ASTM D4554-12

Standard Test Method for In Situ Determination of Direct Shear Strength of Rock Discontinuities (Withdrawn 2021)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 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.  
5.2 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.  
5.3 Tests on intact rock that are 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 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; Practice D3740 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 in a drained condition of in situ rock discontinuities as a function of stress normal to the sheared plane. This sheared plane is usually a significant discontinuity that 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. No other units of measurements are included in this standard.  
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.  
1.5 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.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This test method covers the measurement of peak and residual direct shear strength in a drained condition of in situ rock discontinuities as a function of stress normal to the sheared plane. This sheared plane is usually a significant discontinuity that may or may not be filled with gouge or soil-like material.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee D18 on Soil and Rock, this test method was withdrawn in July 2021 in accordance with section 10.6.3 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 31-Jul-2012
• Withdrawal Date: 05-Jul-2021
• ICS: 93.020 - Earthworks. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.12 - Rock Mechanics

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 − 12
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* Used in Engineering Design and Construction
D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and
1.1 This test method covers the measurement of peak and
Plasticity Index of Soils
residual direct shear strength in a drained condition of in situ
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
rock discontinuities as a function of stress normal to the
Data
sheared plane. This sheared plane is usually a significant
D6913 Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Grada-
discontinuity that may or may not be filled with gouge or
tion) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
soil-like material.
3. Terminology
1.2 The measured shear properties are affected by scale
factors. The severity of the effect of these factors must be
3.1 Definitions:
assessed and applied to the specific problems on an individual
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method refer
basis.
to Terminology D653.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
standard. No other units of measurements are included in this
3.2.1 discontinuities—any surface across which some prop-
standard.
erty of the rock mass is not continuous. Discontinuities include
joints, schistosity, faults, bedding planes, cleavage, and zones
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
of weakness, along with any filling material.
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Practice D6026. 3.2.2 peak shear strength—the maximum shear stress in the
complete curve of stress versus displacement obtained for a
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
specified constant normal stress.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.2.3 residual shear strength—the shear stress at which
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- nominally no further rise or fall in shear strength is observed
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. with increasing shear displacement and constant normal stress
as shown in Fig. 1. A true residual strength may only be
2. Referenced Documents
reached after considerably greater shear displacement than can
2
be achieved in testing. The test value should be regarded as
2.1 ASTM Standards:
approximate and should be assessed in relation to the complete
D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
shear stress – displacement curve.
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Fluids
3.2.4 shear strength parameter, c—apparent cohesion; the
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water projected intercept on the shear stress axis of the plot of shear
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass stress versus normal stress as shown in Fig. 2.
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
3.2.5 shear strength parameter, φ—friction angle; the angle
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
of the tangent to the failure curve at a normal stress that is
relevant to design as shown in Fig. 2.
3.2.5.1 Discussion—Different values of c and φ relate to
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
different stages of a test, for example, c', c ',φ , andφ ,of Fig.
r a b
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.12 on Rock Mechanics.
2.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2012. Published November 2012. Originally
approved in 1985. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D4554 – 02 (2006).
4. Summary of Test Method
DOI: 10.1520/D4554-12.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.1 This test method is performed on rectangular-shaped
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
blocks of rock that are isolated on all surfaces, except for the
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. shear plane surface.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
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D4554 − 12
FIG. 1 Shear Stress – Displacement Graphs
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
4.2 The blocks are not to be disturb
...