ASTM D6032-02(2006)
(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
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the rock quality designation (RQD) as a standard parameter in drill core logging.
1.2 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D 6026.
1.2.1 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.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are approximate.
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.
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Designation:D6032–02 (Reapproved 2006)
Standard Test Method for
Determining Rock Quality Designation (RQD) of Rock Core
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6032; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* 3. Terminology
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the rock 3.1 For terminology used in this test method, refer to
quality designation (RQD) as a standard parameter in drill core Terminology D 653.
logging. 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.2 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the 3.2.1 core run—in the most basic usage, the length of the
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in interval measured from the depth each core sample was started
Practice D 6026. to the depth at which drilling stopped and the sample was
1.2.1 The method used to specify how data are collected, recovered from the core barrel. If required, the core run can
calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to also be defined to cover a specific length or lithology in the
theaccuracytowhichthedatacanbeappliedindesignorother core samples.
uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using this 3.2.2 drill break—any mechanical or man-made break in
standard is beyond its scope. the core that is not natural occurring.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the 3.2.3 intact core—any segment of core between two open,
standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are approxi- natural discontinuities.
mate. 3.2.4 rock quality designation (RQD)—a modified core
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the recovery percentage in which all pieces of sound core over 100
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the mm are counted as recovery.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3.2.5 sound core—any core which is fresh to moderately
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- weather and which has sufficient strength to resist hand
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. breakage.
2. Referenced Documents 4. Summary of Test Method
2.1 ASTM Standards: 4.1 The RQD denotes the percentage of intact and sound
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained rock retrieved from a borehole of any orientation.All pieces of
Fluids intact and sound rock core equal to or greater than 100 mm (4
D2113 Practice for Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of in.)longaresummedanddividedbythetotallengthofthecore
Rock for Site Investigation run, as shown in Fig. 1. Rock mechanics judgement may be
D 3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies necessary to determine if a piece of core qualifies as being
Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock intact and sound.
as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
5. Significance and Use
D 5079 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Rock
Core Samples 5.1 The RQD was first introduced in the mid 1960’s to
provide a simple and inexpensive general indication of rock
D 6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechni-
cal Data mass quality to predict tunneling conditions and support
requirements. The recording of RQD has since become virtu-
E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method ally standard practice in drill core logging for a wide variety of
geotechnical investigations.
5.2 The RQD values provide a basis for making preliminary
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
design decisions involving estimation of required depths of
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.12 on Rock Mechanics.
excavation for foundations of structures. The RQD values also
Current edition approved May 1, 2006. Published June 2006. Originally
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D 6032–02.
can serve to identify potential problems related to bearing
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
capacity, settlement, erosion, or sliding in rock foundations.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
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.
D6032–02 (2006)
FIG. 1 RQD Logging Center Line Method
criteria of Practice D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent
The RQD can provide an indication of rock quality in quarries
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
for concrete aggregate, rockfill, or large riprap.
cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself assure
5.3 The RQD has been widely used as a warning indicator
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D 3740
of low-quality rock zones that may need greater scrutiny or
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
require additional borings or other investigational work.
6. Procedure
5.4 The RQD is a basic component of many rock mass
classification systems for engineering purposes.
6.1 Drilling of the rock core should be done in accordance
5.5 Usedalone,RQDisnotsufficienttoprovideanadequate
with Practice D2113. It is important that proper drilling
description of rock mass quality. The RQD does not account
techniques and equipment are used to minimize core breakage
for joint orientation, tightness, continuity, and gouge material.
or poor core recovery, or both.
The RQD must be used in combination with other geological
6.2 There are several ways to define a core run for calcu-
and geotechnical input.
lating RQD.Three of these are: (1) a core run is equal to a drill
5.6 TheRQDissensitivetotheorientationofjointsetswith
run; (2) a change in formation or rock type could constitute an
respect to the orientation of the core.That is, a joint set parallel
end of a core run; and (3) a core run can be a selected zone of
to the core axis will not intersect the core, unless the drill hole
concern. In determining a core run it is important to be
happens to run along the joint.Ajoint set perpendicular to the
consistent throughout a drill hole and to document how the
core axis will intersect the core axis at intervals equal to the
core run was defined.
jointspacing.Forintermediateorientations,thespacingofjoint
6.3 Retrieval, preservation, transportation, storage, and
intersections with the core will be a cosine function of angle
cataloging of the rock core should be done in accordance with
between joints and the core axis.
Practices D 5079. The RQD should be logged on site when the
5.7 Core sizes from BQ to PQ with core diameters of 36.5
core is retrieved because some rocks can disintegrate, due to
mm (1.44 in.) and 85 mm (3.35 in.), respectively, are normally
poor curatorial handling, slaking, desiccation, stress relief, or
acceptable for measuring RQD as long as proper drilling
swelling, with time. For these rocks it is recommended that the
techniques are used that do not cause excess core breakage or
RQD be measured again after 24 h to assist in determining
poor recovery, or both. The NX-size (54.7 mm [2.16 in.]) and
durability.
NQ-size (47.5 mm [1.87 in.]) are the optimal core sizes for
6.4 Close visual examination of core pieces is required for
measuring RQD. The RQD is also useful for large core
assessing the type of fracture (that is, natural or drill break).
diameters provided the core diameter is clearly stated. The
Pieces of core that are moderately or intensely weathered,
RQD calculated for core smaller than BQ may not be repre-
contain numerous pores, or are friable, or combination thereof,
sentative of the true quality of the rock mass.
should not be included in the summation of pieces greater than
100 mm (4 in.) for the determination of the RQD.Any rejected
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
piece of core is still included as part of the total length of core
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the run and should be noted in the report.
D6032–02 (2006)
6.5 Measure all core piece lengths that are intact and greater 8.1.1 Source of sample including project name, location,
than 100 mm (4 in.) to the nearest 1 mm (0.04 in.) and record and, if known, stora
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