EXPERIMENT # 8

TO DETERMINE THE POINT LOAD STRENGTH INDEX

AND UCS OF THE GIVEN ROCK SAMPLE

Apparatus

 Point load strength test machine

 A 100 mm scale attached with the loading frame
 Pressure gauge (Capacity 25 kN or 50 kN)

Point Load Testing Machine Setup

Depending upon the size and shape of test specimen, the point load strength index can be conducted
by four different methods. These are,

 Diametral Test
 Axial Test
 Block Test
 Irregular lump Test
Theory
The point load test (PLT) is an accepted rock mechanics testing procedure used for the calculation
of a rock strength index. This index can be used to estimate other rock strength parameters.

Procedure
 Different types of samples were selected for testing i.e. core, block and irregular samples.
 One by one samples were placed in the point load test apparatus for determination of
strength.
 Strength was noted for each rock by noted the reading of dial after breakage.

Observations And Calculations

Size Correction:
It varies as a function of D in the diametrical test, and as a function of De in axial, block and
irregular lump tests, so that a size correction must be applied.
When this method is not practical, for example when testing single sized core at a diameter other
than 50mm or if only a few small specimens or lumps are available, size correction may be
accomplished by using the formula:
Is(50) = Is x F
Correction Factor= F = (D / 50)0.45
Calculations:
The results should have the point load strength index, Is (MPa). The Is is calculated as follows:
Is = P (1000) DE2
Where; P = Peak resistance expressed in kilo Newton (kN)
De = Equivalent diameter of the core expressed in millimeter (mm)
For diametrical tests, with blocks or irregular lumps:
D E2 = 4 A / π
Where; A = Waverage x D

For Diametric loading (Limestone)

D=De= 54.8 mm
P(1)=12500kN/(54.8)2
Is= 4.16244 MPa (uncorrected)
Is(50)= IS x F F=(De/50)0.45 = 1.0421
Is(50)= 4.3376 MPa (corrected)
For Axial Loading (Neelam Jhelum Limestone)
D=54.8mm
P= 11.5k N
De= 54.8mm
Is= 11500/3781.52
Is=3.8294 MPa (uncorrected) Is(50)= IS x F
F=(De/50)0.45 = 1.0976
Is(50)=4.2031 MPa (corrected)