ASTM D5731-16
Standard Test Method for Determination of the Point Load Strength Index of Rock and Application to Rock Strength Classifications

Standard No.

ASTM D5731-16

Release Date

2016

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM D5731-16

Scope

1.1 This test method covers the guidelines, requirements, and procedures for determining the point load strength index of rock. This is an index test and is intended to be used to classify rock strength. 1.2 Specimens in the form of rock cores, blocks, or irregular lumps with a test diameter from 30 to 85 mm can be tested by this test method. 1.3 This test method can be performed in either the field or laboratory. The test is typically used in the field because the testing machine is portable, little or minimal specimen preparation is required, and specimens can be tested within a short time frame of being collected. 1.4 This test method applies to medium strength rock (compressive strength over 15 MPa). 1.5 This test method does not cover which type of specimen should be tested or whether anisotropic factors should be considered. The specifics of the point load test program need to be developed prior to testing and possibly even before sampling. Such specifics would be dependent on the intended use of the data, as well as possible budgetary constraints and possible other factors, which are outside the scope of this test method. 1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026. 1.6.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/ recorded and calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of these test methods to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design 1.7 The values stated in the SI units are to be regarded as standard. 1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

ASTM D5731-16 Referenced Document

• ASTM D2216 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• ASTM D3740 Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• ASTM D5079 Standard Practices for Preserving and Transporting Rock Core Samples
• ASTM D6026 Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
• ASTM D653 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM D7012 Standard Test Methods for Compressive Strength and Elastic Moduli of Intact Rock Core Specimens under Varying States of Stress and Temperatures*， 2023-06-15 Update
• ASTM E122 Standard Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With a Specified Tolerable Error, the Average for Characteristic of a Lot or Process
• ASTM E18 Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials*， 2022-05-01 Update

ASTM D5731-16 history

• 2016 ASTM D5731-16 Standard Test Method for Determination of the Point Load Strength Index of Rock and Application to Rock Strength Classifications
• 2008 ASTM D5731-08 Standard Test Method for Determination of the Point Load Strength Index of Rock and Application to Rock Strength Classifications
• 2007 ASTM D5731-07 Standard Test Method for Determination of the Point Load Strength Index of Rock and Application to Rock Strength Classifications
• 2005 ASTM D5731-05 Standard Test Method for Determination of the Point Load Strength Index of Rock
• 2002 ASTM D5731-02 Standard Test Method for Determination of the Point Load Strength Index of Rock
• 1995 ASTM D5731-95 Standard Test Method for Determination of the Point Load Strength Index of Rock