Designation: D5731 − 08

Standard Test Method for

Determination of the Point Load Strength Index of Rock and
Application to Rock Strength Classifications 1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5731; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of 
original
original adoption or, in the case of revis
revision,
ion, the year of last revision.
revision. A number in paren
parenthese
thesess indicates the year of last reappr
reapproval.
oval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Sco
Scope*
pe* 1.9   This standar
standardd doe
doess not purport
purport to add
addre
ress
ss all of the
safety
safe ty co
conc
ncern
erns,
s, if an
anyy, as
asso
socia
ciated
ted wit
withh its us
use.
e. It is th
thee
1.1 This test method covers the guide guidelines,
lines, requirements,
requirements,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
and procedures for determining the point load strength index of 
 priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
rock. This is an index test and is intended to be used to classify
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
rock strength.
1.2 Specim
Specimens
ens in the form of rock cores, blocks, or irregular
irregular 2. Referenc
Referenced
ed Documents
lumps with a test diameter from 30 to 85 mm can be tested by
2.1   ASTM Standards: 2
this test method.
D653 Termino
erminology
logy Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contain
Contained
ed
1.3 This test method can be performed
performed in either the field or Fluids
laboratory. The test is typically used in the field because the D2216 Test
D2216  Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
testing machine is portable, little or minimal specimen prepa- (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
ration is required, and specimens can be tested within a short D3740 Practic
Practicee for Minimu
Minimum m Requir
Requirements
ements for Agencies
time frame of being collected. Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
1.4 This te
1.4 test
st me
meth
thod
od ap
appl
plie
iess to me
medi
dium
um ststre
reng
ngth
th ro
rock 
ck 
D5079 Practices
D5079  Practices for Preserving and Transporting Rock Core
(compressive strength over 15 MPa (2200 psi)).
Samples
1.5 This test method
method does not cover which
which type of specimen
specimen D6026 Practice
D6026  Practice for Using Significant
Significant Digits in Geotechnical
should be test
should tested
ed or whe
whethe
therr ani
anisot
sotrop
ropic
ic fac
factor
torss sho
should
uld be Data
considered. The specifics of the point load test program need to D7012 Test
D7012  Test Methods for Compressive Strength and Elastic
be developed prior to testing and possibly even before sam- Moduli
Mod uli of Int
Intact
act Roc
Rockk Cor
Coree Spe
Specim
cimens
ens und
under
er Vary
arying
ing
pling. Such specifics would be dependent on the intended use States of Stress and Temperatures
of the data, as wel
welll as pos
possib
sible
le bud
budget
getary
ary constraint
constraintss and E18 Test
E18  Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Ma-
possible other factors, which are outside the scope of this test terials
method. E122 Practice
E122  Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With
1.6 All observed
observed and calculated values
values shall conform
conform to the Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
guidelines
guidelines for signifi
significant
cant digits and rounding established
established in Lot or Process
Practice D6026
Practice  D6026.. 2.2   ISRM Standard:
Suggested Methods for Determining Point Load Strength 3
1.7 The met
method
hod used to spe
specif
cify
y how data are collected
collected,,
calculated,
calculated, or record
recorded
ed in this standard is not directl
directly
y related to
3. Terminology
the accuracy to which the data can be applied in design or other
uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using this 3.1 For definitions
definitions of terms
terms used in this test method refer
refer to
standard is beyond its scope. Terminology  D653
 D653..

1.8 The values

values stated in the SI units are to be regarded
regarded as 3.2  Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
standard.

2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For  Annual Book of ASTM 
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction
jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18
Committee D18 on
 on Soil and Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee  D18.12
 D18.12 on
 on Rock Mechanics. the ASTM website.
3
Current
Current editio
edition
n approv
approved
ed Jan. 1, 2008. Published
Published Febru
February
ary 2008. Origin
Originally
ally “Suggested
“Sugg ested Methods for Deter
Determining
mining Point Load Strength”, International
International
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D5731 – 07. DOI: Society for Rock Mechanics Commission on Testing Methods,  Int. J. Rock. Mech.
10.1520/D5731-08.  Min. Sci. and Geomechanical Abstr
Abstr.., Vol 22, No. 2, 1985, pp. 51–60.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 D5731 − 08

3.2.1   diameter—D, for point load tests,  the dimension of the be highly influenced by how the specimen is treated from the
specime
specimen n bet
betwee
weenn the opp
opposi
osing
ng con
conical
ical,, test plat
platens
ens whe
whenn time it is obtained until the time it is tested. Therefore, it may
placed in the test machine be necessary to handle specimens in accordance with Practice
3.2.2   poi
point
nt loa
load d str
stren
ength
gth an
aniso
isotr
trop
opyy inindex
dex—— I a(D), the D5079 and
D5079  and to document moisture conditions in some manner in
strength anisotropy index is defined as the ratio of mean I s(D) the data collection.
valu
va lues
es mea
measusure
redd pe perp
rpen
endi
dicu
cula
larr an
and
d papara
ralle
llell to pl
plan
aneses of  NOTE   1—The
1—The qu qual
ality
ity of th
thee re
resu
sult
lt pr
prod
oduc
uced
ed by ththis
is st
stan
anda
dard
rd is
weak
we akne
ness
ss,, th
that
at is
is,, th
thee ra
ratio
tio of grgreat
eates
estt to leleast
ast po
poin
intt lo
load
ad dependent upon the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
strength indices on different axes that result in the greatest and suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
criteria of Practice D3740
Practice D3740 are
 are generally considered capable of competent
least ratio of point load strengths values.
and objective testing and sampling. Users of this standard are cautioned
3.2.3   size-corrected point load strength index— I s(D), the
size-corrected that compliance with Practi
Practice
ce   D3740   does not in itself assure reliable
original point load strength index value multiplied by a factor results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740
Practice D3740 provides
 provides
to normalize the value that would have been obtained with a means of evaluating some of those factors.
diametral test of diameter ( D). 6. Appar
Apparatus
atus
3.2.4  uncorrected point load strength index—  ( I s), an indi- 6.1   General— A basic point load tester (see Fig.
(see  Fig. 1)
1) consists
catorr of str
cato streng
ength
th (se
(seee   10.1)
10.1) ob
obtai
taine
ned
d by su
subj
bjec
ectin
ting
g a ro
rock 
ck  of a loading system typically comprised of a loading frame,
specimen to an increasingly concentrated point load, applied platens, a measuring system for indicating load,  P , (required to
thro
throug
ugh
h a pa pair
ir of tru
trunc
ncate
ated,
d, co
coni
nical
cal pl
plate
atens
ns,, un
until
til fa
failu
ilure
re break the specimen), and a means for measuring the distance,
3
occurs.  D, between the two platen contact points at the start of testing
and after failure. The equipment
equipment shall be resistant to shock and
4. Summ
Summary
ary of Test
Test Method vibrati
vibration
on so tha
thatt the accu
accurac
racy
y of read
reading
ingss is not adversely
adversely
4.1 This in
4.1 inde
dex x tes
testt is pe
perf
rfor
orme
medd by su subj
bject
ectin
ing
g a rorock 
ck  affected by repeated testing. Any special operational, mainte-
specime
specimen n to an incr
increasi
easingl
ngly
y con
concen
centrat
trated
ed loa
load
d unt
until
il fai
failur
luree nance or calibrations instructions provided by the manufacturer
occurs
occ urs by spl
splitti
itting
ng the spespecim
cimen.
en. The conconcen
centra
trated
ted load is for the particular apparatus being used shall be followed.
applied through coaxial, truncated conical platens
platens.. The failur
failuree 6.2   Loading System:
load is used to calculate the point load strength index. 6.2.1 The loading
loading system shall have a loading frame
frame with a
4.2 The point load strength
strength index
index can be used to classify the platen-to-platen clearance that allows testing of rock specimens
rocks. A common method used is by estimating the uniaxial in the required size range. Typically, this range is between 30
compressive strength. to 100 mm, or the maximum opening size of the load frame, so
that an adjustable distance is available to accommodate both
5. Sign
Significan
ificance
ce and Use small and large specimens.
5.1 The uniaxial
uniaxial compression
compression test (see Test Method D7012
Method D7012)) NOTE  2—It is generally accepted that specimens smaller than 42 mm
is used to determine compressive strength of rock specimens. (BX cor
cores)
es) are not rec
recomm
ommend
ended
ed bec
becaus
ausee for sma
smalle
llerr dia
diamet
meters
ers the
Howe
Ho weve
verr, it is a tim
time-
e-co
cons
nsum
umining
g an
andd ex
expe
pens
nsiv
ivee tes
testt th
that
at loading points can not be considered as theoretical “points” in relation to
specimen size.4
requires significant specimen preparation and the results may
not be available for a long time after the samples are collected. 6.2.2 The loading capacity shall be suf suffficient to break the
When extensive testing and/or timely information is required largest
large st an
andd st
stro
rong
ngest
est sp
spec
ecim
imenenss to be tes teste
ted.
d. Po
Poin
intt lo
load
ad
for prelim
preliminary
inary and reconn
reconnaissanc
aissancee infor
information
mation,, alterna
alternative
tive strength of rock is usually an order of magnitude lower than the
tests such as the point load test can be used to reduce the time compressive strength of rock.
and cost of compressive strength tests, when used in the field. 6.2.3 The load frame shall be designdesigned
ed and constructed
constructed so
Such
Su ch da
data
ta ca
can
n be usused
ed to ma
makeke tim
timel
ely
y an
and
d mo
morere in
info
form
rmed
ed that it does not permanently distort during repeated applica-
decisions during the exploration phases and more efficient and tions of the maximum test load, and so that the platens remain
cost
co st ef
effe
fecti
ctive
ve se
selec
lectio
tion
n of sam
sampl
ples
es fo
forr mo
more
re prpreci
ecise
se an
andd coaxiall within 60.2 mm throughout testing. No spherical seat
coaxia
expensive
expens ive labora
laboratory
tory tests. or ot
othe
herr no
nonr
nrig
igid
id co
comp
mpon
onen
entt is peperm
rmitt
itted
ed in th thee lo
load
adin
ingg
system. Loading system rigidity is essential to avoid slippage
5.2 The point load strength
strength test is used as an index test for
when specimens of irregular geometry are tested.
strength classification of rock materials. The test results should
6.2.4 Tru
Truncated
ncated,, conical platens, as shown on Fig.
on  Fig. 2,
2,  are to
not be used for design or analytical purposes.
be used. The 60° cone and 5-mm radius spherical platen tip
5.3 Thi
Thiss test method
method is per
perfor
formed
med to det
determ
ermine
ine the poi
point
nt shall meet tangentially. The platens shall be of hard material
load strength
strength index of roc
rock
k spe
specim
cimens
ens and
and,, if req
requir
uired,
ed, the (Rockwell
(Rock well 58 HRC, as explai
explained
ned in Test Method E18
Method  E18))  such as
point load strength anisotropy index. tungsten carbide or hardened steel so they remain undamaged
5.4 Rock specimens
specimens in the form of either
either core (the diametral
diametral during testing.
and axial tests), cut blocks (the block test), or irregular lumps 6.3  Load Measuring System:
(the irregular lump test) are tested by application of concen- 6.3.1 A load measuring
measuring system,
system, for example a load cell or a
trated load through a pair of truncated, conical platens. Little or hydrau
hydraulic
lic pre
pressu
ssure
re gag
gage,
e, tha
thatt wil
willl ind
indicat
icatee fai
failur
luree loa
load,
d, P,
no specimen preparation is required and can therefore be tested
shortly
sho rtly after bei
being
ng obt
obtaine
ainedd and any infl
influen
uencece of moi
moistu
sture
re 4
Bieniawski, Z.T., The Point Load Test in Geotechnical Practice, Engineering
condition on the test data minimized. However, the results can Geology (9), pages 1-11
Geology 1-11,, 1975.

