so as to create a composite UCS calculation curve; and(g) using the composite UCS calculation curve to calculate UCS values at one or more locations in the borehole.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim