ASTM D5312/D5312M-12
Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Under Freezing and Thawing Conditions

Standard No.

ASTM D5312/D5312M-12

Release Date

2012

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D5312/D5312M-12(2013)

Latest

ASTM D5312/D5312M-21

Scope

1.1 This test method covers the procedures for evaluating the durability of rock for erosion control when exposed to freezing and thawing conditions on slabs of rock. This weathering test exposes the rock to freezing and thawing cycles similar to natural weather conditions. The rock slabs, prepared in accordance with procedures in Practice D5121, are intended to be representative of erosion control rock and its weaknesses. The test is appropriate for breakwater stone, armor stone, riprap, and gabion sized rock materials.

The limitations of the test are twofold. First the size of the cut rock slab specimens may eliminate some of the internal defects present in the rock structure. The test specimens may not be representative of the quality of the larger rock samples used in construction. Careful examination of the rock source and proper sampling are essential in minimizing this limitation. Secondly the test requires the rock slabs to be exposed to up to 55 freezing-thawing cycles. The test is time intensive and may require up to two or more months to complete the sample preparation, testing, and analysis portions of the procedure.