Leeb Hardness or Schmdt Hammer Hardness

[MiningLad]

I am looking to invest in some hardness index testing equipment for rock. I have used Schmidt hammers, getting a UCS from the Hoek calibration curves to estimate the Uni-axial Compressive Strength. However, I have now seen Leeb hardness testers being used, but I have no experience with them. I am a bit lost on which one I should invest in. Does anyone have any experience of using both and know and the Pros/Cons?

Any help appreciated.

 

[Ron]

Before you jump to either of them, understand their limitations and inaccuracies. Not familiar with the Leeb device but am very familiar with the Schmidt hammer and its limitations and inaccuracies. While they can be good to detect uniformity, I wouldn't rely on them for strength determination.

 

[MiningLad]

Thanks Ron. We are using them more for relative index measurements, and are not replacing UCS testing. I have used Schmidt hammers in the past and found them very useful for relative hardnesses etc.