The sawability of diamond wire saws is a critical factor in the planning and optimization of stone quarry operations. Previous research has proposed both linear and non-linear models to estimate production rate—a key measure of sawability—based on geomechanical and machine parameters.

This study investigates the performance of diamond wire saws in cutting carbonate rocks by analyzing production rates across 14 different carbonate rock samples from various Iranian quarries. Earlier studies have incorporated parameters such as uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Brazilian tensile strength (BTS), Schmidt hammer rebound value, Los Angeles abrasion (LAA) resistance, and production rate to model sawability.

In this research, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to evaluate the influence of independent variables on production rate. Statistical error analysis comparing predicted and actual production rates demonstrated that the RSM-based quadratic model outperformed other models, exhibiting the lowest values of mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), variance of absolute relative error (VARE), median absolute error (MEDAE), and root mean square error (RMSE), along with the highest value of variance accounted for (VAF).

Furthermore, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that the Los Angeles abrasion value has the most significant impact on production rate. Based on comprehensive statistical evaluation, the developed RSM-based quadratic model provides a reliable and accurate method for predicting the production rate of diamond wire saws in carbonate rock cutting