ASTM D5312/D5312M-12(2013)

Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Under Freezing and Thawing Conditions

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 This test method is designed to determine the effects of freezing and thawing action on the individual pieces of rock for erosion control and the resistance of the rock to deterioration. 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.Note 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent upon 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 evaluation some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the procedures for evaluating the durability of rock for erosion control when exposed to freezing and thawing conditions on slabs of rock. This weathering test exposes the rock to freezing and thawing cycles similar to natural weather conditions. The rock slabs, prepared in accordance with procedures in Practice D5121, are intended to be representative of erosion control rock and its weaknesses. The test is appropriate for breakwater stone, armor stone, riprap, and gabion sized rock materials.  
The limitations of the test are twofold. First 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. Secondly the test requires the rock slabs to be exposed to up to 55 freezing-thawing cycles. The test is time intensive and may require up to two or more months to complete the sample preparation, testing, and analysis portions of the procedure.  
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 addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considera...

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 14-Jan-2013
• ICS: 93.020 - Earthworks. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.17 - Rock for Erosion Control

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: D5312/D5312M − 12 (Reapproved 2013)
Standard Test Method for
Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Under
Freezing and Thawing Conditions
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5312/D5312M; 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* 1.4.2 Theproceduresusedtospecifyhowdataarecollected/
recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the
1.1 This test method covers the procedures for evaluating
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
the durability of rock for erosion control when exposed to
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
freezing and thawing conditions on slabs of rock. This weath-
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
ering test exposes the rock to freezing and thawing cycles
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
similar to natural weather conditions. The rock slabs, prepared
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
in accordance with procedures in Practice D5121, are intended
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
toberepresentativeoferosioncontrolrockanditsweaknesses.
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
The test is appropriate for breakwater stone, armor stone,
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical
riprap, and gabion sized rock materials.
methods for engineering design.
The limitations of the test are twofold. First the size of the
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
cut rock slab specimens may eliminate some of the internal
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
defects present in the rock structure. The test specimens may
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
not be representative of the quality of the larger rock samples
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
used in construction. Careful examination of the rock source
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
andpropersamplingareessentialinminimizingthislimitation.
Secondly the test requires the rock slabs to be exposed to up to
2. Referenced Documents
55 freezing-thawing cycles. The test is time intensive and may
require up to two or more months to complete the sample
2.1 ASTM Standards:
preparation, testing, and analysis portions of the procedure.
D653Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Fluids
1.2 The use of reclaimed concrete and other materials is
D2216Test Methods for Laboratory Determination ofWater
beyond the scope of this test method.
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
1.3 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
D3740Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
pound units [presented in brackets] are to be regarded sepa-
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
ratelyasstandard.Thevaluesstatedineachsystemmaynotbe
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used inde-
D4753Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
pendentlyoftheother.Combiningvaluesfromthetwosystems
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
may result in non-conformance with the standard.
Construction Materials Testing
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
D4992Practice for Evaluation of Rock to be Used for
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Erosion Control
Practice D6026, unless superseded by this standard.
D5121Practice for Preparation of Rock Slabs for Durability
1.4.1 For purposes of comparing measured or calculated
Testing
value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated
D6026Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant
Data
digits in the specified limits.
E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
Ventilation Ovens
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 February 2013. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D5312/D5312M–12. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D5312_D5312M-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
D5312/D5312M − 12 (2013)
3. Terminology erosion control and the resistance of the rock to deterioration.
Thistestmethodwasdevelopedtobeusedinconjunctionwith
3.1 Definitions—See Terminology D653 for general defini-
additional test methods listed in Practice D4992. This test
tions.
method does not provide an absolute value but rather an
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
indication of the resistance to freezing and thawing; therefore,
3.2.1 rock saw, n—a saw capable of cutting rock. The term
the results of this test method are not to be used as the sole
“rock saw” shall include the blade which saws the rock, any
basis for the determination of rock durability.
components that control or power the sawing process or both,
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
and framework on which the blade and any other associated
dependent upon the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
components are mounted. suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
3.2.2 slab, n—a section of rock having two smooth, ap-
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
proximately parallel faces, produced by two saw cuts. The
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure
thicknessoftheslabisgenerallylessthantheotherdimensions reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740
provides a means of evaluation some of those factors.
of the rock.The slab will be the specimen of a rock which will
subsequently undergo durability tests. The words “slab” and
6. Apparatus
“specimen” are interchangeable throughout the test method.
