Advanced continuous drilling for depth-dependent mechanical properties mapping in graded rocks

Accurate rock property assessment is crucial for successful engineering projects in sectors such as water management, power generation, transportation, resource extraction, and mining. This study explores the potential of continuous drilling as a semi-destructive technique for evaluating the mechanical properties of functionally graded rocks altered by weathering and acid treatment. Conventional methods often miss subtle property changes caused by environmental factors, but continuous drilling provides real-time data on parameters like torque and thrust force, enabling depth-dependent property mapping. Experiments were conducted on composite and acid-treated Asmari limestone samples using a custom portable drilling machine. The device, equipped with a T-shaped chisel bit, maintained constant penetration and rotation speeds, capturing changes in thrust and torque as the drill progressed. Tests on …