ASTM D6032/D6032M-17
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determining Rock Quality Designation (RQD) of Rock Core
Standard Test Method for Determining Rock Quality Designation (RQD) of Rock Core
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The RQD was first introduced in the mid 1960s to provide a simple and inexpensive general indication of rock mass quality to predict tunneling conditions and support requirements. The recording of RQD has since become virtually standard practice in drill core logging for a wide variety of geotechnical explorations.
5.2 The use of RQD values has been expanded to provide a basis for making preliminary design and constructability decisions involving excavation for foundations of structures, or tunnels, open pits, and many other applications. The RQD values also can serve to identify potential problems related to bearing capacity, settlement, erosion, or sliding in rock foundations. The RQD can provide an indication of rock quality in quarries for issues involving concrete aggregate, rockfill, or large riprap.
5.3 The RQD has been widely used as a warning indicator of low-quality rock zones that may need greater scrutiny or require additional borings or other investigational work. This includes rocks with certain time-dependent qualities that by determining the RQD again after 24 h, under well-controlled conditions, can assist in determining durability.
5.4 The RQD is a basic component of many rock mass classification systems, such as rock mass rating (RMR) and Q-System, for engineering purposes. See D5878 and 2,3.
5.5 When needed, drill holes in different directions can be used to determine the RQD in three dimensions.
5.6 The concept of RQD can be used on any rock outcrop or excavation surface using line surveys as well. However, this topic is not covered by this standard.
Note 2: 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...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the rock quality designation (RQD) as a standard parameter in drill core logging of a core sample in addition to the commonly obtained core recovery value (Practice D2113); however there may be some variations between different disciplines, such as mining and civil projects.
1.2 This standard does not cover any RQD determinations made by other borehole methods (such as acoustic or optical televiewer) and which may not give the same data or results as on the actual core sample(s).
1.3 There are many drilling and lithologic variations that could affect the RQD results. This standard provides examples of many common and some unusual situations that the user of this standard needs to understand to use this standard and cannot expect it to be all inclusive for all drilling and logging scenarios. The intent is to provide a baseline of examples for the user to take ownership and watch for similar, additional or unique geological and procedural issues in their specific drilling programs.
1.4 This standard uses the original calculation methods by D.U. Deere to determine an RQD value and does not cover other calculation or analysis methods; such as Monte Carlo.
1.5 The RQD in this test method only denotes the percentage of intact and sound rock in a core interval, defined by the test program, and only of the rock mass in the direction of the drill hole axis, at a specific location. A core interval is typically a core run but can be a lithological unit or any other interval of core sample relevant to the project.
1.6 RQD was originally introduced for use with conventional drilling of N-size core with diameter of 54.7 mm (2.155 in.). However, this test method covers all types of core barrels and core sizes from BQ to PQ, which are normally acceptable for measuring determining RQD as long as proper drilling techniques are used that do not cause excess core breakage or po...
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This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D6032/D6032M − 17
Standard Test Method for
1
Determining Rock Quality Designation (RQD) of Rock Core
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6032/D6032M; 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* techniques are used that do not cause excess core breakage or
poor recovery, or both. See 6.3 for more information on this
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the rock
issue.
quality designation (RQD) as a standard parameter in drill core
logging of a core sample in addition to the commonly obtained 1.7 Only the RQD classification which correlates with the
core recovery value (Practice D2113); however there may be common tunneling classification that was presented by
2,3
some variations between different disciplines, such as mining Deere is covered in this test method. Other classification
and civil projects. systems are not covered specifically but are mentioned in
general and if used shall not be regarded as nonconformance
1.2 This standard does not cover any RQD determinations
with this standard.
made by other borehole methods (such as acoustic or optical
televiewer) and which may not give the same data or results as 1.8 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
on the actual core sample(s). guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Practice D6026.
