OICC Press Iranian Journal of Earth Sciences 2228-785X 14 4 2022 02 03 Assessment of excavability classification in a Limestone Quarry: A case study from Bayburt, Turkey 241 251 10.30495/ijes.2022.1948500.1697 EN Gökhan Külekçi Gumushane University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Mining Eng. 29100 Gumushane, Turkey Alaaddin Vural Gumushane University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Mining Eng. 29100 Gumushane, Turkey Şener Aliyazıcıoğlu Gumushane University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Department of Mining Eng. 29100 Gumushane, Turkey Journal Article 2022 02 03 Excavability is a measure of material which can be excavated with classical excavation equipment. Studies to decide the rock excavability characteristics contribute to the suitability of engineering projects. In this study, a limestone quarry (in Bayburt, Turkey) was analysed with excavability classification systems and appropriate systems were determined. To accomplish this aim, point load index and Schmidt hardness tests were practiced and changed to uniaxial compressive strength tests. After that, findings were categorized with classification systems in excavation and matched against practices from field. In this study, rock mass was addressed as “pre-explosion”, “hard ripping” and “hammer and blasting” in accordance with distinctive classification systems. All determined as rock mass should be blasted for loosening then dug with hydraulic breakers. This practice is totally compatible with in-site excavations fulfilled. According to study results, the most suitable parameters to decide surface excavational classification are load strength index, geological strength index and the degree of rock mass weathering.