Evaluation of elastic deformation energy in stone cutting of Portuguese marbles with a diamond saw

A detailed analysis of the geomechanical behaviour in rock cutting with a diamond saw is provided to obtain a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in the process. The energy of elastic deformation (before failure) and plastic deformation (post failure) was determined in uniaxial compression tests as well as the energy consumed per unit volume in the cutting process. The test samples are White and Ruivina marbles from Borba - Vila Vicosa in Portugal. Correlations between total deformation specific energy and cutting specific energy, normal and tangential forces and diamond indentation are analysed, and some conclusions are presented.