Abstract A mineralogical, geological and geotechnical characterization of several rock types (phyllite, dolomite, breccia and marl) from an underground mine site aimed, among other things, to identify its mineral composition and to provide parameters to support the understanding of rock mass behavior. For this purpose, it was possible to perform laboratory and in situ tests or use existing empirical correlations. In this manuscript, the results of the following laboratory tests are presented and analysed - physical indices, point load test, Schmidt Hammer, uniaxial compression strength, wave propagation, micropetrographic description and X-ray diffraction. It was verified that the results obtained are consistent with other studies carried out in the region and also with results from the technical literature for similar lithotypes. Finally, the results contributed to improve the existing database on correlations among different trials.

Abstract The geomechanical properties of rock masses must be identified to assess their quality and employability; however, the methodologies may differ depending on the lithotype and analytical purposes. The present study aimed to estimate the not-well-known physical-mechanical properties of three types of carbonate rocks (calcarenite, calcilutite, and marble) of Sete Lagoas Formation, which are not recognized in scientific literature, southeast Brazil. These are important rocks from an economic point of view, as they comprise an important input for cement, fertilizers and construction material. Both physical indexes (apparent porosity, apparently dry and saturated specific mass, apparent absorption capacity and wave propagation velocity) and mechanical properties (uniaxial compression, point load and slake durability) were determined. Mechanical tests for these three rock types were correlated to those of other carbonate rocks from other countries, for comparisons. The results showed that the lithotypes under study are peculiar in terms of porosity, wave propagation velocity and strength. Also found were a very high durability and a very good correlation between specific mass and uniaxial compressive strength.