ABSTRACT
The attenuation characteristics of elastic wave propagation in granite, marble, red sandstone, and limestone were studied utilizing the PCI-2 acoustic emission system with a lead-break test and automated sensor test (AST) function. The results showed that the attenuation of amplitude was faster when the source was within a certain distance from the sensor: the attenuation became slower as the distance from the source increased. The peak frequencies of the signals in granite and red sandstone were higher when the source was within the faster amplitude attenuation distance, and rapidly reduced as the source moved beyond the distance at a certain extent. However, the peak frequencies of the signals in marble and limestone remained unchanged. The primary factor influencing the attenuation of elastic wave is the density of mineral particles within the rock; the second factor is the development of structures within the rock, such as joints and stratification.
