The Impact of Microwave Treatment on the Andesite Rock Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Abstract Alternate rock-breaking techniques to drilling and blasting could include using microwaves to break up rock masses. Drilling for blasting has a significant issue with the cost of drill bit replacement in a short time (weekly). The microwave-breaking technology could be a solution, but research is continuing. This research clarifies the proposed methods through a case study of PT. ATC is an andesite quarry that employs the drill-and-blast technique to break rock. This experiment replicates the previous study’s conclusion that rock strength decreases following microwave treatment on two rock strength tests involving the Point Load Index (PLI) and Schmidt Hammer (SH). The dynamic test (PUNDIT) result indicates that the p-wave velocity of microwaved samples is greater than that of non-microwaved samples (NMW). As a consequence of evaporation and mineral transformation within the rock, the density of the rock decreases, and the porosity increases.