2
 D5731 − 08

NOTE  1—Load frame general information (figure 1)

Load is applied to the specimens through two standard hardened points
(1)
Two column fixed crosshead frame (2)
Scale (3)
Scale pointer (4)
Attached by a bolt (5) to the hydraulic pump body (6)
Oil filler cap (7)
The hydraulic piston assembly incorporated the oil reservoir, a single
acting pump, pressure relief valve (9), and a handle (8)
Pump handle (8)
Pressure
Pressure release valve (9)
Case latched for top cover (10)
Digital pressure readout (11)
Point load tester top cover(12)
FIG. 1 Exampl
Example e of a Light-Weight
Light-Weight Point Load Test
Test Apparatus
Apparatus

required to break specimen. The system should conform to the 6.4.3 The measuring
measuring system shall
shall allow a check of the “zero
requirements of  6.3.2
of  6.3.2 – 6.3.4.
6.3.4 . displacement” value when the two platens are in contact and
6.3.2 Measur
Measurements
ements of failure load, P, shall be to a preci- should include a zero adjustment and a means to record or
sion of  65 % or better of full-scale load-measuring system, measure any penetration of the specimen by the point load
irrespective of the size and strength of specimen that is tested. platenss durin
platen duringg testing
testing..
6.3.3
6.3.3 Fail
Failure
ure is oft
often
en sud
sudden
den,, the
theref
refore
ore,, and a pea
peak
k loa
load
d 6.4.
6.4.44 An instru
instrume
ment
nt su
such
ch as a ca
calip
liper
er or a st
steel
eel rule is
indicator is required so the failure load can be recorded after required to measure the width,  W , (with an accuracy of  65 %)
each test. of specimens for all but the diametral test.
6.3.4
6.3.4 If req
requir
uired,
ed, the sys
system
tem should
should be capcapabl
ablee of usi
using
ng
6.5   Miscellan
Miscellaneous
eous Items — Depe
Items—  D ependndin
ing
g on ththee ty
type
pe of 
interchangeable, mechanical or electronic gauge, load measur-
samples (core or non core) and the type of specimens to be
ing devices in order to be consistent with the estimated strength
tested (diametral, Block, Axial, etc.), the following items may
of rock and have the desired reading accuracy.
be needed: diamond saw, chisels, towels, marking pens, and
6.4   Distance Measuring System: plotting paper.
6.4.1 The distance measuring
measuring system, an electronic or ver-
nier direct reading scale, should connect to the loading frame 7. Test Samples
Samples
for measuring the distance, D, between specimen-platen con-
7.1 Rock samples
samples are grouped
grouped on the basis of rock type,
type, test
tact points at the start of testing and just prior to failure and
direction if rock is aniasotropic, and estimated strength.
conform to requirements  6.4.2 andand 6.4.3
 6.4.3..
6.4.2 Measur
Measurements
ements of  D  shall be to an accuracy of  62 % 7.2   Sample Size
or better of distan
distance
ce between contact points, irrespective
irrespective of the 7.2.
7.2.1
1 When
When tes
testin
ting
g co
core
re or bl
bloc
ock
k sa
samp
mple
less at lea
least
st te
ten
n
size and strength of specimen that is tested. specimens are selected for the samples.

3
 D5731 − 08

FIG. 2 Tru
Truncated
ncated,, Conical Platen Dimensions
Dimensions for Point Load Ap-
paratus

