Estimate rock strength from wireline sonic logs using the Seedsman et al. (2009) relationship for coal measure rocks.
This calculator uses wireline sonic logs to estimate Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) for coal measure rocks, following the empirical relationship published by Seedsman et al. (2009). By taking sonic velocity data directly from your geophysical wireline logs, it offers a rapid way to gauge rock strength without waiting for lab tests.
If you're working in coal measure strata and have access to sonic log data, this tool lets you easily convert those readings into a practical strength figure. It's especially useful in the early stages of exploration when you want a quick read on rock competency, or during operations to keep an eye on changing conditions.
By turning velocity data into a straightforward UCS estimate, you can make more informed decisions about support design and risk management—giving you a heads-up on any potential issues before they escalate. And since it's all done online, there's no need for heavy-duty software or lengthy calculations.
The Seedsman et al. (2009) relationship for estimating UCS from sonic velocity is:
UCS (MPa) = 0.035 × e^(1.35 × Vp)
Where:
UCS = Uniaxial Compressive Strength in MPa
Vp = P-wave velocity in km/s
e = Mathematical constant (approximately 2.71828)
This relationship was developed specifically for coal measure rocks and has been validated through extensive laboratory testing. It provides a reliable estimate of rock strength when direct testing is not available or practical.
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