1.3 There are many drilling and lithologic variations that
1.8.1 The method used to specify how data are collected,
could affect the RQD results. This standard provides examples
calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to
of many common and some unusual situations that the user of
theaccuracytowhichthedatacanbeappliedindesignorother
this standard needs to understand to use this standard and
uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using this
cannot expect it to be all inclusive for all drilling and logging
standard is beyond its scope.
scenarios. The intent is to provide a baseline of examples for
the user to take ownership and watch for similar, additional or 1.9 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
unique geological and procedural issues in their specific [rational values are given in brackets] are to be regarded
drilling programs. separately as standard. The values stated in each system may
not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used
1.4 This standard uses the original calculation methods by
independently of the other. Combining values from the two
D.U. Deere to determine an RQD value and does not cover
systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
other calculation or analysis methods; such as Monte Carlo.
Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be
1.5 The RQD in this test method only denotes the percent-
regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
age of intact and sound rock in a core interval, defined by the
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
test program, and only of the rock mass in the direction of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
drill hole axis, at a specific location.Acore interval is typically
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
a core run but can be a lithological unit or any other interval of
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
core sample relevant to the project.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 RQD was originally introduced for use with conven-
1.11 This international standard was developed in accor-
tional drilling of N-size core with diameter of 54.7 mm (2.155
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
in.). However, this test method covers all types of core barrels
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
and core sizes from BQ to PQ, which are normally acceptable
for measuring determining RQD as long as proper drilling
2
Deere, D. U., and Deere, D. W., The Rock Quality Designation (RQD) After
1
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland Twenty Years, Rock Classification Systems for Engineering Purposes, ASTM STP
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.12 on Rock Mechanics. 984, 1988, pp. 91–101.
3
Current edition approved March 1, 2017. Published April 2017. Originally Deere, D. U., and Deere, D. W., Rock Quality Designation (RQD) Index in
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D603
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D6032 − 08 D6032/D6032M − 17
Standard Test Method for
1
Determining Rock Quality Designation (RQD) of Rock Core
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6032;D6032/D6032M; 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*
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the rock quality designation (RQD) as a standard parameter in drill core
logging. logging of a core sample in addition to the commonly obtained core recovery value (Practice D2113); however there may
be some variations between different disciplines, such as mining and civil projects.
1.2 This standard does not cover any RQD determinations made by other borehole methods (such as acoustic or optical
televiewer) and which may not give the same data or results as on the actual core sample(s).
1.3 There are many drilling and lithologic variations that could affect the RQD results. This standard provides examples of many
common and some unusual situations that the user of this standard needs to understand to use this standard and cannot expect it
to be all inclusive for all drilling and logging scenarios. The intent is to provide a baseline of examples for the user to take
ownership and watch for similar, additional or unique geological and procedural issues in their specific drilling programs.
1.4 This standard uses the original calculation methods by D.U. Deere to determine an RQD value and does not cover other
calculation or analysis methods; such as Monte Carlo.
1.5 The RQD in this test method only denotes the percentage of intact and sound rock in a core interval, defined by the test
program, and only of the rock mass in the direction of the drill hole axis, at a specific location. A core interval is typically a core
run but can be a lithological unit or any other interval of core sample relevant to the project.
1.6 RQD was originally introduced for use with conventional drilling of N-size core with diameter of 54.7 mm (2.155 in.).
However, this test method covers all types of core barrels and core sizes from BQ to PQ, which are normally acceptable for
measuring determining RQD as long as proper drilling techniques are used that do not cause excess core breakage or poor recovery,
or both. See 6.3 for more information on this issue.
2,3
1.7 Only the RQD classification which correlates with the common tunneling classification that was presented by Deere is
covered in this test method. Other classification systems are not covered specifically but are mentioned in general and if used shall
not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
1.8 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice
D6026.
1.8.1 The method used to specify how data are collected, calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to the
accuracy to which the data can be applied in design or other uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using this standard
is beyond its scope.
1.9 The values stated in either SI units are or inch-pound units [rational values are given in brackets] are to be regarded
separately as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for
information only and are not considered 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. Reporting
of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
1.10 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.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.12 on Rock Mechanics.
Current edition approved July 1, 2008March 1, 2017. Published July 2008April 2017. Originally approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 20062008 as
D6032 – 02 (2006).D6032 – 08. DOI: 10.1520/D6032-08.10.1520/D6032_D6032M-17.
2
Deere, D. U., and
...
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