Volume 3, Issue 1 — Year 2026 — Article e100050

ISSN (Online): 3115-8129 Biannually

Direct and Indirect Engineering Geology Methods for Estimating Limestone’s UCS in Mostufi Mountain, Arak

Article Type: Research
Pages: e100050
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22034/CGEL.3.1.e100050
Crossmark
Open Access
Authors
Affiliations
  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1955847781, Iran
  2. Department of Civil Engineering, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 1955847781, Iran
  3. Faculty of Engineering, Maragheh University of Technology, Maragheh 5518183111, Iran
Corresponding author
Email: Parviz_bolandi_1365@gmail.com
Received: 30 December 2025 / Accepted: 20 March 2026 / Published: 25 May 2026
Abstract

Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) is a fundamental parameter in engineering geology, particularly for evaluating the mechanical behavior of rock materials in construction and mining projects. This study aims to estimate the UCS of limestone formations in Mostufi Mountain, Arak, using both direct laboratory testing and indirect empirical methods. A total of 75 limestone specimens were collected from various locations within the study area and subjected to laboratory uniaxial compression tests to determine their UCS values. In addition, 75 specimens were tested using the point load index test, and 150 rebound measurements were obtained using the Schmidt hammer in order to develop empirical correlations for indirect UCS estimation. The results were analyzed to assess the reliability and accuracy of the indirect methods in predicting UCS. Statistical correlations were developed between the UCS values obtained from direct tests and the results of the point load and Schmidt hammer tests. These correlations provide a practical approach for UCS estimation in field conditions where direct testing is not feasible due to time and cost constraints. The findings of this study contribute to improving geotechnical site characterization and can be beneficial for engineering applications such as slope stability analysis and urban development projects in limestone-dominated regions.

Keywords

Uniaxial Compressive strength, Engineering geology, Limestone, Schmidt hammer test, Point load test

Data availability statement

The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request. No publicly archived dataset was generated.

Funding

This research received no external funding.

Highlights
  • UCS estimated using direct and indirect tests
  • Empirical correlations improve field predictions
  • Results support geotechnical and engineering design
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How to cite
Omidi, F., Rad, N. E., & Bolandi, P. (2026). Direct and Indirect Engineering Geology Methods for Estimating Limestone’s UCS in Mostufi Mountain, Arak. Civil and Geoengineering Letters, 3(1), e100050. https://doi.org/10.22034/CGEL.3.1.e100050
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