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1. Scope* 1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.1 This test method covers the guidelines, requirements, safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
and procedures for determining the point load strength index of responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
rock. This is an index test and is intended to be used to classify priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
rock strength. bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.2 Specimens in the form of rock cores, blocks, or irregular 2. Referenced Documents
lumps with a test diameter from 30 to 85 mm can be tested by 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
this test method. D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
1.3 This test method can be performed in either the field or Fluids
laboratory. The test is typically used in the field because the D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
testing machine is portable, little or minimal specimen prepa- (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
ration is required, and specimens can be tested within a short D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
time frame of being collected. Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
1.4 This test method applies to medium strength rock Used in Engineering Design and Construction
(compressive strength over 15 MPa (2200 psi)). D5079 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Rock Core
Samples
1.5 This test method does not cover which type of specimen D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
should be tested or whether anisotropic factors should be Data
considered. The specifics of the point load test program need to D7012 Test Methods for Compressive Strength and Elastic
be developed prior to testing and possibly even before sam- Moduli of Intact Rock Core Specimens under Varying
pling. Such specifics would be dependent on the intended use States of Stress and Temperatures
of the data, as well as possible budgetary constraints and E18 Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Ma-
possible other factors, which are outside the scope of this test terials
method. E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With
1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Lot or Process
Practice D6026. 2.2 ISRM Standard:
Suggested Methods for Determining Point Load Strength3
1.7 The method used to specify how data are collected,
calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to
3. Terminology
the accuracy to which the data can be applied in design or other
uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using this 3.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method refer to
standard is beyond its scope. Terminology D653.
1.8 The values stated in the SI units are to be regarded as 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
standard.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Standards volume information, refer to the standards Document Summary page on
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.12 on Rock Mechanics. the ASTM website.
3
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2008. Published February 2008. Originally Suggested Methods for Determining Point Load Strength, International
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D5731 07. DOI: Society for Rock Mechanics Commission on Testing Methods, Int. J. Rock. Mech.
10.1520/D5731-08. Min. Sci. and Geomechanical Abstr., Vol 22, No. 2, 1985, pp. 5160.
condition on the test data minimized. However, the results can Geology (9), pages 1-11, 1975.
required to break specimen. The system should conform to the 6.4.3 The measuring system shall allow a check of the zero
requirements of 6.3.2 6.3.4. displacement value when the two platens are in contact and
6.3.2 Measurements of failure load, P, shall be to a preci- should include a zero adjustment and a means to record or
sion of 65 % or better of full-scale load-measuring system, measure any penetration of the specimen by the point load
irrespective of the size and strength of specimen that is tested. platens during testing.
6.3.3 Failure is often sudden, therefore, and a peak load 6.4.4 An instrument such as a caliper or a steel rule is
indicator is required so the failure load can be recorded after required to measure the width, W, (with an accuracy of 65 %)
each test. of specimens for all but the diametral test.
6.3.4 If required, the system should be capable of using
6.5 Miscellaneous ItemsDepending on the type of
interchangeable, mechanical or electronic gauge, load measur-
samples (core or non core) and the type of specimens to be
ing devices in order to be consistent with the estimated strength
tested (diametral, Block, Axial, etc.), the following items may
of rock and have the desired reading accuracy.
be needed: diamond saw, chisels, towels, marking pens, and
6.4 Distance Measuring System: plotting paper.
6.4.1 The distance measuring system, an electronic or ver-
nier direct reading scale, should connect to the loading frame 7. Test Samples
for measuring the distance, D, between specimen-platen con-
7.1 Rock samples are grouped on the basis of rock type, test
tact points at the start of testing and just prior to failure and
direction if rock is aniasotropic, and estimated strength.
conform to requirements 6.4.2 and 6.4.3.
6.4.2 Measurements of D shall be to an accuracy of 62 % 7.2 Sample Size
or better of distance between contact points, irrespective of the 7.2.1 When testing core or block samples at least ten
size and strength of specimen that is tested. specimens are selected for the samples.
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7.2.2 When testing irregular-shaped specimens obtained by load tester recommends that a minimum ratio of core diameter to
other means at least 20 specimens are selected for the samples. maximum aggregate size of 4 be used.5 This ratio may be used until
guidelines are developed for rock.
7.2.3 Sample sizes may need to be larger if the rock is
anisotropic or heterogeneous. 8.3 Water ContentWater content of the specimen can
7.2.4 If needed, Practice E122 can be used to more precisely affect the value of the point load strength. Therefore, the testing
determine the sample size. plan shall include how water content will be included in the
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point load testing program. This may include the recording,
7.3 Samples in the form of core are preferred for a more
controlling, and measurement of water content.
precise classification.
8.4 Marking and Measuring Specimens The specimens
7.4 For anisotropic rocks the best results for core samples is
should be properly marked and measured as shown in Fig. 4.
when the core axis is perpendicular to the plane of weakness.