7.2.2 When testing irregular-shap

irregular-shaped
ed specimens obtained by load te
load test
ster
er re
reco
comm
mmen
ends
ds th
that
at a mimini
nimu
mum
m ra
rati
tio
o of co
core
re di
diam
amete
eterr to
other means at least 20 specimens are selected for the samples. maximum aggregate size of 4 be used.5 This ratio may be used until
guidelines are developed for rock.
7.2.
7.2.3
3 Sa
Samp
mple
le siz
sizes
es ma
mayy ne
need
ed to be lar
large
gerr if th
thee ro
rock
ck is
anisotropic or heterogeneous. 8.3   Water
Water Conten t— Wat
Content—  ater
er co
cont
nten
entt of th
thee sp
speci
ecime
men n ca
can
n
7.2.4 If needed,
needed, Practice
Practice E122
 E122 can
 can be used to more precisely affect the value of the point load strength. Therefore, the testing
determine the sample size. plan shall include how water content will be included in the
point load testing program. This may include the recording,
7.3 Sam
Sample
pless in the for
form
m of core are pre
prefer
ferred
red for a mor
moree
controlling, and measurement of water content.
precise classification.
8.4   Marking
Marking and Measu
Measuring
ring Specim ens—   The specim
Specimens—  specimensens
7.4 For anisotropic
anisotropic rocks
rocks the best results for core
core samples is
should be properly marked and measured as shown in  Fig. 4. 4.
when the core axis is perpendicular to the plane of weakness.
8.4.1   Marking— The
The desired test orientation of the specimen
8. Test Specimens shall be indicated by marking lines on the specimen. These
lines
lines araree us
used
ed fo
forr cen
center
terin
ing
g th
thee sp
spec
ecime
imen n in th
thee tes
testin
ting
g
8.1   Test Diameter— The
The specimen’s external test diameter machin
mac hine,
e, and to ens
ensure
ure pro
proper
per ori
orienta
entatio
tion
n dur
during
ing test
testing
ing,,
shall not be less than 30 mm and not more than 85 mm with the including any issues involving anisotrophic rocks (see  Fig. 3). 3).
preferred test diameter of about 50 mm. These lines may also be used as reference lines for measuring
8.2   Size and Shape— The The size and shape requirements for width, length, and diameter.
diametral,
diametr al, axial, block
block,, or irregular lump testing shall conform 8.4.2   Measuring— Measure
Measure each dimension of a specimen
with the recommendations shown on  Fig. 3. 3. The sides of the at three different places, and calculate the averages.
specime
spe cimens ns sha
shall
ll be fre
freee fro
from
m abr
abrupt
upt irr
irregu
egular
laritie
itiess tha
thatt can
genera
gen eratete str
stress
ess con
concen
centra
tration
tions.
s. No spe
specime
cimen n pre
prepar
paratio
ation
n is 9. Pro
Procedu
cedure
re
required, however a rock saw or chisels may be required for 9.1 Develo
Developp a testing plan and, if needed,
needed, sampling plan to
block
blo ck or irrirregu
egular
lar spe
specime
cimens.
ns. Pro
Proper
per pla
planni
nning
ng of diadiametr
metral
al providee spe
provid specime
cimensns for poi
point
nt loa
loadd test
testing
ing acco
accordi
rding
ng to the
tests on rock cores can produce suitable lengths of core for follo
followi
wing
ng pr
proc
oced
edur
ures
es fo
forr th
thee sp
speci
ecific
fic sp
speci
ecime
menn sh
shape
ape
subsequent axial testing provided they are not weakened by the (diametral, axial, block or irregular).
diametral test. Otherwise, suitable specimens can be obtained
9.2   Diametral Test 
from the cores by saw-cutting, or core splitting.
NOTE  3—While there are no established
established speci
specimen
men guidelines
guidelines for grain
size ver
size versus
sus specimen
specimen size thi
thiss sub
subjec
jectt is sti
still
ll imp
import
ortant
ant and mus
mustt be 5
Robins, P.J., The Point Load Strength Test for Concrete Cores, Magazine of 
included in the testing and use of the data. Concrete testing using a point Concrete Research, Vol. 32, No. 111, June 1980.

4
 D5731 − 08

NOTE  1—Legend: L = distance between contact points and nearest free face, and De = equivalent core diame
diameter
ter (see
(see 10.1
 10.1)).
FIG. 3 Load Configurations and Specimen Shape Requirement for (a) the Diametral Test, (b) the Axial Test, (c) the Block Test, and (d)
the Irregular Lump Test 3

FIG. 4 Aniso
Anisotropy
tropy measurements
measurements and testin
testing
g for maximum and minim
minimum
um indice
indices
s

9.2.1
9.2 .1 Cor
Coree spe
specime
cimens
ns with leng
length/
th/diam
diameter
eter rat
ratio
io gre
greater
ater 9.3   Axial Test 
than one are suitable for diametral testing. 9.3.1 Core specimens
specimens with length
length/diamet
/diameter
er ratio of  1 ⁄ 3 to 1
9.2.
9.2.22 In
Inse
sert
rt a sp
speci
ecime
menn in ththee te
test
st de
devi
vice
ce anandd cl
clos
osee th
thee are suitable for axial testing (see Fig.
(see Fig. 3(
3(b)). Suitable specimens
platens to make contact along a core diameter. Ensure that the can be obt
obtain
ained
ed by saw
saw-cu
-cuttin
ttingg or chi
chisel-
sel-spl
splitti
itting
ng the cor coree
distance,  L , between the contact points and the neare
nearestst free end sample
sam ple,, or by usi
using
ng sui
suitab
table
le pie
pieces
ces pro
produc
duced
ed by car
carefuefully
lly
is at least 0.5 times the core diameter (see Fig.
(see Fig. 3 and
3  and Fig.
 Fig. 4(
4(a)). planned diametral tests (see 9.29.2)).
9.2.3 Determi
Determine ne and record the distances
distances  D  and  L  (see
 (see Fig.
 Fig.
3). 9.3.2 Ins
9.3.2 Insert
ert a spe
specim
cimen
en in the test machine
machine and close
close the
9.2.4
9.2 .4 Stea
Steadily
dily increase
increase the loa
loadd suc
suchh tha
thatt fai
failur
luree occ
occurs
urs platens to make contact along a line perpendicular to the core
within 10 to 60 s, and record failure load,  P . The test should be end faces (in the case of isotropic rock, the core axis, but see
rejected if the fracture surface passes through only one platen Fig. 5 and 9.5
9.5   for anisotropic rock).
loading point (see  Fig. 5(5(d )).
)). 9.3.3 Record the
the distance,
distance,  D , between platen contact points
9.2.5 The procedures
procedures in 9.2.2
in  9.2.2 – 9.2.4  are repeated for each (see Fig.
(see  Fig. 3)
3). Record the specimen width, W , perpendicular to
specimen of the rock type. the loading direction, with an accuracy of  65 %.

