Empirical Procedure Investigation for Sandstone Anisotropy Evaluation: Part I

ABSTRACT: An experimental procedure to examine fine-grain sandstone rock anisotropy is reported. The procedure involved several tests. Each test was conducted in three main orientations: vertical, diagonal, and horizontal. Tests included ultrasonic wave velocity and strength. The oriented ultrasonic compressional and shear wave velocity measurements were performed to characterize the anisotropy of the tested sandstone using reported anisotropy indices. The oriented unconfined compressive strength was followed by a multidirectionally oriented indirect tensile strength. Correlations between the unconfined and the indirect tensile strength tests were constructed and compared to published correlations. Results showed isotropy of the tested sandstone, throughout the conducted tests.