8.4.1 MarkingThe desired test orientation of the specimen
8. Test Specimens shall be indicated by marking lines on the specimen. These
lines are used for centering the specimen in the testing
8.1 Test DiameterThe specimens external test diameter machine, and to ensure proper orientation during testing,
shall not be less than 30 mm and not more than 85 mm with the including any issues involving anisotrophic rocks (see Fig. 3).
preferred test diameter of about 50 mm. These lines may also be used as reference lines for measuring
8.2 Size and ShapeThe size and shape requirements for width, length, and diameter.
diametral, axial, block, or irregular lump testing shall conform 8.4.2 MeasuringMeasure each dimension of a specimen
with the recommendations shown on Fig. 3. The sides of the at three different places, and calculate the averages.
specimens shall be free from abrupt irregularities that can
generate stress concentrations. No specimen preparation is 9. Procedure
required, however a rock saw or chisels may be required for 9.1 Develop a testing plan and, if needed, sampling plan to
block or irregular specimens. Proper planning of diametral provide specimens for point load testing according to the
tests on rock cores can produce suitable lengths of core for following procedures for the specific specimen shape
subsequent axial testing provided they are not weakened by the (diametral, axial, block or irregular).
diametral test. Otherwise, suitable specimens can be obtained
9.2 Diametral Test
from the cores by saw-cutting, or core splitting.
NOTE 3While there are no established specimen guidelines for grain
size versus specimen size this subject is still important and must be 5
Robins, P.J., The Point Load Strength Test for Concrete Cores, Magazine of
included in the testing and use of the data. Concrete testing using a point Concrete Research, Vol. 32, No. 111, June 1980.
NOTE 1Legend: L = distance between contact points and nearest free face, and De = equivalent core diameter (see 10.1).
FIG. 3 Load Configurations and Specimen Shape Requirement for (a) the Diametral Test, (b) the Axial Test, (c) the Block Test, and (d)
the Irregular Lump Test3
FIG. 4 Anisotropy measurements and testing for maximum and minimum indices
9.2.1 Core specimens with length/diameter ratio greater 9.3 Axial Test
than one are suitable for diametral testing. 9.3.1 Core specimens with length/diameter ratio of 13 to 1
9.2.2 Insert a specimen in the test device and close the are suitable for axial testing (see Fig. 3(b)). Suitable specimens
platens to make contact along a core diameter. Ensure that the can be obtained by saw-cutting or chisel-splitting the core
distance, L, between the contact points and the nearest free end sample, or by using suitable pieces produced by carefully
is at least 0.5 times the core diameter (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 4(a)). planned diametral tests (see 9.2).
9.2.3 Determine and record the distances D and L (see Fig.
3). 9.3.2 Insert a specimen in the test machine and close the
9.2.4 Steadily increase the load such that failure occurs platens to make contact along a line perpendicular to the core
within 10 to 60 s, and record failure load, P. The test should be end faces (in the case of isotropic rock, the core axis, but see
rejected if the fracture surface passes through only one platen Fig. 5 and 9.5 for anisotropic rock).
loading point (see Fig. 5(d)). 9.3.3 Record the distance, D, between platen contact points
9.2.5 The procedures in 9.2.2 9.2.4 are repeated for each (see Fig. 3). Record the specimen width, W, perpendicular to
specimen of the rock type. the loading direction, with an accuracy of 65 %.
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FIG. 5 Typical Modes of Failure for Valid and Invalid Tests(a) Valid diametral tests; (b) valid axial tests; (c) valid block tests; (d) in-
valid core test; and (e) invalid axial test (point load strength index test).3
9.3.4 Steadily increase the load such that failure occurs 9.4 Block and Irregular Lump Tests :
within 10 to 60 s, and record the failure load, P. The test should 9.4.1 Rock blocks or lumps, 30 to 85 mm, and of the shape
be rejected if the fracture surface passes through only one shown in Fig. 3(c) and ( d) are suitable for the block and the
loading point (see Fig. 6(e)). irregular lump tests. The ratio, D/W, should be between 13 and
9.3.5 Procedures 9.3.2 9.3.4 are repeated for each test 1, preferably close to 1. The distance L should be at least 0.5
specimen of the rock type.
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at intervals that will yield pieces that can then be tested axially. the diametral test, and as a function of De in axial, block, and
9.5.3 Strongest test results are obtained when the core axis irregular lump tests, so that a size correction must be applied,
is perpendicular to the planes of weakness; therefore, when if the D values for all the specimens are not the same, to obtain
possible, the core should be drilled in this direction. The angle an unique point load strength value for the rock specimen and
between the core axis and the normal to the direction of least one that can be used for purposes of rock strength classifica-
strength should preferably not exceed 30. tion. See Fig. 7.