5
 D5731 − 08

FIG. 5 Typical Modes of Failure for Valid and Invalid Tests—(a) Valid diametral tests; (b) valid axial tests; (c) valid block tests; (d) in-
valid core test; and (e) invalid axial test (point load strength index test). 3

9.3.4
9.3.4 Stea
Steadily
dily increase
increase the loaloadd suc
suchh tha
thatt fai
failur
luree occ
occurs
urs 9.4  Block and Irregular Lump Tests :
within 10 to 60 s, and record the failure load,  P. The test should 9.4.1 Rock blocks
blocks or lumps, 30 to 85 mm, and of the shape
be rej
rejecte
ected
d if the fracture
fracture sur
surfac
facee pas
passes
ses thr
throug
oughh onl
onlyy one shown in Fig.
in  Fig. 3(
3(c) and ( d ) are suitable for the block and the
loading point (see  Fig. 6(
6(e)). irregular lump tests. The ratio,  D/W , should be between 1 ⁄ 3  and
9.3.5 Proced
Procedures
ures   9.3.2
9.3.2 – 9.3
9.3.4
.4   are repeated
repeated for each test 1, preferably close to 1. The distance  L  should be at least 0.5
specimen of the rock type.

FIG. 6 Procedure
Procedure for Graphical Determinat
Determination
ion of I  (50)
(50)  from a Set
s 

of Results at D   Values Other Than 50 mm 3

e 

6
 D5731 − 08

W . SuiSuitab
table
le spe
specime
cimens ns can be obt obtain
ained
ed by saw
saw-cu
-cuttin
tting
g or 10. Calc
Calculat
ulation
ion
chisel-splitting larger samples or specimens if needed. 10.1   Uncorrected
Uncorrected Point Load Str ength Index— The
Strength The uncor
uncor--
9.4.2 Insert a specimen
specimen in the testing machine
machine and close the rected point load strength, I s  , is calculated as:
platens to make contact with the smallest dimension of the
lump or block, away from edges and corners (see Fig. (see  Fig. 3(
3(c) and  I 
s
5 P /  D 2 , MPa
e
(1)
(d ).
). where:
9.4.3 Record the distance
distance  D  between platen contact points. P = failur
failuree loa
load,
d, N,
Record the smallest specimen width, W , perpendicular to the  De = equ
equiva
ivalent
lent core
core diam
diameter
eter (see
(see   Fig. 3),
3), mm, and is
loading
loadin g direction. If the sides are not parallel, then calculate W  given by:
as (W 1  +  W 2)/2 as shown on  Fig. 3. 3.  This width, W , is used in  De2
= D2 for diametral core tests without penetration,
penetration, mm2,
calculating point load strength index irrespective of the actual or
mode of failure (see  Fig. 5 (c).  De 2
= 4A/ π  for axial, block, and lump tests, mm 2;
9.4.4
9.4 .4 Stea
Steadily
dily increase
increase the loa loadd suc
suchh tha
thatt fai
failur
luree occ
occurs
urs
where:
within 10 to 60 s, and record the failure load,  P. The test should
be rejrejecte
ected
d if the fracture
fracture sur
surfac
facee pas
passes
ses thr
throug
oughh onl
only y one  A = WD = minimu
minimumm cross-section
cross-sectional
al area of a plane
plane through
through
loading point (see examples for other shapes in  Fig. 5( 5(d ) or ( e). the platen contact points (see  Fig. 3).
3).
9.4.5 Proced
Procedures
ures   9.4.2
9.4.2 – 9.4
9.4.4
.4   are repeated
repeated for each test NOTE   4—If significant platen penetration occurs in the test, such as
when testing weak sandstones, the value of  D
 D  should be the final value of 
specimen in the sample. the separation of the loading points, D '. Measurements of core diameter,
9.5   Anisotropic Rock:  D, or spe
specim
cimen
en wid th, W , mad
width, madee per
perpen
pendic
dicula
ularr to the line joi
joinin
ning
g the
loading points are not affected by this platen penetration and should be
9.5.1
9.5.1 WheWhen n a roc
rockk samp
sample
le is sha
shaly
ly,, bed
bedded
ded,, sch
schisto
istose,
se, or retained at the original values. The modified values of  D
 De can be calculated
otherwise observably anisotropic, it should be tested in direc- from:
tions that will give the greatest and least strength values, in
 D 2 5  D 3 D ' for cores 5 4/ π  W  3 D ' fo
forr ot
othe
herr sh
shap
apes
es (2)
general, parallel and normal to the planes of anisotropy. e

