Department of Mining Engineering, IIT Kharagpur

Rock Mechanics
Laboratory Manual

 
 
 

Abstract: the documents contain the methodology for determination of various physical and 
mechanical properties of rock and soil type material. 
 Contents
Experiment 1: Core recovery percentage and Rock quality designation (RQD) ............ 3 
Experiment 2: Protodyakonov Strength Index .......................................................................... 5 
Experiment 3: Slake Durability Index ........................................................................................... 9 
Experiment 4: Determination of Bulk & Grain density, Absolute porosity and Void
ratio of a rock sample by Pycnometer ....................................................................................... 11 
Experiment 5a: Coefficient of permeability by constant head method .......................... 14 
Experiment 5b: Coefficient of permeability by falling head method .............................. 17 
Experiment 6a: Uniaxial Compressive Strength .................................................................... 21 
Experiment 6b: Tensile Strength ................................................................................................. 23 
Experiment 6c: Shear Strength by Punch ................................................................................. 25 
Experiment 7: Non destructive tests (NDT) to determine Young modulus (E) .......... 26 
Experiment 8: Schmidt Rebound Hardness ............................................................................. 28 
Experiment 9: Micro‐bit drilling.................................................................................................. 30 
Experiment 10: Point Load Strength Index ............................................................................. 32 
Experiment 11: Triaxial Compressive Strength ..................................................................... 35 
Experiment 12: Direct shear test ................................................................................................ 38 
Experiment 13: Obligue shear test ............................................................................................. 41 
How to Write Laboratory Report ................................................................................................ 42 

2
Experiment 1: Core recovery
percentage and Rock quality
designation (RQD)
Aim: To determine the core recovery percentage and rock quality designation (RQD)
of the given borehole logs

Apparatus: Meter scale

Theory:

The Rock Quality Designation (RQD) was developed by Deere in 1967 to provide a quantitative estimate of rock
mass quality from drill core logs drilled with a double-tube core barrel. RQD is defined as the percentage of intact
core pieces longer than 10 cm in the total length of core. Ignore the mechanical break caused by the drilling
process.
∑ length of core pieces 10
RQD 100
Total length of core run
Deer proposed the following relationship between the numerical value of RQD and the engineering quality of the
rock

RQD Rock Quality

< 25 Very Poor
25-50 Poor
50-75 Fair
75-90 Good
90-100 Very Good

Recovery percentage is an indication of the strength, composition as well as percentage of discontinuities in the
rock core.
Sum of the lengths of core pieces
Recovery % 100
Total length of core run

Prodedure
1. Designate the core-box and section with number
2. Measure the core-box length, as it is the total length of core run
3. Measure the length of each core pieces
4. In case of angular discontinuity the average length is take to reduce the ambiguities

3
Reporting of Results

1. Precautions taken

CORE BOX NO: 1 [Total length of core run = ]

Section Length of core pieces, cm Length of core pieces > 10 cm Recovery RQD Remark
A
B
C
D

4
Experiment 2: Protodyakonov Strength
Index
Aim: To determine the Hardness/Resistance of rock to failure by Protodyakonov strength index

Introduction
The technique of determining the Protodyakonov Index (f) was developed in Russia, but because it is simple,
yields more consistent results, and is less time consuming, it is being adopted more widely. The strength index,
determined by this method, on one hand, helps in the design of the mine structures and on the other hand, it is
extensively used for planning large scale rock breaking by heavy blasting or dropping of material because of
transfer from one haulage to the other.
The technique is based on the principle of crushability of coal or rock under standard experimental
conditions. The specified weight of the sample screened to uniform size between 10 mm and 15 mm, is placed in
a cylindrical container and is subjected to a known number of blows (varies between 5 to 15) by a cylindrical
hammer of specified size and weight which is dropped from known height. The fines (below 0.5 mm), thus
produced, are placed in a volumeter and the strength index is established by the following empirical relation:
20n
f 
h
Where, n = Number of drops of the hammer; and h = Height of fines in the Volumeter in mm.
The number indicates the relative ease with which a rock can be broken. e.g. strong lignites and weak clay shales
have protodyakonov strength number as 1.5 to 2; strong coal and anthracite have strength number as 2;
exceedingly strong quartzites and gabbro-diorities have the number as 20-25, the highest number. Other rocks
have the number in between.

Gokhale (2015) mentioned a correlation between the Protodykonov number with properties of rock as
2 
f  1.887  c  (2)
 2E 
Where, c is UCS in kg cm
2
and E is modulus of elasticity in kg cm .
2

Or it can be re-written to find the UCS

 C  1.06  E  f kg/cm2
2 2
Where, E is modulus of elasticity of rock in kgf/cm [1 kgf/cm = 0.1 MPa]

Apparatus
1. Main Apparatus: The measuring apparatus consists of a steel hollow cylinder with internal diameter of 75
mm. it is closed at the bottom and open at the upper end, the provision is made to hold, by means of a pin, a
flat bottom drop weight of 2.4 kg and of 56 mm diameter. This cylinder is used for crushing the sample by
dropping it from the height of 630 mm.
2. Volumeter: It consists of a tube and a piston with graduations from 0 to 150 mm both are made of steel/brass.
The internal diameter of the Volumeter is 23 mm. The piston slides freely in the Volumeter and its zero mark
coincides with the upper edge of the Volumeter tube when the piston rests at the base of the empty tube.
3. Sieve: Three sieves of size 0.5, 10, and 15 mm
4. Slide calipers
5. Electronic balance

Testing Procedure
Depending on the nature of the coal sample, it is reduced in size, either by running it in the jaw crusher or by the
strokes of a wooden mallet.
1. Five samples are prepared by screening the crushed matter between the range of 15 mm and 10 mm.

5
2. For the test, one prepared samples weighing (say 50 gm) are poured into the main apparatus. The number of
blows of the hammer (take 10 for example) can be applied by dropping the hammer from the full standard
height of 630 mm.
3. The crushed sample is screened for 90 sec through 0.5 mm screen. The screened fines are placed in the
volumeter tube and tapped 10 times from the height of about 60 mm. The piston is, then, inserted and the
piston reading is recorded. The strength index is calculated.
4. Repeat the process 2 to 4 for another four samples.
5. Average strength index is determined by averaging the results.

