ASTM D5240/D5240M-12(2013)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Using Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Using Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Rock for erosion control consists of individual pieces of natural stone. The ability of these individual pieces of stone to resist deterioration due to weathering action affects the stability of the integral placement of rock for erosion control and hence, the stability of construction projects, structures, shorelines, and stream banks.
5.2 The sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate soundness test is one method by which to estimate qualitatively the durability of rock under weathering conditions. This test method was developed to be used in conjunction with additional test methods listed in Practice D4992. This test method does not provide an absolute value, but rather an indication of the resistance to freezing and thawing; therefore, the results of this test method are not to be used as the sole basis for the determination of rock durability.
5.3 This test method has been used to evaluate many different types of rocks. There have been occasions when test results have provided data that have not agreed with the durability of rock under actual field conditions; samples yielding a low soundness loss have disintegrated in actual usage, and the reverse has been true.Note 1—The quality of results produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors and Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of them.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers test procedures for evaluating the soundness of rock for erosion control by the effects of a sodium or magnesium sulfate solution on slabs of rock. The test is an accelerated weathering test that simulates the freezing and thawing of cold weather exposure. The rock slabs, prepared in accordance with procedures in Practice D5121, are intended to be representative of erosion control sized materials and their inherent weaknesses. The test is appropriate for breakwater stone, armor stone, riprap and gabion sized rock materials.
The limitations of this test are twofold. First the test is a simulation of freezing and thawing conditions. The internal expansive force, derived from the rehydration of the salt upon re-immersion, simulates the expansion of water on freezing relying on chemical crystal formation to simulate freezing rather than the actual freezing of water. Secondly the size of the cut rock slab specimens may eliminate some of the internal defects present in the rock structure. The test specimens may not be representative of the quality of the larger rock samples used in construction. Careful examination of the rock source and proper sampling are essential in minimizing this limitation.
1.2 The use of reclaimed concrete and other materials is beyond the scope of this test method.
1.3 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units [presented in brackets] are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026, unless superseded by this standard.
1.4.1 For purposes of comparing measured or calculated value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant digits in the specified limits.
1.4.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In additi...
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Designation: D5240/D5240M − 12 (Reapproved 2013)
Standard Test Method for
Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Using
Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5240/D5240M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant
digits in the specified limits.
1.1 This test method covers test procedures for evaluating
1.4.2 Theproceduresusedtospecifyhowdataarecollected/
the soundness of rock for erosion control by the effects of a
recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the
sodium or magnesium sulfate solution on slabs of rock. The
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
testisanacceleratedweatheringtestthatsimulatesthefreezing
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
and thawing of cold weather exposure. The rock slabs, pre-
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
pared in accordance with procedures in Practice D5121, are
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
intended to be representative of erosion control sized materials
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
and their inherent weaknesses. The test is appropriate for
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
breakwater stone, armor stone, riprap and gabion sized rock
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
materials.
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical
The limitations of this test are twofold. First the test is a
methods for engineering design.
simulation of freezing and thawing conditions. The internal
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
expansive force, derived from the rehydration of the salt upon
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
re-immersion, simulates the expansion of water on freezing
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
relying on chemical crystal formation to simulate freezing
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
ratherthantheactualfreezingofwater.Secondlythesizeofthe
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
cut rock slab specimens may eliminate some of the internal
defects present in the rock structure. The test specimens may
2. Referenced Documents
not be representative of the quality of the larger rock samples
used in construction. Careful examination of the rock source
2.1 ASTM Standards:
andpropersamplingareessentialinminimizingthislimitation.
C88 Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by Use of
Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
1.2 The use of reclaimed concrete and other materials is
C295 Guide for Petrographic Examination ofAggregates for
beyond the scope of this test method.
Concrete
1.3 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
pound units [presented in brackets] are to be regarded sepa-
Fluids
rately as standard.The values stated in each system may not be
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used inde-
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
pendentlyoftheother.Combiningvaluesfromthetwosystems
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
may result in non-conformance with the standard.
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
Practice D6026, unless superseded by this standard.
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
1.4.1 For purposes of comparing measured or calculated
Construction Materials Testing
value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated
D4992 Practice for Evaluation of Rock to be Used for
Erosion Control
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.17 on Rock for Erosion
Control. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2013. Published January 2013. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D5240/D5240M – 12. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D5240_D5240M-12R13. the ASTM website.
*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
D5240/D5240M − 12 (2013)
D5121 Practice for Preparation of Rock Slabs for Durability of the integral placement of rock for erosion control and hence,
Testing the stability of construction projects, structures, shorelines, and
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical stream banks.
Data
5.2 The sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate soundness test
E100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
is one method by which to estimate qualitatively the durability
E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
of rock under weathering conditions. This test method was
Ventilation Ovens
developed to be used in conjunction with additional test
methods listed in Practice D4992. This test method does not
3. Terminology
provide an absolute value, but rather an indication of the
3.1 Definitions—See Terminology D653 for general defini-
resistance to freezing and thawing; therefore, the results of this
tions.
test method are not to be used as the sole basis for the
determination of rock durability.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 rock saw, n—a saw capable of cutting rock. The term
5.3 This test method has been used to evaluate many
“rock saw” shall include the blade which saws the rock, any
different types of rocks. There have been occasions when test
components that control or power the sawing process or both,
results have provided data that have not agreed with the
and framework on which the blade and any other associated
durability of rock under actual field conditions; samples
components are mounted.
yielding a low soundness loss have disintegrated in actual
3.2.2 slab, n—a section of rock having two smooth, ap- usage, and the reverse has been true.
NOTE 1—The quality of results produced by this standard is dependent
proximately parallel faces, produced by two saw cuts. The
on the competence of the personnel performing it and suitability of the
thickness of the slab is generally less than the other dimensions
equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice
of the rock. The slab will be the rock specimen which will
D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective
subsequently undergo durability tests. The words “slab” and
testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that
“specimen” are interchangeable throughout the test method.
compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results.
Reliable results depend on many factors and Practice D3740 provides a
3.2.3 armor stone, n—stone generally 900 to 2700 kg [one
means of evaluating some of them.
to three tons] resulting from blasting, cutting, or by other
6. Apparatus
methods placed along shorelines or in jetties to protect the
shoreline from erosion due to the action of large waves.
6.1 Rock Saw—A laboratory water-cooled diamond saw
used to cut geological and concrete specimens, or a diamond
3.2.4 breakwater stone, n—stone generally 2700 to 18 000
saw used for lapidary purposes, shall be acceptable. A mini-
kg [three to twenty tons] resulting from blasting, cutting, or by
mum blade diameter of 36 cm [14 in.] will be needed to obtain
other methods placed along shorelines or in jetties to protect
the required slab sizes (a larger blade is preferable). The blade
the shoreline from erosion due to the action of large waves.
shall be a circular diamond blade.
3.2.5 riprap stone, n—stone generally less than 1800 kg
6.1.1 The rock saw apparatus shall have a fixed or remove-
[two tons] specially selected and graded, when properly placed
able vise to hold the samples during the cutting process. An
prevents erosion through minor wave action, or strong currents
automatic feed (either gravity, hydraulic, or screwfeed oper-
and thereby preserves the shape of a surface, slope, or
ated) that controls the cutting action is preferred; however, a
underlying structure.
manual feed is also acceptable. The saw shall have a platform
3.2.6 gabion-fill stone, n—stone generally less than 22 kg
to prevent the cut slab from falling and shattering.
[50 lb] and placed in baskets of wire or other suitable material.
NOTE 2—Coolants other than water may interfere with subsequent
These baskets are then tied together to form an integral
testing or evaluation, or both.
structure designed to resist erosion along stream banks and
6.2 Containers—Of sufficient size to hold the specimens
around bridge piers.
and baskets fully immersed in a sulfate solution. It is advised
4. Summary of Test Method
that these containers be sealable, non-reactive, resistant to
breakage and resistant to deformation and degradation when
4.1 Erosion control rock samples are trimmed into saw-cut
exposed to the chemicals and temperatures encountered in this
slab specimens.The trimmed slabs are oven dried to a constant
test method.
mass. The specimens are repeatedly immersed in saturated
solutions of sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate followed by
6.3 Baskets—Baskets for immersing the slab specimens in
oven drying. At the completion of the test, the percent loss by
the solution, in accordance with the procedure described in this
mass for each specimen set is determined. A visual examina-
test method, shall be perforated in such a manner as to permit
tion of the slabs is performed at the end of testing. The type of
free access of the solution to the specimen and drainage of the
deterioration and changes to previously noted planes of weak-
solution from the specimen without loss of material.
ness are recorded. NOTE 3—Baskets made of suitable wire mesh or sieves with suitable
openings are satisfactory containers for the samples.
5. Significance and Use
6.4 Temperature Regulation—Suitable means for regulating
5.1 Rock for erosion control consists of individual pieces of thetemperatureofthesamplesat21 61°C[70 62°F]during
natural stone. The ability of these individual pieces of stone to immersion in the sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate solution
resistdeteriorationduetoweatheringactionaffectsthestability shall be provided.
D5240/D5240M − 12 (2013)
6.5 Balances—The balance shall meet the requirements of temperatureforatleast48hbeforeuse.Priortoeachuse,break
Specification D4753.AClass GP 10 balance of 5 g readability up the salt cake, if any, in the container, stir the solution
and accuracy is acceptable. thoroughly,anddetermineandrecordthespecificgravityofthe
solution.
6.6 Drying Oven—Thermostatically controlled oven meet-
When used, the solution shall have a specific gravity of
ing the requirements of Specification E145 and capable of
1.151 to 1.174. Discard a discolored solution, or filter it and
maintainingauniformtemperatureof110 65°C[230 69°F]
check for specific gravity.
throughout the drying chamber. These requirements typically
require the use of a forced-draft type oven. Preferably the oven
NOTE 5—For the solution, 215 g of anhydrous salt or 700 g of the
should be vented outside the building. The rate of evaporation,
decahydrate per litre of water are sufficient for saturation at 22 °C [71.6
at this range of temperature, shall be at least 25 g/h for 4 h, °F]. However, since these salts are not completely stable and since it is
desirable that an excess of crystals be present, the use of not less than 350
during which period the doors of the oven shall be kept closed.
g of the anhydrous salt or 750 g of the decahydrate salt per litre of water
This rate shall be determined by the loss of water from 1-L
is recommended.
Griffin low-form beakers, each initially containing 500 g [1 lb]
7.1.2 Magnesium Sulfate Solution—Prepare a saturated so-
of water at a temperature of 21 62°C[70 6 3 °F], placed at
lution of magnesium sulfate by dissolving a reagent grade of
each corner and the center of each shelf of the oven. The
the salt in water at a temperature of 25 to 30 °C [77 to 86 °F].
evaporation requirement is to apply to all test locations when
Add sufficient salt (Note 6), of either the anhydrous (MgSO )
the oven is empty except for the beakers of water.
or the crystalline (MgSO ·7H O) (Epsom salt) form, to ensure
4 2
6.7 Specific Gravity Measurement—Hydrometers conform-
saturationandthepresenceofexcesscrystalswhenthesolution
ing to the requirements of Specification E100, or a suitable
is ready for use in the tests. Thoroughly stir the mixture during
combination of graduated glassware and balance, capable of
theadditionofthesaltandstirthesolutionatfrequentintervals
measuring the solution specific gravity within 60.001.
until used. To reduce evaporation and prevent contamination,
6.8 Camera—Adigital or film camera capable of producing
keep the solution covered at all times when access is not
good quality, color photographs for “before” and “after”
needed. Allow the solution to cool to 21 61°C[70 6 2 °F].
photographs.
Again stir, and allow the solution to remain at the designated
temperatureforatleast48hbeforeuse.Priortoeachuse,break
6.9 Photographic Scale—A scale of appropriate dimension
up the salt cake, if any, in the container, stir the solution
and division when compared to the field of view and the detail
thoroughly,anddetermineandrecordthespecificgravityofthe
being studied. When selecting a scale, always choose the scale
solution. When used, the solution shall have a specific gravity
that will provide at least as precise a measurement as the
of 1.295 to 1.308. Discard a discolored solution, or filter it and
system that will be measuring the photographic information. If
check for specific gravity.
the system has a precision to one millimeter, make sure the
scale used is accurate and precise to at least one millimeter
NOTE 6—For the solution, 350 g of anhydrous salt or 1230 g of the
across the entire scale.
heptahydrate per litre of water are sufficient
...
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