9.5.2 If the sample consists of core drilled through weakness weakness 10.2  Size Corrected Point Load Index :
planes, a set of diametral tests may be completed first, spaced 10.2.1
10.2. 1 The point load index,index, Is, varies as a function of  D  in
at intervals that will yield pieces that can then be tested axially. the diametral test, and as a function of  D e  in axial, block, and
9.5.3 Stron
Strongest
gest test results are obtained when the core axis irregular lump tests, so that a size correction must be applied,
is perpendicular to the planes of weakness; therefore, when if the  D  values for all the specimens are not the same, to obtain
possible, the core should be drilled in this direction. The angle an unique point load strength value for the rock specimen and
between the core axis and the normal to the direction of least one that can be used for purposes of rock strength classifica-
strength should preferably not exceed 30°. tion. See Fig.
See  Fig. 7.7.
9.5.4 For measurement
measurement of the point load strength index ( I s) 10.2.2
10.2. 2 The size corrected point point load strength index,
index,  I s(D), of 
valuee in the direction
valu direction of lealeast
st str
streng
ength,
th, ensure
ensure tha
thatt loa
load
d is a rock specimen is defined in this procedure as the value of  I s
applied along a single weakness
weakness plane. Similarly,
Similarly, when testing that would have been measured by a diametral test with D = 50
for the  I s  value in the direction of greatest strength, ensure that mm and given the symbol I s(50). The diameter of 50 mm has
thee lo
th load
ad is ap applplied
ied peperp
rpen
endi
dicu
cular
lar to ththee di
dire
recti
ction
on of lea
leastst been the preferred diameter since that diameter is associated
strength
streng th (see
(see Fig.
 Fig. 4).
4). with rock quality designations (RQD) and predominance of Nx
9.5.5 If the sample consists of blocks or irregular lumps, lumps, it core samples
samples..
should
sho uld be testtested
ed as two subsampl
subsamples,
es, with loaloadd firs
firstt app
applied
lied 10.2.3
10. 2.3 Whe
When n a pre
precise
cise rock cla classifi
ssificati
cation
on is ess
essent
ential,
ial, the
perpendicular to, then along the observable planes of weak- most reliable method of obtaining  I s(50)  is to conduct diametral
ness. Again, the required minimum strength value is obtained test
te stss at or cl clos
osee to D = 50 mm mm.. SizSizee cocorr
rrect
ectio
ionn is ththen
en
when the platens make contact and are loaded to failure along unnecessary. For example, in case of diametral tests on NX,
a single plane of weakness. core diameter = 54 mm and size correction to D  = 50 mm is
nott ne
no nececess
ssar
aryy. Mo
Mostst po
poinintt lo
load
ad ststre
reng
ngthth tes
tests
ts ar
aree in fa fact
ct
9.6 If significant
significant platen penetration occurs,
occurs, the dimension D
performed using other specimen sizes or shapes. In such cases,
to be used in calculating point load strength should be the value
the size cor correc
rectio
tionn des
descri
cribed
bed in   10.2.4 or   10.2.5   mustmust be
 D' measured at the instant of failure, that will be smaller than
applied.
the initial value suggested in 9.2.3
in  9.2.3,,  9.3.3
 9.3.3,, and 9.4.3
and  9.4.3.. The error
10.2.4
10.2. 4 The most reliable
reliable method of size correction
correction is to test
in assuming D   to be its initial value is negligible when the
thee sp
th speci
ecime
men n ov
overer a ra
rang
ngee of  D or De   value valuess an
andd to pl plot
ot
specime
spe cimenn is lar
large
ge or str
strong
ong.. The dimensio
dimension n at fail
failure
ure may
graphically
graph ically the relatio
relationn between P and  D e. If a log-log plot is
always be used as an alternative to the initial value and is
used, the relation is a straight line (see   Fig. 6) 6). Poi
Points
nts that
preferred.
deviate substantially from the straight line may be disregarded
9.7   Water Content  (alth
(a lthou
oughgh th
they
ey sh shou
ould
ld no
nott be de dele
leted
ted).
). Th
Thee va
valu
luee of  I s(50)
2 2
9.7.1 For precise measurements, follow Test Method
Method D2216
 D2216 correspond
corre sponding
ing to D e = 2500 2500 mm ( De   = 50 mm) can be
to det
determ
ermine
ine the wate
waterr con
content
tent of each rock specimen
specimen and obtained by interpolation and use of the size-corrected point
report the moisture condition (see Section 1111)). load strength index calculated as shown in  10.2.5  10.2.5..
9.7.2
9.7.2 At the minimum,
minimum, water content
content sha
shall
ll be recorded
recorded as 10.2.5
10. 2.5 Whe
When n neineither
ther   10.2.3 nor   10.2.4   is pra practic
ctical
al (fo
(forr
air-dried,
air-dried, satura
saturated,
ted, as-re
as-received,
ceived, etc. example when testing single-sized core at a diameter other than

7
 D5731 − 08

FIG. 7 Exampl
Example
e of Descrip
Descriptive
tive Strength
Strength Classification
Classification and Using a Nomo
Nomograph
graph to Compute the Point Load Index. Other Strength
Strength Clas-
sifications May be Used.

50 mm or if ononly
ly a fe
few
w sm
small
all pieces
pieces ar
aree av
avail
ailab
able)
le),, si
size
ze  I  ~ 50! 5 F  3 I 
s s
(3 )
correction may be accomplished using the formula:

3
FIG. 8 Size Correction
Correction Factor
Factor Chart

8
 D5731 − 08

The “Size Correction Factor F ” can be obtained from the s c

5 K * I 
s
(6 )
chart in Fig.
in  Fig. 8,
8,  or from the expression:
where:
F  5 ~ D  /50 ! 0.45
e
(4 ) sc = uniax
uniaxial
ial compressi
compressiveve strength,
strength, MPa
K  = ind
index
ex to str
streng
ength
th con
conver
versio
sion
n fac
factor
tor that dep
depend
endss on
where:
site-specific
site-specific correlation between sc  and Is  for a specific
F  5 size correction factor
specimen with a test diameter (D), MPa and
For tests near the standard 50-mm size, only slight error is  I s = uncor
uncorrected
rected point
point load strength
strength index
index from
from a specimen
introduced by using the approximate expression: with a specific test diameter ( D).

