Study of some testing condition-based factors affecting the Cerchar abrasivity index (CAI)

Since the development of the Cerchar abrasivity test, various factors affecting the Cerchar abrasivity index (CAI) have been investigated by many researchers. However, some dominant factors, such as surface condition, testing distance, and velocity, are still under discussion due to their sensitivity to the test results. For this purpose, a newly designed Cerchar test device is proposed and applied, by which the testing distance is controlled and the testing velocity can be pre-set and kept constant. Using this device, the effect of some testing condition-based factors on the CAI is studied based on four types of rocks (granite, sandstone, slate, and gneiss). In addition, since not much attention was paid to the effect of rock anisotropy on the CAI, this factor is investigated based on two intact foliated metamorphic rocks, slate, and gneiss.