Geomechanical

Core Sampling
Coal Specimens

Call & Nicholas, Inc.

 Core Sampling Basics

Core samples must be taken that are

representative of the rock properties in
the areas to be analyzed.

In order to accomplish this goal, core

loggers need to be familiar with the
geology of the areas through which the
core is being drilled.

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 Core Sampling Basics
Coal specimens should be obtained at the drill
rig to reduce sample degradation.

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 Core Sampling Basics
Clean the core to remove drilling mud.

Call & Nicholas, Inc.

 Core Sampling Basics
Preparing samples:
• Place label with hole number, depth, rock type and sample type.
• Wrap core and label with plastic wrap.
• Wrap again with aluminum foil.
• Tape a label with hole number depth and sample type on the outside of
aluminum foil.
• Dip sample into paraffin to seal the sample.

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 Core Sampling Basics

A sample for compression (UCS/Triax)

testing must be long enough to provide a
testable sample that is at least twice the
core diameter (X).
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 Core Sampling Basics

Disk Tension
Sample
It is preferable to have a sample that is
long enough to provide a compression
(USC/Triax) sample and a Disk Tension
sample from the same piece of core.
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 Core Sampling Basics

A sample for Small Scale Direct Shear (SSDS)

testing of a joint must provide a sample with at
least one inch of reasonably competent core on
both sides of the joint to be tested.
Call & Nicholas, Inc.
 Core Sampling Basics

Providing a testable sample for testing of a

joint becomes more difficult as the angle
between the joint and the core axis decreases.

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 Core Sampling Basics

Each sample half is placed into a mold that is

sized to fit into the direct shear testing device.
Plaster is poured around the sample, and
allowed to dry prior to testing.
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 Core Sampling Basics

As the angle between the joint and the core

axis decreases, it becomes more difficult to fit
the sample into the mold. Whenever possible,
SSDS samples should be taken where the
angle between the joint and the core axis is
greater than 45 degrees.
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 Core Sampling Basics

A core sample must be collected, labeled,

photographed, wrapped, stored, packaged,
and transported in a manner that will
preserve the sample intact for testing.

Call & Nicholas, Inc.

Core Sampling Basics

Label and
photograph
the samples
properly.

Call & Nicholas, Inc.

 Core Sampling Basics

The core sample should be labeled with the

core hole number and depth. This should be
written directly on the sample when possible.

The sample should be photographed in good

light, with the project name, hole number,
depth, and rock type clearly displayed.

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 Core Sampling Basics

The samples should be stored in a

reasonably climate-controlled area until they
can be packaged and transported to the
testing lab.

Call & Nicholas, Inc.

Core Sampling Basics

Package the
samples
properly. Use
packaging
material to
support
samples.

Call & Nicholas, Inc.

 Core Sampling Basics
Package for shipping. Put a
list of the samples in each box.

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 Types of Samples

Compression Tests:
Competent Rock
Direct Shear Tests:
Non-Clayey Joints

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 Normal Compression Samples

Length Required for a Compression Sample.

Acceptable Sample
(Not long enough for additional disk tension sample.)
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Normal Compression Samples

Disk Tension
Sample
Length Required for a Compression Sample

Acceptable Sample
(Long enough to provide a disk tension sample.)
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Normal Direct Shear Samples

Fracture

Joint
Acceptable Sample
(The wavy portion of the joint can be cut away.)
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Normal Direct Shear Samples

Fracture

Bedding Joint
Acceptable Sample
(The joint is nice and planar.)
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 Direct Shear Samples

Not
enough
sample

Fracture

Joint
Unacceptable Sample
(There is not enough of the sample, and the joint is too wavy for a good test.)
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Normal Direct Shear Samples

Fracture

Joint in Limestone
Acceptable Sample
(Assuming the joint is not artificially induced.)
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 Normal Direct Shear Samples

Fracture

Stepped Joint in Limestone

Marginal Sample
(This sample is marginal unless the intent is to test the strength of stepped joints.)

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Normal Direct Shear Samples

Fracture

Joint in Hornfels
Acceptable Sample
(This joint is nice and planar.)
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 Normal Direct Shear Samples

Fracture

Joint in Quartzite
Acceptable Sample
(This sample should be securely wrapped to prevent loss of the calcite filling.)
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 Normal Direct Shear Samples
Broken

Fracture

Joint in Limestone
Marginal Sample
(One side of the joint is broken, and may make it difficult to prepare the sample.)

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Core Sampling Basics

Special Samples

Compression Tests:
Soil-Like Rock
Direct Shear Tests:
Clayey Joints

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 Special Compression Samples

Length Required for a Compression Sample.

Clay Seam
Acceptable Sample
(Can be used for triaxial test, remold or an intact direct shear test.)
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 Special Compression Samples

Length Required for a Compression Sample.

Clay Core Sample

Acceptable Sample
(Can be used for triaxial test, remold or an intact direct shear test.)
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