F  5 =~ D  /50 ! (5 ) 10.5.1 If site-specific

10.5.1 site-specific correlation
correlation factor
factor “ K ” is not available,
e

the generalized values may be used in  Table 1. 1.

instead of using the procedure outlined in  10.2.4 on
on Fig.
 Fig. 6.
6.
10.3   Mean Value Calculation:
TABLE 1 General
Generalized
ized Index to Strength Conversion
Conversion Facto
Factorr (K)
10.3.1
10.3.1 Mean values
values of  I 
 I s(50), as defined in 10.3.2
in  10.3.2,, are to be forA
used when classifying samples with regard to their point load Core Size, mm Value of “K” (Generalized)
strength and point load strength anisotropy indices. 21.5 (Ex Core) 18
10.3
10.3.2
.2 The meameann vavalu
luee of  I s(50)   is to be cacalc
lcul
ulat
ated
ed by 30 19
deleting
deletin g the two highest and two lowest values from the ten, or 42 (Bx Core) 21
50 23
more, valid tests, and calculating the mean of the remaining 54 (Nx Core) 24
values.
valu es. If sig
signifi
nifican
cantly
tly few
fewer er spe
specime
cimensns are tes
tested,
ted, onl
onlyy the 60 2 4. 5
high
highest
est an
and
d lo
lowe
west
st va
valu
lues
es ar aree to be de delet
leted
ed an
and
d ththee mea
meann A
Bieniawski,
Bieniawski, Z.T. The Point-
Point-Load
Load Test in Geotec
Geotechnical
hnical Practice, Engineering
calculated from those remaining. Geology (9) 1-11.

10.4   Point Load Strength Anisotropy

Anisotropy Index— The The strength
anisotropy
anisotr opy index I a(50)   is defined as the ratio of mean I s(50)
valu
va lues
es mea
measusure
red
d pe perp
rpen
endi
dicu
cula
larr an
and
d pa
para
ralle
llell to pl
plan
aneses of  10.5.2
10.5.2 If any specimen
specimen in a rock type gives a val
value
ue 20 %
weak
we akne
ness
ss,, th
that
at is
is,, th
thee ra
ratio
tio of grgreat
eates
estt to le
least
ast po
poin
intt lo
load
ad under the average, it should be examined for defects and a
6
strength indices. See Fig.
See  Fig. 9 . decision made on the validity of the results.
10.5   Estimat
Estimation
ion of Uni
Uniaxi
axial
al Com
Comprpress
essive
ive Str
Strength— The
ength— The
11. Repo
Report
rt
estimated uniax
estimated uniaxial
ial compr
compressive
essive strength can be obtained by
using Fig.
using  Fig. 9,
9, for Nx core, or using the following formula: 11.1
11 .1 A typ
typical
ical rep
report
ort (ex
(examp
ample
le sho
shown
wn in   Fig.
Fig. 10
10)) ma
may
y
include the follow
include following:
ing:
6 11.1.1
11 .1.1 Sour
Source
ce of sample including project name, location,
D’Andrea, D.V., Fisher, R.L., and Fogelson, D.E., Prediction of Compressive
Properties,  U.S. Bureau of Mines Rep. Invest., ,
Strength of Rock from Other Rock Properties,
Strength how collected (drill hole, block sample, etc.) and, if known,
6702, 1965. storage (curatorial history) environment. The location may be

FIG. 9 Relati
Relationship
onship Between Point Load Strength Index and Uniaxial Compressive
Compressive Streng
Strength
th from 125 Tests On Sandst
Sandstone,
one, Quartzite,
Quartzite,
Marikana
Marikan a Norit
Norite,
e, and Belfa
Belfast
st Norite6
Norite

9
 D5731 − 08

FIG. 10 Te
Test
st Record Example3
Example

specified in terms of borehole number and depth of specimen cases,, es

cases espe
peci
ciall
ally
y wh
wher
eree th
thee re
resu
sults
lts ar
aree sen
sensit
sitiv
ivee to wa
wate
terr
from the collar of the hole, content, it may be necessary to report the actual water content
11.1.2
11.1.2 Physi
Physical
cal descr
description
iption of sample including
including rock type as determined in accordance with Test Method  D2216  D2216,,
and location and orien
orientation
tation of discon
discontinuitie
tinuities,
s, such as, appar
appar-- 11.1.6
11 .1.6 Averag
veragee thickness and average diameter of the test
ent wea
weakne
kness
ss pla
planes
nes,, bed
beddin
ding
g pla
planes
nes,, sch
schisto
istosit
sity
y, or lar
large
ge specimen,
inclusions, if any, 11.1.7
11 .1.7 The maximum
maximum applied load “  P ”,
11.1.3
11.1.3 Date and perso
personnel
nnel involved with sampling, speci- 11.1.8
11 .1.8 The distance
distance “ D” or D', or both, if required,
men preparation, and testing, 11.1.9 Direction of loading (parallel to or normal to plane of 
11.1.4 Test apparatus
apparatus used, model number,
number, and calibrations, weakness or anisotrophy directions),
11.1.5
11.1.5 As a minimu
minimum, m, a gener
general
al indication of the moisture
moisture 11.1.10
11 .1.10 The number of specimens tested and how prepared,prepared,
condit
con dition
ion of tes
testt spe
specime
cimens ns at the time of testing,
testing, suc
such
h as, 11.1.
11 .1.11
11 The calccalcula
ulated
ted unc
uncorr
orrecte
ected
d ( I s) anand
d cocorr
rrec
ected
ted
saturated, as received, laboratory air dry, or oven dry. In some (D=50 mm), I s(50)  point load strength index values,