3.2.3 armor stone, n—stone generally 900 to 2,700 kg [one 6.1 Rock Saw—A laboratory diamond saw used to cut
geological and concrete specimens, or a diamond saw used for
to three tons] resulting from blasting, cutting, or by other
methods placed along shorelines or in jetties to protect the lapidary purposes, shall be acceptable. A minimum blade
diameterof36cm[14in.]willbeneededtoobtaintherequired
shoreline from erosion due to the action of large waves.
slab sizes (a larger one is preferable). The blade shall be a
3.2.4 breakwater stone, n—stone generally 2,700 to 18,000
circular diamond blade.
kg [three to twenty tons] resulting from blasting, cutting, or by
6.1.1 The rock saw apparatus shall have a fixed or remov-
other methods placed along shorelines or in jetties to protect
able vise to hold the samples during the cutting process. An
the shoreline from erosion due to the action of large waves.
automatic feed (either gravity, hydraulic, or screwfeed oper-
3.2.5 riprap stone, n—stone generally less than 1,800 kg
ated) that controls the cutting action is preferred; however, a
[twotons]speciallyselectedandgraded,whenproperlyplaced
manual feed is also acceptable. The saw shall have a platform
preventserosionthroughminorwaveaction,orstrongcurrents
to prevent the cut slab from falling and shattering.
and thereby preserves the shape of a surface, slope, or
underlying structure. 6.2 Freeze-Thaw Chamber or Home Freezer—A timer-
controlledfreeze-thawchamberspecificallydesignedfortimed
3.2.6 gabion-fill stone, n—stone generally less than 22 kg
cyclingof16hoffreezingat-18 62.5°C[0 65°F]followed
[50 lb] and placed in baskets of wire or other suitable material.
by a minimum of 8 h of thawing at 32 6 2.5 °C [90 6 5 °F]
These baskets are then tied together to form an integral
on a daily basis is the most desirable option. This type of
structure designed to resist erosion along stream banks and
apparatusiscommerciallyavailableandallowsforthecomple-
around bridge piers.
tion of one freeze-thaw cycle every day including weekends
and holidays.
4. Summary of Test Method
6.2.1 If a freeze-thaw chamber is not available, a standard
4.1 Erosion control rock samples are trimmed into saw-cut
chest-type home freezer capable of reaching and maintaining
slab specimens. Each slab is structurally examined macro-
the required temperature range in accordance with 6.2 may be
scopically and under 20× magnification. The specimens are
used.
exposed to up to 55 freezing-thawing cycles. The trimmed
6.2.2 The limitations associated with this option are related
slabs are initially immersed in an alcohol/water solution for a
to the fact that the freeze-thaw cycling must be accomplished
minimum of 12 h. The slabs are then frozen for a minimum of
manually. Typically only four cycles of freezing and thawing
12 h then thawed for 8 to 12 h. At the completion of the test,
may be accomplished during a normal work week.
the percent loss by mass for each specimen set is determined.
Avisual examination of the slabs is performed throughout and
6.3 Thawing Oven (if option 6.2.1 is used)—
at the end of testing. The type of deterioration and changes to
Thermostatically controlled oven meeting the requirements of
previously noted planes of weakness are recorded.
Specification E145 and capable of maintaining a constant
temperature of 32 6 2.5 °C [90 6 5 °F]. Preferably the oven
5. Significance and Use
should be vented outside the building.
