ASTM D5240/D5240M-12(2013)
Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Using Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate

Standard No.

ASTM D5240/D5240M-12(2013)

Release Date

2012

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D5240/D5240M-12(2013)e1

Latest

ASTM D5240/D5240M-20

Scope

5.1 Rock for erosion control consists of individual pieces of natural stone. The ability of these individual pieces of stone to resist deterioration due to weathering action affects the stability of the integral placement of rock for erosion control and hence, the stability of construction projects, structures, shorelines, and stream banks.

5.2 The sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate soundness test is one method by which to estimate qualitatively the durability of rock under weathering conditions. This test method was developed to be used in conjunction with additional test methods listed in Practice D4992. This test method does not provide an absolute value, but rather an indication of the resistance to freezing and thawing; therefore, the results of this test method are not to be used as the sole basis for the determination of rock durability.

5.3 This test method has been used to evaluate many different types of rocks. There have been occasions when test results have provided data that have not agreed with the durability of rock under actual field conditions; samples yielding a low soundness loss have disintegrated in actual usage, and the reverse has been true.

Note 1—The quality of results produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors and Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of them.

1.1 This test method covers test procedures for evaluating the soundness of rock for erosion control by the effects of a sodium or magnesium sulfate solution on slabs of rock. The test is an accelerated weathering test that simulates the freezing and thawing of cold weather exposure. The rock slabs, prepared in accordance with procedures in Practice D5121, are intended to be representative of erosion control sized materials and their inherent weaknesses. The test is appropriate for breakwater stone, armor stone, riprap and gabion sized rock materials.

The limitations of this test are twofold. First the test is a simulation of freezing and thawing conditions. The internal expansive force, derived from the rehydration of the salt upon re-immersion, simulates the expansion of water on freezing relying on chemical crystal formation to simulate freezing rather than the actual freezing of water. Secondly 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 li......

ASTM D5240/D5240M-12(2013) Referenced Document

• ASTM C295 Standard Guide for Petrographic Examination of Aggregates for Concrete
• ASTM C88 Standard Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
• 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 D4753 Standard Specification for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Scales for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• ASTM D4992 Standard Practice for Evaluation of Rock to be Used for Erosion Control
• ASTM D5121 Standard Practice for Preparation of Rock Slabs for Durability Testing
• ASTM D6026 Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
• ASTM D653 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM E100 Standard Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
• ASTM E145 Standard Specification for Gravity-Convection And Forced-Ventilation Ovens

ASTM D5240/D5240M-12(2013) history

• 2020 ASTM D5240/D5240M-20 Standard Test Method for Evaluation of the Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Using Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
• 2013 ASTM D5240/D5240M-12(2013)e1 Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Using Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
• 2012 ASTM D5240/D5240M-12(2013) Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Using Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
• 2012 ASTM D5240/D5240M-12 Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Using Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
• 2004 ASTM D5240-04 Standard Test Method for Testing Rock Slabs to Evaluate Soundness of Riprap by Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
• 1992 ASTM D5240-92(1997) Standard Test Method for Testing Rock Slabs to Evaluate Soundness of Riprap by Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate