ASTM D4554-02(2006)

Standard Test Method for In Situ Determination of Direct Shear Strength of Rock Discontinuities

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Because of scale effects, there is no simple method of predicting the in situ shear strength of a rock discontinuity from the results of laboratory tests on small specimens; in situ tests on large specimens are the most reliable means.
Results can be employed in stability analysis of rock engineering problems, for example, in studies of slopes, underground openings, and dam foundations. In applying the test results, the pore water pressure conditions and the possibility of progressive failure must be assessed for the design case, as they may differ from the test conditions.
Tests on intact rock (free from planes of weakness) are usually accomplished using laboratory triaxial testing. Intact rock can, however, be tested in situ in direct shear if the rock is weak and if the specimen block encapsulation is sufficiently strong.
Note 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D 3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of peak and residual direct shear strength of in situ rock discontinuities as a function of stress normal to the sheared plane. This sheared plane is usually a significant discontinuity which may or may not be filled with gouge or soil-like material.
1.2 The measured shear properties are affected by scale factors. The severity of the effect of these factors must be assessed and applied to the specific problems on an individual basis.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2006
• ICS: 93.020 - Earthworks. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.12 - Rock Mechanics

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D4554-02 - Standard Test Method for In Situ Determination of Direct Shear Strength of Rock Discontinuities
• Effective Date: 01-May-2006
• Referred By: ASTM D420-18 - Standard Guide for Site Characterization for Engineering Design and Construction Purposes
• Effective Date: 01-May-2006

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D4554 − 02(Reapproved 2006)
Standard Test Method for
In Situ Determination of Direct Shear Strength of Rock
1
Discontinuities
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4554; 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* 3.2.2 peak shear strength—the maximum shear stress in the
complete curve of stress versus displacement obtained for a
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of peak and
specified constant normal stress.
residual direct shear strength of in situ rock discontinuities as
a function of stress normal to the sheared plane. This sheared 3.2.3 residual shear strength—the shear stress at which
nominally no further rise or fall in shear strength is observed
plane is usually a significant discontinuity which may or may
not be filled with gouge or soil-like material. with increasing shear displacement and constant normal stress
(Fig. 1). A true residual strength may only be reached after
1.2 The measured shear properties are affected by scale
considerably greater shear displacement than can be achieved
factors. The severity of the effect of these factors must be
in testing. The test value should be regarded as approximate
assessed and applied to the specific problems on an individual
and should be assessed in relation to the complete shear stress
basis.
- displacement curve.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
3.2.4 shear strength parameter, c (see Fig. 2) —the pro-
standard.
jected intercept on the shear stress axis of the plot of shear
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
stress versus normal stress (see Note).
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.5 shear strength parameter, φ (see Fig. 2) —the angle of
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
the tangent to the failure curve at a normal stress that is
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
relevant to design.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.2.5.1 Discussion—Different values of c and φ relate to
2. Referenced Documents different stages of a test (for example, c`, c `, φ , and φ,of
r a b
2
Fig. 2).
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
4. Summary of Test Method
Fluids
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
4.1 This test method is performed on rectangular-shaped
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
blocks of rock that are isolated on all surfaces, except for the
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
shear plane surface.
4.2 The blocks are not to be disturbed during preparation
3. Terminology
operations.Thebaseoftheblockcoincideswiththeplanetobe
3.1 Definitions—See Terminology D653 for general defini-
sheared.
tions.
4.3 A normal load is applied perpendicular to the shear
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
plane and then a side load is applied to induce shear along the
3.2.1 discontinuities—thisincludesjoints,schistosity,faults,
plane and discontinuity (see Fig. 3).
bedding planes, cleavage, and zones of weakness, along with
any filling material.
5. Significance and Use
1
5.1 Because of scale effects, there is no simple method of
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.12 on Rock Mechanics.
predicting the in situ shear strength of a rock discontinuity
Current edition approved May 1, 2006. Published June 2006. Originally
from the results of laboratory tests on small specimens; in situ
approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D4554 – 02. DOI:
tests on large specimens are the most reliable means.
10.1520/D4554-02R06.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
5.2 Results can be employed in stability analysis of rock
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
engineering problems, for example, in studies of slopes,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. underground openings, and dam foundations. In applying the
*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

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D4554 − 02 (2006)
FIG. 1 Shear Stress – Displacement Graphs
hydraulic rams are used for loading, care is needed to ensure that their
test results, the pore water pressure conditions and the possi-
operating characteristic
...