Experimental research into the uniaxial compressive strength of low-density reef limestone based on image recognition

Abstract

Abstract Low-density reef limestone is widely distributed in tropical oceans; exploring its mechanical properties is of significance to practices in marine foundation engineering. In this research, laboratory experiments on low-density reef limestones with two different types of porous structures were conducted using image recognition methods to study the special mechanical properties of low-reef limestone. Results indicate that: low-density reef limestone shows apparent porous structure. Image recognition methods were used to determine feasibility and convenience of capturing 2D pore geometric information of specimens. Low-density reef limestones with different porous structures show small difference in porosity and density; while they exhibit large differences in pore sizes and UCS. The UCS of low-density reef limestone is found to be jointly influenced by pore structure and density (it increases with the decrease of parameter \(\stackrel{-}{S}\) and increase of density). The results may provide help for those investigating the mechanical properties of reef limestone and practices in marine foundation engineering.