5.1 Rock for erosion control consists of individual pieces of
6.4 Drying Oven—Thermostatically controlled oven meet-
natural stone. The ability of these individual pieces of stone to
ing the requirements of Specification E145 and capable of
resistdeteriorationduetoweatheringactionaffectsthestability
maintainingauniformtemperatureof110 65°C[230 69°F]
oftheintegralplacementofrockforerosioncontrolandhence,
throughout the drying chamber. These requirements typically
thestabilityofconstructionprojects,structures,shorelines,and
requiretheuseofaforced-drafttypeoven.Preferablytheoven
stream banks.
should be vented outside the building.
5.2 This test method is designed to determine the effects of 6.4.1 Asingle oven may be used in lieu of the thawing and
freezingandthawingactionontheindividualpiecesofrockfor drying ovens if it meets the requirements of both 6.3 and 6.4.
D5312/D5312M − 12 (2013)
6.5 Containers—Of sufficient size to hold the specimens 8.3 Planesofweaknesswillbeincludedineachsamplesuch
partially immersed in an alcohol/water solution. It is advised that a determination may be made as to the durability of the
that these containers be non-reactive, resistant to breakage and various planes of weakness and their effect on the overall
resistant to deformation and degradation when exposed to durability of a rock mass that would contain these planes of
temperatures encountered in this test method. weakness.
6.6 Absorptive Pads—6-mm[ ⁄4in.]thickfeltpads,blotters, 8.4 Each rock sample shall be of sufficient size to provide
synthetic fiber carpeting or similar absorptive material for the finished size specimens described in Section 9.
placing between specimens and the container bottom.
8.5 Inallcases,therockpiecesselectedforthesampleshall
6.7 Balance—Abalance capable of determining the mass of bechosentoberepresentativeofthemajorityoftherockatthe
thespecimentothenearest0.1%ofthetotalmassmeetingthe source. Rock pieces, as determined by their macroscopic
requirements of Specification D4753. properties, which comprise less than 5 percent of the source
material,maybeignoredunlesstheirpresenceinasamplewill
6.8 Camera—Adigital or film camera capable of producing
significantlyaffectthetestresultsandsubsequentproposeduse
good quality, color photographs for “before” and “after”
of the rock.
photographs.
8.6 Each piece will be of a size such that testing may
6.9 Stereomicroscope—Amicroscopeorothersuitablemag-
proceed without further mechanical crushing; however, the
nifying device, capable of at least 20× magnification for
chosenpiecesshallbeaslargeasthelaboratorycanhandlebut
examination of the specimen prior to and after testing. Ideally,
in no case shall the sample be less than 125 mm (5 in.) on a
a camera body could be mounted to the stereomicroscope,
side.
allowing the user to document the small-scale bedding or
potential planes of weakness within the test specimen.
9. Preparation of Test Specimens
6.10 Photographic Scale—Ascaleofappropriatedimension
9.1 Prepare a separate slab for each orientation of the
and division when compared to the field of view and the detail
various planes of weakness unless all such planes can be
being studied.When selecting a scale, always choose the scale
intersected with one orientation.
that will provide at least as precise a measurement as the
9.2 Saw each sample, as obtained in accordance with 8.2.1
system that will be measuring the photographic information. If
the system has a precision to one millimeter, make sure the and 8.2.2, in accordance with Practice D5121. Cut each
specimen to 65 6 5 mm [2.5 6 0.25 in.] thick and cut normal
scale used is accurate and precise to at least one millimeter
across the entire scale. to bedding or any potential planes of weakness which may be
observed in the samples. In no case will the size of the slab be
7. Special Solutions
less than 125 mm [5 in.] on a side, excluding the thickness.
7.1 The special solution required for this test method NOTE3—Testspecimensmayalsobepreparedbycuttinga65 65mm
[2.5 6 0.25 in.] thick slab from a 150-mm [6-in.] diameter diamond drill
consists of a 0.5% isopropyl alcohol/water solution. This
core such that any apparent zones of weakness are included.
solutionmaybemixedandstoredaheadoftime.Itwillbeused
NOTE 4—The best estimates of rock durability are those estimates that
to replenish the solution as the test proceeds. Commercially
are based on the results of tests performed on the largest possible slabs of
available isopropyl alcohol as opposed to reagent grade is
rock. The maximum slab size shall be limited only by the c
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