Engineering properties of Coober Pedy rocks

Didi Agustawijaya, Anthony (Tony) Meyers and Stephen Priest

This paper presents the results from a series of tests carried out on rocks from shallow depths at which dugouts and underground structures are constructed in Coober Pedy. The tests include moisture content, porosity, specific gravity, density, uniaxial, tensile, point-load and triaxial strength, durability, deformability, suction and Schmidt hammer. The test results will provide a useful reference for Engineers who wish to apply rational methods to the design of underground structures in the township of Coober Pedy.