10
 D5731 − 08

11.
1.1.
1.12
12 The est
estima
imated
ted va
value
lue of un uniax
iaxial
ial co
comp
mpres
ressiv
sivee tested, Subcommittee D18.12 cannot determine the variation
strength (σc) and the strength classification, between tests since any variation observed is just as likely to be
11.1.13
11 .1.13 The calculated value of streng
strength
th anisotropy index due to specimen variation as to operator or testing variation.
( I a(50)), and Subcom
Sub committ
mittee
ee D18
D18.12
.12 wel
welcom
comes
es pro
propos
posals
als to res
resolv
olvee thi
thiss
11.1.14
11 .1.14 Type and locatio
location
n of failure, including any photo- problem
prob lem and would allow for development
development of a valid precision
precision
graphs of the tested specimens before and after the test. statement.
12.2   Bias— There
There is no accepted reference value for this test
12. Pre
Precisi
cision
on and Bias method; therefore, bias cannot be determined.
12.1   Precision— Due
Due to the nature of rock materials tested
by this test meth
method,
od, mul
multip
tiple
le spe
specim
cimens
ens tha
thatt hav
havee uni
unifor
form
m 13. Keyw
Keywords
ords
physical properties have not been produced for testing. Since 13.1 compr
compressive
essive strength;
strength; index test; point load; rock; rock 
specimens that would yield the same test results have not been classification

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Comm
Committ
ittee
ee D1
D188 ha
hass id
iden
enti
tified
fied th
thee lo
loca
catio
tionn of sel
select
ected
ed ch
chan
ange
gess to th
this
is st
stan
anda
dard
rd sin
since
ce th
thee las
lastt is
issu
suee
(D5731 – 07) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved January 1, 2008.)

(1)  Section 8.4

8.4 revised.
 revised. (3)  Fig. 10 expanded.
10  expanded.
(2)  Eq 6 was corrected to have symbols to be universal with the
liter
literat
atur
uree an
andd wi
with
th ot
othe
herr AS
ASTM
TM ststan
anda
dard
rds.
s. Th
Thee in
inde
dex
x to
stre
streng
ngth
th fa
fact
ctor
or sy
symb
mbol
ol wawass ch
chan
ange
ged
d fr
from
om C to K to be
consistent with the literature.

Committ
Comm ittee
ee D1
D188 ha
hass id
iden
enti
tified
fied th
thee lo
loca
catio
tionn of sel
select
ected
ed ch
chan
ange
gess to th
this
is st
stan
anda
dard
rd sin
since
ce th
thee las
lastt is
issu
suee
(D5731 – 05) that may impact the use of this standard. (Approved February 1, 2007.)

(1)  Change in title to include Rock Strength Classifications. (19)  Sections 8.4 8.4,,  8.4.1
 8.4.1,, and 9.1
9.1 were
 were added.
(2)  Revised Section 1.1 1.1.. (20)  9.3.1 and
and 9.4.5
 9.4.5   were revised.
(3)  Added Sections 1.2 and 1.3 1.3.. (21)  9.7.2
 9.7.2 added.
 added.
(4)  Revised Section 1.4 1.4.. (22)  Eq 1  revised.
(5)  Added Section 1.5 1.5.. (23)  10.2
 10.2   heading revised.
(6)  Added
 Added E122
 E122 to 2. (24)  10.2.1
 10.2.1 revised.
 revised.
(7)  Terms added to Section 3.2 3.2.. (25)  10.2.2
 10.2.2 expanded.
 expanded.
(8)  Revised
 Revised 5.2
 5.2 – 5.4.
5.4. (26)  Section
 Section 10.5
 10.5  Compressive Strength was changed to Uni-
(9)  Fig. 1 replaced
1  replaced with newer version of the apparatus. axial Compressive Strength and the figure number was cor-
(10)  Revised
 Revised 6.2.1
 6.2.1,,  6.2.2
 6.2.2,,  a
 and
nd 6.5
 6.5.. rected to the correct figure number.
(11)  Note 2 was
2  was added. (27)  10.5.2
 10.5.2 clarified.
 clarified.
(12)  Updated Sections  6.3.4  6.3.4,,  6.4.1
 6.4.1,, and 6.4.3
and  6.4.3.. (28)  11
 11 revised.
 revised.
(13)  Added reference to Bieniawski. 4 (29)  Fig. 2 title
2  title revised.
(14) Ch
Chan
ange
ged d prprev
evioious
us SeSectctio
ionn 7 on Sp Speci
ecime
mens
ns in
into
to tw
two
o (30)  Fig. 3 
3   notation revised.
sections, 7 and 8. (31)  Fig. 4 added.
4  added.
(15)  Added Section
Sectionss  7.2.3
 7.2.3,,  7.2.4
 7.2.4,, and 7.4
and  7.4.. (32)  Fig. 5 corrected.
5  corrected.
(16)  Section 8.28.2 expanded.
 expanded. (33)  Fig. 7 added.
7  added.
(17)  Added  Note 3. 3. (34)  13  revised.
(18)  Section 8.38.3 revised.
 revised. (35)  Table 1 title
1  title changed and in-text reference added.

11
 D5731 − 08
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