Reporting of Results
1. Lithological description
2. Source of sample
3. Number of specimen tested
4. Specimen diameter and height
5. Water content and degree of saturation at time of test
6. Compressive strength in MPa

 
Φ30
Handle 
10
Pin  0 Piston 
Top hollow cylinder 

Hollow cylinder 
Drop weight 
Φ56

Φ75 170
700

630

175
150

Φ23

Bottom cylinder 

Φ85
Not true scale,  All dimensions are in mm 
(a) Main Apparatus (b) Volumeter
Observation Table:
Sample No. of Height of fines Protodyakonov
no. blows in Volumeter strength index (f)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Average Protodyakonov strength index (f)

6
One of the earlier attempts of correlating penetration rate with rock properties by
Protodyakonov in year 1926 based on toughness index based on simple test. Many terms such
as penetration rate, gross penetration rate, drilling rate, drill performance etc. are used in
connection with the progress of blasthole drilling. Since the terminology is not standardized,
often these terms are intermixed. Protodykonov and Micro-bit drilling is an attempt to correlate
penetration rate with one or more easily measurable proeprties of rock. The protodykonov
number, that represented the dynamic strength of the rock, is found by using an empirical
formula.
Table 1. Definition of Penetration rate category factor (Gokhale, 2015)

Table 2. Rock classification based on Protodykonov indices (Gokhale, 2015)

7
Based on these tests Protodynakov proposed a classification of rock as shown in Table 2. The
indices presented give indications of likely penetration rates only on relative basis rather than
absolute basis. Therefore, they are not of much use in actual estimation.

References:
1. Gokhale BV (2015) Rotary drilling blasting in large surface mines, 2nd Indian edition,
CRC Press, 281-285.

8
Experiment 3: Slake Durability Index
Aim: To determine the weatherability of rock by Slake Durability Index

Introduction
This test is intended to access the resistance offered by a rock sample to weakening and disintegration when
subjected to two standard cycles of drying and wetting in a slaking fluid usually water. Slaking Fluid; The fluid
used in slake durability test is termed as slaking fluid. Tap water at 200, approximating to normal ambient
temperature is specified for the test. Note: acids, sea water or corrosive ground water could also be used. This test
was proposed by Franklin and Chandra in year 1972.
The test is recommended by the International Society of Rock Mechanics (ISRM) and standardized by the
American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Apparatus
1. The test drum mesh from 2.0 mm wire of unobstructed length of 100.0 mm and diameter 140 mm with
a solid fixed base. The drum is able to withstand a temperature of 1050C. The drum have solid removable
lid. The drum shall be sufficiently strong to retain its shape during use, but neither the exterior of the
mesh nor the interior of the drum should be obstructed, by reinforcing members.
2. A trough, to contain the test drum supported with its axis horizontal in a manner allowing rotation,
capable of being filled with a slaking fluid, such as water, to a level 20 mm below the drum axis. The
drum shall be mounted to allow 40 mm unobstructed clearances between the trough and the base of the
mesh.
3. A motor drive, capable of rotating the drum at a speed of 20 rev/min, the speed to be held constant to
within 5 percent for a period of 10 minutes.
4. An oven, capable of maintaining a temperature of 105 ± 30C for a period of at least 12 hours.
5. A balance, capable of weighting the drum plus sample to an accuracy of 0.5 g.

Fig. Critical dimension of Slake surability test apparatus

Test Procedure
1. A representative sample comprising ten rock lumps should be selected, each weighing 40 – 60 g to give
a total sample weight of 450- 550 g. Lumps should be roughly spherical in shape and corners should be
rounded off during preparation. Maximum grain size not more than 3mm.
2. The sample is placed in a clean drum and is dried to constant mass at a temperature of 1050C, usually
requiring 2 to 6 hr in the oven. The mass A of the drum plus sample is recorded. The sample is tested
after cooling.
3. The lid is replaced, the drum mounted in the trough and coupled to the motor.

9
 4. The trough is filled with slaking fluid as per specification and the drum rotated at 20 rev/min for a period
of 10 minutes.
5. The drum is removed from the trough, the lid removed from the drum and the drum plus retained portion
of the sample dried to constant mass at 1050C. The mass B of the drum plus retained portion of the sample
is recorded after cooling.
6. Step 4-5 are repeated and the mass C of the drum plus retained portion of the sample is recorded.
7. The drum is brushed clean and its mass D is recorded.

Calculation
The slake-durability index (Second cycle) is calculated as percentage ratio of final to initial dry sample weights
as follows:
CD
Slake-durability Index percent I d2  100
A D
Reporting of Result
1. The report shall include the following information for each sample tested:
 The slake-durability index (second cycle) to nearest 0.1 percent; and
 The nature and temperature of the slaking fluid, usually tap water at 200C
2. If required additional information for details of fragments retained in the drum and material passing through
the drum may also be given.
3. A sub-division of the slake-durability scale may be used for classification as given in Table 1.

Table 1. Gambles’ Slake Durability Classification (Goodman, 1980)

Group Name % retained after % retained after
one 10 min cycle two 10 min cycle
(dry weight basis) (dry weight basis)
Very high durability > 99 > 98
High durability 98 – 99 95 – 98
Medium high durability 95 – 98 85 – 95
Medium durability 85 – 95 60 – 95
Low durability 60 – 85 30 – 60
Very low durability < 60 < 30

The second cycle slake-durability index, calculated as in calculation, with tap water at 200C, is proposed for use
in rock classification. However, sample with second cycle indexes from 0 to 10 percent should be further
characterized by their cycle slake-durability indices as follows:

BD
Slake-durability Index (First-cycle) I d1  100 percent
A D
Table 1. Tentative Sub-Division of Slake-Durability Scale (Clause 6.2)
Slake-durability Index I percent Classification
d
0-25 Very low
Over 25-50 Low
Over 50-75 Medium
Over 75-90 High
Over 90-95 Very high
Over 95-100 Extremely high

10
Experiment 4: Determination of Bulk &
Grain density, Absolute porosity and
Void ratio of a rock sample by
Pycnometer
Apparatus
1. Pycnometer (50ml): The pycnometer (Fig. 1) is a glass flask with a close-fitting ground
glass stopper with a capillary hole through it. This fine hole releases a spare liquid after
closing a top-filled pycnometer and allows for obtaining a given volume of measured and/or
working liquid with a high accuracy.
2. Distilled water
3. Weighing balance
4. Grinding pot or Pestle
5. Vernier caliper

Theory
Bulk density, grain density, absolute porosity and void ratio are important physical parameter of
natural material like rock.

Density:
The sample are crushed and the actual volume of the solids are determined, The measurement is
absolute because the indentity of any isolated pores would be lost in crushing process.

The density of granular material can be ambiguous, depending on exactly how its volume is 
defined, and this may cause confusion in measurement. the density is expressed in terms of 
unit weight. Unit weight (kN/m3) is defined as the ratio of the total weight of the sample in 
air to the total volume of the sample.  The volume of the sample includes the volume occupied 
by solid or fluid (air, water etc). 

Bulk density
Bulk density is the ratio of mass (m) and volume of the sample (V).  It can be expressed in 
terms of unit weight (kN/m3) or kg/m3. Here, volume includes particle volume, inter‐particle 
void volume and internal pore volume. 

Grain density
Grain density of a sample is defined as the weight of the grain divided by the grain volume.  It 
is useful to determine the absolute porosity of sample with the known bulk density. 
The procedure for determination of grain density  , adopted here for the present samples 
is applicable for oven dried samples composed of particles smaller than 4.75 mm (No. 4 U.S. 
Sieve) in size. Pycnometer is used to determine the grain density. 

11
 
Absolute Porosity ( ) 
Absolute porosity is defined as the ratio of the void volume and the bulk volume. Void volume 
can be found as follows: 
 
The porosity can also be determined by using the relationship between the grain density and 
bulk density as follows. 

1 100

Void ratio (e) 
It is defined as the ratio of void volume to the grain volume.  The void volume is related with 
porosity as follows: 

 
1
Procedure: 
1. Measure the weight by weighing machine and dimensions of the sample by vernier 
caliper to find the volume of the sample. Determine the bulk density as  

Bulk density   =   

2. The sample is crushed using impact crusher or pestle (not a grinder) to a powder 
3. The pycnometer, whose volume is known, is dried and weighted ( ), and then the 
volume  and  mass  of  a  portion  of  the  crushed  sample  are  determined  using 
pycnometer. 
a. Fill the pycnometer with the distilled water and obtain its mass ( ) 
b. Empty and dry the pycnometer 
c. Place a sample of crushed rock in the pycnometer (about one‐half the volme 
of the pycnometer) and determine the mass  ( ) 
d. Fill  the  pycnometer  (containing  the  crushed  sample),  then  with  the  distilled 
water used in step 1 above, and determine the mass  ( ). 
e. The grain density is calculated from the data as follows: 
 
 is the weight of pycnometer;    : weight of pycnometer and sample;   : weight 
of pycnometer, waste sample and water; and   : weight of pycnometer and water 
 

12
  

Grain volume =    =     m3. 


Grain density   =   

Figure: Specific Gravity test of a Sample by picnometer 
 

13
Experiment 5a: Coefficient of
permeability by constant head method
AIM: To determine the coefficient of permeability of the given sample using constant head
method

Need and Scope: The knowledge of this property is much useful in solving problems involving
yield of water bearing strata, seepage through earthen dams, stability of earthen dams, and
embankments of canal bank affected by seepage, settlement etc.

Equipment
1. Constant Head Permeameter: Permeameter mould of non-corrodible material
having a capacity of *** ml, with an internal diameter of 40 mm and effective height
of *** mm.
2. The mould shall be fitted with a detachable base plate and removable extension
counter.
3. Constant head tank: A suitable water reservoir capable of supplying water to the
permeameter under constant head.
4. Graduated glass cylinder to receive the discharge.
5. Stop watch to note the time.
6. A meter scale to measure the head differences and length of specimen.

Theory
The coefficient of permeability for a granular material can be determined in the laboratory by
two methods:
a) Constant-head test and
b) Variable-head (or falling-head) test.
First method is used for K  106 m s , whereas second method is for K  106 m s . In this
experiment, the constant head test method will be discussed.

From the experiments on water flow Darcy in 1856 concluded that the rate of flow is
proportional to the constant cross sectional area (A), hydraulic head  h1  h2  and inversely
proportional to the distance of the two hydraulic head.
h h
q A 1 2 (1)
L
h h dh
q   KA 1 2   KA (2)
L dL
Where: K is the hydraulic conductivity  m s  or coefficient of permeability. It is defined as
the discharge velocity through a unit area under a unit hydraulic gradient and is dependent
upon the properties of the medium (soil or rock), as well as the viscosity and density of
the fluid. q = flow in unit time  m 3 s  , h1 and h2 are hydraulic head, and L is length of flow
over which the head loss occurs. Minus in the right side of this equation is necessary because
dh
head decreases in the direction of flow. is hydraulic gradient.
dL

14
The Darcy’s law can be expressed in terms of pressure drop  p  h w g  aswell:
A p
qK (3)
L w g
Hydraulic conductivity is a parameter specific to the flow of fresh water through a medium The
flow of other fluids can be of interest, particularly in the analysis of pertroleum reservoir and
some contaminant migration problems. The rate of flow changes with the viscosity of the fluid
(e.g. oil vs. water vs. gas) so another parameter called Intrinsic permeability or permeability
 k  is related to hydraulic conductivity as:
g
K k (4)

Where, k is intrinsic permeability of the medium (i.e. soil or rock) not the property of the fluid.
As it is independedent of the properties i.e. density and viscosity of the fluid. Its unit m 2 or
Darcy. 1 Darcy = 10-12 m2.
Where,     , is kinamatic viscosity  m 2 s  and in CGS unit expressed by stroke, where 1
stroke = 104 m 2 s . It is ratio of viscous forces to the internal forces i.e density.
 is dynamic viscosity or absolute viscosity or viscosity  Pa.s  and in CGS unit viscosity is
expressed by Poise, where 1 Poise = 101 Pa.s . It the quantitative measure of fluid resistence
to flow.
 is density of fluid  kg m3  and g is acceleration due to gravity  m s 2  .

Figure: Permeability Test by constant head method 

Procedure
1. Run water through into the top of the large funnel fixed to the stand through a plastic
tube from the water inlet. The water will flow through the specimen to the constant
head chamber. After some time, the water will flow into the sink through the outlet in
the constant head chamber.
2. Adjust the supply of water to the funnel so that the water level in the funnel remains
constant. At the same time, allow the flow to continue for about 10 minutes in order to
saturate the specimen.

15
 3. Some air bubbles may appear in the plastic tube connecting the funnel to the specimen
tube. Remove the air bubbles.
4. After steady flow is established (that is, once the head difference h is constant), collect
the water flowing out the constant head chamber in a graduated cylinder. Record the
collection time (t) with a stop watch.
5. Change the head difference, h, and repeat the above three steps about three times.

Observation Table
 Length of specimen, L = ____mm;
 Diameter of specimen, D = ____ mm;
 Cross sectional area of specimen, A = ____mm2

Table 1. Determination of hydraulic conductivity

Discharge Discharge rate
Test Constant Elapsed qL
volume, V K
No. head, h (mm) Time, t (s) q V t Ah
(mm3)
1.
2.
3.
Average K (m/s)

Result Reporting:
 Find the average value of hydralulic conductivity by plotting a linear curve for flow rate
versus Ah L curve and measure its slope.
 Compare the slope of the line with the average K .
 Find the intrinsic permeability of the material if .

Figure: Typical plot of flow rate (q) versus permeability coefficient 

 Compute the coefficient of permeability from the above graph and compare with the
experimental value (average permeability).

16
Experiment 5b: Coefficient of
permeability by falling head method
AIM: To determine the coefficient of permeability of the given sample using falling head
method

THEORY:
For media of relatively low hydraulic conductivity, the fluid discharge from the system is small. In
this case, it is easier to perform a “falling head” measurement.

To calculate hydraulic conductivity in falling-head method, a mass balance approach is taken.

Note that the rate of water discharges from the tube into the permeameter is equal to the product
of the area of the tube and the rate of fluid movement through the tube:

dh
qtube   Atube (5)
dt

On the other hand, the rate at which water discharges from the permeameter is given by:

h
q perm  KAperm   (6)
L
Where, h refers to the difference in hydraulic head at the inlet and the outlet, and L is the
length of the sample (Figure 1). Notice that h decreases with time, hence the flow also
decreases with time.
At steady state condition, the flow thorough the glass tube will be equal to the flow through the
permeameter as given in Eqn (7).
dh h
 Atube  KAperm   (7)
dt L
t hf
A dh
K  dt   tube L  (8)
0
Aperm hi h
Atube L hi
K ln (9)
Aperm t h f

Since the cross-sectional areas are proportional to the square of the diameters of the falling head
tube, dtube , and the permeameter, d perm , the above equation can be further simplified to:

2
dtube L hi
K 2
ln (10)
d perm t h f

Note: Dynamic and Kinematic viscosity of water

17
   
Temperature
(oC) 10 3
Pa.s  10 m 2 s 
6

0 1.787 1.787
5 1.519 1.519
10 1.307 1.307
20 1.002 1.004
30 0.798 0.801
40 0.653 0.658
50 0.547 0.553
For fresh water at 20 C, k  m   0.001K  m s  .
o 2

Equpment:
1. One metallic mould: 100 mm diameter with hhheight of 127.4 mm and volume 1000
cc
2. One collars 100 mm dia and 50 mm high
3. One base plate containing a recess for porous stone and is provided with one outlet for
fixing rubber tube
4. One top plate with a recess for porous stone and provided with one inlet valve and one
air vent valve
5. Solid metal plate
6. Two poros stones
7. Wooden stand with 9 mounted glass tubes of innder diameter (ID) shown in Figure 2.
8. One rubber tubing 2 mm ID and 3 m long

Figure 1. (a) univeresal permeameter, and (b) line diagram

18
 Figure 2. Nine moulded glass with dimension (all dimension in mm)

For soil with low permeability, the falling head test is most applicable. The selection of the
standpipe should be done with regard to the following information:

Table 1. selection of stand pipe with respect to the particle size of test sample
Internal diameter
Test sample particle size
of Stand Pipe (mm)
6  0.002 mm
10 0.002 mm to 0.006 mm
20 0.006 mm to 0.20 mm
25 0.20 mm to 0.060 mm
40 0.060 mm to 0.200 mm
50 0.200 mm to 0.600 mm
60 0.600 mm to 2.000 mm
75  2.000 mm

Observation Table
Length of specimen, L = ____mm;
Diameter of permeameter, dperm = ____ mm;
Diameter of tube, dtube = ____ mm

Table 2. Determination of coefficient of permeability

Head (mm) Elapsed
Test K k
time, t
No. hi hf (m/s) (m2)
(s)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

19
9.
Average

20
Experiment 6a: Uniaxial Compressive
Strength
Aim: To determine the uniaxial compressive strength and poison’s ratio by universal testing machine

Introduction
By this testing number of mechanical properties of rock can be found like Compressive strength, cohesion, angle
of internal friction, poisons ratio, and modulus of elasticity.

Apparatus
1. Universal testing machine (UTM)
Parallel platens, discs of hardness not less than C30 (Rockwell), Dia of disc = specimen diameter,
thickness atleast 15 mm, flatness = 0.005 mm.
2. Suitable measuring device
3. Dial gauge or strain gauge

ISRM standard for sample preparation and testing

1. Straight cylindrical specimen length to diameter ratio = 2.5 to 3.0
a. Diameter not less than NX core size (54 mm)
b. Diameter of specimen: largest grain at least 10:1
2. Ends parallel and perpendicular to longitudinal axis
3. Ends flat to within 0.02 mm.
4. Ends perpendicular to the axis of the specimen within 0.001 radians (3.5 minutes).
5. Take average dia. of measuring at two perpendicular directions at top, bottom and the middle portion,
measures nearest 0.1 mm height – measure nearest to 1.0 mm.
6. Sample shall be stored no longer than 30 days
After sample preparation, s
tore for 5-6 days in an environment of 200±20 C and 50% ± humidity moisture condition should be
reported.
7. Loading rate 0.5 MPa/sec. to 1.0 MPa/sec.
8. Load on specimen recorded in newton within 1 %.
9. Number of samples – at least 5 or practically determined.

Calculations
Maximum load
Uniaxial compressive strength 
Original cross-section area
Poisson's Ratio = Lateral Strain / Longitudinal Strain
Reporting of Results
1. Pascal (Pa) shall be the unit of strength
2. Number of sample tested
3. Mode of failure
4. Lithological description of the rock
5. Orientation of the axis of loading with respect to specimen anisotropy e.g. bedding planes, foliation etc.
6. Source of sample, including geographic location, depth and orientation and date of sampling
7. Storage history and environment
8. Date of testing and type of testing machine
9. Specimen diameter and height
10. Water content and degree of saturation at time of test
11. Test duration and stress rate
12. Any other observation or available physical data
13. Find:
(a). Uniaxial compressive strength in MPa, (b). Young’s modulus (E), (c). Stress-strain curve, (d).
Cohesion, MPa, (e). Angle of internal friction, deg, and (f). Poisson’s ratio

21
 Specimen Vertical Stress
Load (N) Stress (σ)
deformation strain (ε) (σ/ ε)

 
Figure: Lateral and longitudinal strain for a sample 

22
Experiment 6b: Tensile Strength
Aim: To determine the tensile strength by indirect test of rock specimen.

Introduction
Due to difficulty in conducting a direct uniaxial tensile strength test, methods of indirect determination of tensile
strength of rocks have become popular. Several such indirect methods are available like Brazilian test, Ring test,
point load test and line load test. Brazilian test, though strictly not uniaxial in nature, has become quite widely
known because the values obtained are comparable with those of direct tests. The tensile strength is calculated
from the following equation:
0.636 P 2P
t  MPa  MN/m2
Dt   Dt
Where, P = Load at failure (N); D = Diameter (mm) and t = thickness (mm)

Apparatus
1. Two steel loading jaws to provide an arc of contact of approximately 10 degrees.
2. Double thickness (0.2-0.4 mm) adhesive paper strip with a width of equal to or slightly greater than the
specimen thickness.
3. A suitable machine for applying and measuring compressive loads to the specimen
4. A spherical seat.

Line diagram of Brazilian cage

Testing Procedure
1. End faces flat to within 0.25 mm and parallel to within 0.25 degrees. Irregular ties across the thickness
of the specimen should not exceed 0.025 mm.
2. Specimen diameter not less than NX size (54 mm approx.) and thickness half of specimen diameter.

23
 3. Load the specimen continuously so as to fail within 15 – 30 seconds. Recommended rate of loading –
200 N/s.

Reporting of Results
14. Specimen diameter and thickness
15. Water content and degree of saturation at time of test
16. Test duration and stress rate
17. Date of testing and type of testing machine
18. Mode of failure
19. If specimen is not according to specifications, make a note of it.

OBSERVATION TABLE
Diameter (D), mm Length (t), mm Tensile
Sample Load at
Strength Remarks
No. D1 D2 D3 Davg t1 t2 t3 tavg Failure (N)
(MPa)
1.
2.
3.

24
Experiment 6c: Shear Strength by
Punch
Aim: To determine the shear strength of rock sample

In this test, the shear strength of a specimen is evaluated by punching shear. The sample is
taken in the disc form of thickness t.

Where: A = Circumferential shear area

t = Thickness of the disc
d = diameter of the puncher

The test equipment consists of a piston shaped cylindrical jig having projected end. This
cylindrical jig fits in a hollow cylindrical block. The disc shaped sample is placed at the bottom
of the cylindrical block and the piston is put over the sample. Now whole arrangement is put
between the plates of a loading machine and the load applied. The load P to punch the sample
is noted.

Punching shear strength of dry rock specimen is approximately thrice the value of wet rock
specimen

25
Experiment 7: Non destructive tests
(NDT) to determine Young modulus (E)
Aim: Non destructive tests to determine Young modulus (E) of given rock
Introduction

This test is intended as a method to determine the velocity of propagation of elastic waves in laboratory rock
testing. The P-wave (Vp) travels faster in dense material. The Vp is 2000 m/s for top soil and clay and more than
3000 m/s for hard rock. P wave velocity can be used to differentiate between soil and rock material. The travel
distance of the pulse through the rock shall be at least 10 times the average grain size.

is test is intended as a method to determine the velocity

Apparatus
1 Pundit instrument which generates ultrasonic pulse with a frequency of 50KHz to 150KHz ,
2. Transducers: transmitter: converts electrical pulses into mechanical pulses;
3. Receiver: converts mechanical pulses into electrical pulses;
4. Vernier caliper, Grease

Procedure

1. Rectangular blocks, cylindrical cores or even spheres (for determination of elastic symmetry of anisotropic
rocks) are recommended as specimens. The lateral minimum dimension of sample (normal to the direction of
wave propagation) is recommended to be not less than 10 times the wave-length.
1. Cylindrical rock sample is taken and length, diameter, and weight of sample are measured to determine the
density of it.
3. Thin film of grease is applied on ends of sample for coupling of transducers.
4. Density and Poisson’s ratio of sample is entered in Ultrasonic pulse generator (Pundit).
5. The receiver is positioned on a plane opposite to the plane to which the transmitter is pressed (see the fig). The
velocities of either P- or S-waves (vp, vs) are calculated from the measured travel time and the distance between
transmitter and receiver.
6. Repeat the test for two other samples

Calcualtions

Modulus of elasticity (E) is calculated by following formula

1
V
1 1 2
Where
V P wave velocity or compressional wave velocity
v = Poisson’s ratio
= Kg/m3

26
Reporting of Results

1. P wave velocity or compressional wave velocity V in m/s

2. Modulus of elasticity (E) in GPa

Discussions

1. Applicability of non destructive testing (NDT) to rocks

2. Compare the modulus of elasticity (E) of rock by destructive test and non destructive test.

27
Experiment 8: Schmidt Rebound
Hardness
Aim: To determine the hardness of rock by Schmidt impact hammer
Limitation: limited use on very soft or very hard rocks

Apparatus
1. The Schmidt hammer, a non-destructive test used to determines the rebound hardness of a test material was
developed by a swiss engineer Ernst Schmidt in the year 1948. The plunger of the hammer is placed against
the specimen and is depressed into the hammer by pushing the hammer against the specimen. Energy is stored
in a spring which automatically releases at a prescribed energy level and impacts a mass against the plunger.
The height of rebound of the mass is measured on a scale and is taken as the measure of hardness. The device
is portable and may be used both in laboratory and field. Schmidt hammer models are available in different
levels of impact energy. The type L hammer having an impact energy of 0.74 Nm shall be used with this
suggested method.
2. A steel base of minimum weight of 20 kg to which the specimens should be securely clamped. Cored
specimens should be tested in a steel ‘cradle’ with a semi cylindrical machined slot of the same radius as the
core, or in a steel V-block.

Procedure
1. Prior to each testing sequence, the Schmidt hammer should be calibrated using a calibration test anvil supplied
by the manufacturer for the purpose. The average of 10 readings on the test anvil should be obtained.
2. Specimens obtained for laboratory tests shall be representative of the rock to be studied. When possible, use
larger pieces of rock for the Schmidt hardness tests. The type L hammer should be used on NX or larger core
specimens or on block specimens having an edge length of at least 6 cm.
3. The test surface of all specimens, either in the laboratory or in the field, shall be smooth and flat over the area
covered by the plunger. This area and the rock material beneath to a depth of 6 cm shall be free from cracks,
or any localized discontinuity of the rock mass.
4. Small individual pieces of rock, whether tested in the laboratory or in the field, shall be securely clamped to
a rigid base to adequately secure the specimen against vibration and movement and placed on a flat surface.
5. The hardness value obtained will be affected by the orientation of the hammer. It is recommended that the
hammer be used in one of three positions:
(a). vertically upwards; (b). horizontally, or (c). vertically downwards.
With the axis of the hammer ± 5 degrees from the desired position. When use of one of the three orientations
is not feasible (e.g. in situ testing in a circular tunner), the test shoul d be conducted at the necessary sngle
and the results corrected to a horizontal or vertical position using the correction curves supplied by the
manufacturer. The hammer orientation for the test and any corrections applied to no-vertical or non-horizantal
orientations should be recorded and reported in the results.
6. At least 20 individual test shall be conducted on any rock sample. Test locations shall be separated by at least
the diameter of the plunger. Any test that caused cracking or nay other visible failure shall cause that test and
the specimen to be rejected. Errors in specimen preparation and testing technique tend to produce low
hardness value.

Calcualtions
1. The correction factor is calculated as:
Specified standard value of the anvil
correction factor 
Average of 10 readings on the calibration

2. The measured test values for the sample should be ordered in descending value. The lower 50% of the value
should be discarded and the average obtained of the upper 50 % values. This average shall be multiplied by
the correction factor to obtain the Schmidt rebound hardness.

Reporting of Results
1. Lithological description
2. Orientation of load axis

28
3. Source of sample
4. Number of specimen tested
5. Mode of failure

29
Experiment 9: Micro‐bit drilling
Aim: Determine Abrasivity of given rock sample

Introduction

Abrasiveness of rock means the property of the rock to wear out (by frction) metal tools used
for drilling or cutting. It can be also defined as wear or loss of material which the rock produces
on contact with another material such as drill bit. Wear depends upon machinery being used,
mineralogical composition of rock, and geological conditions. The most geological way to
describe the abrasivity of rock, is to determine the mineralogical composition, in particular the
contribution of hard minerals like quartz. In mining industries, abrasivity of rock is important
to know the wear of drill bit per meter length so we can plan drilling cost efficiently.
ISRM suggested method (2014), an index test called CERCHAR abrasivity test to determine
for abrasivity of rock. An index called CERCHAR Abrasivity index (CAI) are developed the
abrasivity of 7 classfication.

Apparatus:

Micro bit drilling apparatus, micro bit, depth gauze, weighing machine

Procedure:

1. Measure initial weight of given drill bit

2. Fix drill bit in drilling apparatus and clamp rock specimen to the platform.
3. Set the thrust weight of 3.17 kg and start the machine for 2 minutes.
4. Remove sample and measure the depth of drill (d ) and final weight of drill bit.
5. Repeat the above steps for another drill bit and rock samples.

Calculations:

Reporting of results:

Abrasivity of rock in /

Gokhale (2015) mentioned that drillability of rock means the real or projected rate of
penetration in a given rock by a particular type of drilling bit. Sometimes it is considered as a
property of rock but actually it depends not upon the type of rock and its characteristics, but
also upon many other factors. Factors that affect drillability of rock are of four categories.
1. Factors related to the rock

30
 2. Factors related to the blasthole drill
3. Factors related to the drill bit
4. Factors related to the rock mass
Table 1. Correlation of Drillability with factors of drilling (Gokhale, 2015)

From the above description of the process of rock fracture under a drill bit, it can be easily
summarized that the fracture process is very complicated. It is possible to establish a
quantitative relation of drillability with many factors as given in table 1. However, as the
factors are interrelated with each other in a complex manner, it is very difficult to develop a
mathematical formula that can take into account all the factors mentioned.
The penetration rate attained in such test is carefully measured and then the results are
extrapolated to the actual drilling condition at the worksite.
The test is repeated 5 to 10 times with a new bit for each of the tests. Mean penetration rate
measured in the tests is used for interpolation.
Abrasiveness of a rock means the property of the rock to ear out (by friction) metal tools used
for drilling or cutting. It is measured

Discussions:

1. Factors affecting the Abrasivity of rock

2. Discuss difference of Abrasivity of two rock samples.

31
Experiment 10: Point Load Strength
Index
Aim: To determine the point load strength index of given rock

Introduction
Point load strength test is primarily an index test for strength classification of rock materials. This
experiment is mainly intended for field measurements on rock specimen which may be tested without any
treatment, but it can also be used in the laboratory. The result of the test may be used to predict other strength
parameters with which it is correlated, for example uni-axial compressive and tensile strength. The apparatus is
light and portable and the specimens in the form of either rock core or of irregular lumps can be tested by applying
a concentrated load using a pair of conical platens. The strength index is calculated from the following equation:

Where, Is= Point load strength index; P = Load at fracture; = Equivalent core diameter.
for diametral test
for Axial, block and irregular lump test (based on equivalent area concept)
= Minimum cross-sectional area of a plane through the platen contact point

Apparatus
1. A loading machine
2. Spherically truncated conical platens with 600 cone and 5 mm radius spherical truncation
3. A distance measuring system to indicate the distance between the conical platens.
4. Slide Caliper

Fig 2. Conical platen and tip radius

Point load testing machine: The testing machine consists of a loading system (for the portable version
comprising a loading frame, pump, ram and platens), a system for measuring the load P required to break the
specimen, and a system for measuring the distance D between the two platen contact point. The load is steadily
increased in all tests such that failure occurs within 10-60 sec. The platens of the test machine should not distort
due to repeated application of the maximum test load, and remain co-axial within ±0.2 mm throughout the testing.
Platens 600 cone and 5 mm radius insures its tangential contact with the test sample. Platens are made of hard
material such as tungsten carbide or hardened steel so that they remain undamaged during testing. The load
measuring device should be to an accuracy of ±5%P or better.

Distance measuring system: can be made directly with reading scale or displacement transducers, is to permit
measurement of the distance D between specimen-platen contact points. The distance D measured should be to
an accuracy of ±2%D or better.

Testing Procedure
The International Society of Rock Mechanics (ISRM) had suggested the following methods to determine the point
load index preferably at least 10 tests per sample, more if sample is heterogeneous or anisotropic.
1. Diametral test; 2. Axial test, 3. Block and Irregular lump test.

1. Diametral test.

32
 Core specimens with length/diameter ratio greater than 1.5 are suitable for diametrical testing. The specimen
is inserted in the testing machine and the platens are brought into the contact along the core diameter, ensuring
that the distance L between the contact point and the nearest free end is at least 0.7 times the core diameter.

2. Axial test
Core specimens with length/diameter ratio of 0.3 to 1.0 are suitable for axial testing.

3. Block and Irregular lump test

Rock blocks or lumps of size 50±35 mm and of shape shown in Fig 1 (c) and (d) are suitable for the block
and the irregular lump tests. The ratio D/W (shortest to longest dimension) should be between 0.3 and 1.0,
preferably close to 1.0 are selected.The distance L (Fig. 1c and 1d) should be at least 0.5W.

Each specimen is loaded up to the failure. The distance D and failure load P is recorded. The procedure is repeated
for at least ten samples.Of the four alternative forms of this test, the diametral test and the axial test with saw-cut
faces are the most accurate if performed near the standard 50 mm size, and are preferred for strength classification
when core is available.

Size correction
varies as a function of D in the diametral test, and as a function of in axial, block and irregular lump tests,
so that a size correction must be applied to obtain a unique Point Load Strength value for the rock sample, and
one that can be used for purposes of rock strength classification. The size – corrected Point Load Strength Index
of a rock specimen or sample is defined as the value of that would have measured by a diametral test with
D = 50 mm.
The most reliable method of obtaining , preferred when a precise rock classification is essential, is to conduct
diametral tests at or close to D = 50 mm. or introduces a minimum of error. The most reliable method of size
correction is to test the sample over a range of D or De values and to plot graphically the relation between P and
. If a log-log plot is used the relation is generally a straight line. Points that deviate substantially from the
straight line may be disregarded (although they should not be deleted). The value of P50corresponding to
2500 mm ( 50 mm) can then be obtained by interpolation, if necessary by extrapolation, and the size-
corrected Point Load Strength Index calculated as ⁄50 .
If neither of the above two methods are practicable, for example when testing single sized core at a diameter other
than 50 mm or if only a few small pieces are available, size correction may be accomplished by using the formula:
.

50
The “Size Correction Factor F” can be obtained from the expression ⁄50 . . For tests near the standard
50 mm size, very little error is introduced by using the approximate expression ⁄50 . .
The size correction as discussed above is applicable irrespective of the degree of anisotropy Isand the direction of
loading with respect to planes of weakness.

An approximate conversion to uni-axial compressive strength can be made by equation 24 . The

multiplying factor on average varies between 20-25. However, in tests on many different rock types the ration
can vary between 15 and 50 especially for anisotropic rocks, so that errors of up to 100% are possible in using
an arbitrary ratio value to predict compressive strength from point load strength.
The point load strength test is a form of “indirect tensile” test, but this is largely irrelevant to its primary role in
rock classification and strength characterization. is approximately 0.80 times the uniaxial tensile strength
or Brazilian tensile strength.

Mean Value Calculation

The mean value of is to be calculated bydeleting the two highest and lowest values from the 10or more valid
tests, and calculating the mean of theremaining values. If significantly fewer specimens aretested, only the highest
and lowest values are to bedeleted and the mean calculated from those remaining.

Reporting of Results
1. Lithological description
2. Orientation of load axis with respect to anisotropy
3. Source of sample
4. Number of specimen tested
5. Specimen diameter and height
6. Water content and degree of saturation at time of test

33
 7. Test duration and stress rate
8. Date of testing and type of testing machine
9. Mode of failure
10. Tensile strength in MPa
11. If specimen is not according to specifications, make a note of it.

Fig 1. Specimen shape requirements for (a) the diametral test, (b) the axial test, (c) the block
test, and (d) the irregular lump test
OBSERVATION TABLE

Sample Diameter (W), mm Length (D), mm Load at

F
No. W1 W2 Wavg D1 D2 Davg Failure (kN) (mm2) (mm)

DIAMETRAL TEST

AXIAL TEST

BLOCK TEST

IRREGULAR LUMP TEST

34
Experiment 11: Triaxial Compressive
Strength
Aim: To determine the strength, cohesion and angle of internal friction tri-axial testing

Introduction
By this testing number of mechanical properties of rock can be found like Compressive strength, cohesion, angle
of internal friction, poisons ratio, and modulus of elasticity.

Apparatus
Apparatus consist of three parts: (a) Triaxial cell, (b) loading device and (3) device for generating confining
pressure
1. A flexible jacket of suitable material to prevent the hydraulic fluid from entering the specimen, and which
shall not significant extrude into abrupt surface pores.
2. The triaxial cell shall be filled with hydraulic fluid, the platen diameter shall be between D and D+2 mm,
where D is the diameter of the specimen. The thickness of the platens shall be at least 15 mm or D/3.
Surfaces of platens should be ground and their flatness should be 0.0005.
3. Spherical seats which are incorporated in each of the plates. The curvature with the center of the specimen
ends.
4. A hydraulic pump or pressure intensifier or other system of sufficient capacity and capable of maintaining
constant confining pressure within 2 % of the desired value.

Preparation of the Test Specimen (ISRM standard)

1. Test specimens shall be right circular cylinders having height to diameter ratio of 2.0-3.0 and a diameter
preferably of not less than NX core size (approximately 54 mm). The diameter of the specimen should
be related to the size of the largest grain in the rock by the ratio of at least 10:1
2. The ends of the specimen shall be flat to 0.02 mm and shall not depart from perpendicularity to the
longitudinal axis of the specimen by more than 0.001 radian (about 3.5 minutes) or 0.05 mm in 50 mm.
3. The use of capping material or end surface treatments other than machining is not permitted.
4. The diameter of the test specimen shall be measured to the nearest 0.1 mm by averaging two diameters
measured at right angles to each other at about the upper-height, the mid-height and the lower-height of
the specimen. The average diameter shall be used for calculating the cross-sectional area. The height of
the specimen shall be determined to the nearest 1.0 mm.
5. Samples shall be stored for no longer than 30 days, in such a way as to preserve the natural water
content, as far as possible, until the time of specimen preparation. Following their preparation, the
specimens shall be stored prior to testing for 5-6 days in an environment of 20°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 5%
humidity.
6. The number of specimens to be tested as well as the number of different confining pressure values should
be determined from practical considerations, but at least five specimens per rock sample sample are

35
 preferred in addition to the uniaxial compressive strength tests conducted according to the relevant
specifications.

Procedure
1. The cell shall be assembled with the specimen aligned between steel platens and surrounded by the jacket.
The specimen, the plates, and the spherical seats shall be accurately aligned so that each is coaxial with
the others.
2. The spherical seats should be lightly lubricated with mineral oil.
3. The triaxial cell shall be filled with hydraulic fluid, allowing the air to escape through an air bleeder hole.
Close air bubble hole.
4. The cell shall be placed into the axial loading device.
5. The axial load and the confining pressure must be increased simultaneously equal, until the
predetermined test level for the confining pressure is reached. Subsequently, the confining pressure shall
be maintained to within 2% of the prescribed value.
6. The axial load on the specimen shall then ne increased continuously at a constant stress rate such that
failure will occur within 5-15 min of loading. Alternatively the stress rate shall be within the limits of
0.5 to 1 MPa/s.
7. The maximum axial laod and the corresponding confining pressure on the specimen shall be recorded.

Calculations
1. The compressive strength of the specimen shall be cal
Maximum axial load
cross sectional area
2. Confining pressures and the corresponding strength values for the different specimens are plotted with
the confining pressures as abscissa and strength as ordinate.

3. A strength envelope is obtained by fitting a mean curve to the above points. From practical
considerations it may be advisable to fit a straight line to only the most relevant part of the curve, or to
fir several straight lines to different parts of the curve. Each straight line is characterized by calculating
its gradient (tangent of the inclination) m and its Y intercept, b. In each case the range in which the
respective straight line is valid must be shown on the abscissa.
4. Using parameters m and b, the internal friction angle and a values for the “apparent cohesion (in
the sense of Coulomb’s failure theory) may be calculated using the formulae:
2 cos 1 sin
1 sin 1 sin
5. Draw the Mohr-envelope to find the cohesion, angle of internal friction and the angle of fracture.
Compare the graphical solution with the experimental results.

Observation Table

36
 Diameter, D (mm)

Strength (N/mm2)
Maximum Axial

Failure Time (s)

Height, L (mm)

Loading Rate
Compressive
Pressure (N)
L:D Ratio

Confining
Load (N)

Remarks
(MPa/s)
or MPa
Sl. No.

1.
2.
3.

Reporting of Results
1. Orientation of the axis of loading of specimen with respect to anisotropy, bedding planes, foliation, etc.
2. Mode of failure
3. Lithological description of the rock
4. Test duration and /or stress rate
5. Any other observation or available physical data

45
UCS (Sig3 = 0)
40 Triaxial (Sig3 = 6 Mpa)
Triaxial (Sig3 = 9 MPa)
35
C = 20.5 MPa;  Ø = 28.44˚
Shear  Stress (MPa)

30

25

20

15

10

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Normal stress (MPa)
 
Figure:  Mohr’s circle to find Cohesion   and angle of internal friction   of a sample 

37
Experiment 12: Direct shear test
Aim: To determine the cohesion (c) and angle of internal friction ( for soil sample : Direct shear testing

Introduction
This test is performed to determine the consolidated-drained shear strength of a sandy to silty soil. The shear
strength is one of the most important engineering properties of a soil, because it is required whenever a structure
is dependent on the soil’s shearing resistance. The shear strength is needed for engineering situations such as
determining the stability of slopes or cuts, finding the bearing capacity for foundations, and calculating the
pressure exerted by a soil on a retaining wall.
The strength of a soil depends of its resistance to shearing stresses. It is made up of basically the components;
1. Frictional – due to friction between individual particles.
2. Cohesive - due to adhesion between the soil particles
The two components are combined in Mohr coulomb’s shear strength equation,

tan
Where = shearing resistance of soil at failure; c = apparent cohesion of soil; = total normal stress on failure
plane ; = angle of shearing resistance of soil (angle of internal friction)

Apparatus

Direct shear apparatus

Procedure

1. Compute area of shear box (A) and place it on direct shear apparatus.
2. Place soil sample in shear box and level off the top.
3. Compact soil sample in shear box until desired unit weight is obtained.
4. Complete the assembly of direct shear apparatus and set initial reading of two LVDT to zero.
5. Set normal load (N) to predetermined value by adding dead weight as shown in fig.
6. Start direct shear apparatus at constant shearing rate and reading of normal load (N), shear load (S), horizontal
displacement (H), and vertical displacement (V) will stored in data logger system equipped with computer .

38
7. Stop the direct shear apparatus when shear load starts to reduce or remain constant for at least three
consecutive readings.
8. Remove the soil sample and repeat the procedure with different normal loads at least for another two samples.

Calculations

1. Compute normal stress (σ ) and peak shear stress (τ for soil sample by

N
Normal stress σ
A
S
Peak shear stress τ
A

2. Plot graph between shear stress τ and horizontal displacement (H)

3. Plot graph between vertical displacement V and horizontal displacement (H)

4. Plot linear graph (approximation of Mohr coulomb failure envelop curve) between peak shear stress
(τ and normal stress σ for three specimens and calculate the slope and intercept of linear graph. The
slope of linear graph and intercept will be internal angle of friction (ϕ and cohesion (c) of given soil
sample. This linear plot is the approximation of Mohr coulomb’s failure envelop curve.

Reporting of results

S Shearing Shear Normal Peak shear Horizontal Cohesion Internal

No rate box area stress stress , displacement (c), KPa angle of
(mm/min) (m2) , KPa at peak shear stress friction
KPa (Hpeak), mm (
1
2
3

 
Figure: Typical shear stress versus shear displacement plot at differnet normal stress 

39
 Table: Data for Cohesion and Angle of Internal Friction of a sample 
Normal Stress Shear Stress
Test No.
(kPa)  (kPa) 
1.  4.91  3.476 
2.  9.81  7.876 
3.  14.71  11.11 

 
Figure: Typical plot for shear stress versus normal stress to find cohesion and angle of 
internal friction 

Discussions

Discuss the following points given below

1. Importance of the shear strength in soil

2. The normal displacement behavior of the specimen during shearing
3. Different types of shear tests
4. The main advantages and disadvantages of shear box test
5. Reliability of the results and the factors most likely to influence the reliability

40
Experiment 13: Obligue shear test
Aim: To determine the cohesion (c) and angle of internal friction ( for rock sample

Front view Side view

Top view

41
 INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DATE:
DATE: Table of Content Sheet No. 0

Exp. Date of Sheet

Name of Experiments Remarks
No. Experiment No.
01. Determination of Rock Quality Designation (RQD) for 25/07/2014 01-02
borehole logs

02. Preparation of rock samples for Uniaxial Compressive 08/08/2014 03-05

Strength (UCS), Tensile Strength and Punch Shear
Test as per ISRM norms

03.

04.

05.

06.

07.

08.

09.

10.

A1
 INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

DATE:
DATE: Exp. No. 01: NAME OF THE EXPERIMENT Sheet No. 01
28/07/2014

AIM/Objective: This includes the information regarding what you are going to find/investigate during this
experiment

INSTRUMENTS: Mention all the instruments/tools which will be used by you to achieve your
aim/objective. It will also include the details regarding the instruments (manufacturer,
capacity and its component with figure (s) properly labeled)

THEORY: What is the theoretical background behind this experiment?

Fig 1. Platten shape and tip radius for determination of point load index (ISRM, 1985)

PROCEDURE: In this section you will mention the step wise procedures you have followed to achieve your
aim.

OBSERVATIONS:
Before start of the experiments, you have to measure for certain information about the specimen (like
dimensions/weight etc.) and this information should be included in the observation table as shown in Table 1.
The observation table not only includes the initial information about the specimen, but also the experiment
results. You can also mention the any ambiguity/deviation during the test which results into very high/low
results compared to the other observations.

Table 1. Observation Table

Diameter (D), mm Length (t), mm Tensile
Sample Load at
Strength Remarks
No. D 1 D2 Davg t1 t2 tavg Failure (N)
(MPa)
1.
2.
3.
4.

DISCUSSION:
This section consists of your observation during the laboratory test. It includes:

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1. Mode of failure: The tested sample fails as shown in figure 2. Compare your specimen failure mode
with what it is desirable according to its theory. State the reason if so otherwise you have performed
your experiments according to the standards (ISRM 1985).
DATE: 28/07/2012
ATE: Sheet No. 02

Figure 2(a) shows the desired mode of failure but the failed sample failed as shown in figure 2(b).
This can be attributed to the unsymmetrical loading of the specimen or the rate of loading is not
applied as per the standards.

P P

P P

(a) Desirable mode of failure (b) Undesirable mode of failure

Fig 2. Failure mode (ISRM, 1985)
2. Results

REFERENCES:
1. ISRM (1985) Suggested method for determining point load strength, Int. J. Rock. Mech. Min. Sci. &
Geomech. Abstr., Vol. 22, No. 2, PP. 51-60.
2. ISRM (1972) Suggested method for determining tensile strength of rock material, Int. J. Rock. Mech.
Min. Sci. & Geomech. Abstr., Vol. 15, PP. 101-103.

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DATE:
DATE: 11/08/2012 Exp. No. 02: NAME OF THE EXPERIMENT Sheet No. 03

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