9.5.4 For measurement of the point load strength index (Is) 10.2.2 The size corrected point load strength index, Is(D), of
value in the direction of least strength, ensure that load is a rock specimen is defined in this procedure as the value of Is
applied along a single weakness plane. Similarly, when testing that would have been measured by a diametral test with D = 50
for the Is value in the direction of greatest strength, ensure that mm and given the symbol Is(50). The diameter of 50 mm has
the load is applied perpendicular to the direction of least been the preferred diameter since that diameter is associated
strength (see Fig. 4). with rock quality designations (RQD) and predominance of Nx
9.5.5 If the sample consists of blocks or irregular lumps, it core samples.
should be tested as two subsamples, with load first applied 10.2.3 When a precise rock classification is essential, the
perpendicular to, then along the observable planes of weak- most reliable method of obtaining Is(50) is to conduct diametral
ness. Again, the required minimum strength value is obtained tests at or close to D = 50 mm. Size correction is then
when the platens make contact and are loaded to failure along unnecessary. For example, in case of diametral tests on NX,
a single plane of weakness. core diameter = 54 mm and size correction to D = 50 mm is
not necessary. Most point load strength tests are in fact
9.6 If significant platen penetration occurs, the dimension D performed using other specimen sizes or shapes. In such cases,
to be used in calculating point load strength should be the value the size correction described in 10.2.4 or 10.2.5 must be
D' measured at the instant of failure, that will be smaller than applied.
the initial value suggested in 9.2.3, 9.3.3, and 9.4.3. The error
10.2.4 The most reliable method of size correction is to test
in assuming D to be its initial value is negligible when the
the specimen over a range of D or De values and to plot
specimen is large or strong. The dimension at failure may
graphically the relation between P and De. If a log-log plot is
always be used as an alternative to the initial value and is
used, the relation is a straight line (see Fig. 6). Points that
preferred.
deviate substantially from the straight line may be disregarded
9.7 Water Content (although they should not be deleted). The value of Is(50)
9.7.1 For precise measurements, follow Test Method D2216 corresponding to D e2 = 2500 mm2 ( De = 50 mm) can be
to determine the water content of each rock specimen and obtained by interpolation and use of the size-corrected point
report the moisture condition (see Section 11). load strength index calculated as shown in 10.2.5.
9.7.2 At the minimum, water content shall be recorded as 10.2.5 When neither 10.2.3 nor 10.2.4 is practical (for
air-dried, saturated, as-received, etc. example when testing single-sized core at a diameter other than
FIG. 7 Example of Descriptive Strength Classification and Using a Nomograph to Compute the Point Load Index. Other Strength Clas-
sifications May be Used.
3
FIG. 8 Size Correction Factor Chart
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FIG. 9 Relationship Between Point Load Strength Index and Uniaxial Compressive Strength from 125 Tests On Sandstone, Quartzite,
Marikana Norite, and Belfast Norite6
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specified in terms of borehole number and depth of specimen cases, especially where the results are sensitive to water
from the collar of the hole, content, it may be necessary to report the actual water content
11.1.2 Physical description of sample including rock type as determined in accordance with Test Method D2216,
and location and orientation of discontinuities, such as, appar- 11.1.6 Average thickness and average diameter of the test
ent weakness planes, bedding planes, schistosity, or large specimen,
inclusions, if any, 11.1.7 The maximum applied load P,
11.1.3 Date and personnel involved with sampling, speci- 11.1.8 The distance D or D', or both, if required,
men preparation, and testing, 11.1.9 Direction of loading (parallel to or normal to plane of
11.1.4 Test apparatus used, model number, and calibrations, weakness or anisotrophy directions),
11.1.5 As a minimum, a general indication of the moisture 11.1.10 The number of specimens tested and how prepared,
condition of test specimens at the time of testing, such as, 11.1.11 The calculated uncorrected ( Is) and corrected
saturated, as received, laboratory air dry, or oven dry. In some
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(D=50 mm), Is(50) point load strength index values,
SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D5731 07) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved January 1, 2008.)
Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D5731 05) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved February 1, 2007.)
(1) Change in title to include Rock Strength Classifications. (19) Sections 8.4, 8.4.1, and 9.1 were added.
(2) Revised Section 1.1. (20) 9.3.1 and 9.4.5 were revised.
(3) Added Sections 1.2 and 1.3. (21) 9.7.2 added.
(4) Revised Section 1.4. (22) Eq 1 revised.
(5) Added Section 1.5. (23) 10.2 heading revised.
(6) Added E122 to 2. (24) 10.2.1 revised.
(7) Terms added to Section 3.2. (25) 10.2.2 expanded.
(8) Revised 5.2 5.4. (26) Section 10.5 Compressive Strength was changed to Uni-
(9) Fig. 1 replaced with newer version of the apparatus. axial Compressive Strength and the figure number was cor-
(10) Revised 6.2.1, 6.2.2, and 6.5. rected to the correct figure number.
(11) Note 2 was added. (27) 10.5.2 clarified.
(12) Updated Sections 6.3.4, 6.4.1, and 6.4.3. (28) 11 revised.
(13) Added reference to Bieniawski.4 (29) Fig. 2 title revised.
(14) Changed previous Section 7 on Specimens into two (30) Fig. 3 notation revised.
sections, 7 and 8. (31) Fig. 4 added.
(15) Added Sections 7.2.3, 7.2.4, and 7.4. (32) Fig. 5 corrected.
(16) Section 8.2 expanded. (33) Fig. 7 added.
(17) Added Note 3. (34) 13 revised.
(18) Section 8.3 revised. (35) Table 1 title changed and in-text reference added.
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