ASTM D6032-08
(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
The RQD was first introduced in the mid 1960s to provide a simple and inexpensive general indication of rock mass quality to predict tunnelling conditions and support requirements. The recording of RQD has since become virtually standard practice in drill core logging for a wide variety of geotechnical investigations.
The RQD values provide a basis for making preliminary design decisions involving estimation of required depths of excavation for foundations of structures. 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 concrete aggregate, rockfill, or large riprap.
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.
The RQD is a basic component of many rock mass classification systems for engineering purposes.
Used alone, RQD is not sufficient to provide an adequate description of rock mass quality. The RQD does not account for joint orientation, tightness, continuity, and gouge material. The RQD must be used in combination with other geological and geotechnical input.
The RQD is sensitive to the orientation of joint sets with respect to the orientation of the core. That is, a joint set parallel to the core axis will not intersect the core, unless the drill hole happens to run along the joint. A joint set perpendicular to the core axis will intersect the core axis at intervals equal to the joint spacing. For intermediate orientations, the spacing of joint intersections with the core will be a cosine function of angle between joints and the core axis.
Core sizes from BQ to PQ with core diameters of 36.5 mm (1.44 in.) and 85 mm (3.35 in.), respectively, are normally acceptable for measuring RQD as long as proper drilling techniques are used that do not cause excess core breakage or p...
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 given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 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 − 08
Standard Test Method for
1
Determining Rock Quality Designation (RQD) of Rock Core
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6032; 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* D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
Data
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the rock
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
quality designation (RQD) as a standard parameter in drill core
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
logging.
1.2 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
3. Terminology
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
3.1 For terminology used in this test method, refer to
Practice D6026.
Terminology D653.
1.2.1 The method used to specify how data are collected,
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to
theaccuracytowhichthedatacanbeappliedindesignorother 3.2.1 core run—in the most basic usage, the length of the
interval measured from the depth each core sample was started
uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using this
standard is beyond its scope. to the depth at which drilling stopped and the sample was
recovered from the core barrel. If required, the core run can
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
also be defined to cover a specific length or lithology in the
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
core samples.
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
3.2.2 drill break—anymechanicalorman-madebreakinthe
tion only and are not considered standard.
core that is not natural occurring.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.3 intact core—any segment of core between two open,
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
natural discontinuities.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2.4 rock quality designation (RQD)—a modified core
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
recovery percentage in which all pieces of sound core over 100
mm are counted as recovery.
2. Referenced Documents
3.2.5 sound core—any core which is fresh to moderately
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
weathered and which has sufficient strength to resist hand
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained breakage.
Fluids
D2113 Practice for Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of 4. Summary of Test Method
Rock for Site Exploration
4.1 The RQD denotes the percentage of intact and sound
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
rock retrieved from a borehole of any orientation.All pieces of
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
intact and sound rock core equal to or greater than 100 mm (4
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
in.)longaresummedanddividedbythetotallengthofthecore
D5079 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Rock Core
run, as shown in Fig. 1. Rock mechanics judgement may be
Samples
necessary to determine if a piece of core qualifies as being
intact and sound.
1
5. Significance and Use
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.12 on Rock Mechanics.
5.1 The RQD was first introduced in the mid 1960s to
Current edition approved July 1, 2008. Published July 2008. Originally approved
provide a simple and inexpensive general indication of rock
in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D6032 – 02 (2006). DOI:
10.1520/D6032-08.
mass quality to predict tunnelling conditions and support
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
requirements. The recording of RQD has since become virtu-
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
ally standard practice in drill core logging for a wide variety of
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. geotechnical investigations.
*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
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D6032 − 08
FIG. 1 RQD Logging Center Line Method
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
5.2 The RQD values provide a basis for making preliminary
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
design decisions involving estimation of required depths of
...
This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM 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:D6032–02 (Reapproved 2006) Designation:D6032–08
Standard Test Method for
1
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 (´) 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.
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.
1.3The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are approximate.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded 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 standard.
1.4 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D 2113 Practice for Rock Core Drilling and Sampling of Rock for Site Investigation
D 3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D 5079 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Rock Core Samples
D 6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 For terminology used in this test method, refer to Terminology D 653.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 core run—in the most basic usage, the length of the interval measured from the depth each core sample was started to the
depth at which drilling stopped and the sample was recovered from the core barrel. If required, the core run can also be defined
to cover a specific length or lithology in the core samples.
3.2.2 drill break—any mechanical or man-made break in the core that is not natural occurring.
3.2.3 intact core—any segment of core between two open, natural discontinuities.
3.2.4 rock quality designation (RQD)—a modified core recovery percentage in which all pieces of sound core over 100 mm are
counted as recovery.
3.2.5 sound core—any core which is fresh to moderately weathered and which has sufficient strength to resist hand breakage.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The RQD denotes the percentage of intact and sound rock retrieved from a borehole of any orientation.All pieces of intact
and sound rock core equal to or greater than 100 mm (4 in.) long are summed and divided by the total length of the core run, as
shown in Fig. 1. Rock mechanics judgement may be necessary to determine if a piece of core qualifies as being intact and sound.
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 May 1, 2006. Published June 2006. Originally approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2002 as D6032–02.
Current edition approved July 1, 2008. Published July 2008. Originally approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D 6032 – 02 (2006).
2
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM 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.
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D6032–08
3
FIG. 1 RQD Logging Center Line
...
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