Methods of testing rocks for engineering purposes Rock strength tests - Determination of point load strength index
Standards Australia
RECONFIRMATION NOTICE
Technical Committee CE-009 has reviewed the content of this publication and in accordance with Standards Australia procedures for reconfirmation, it has been determined that the publication is still valid and does not require change.
Certain documents referenced in the publication may have been amended since the original date of publication. Users are advised to ensure that they are using the latest versions of such documents as appropriate, unless advised otherwise in this Reconfirmation Notice.
Approved for reconfirmation in accordance with Standards Australia procedures for reconfirmation on 17 December 2015.
The following are represented on Technical Committee CE-009:
Association of Geotechnical Testing Authorities (Qld)
Australian Building Codes Board
Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Australian Geomechanics Society
Australian Stabilisation Industry Association
AUSTROADS
Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia – Aggregates
Engineering & Construction Laboratories Association
Engineers Australia
National Association of Testing Authorities Australia
The University of Melbourne
The University of Sydney
Victorian Construction Materials Laboratories Association.
This Standard sets out the method for determining the strength of rock specimens in the field using portable equipment. Specimens in the form of either rock core (the ‘diametral’ and ‘axial’ tests) or irregular lumps (the ‘irregular lump’ test) are broken by application of a concentrated load using a pair of conical platens. A point load strength index (Is(50)) is obtained and may be used to classify rocks by strength.
NOTES:
1 This test is intended as a simple procedure for field strength classification of rocks. Where necessary, the recommended procedures may be modified to overcome practical limitations, provided such modifications are clearly stated in the report.
2 Comparisons of point load strength indices from different rock domains should take into account systematic variations in sample size and shape.
3 If a relationship between point load strength index and uniaxial compressive strength is required, the relationship should be established by testing.
CAUTION: SOME OF THE TESTS SPECIFIED IN THIS STANDARD INVOLVE THE USE OF PROCESSES THAT COULD LEAD TO A HAZARDOUS SITUATION.
| Document Type | Standard |
| Status | Current |
| Publisher | Standards Australia |
| ProductNote | Reconfirmed 27/05/2016. This standard has been reconfirmed in Australia in 2016 and remains current in New Zealand. Reconfirmation Notice 27/05/2016 |
| Committee | CE-009 |
| Supersedes |
|
