ASTM D5240/D5240M-12(2013)e1
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Using Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Using Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
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 The sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate soundness test is one method by which to estimate qualitatively the durability of rock under weathering conditions. 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.
5.3 This test method has been used to evaluate many different types of rocks. There have been occasions when test results have provided data that have not agreed with the durability of rock under actual field conditions; samples yielding a low soundness loss have disintegrated in actual usage, and the reverse has been true.
Note 1: The quality of results produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and 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 and Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of them.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers test procedures for evaluating the soundness of rock for erosion control by the effects of a sodium or magnesium sulfate solution on slabs of rock. The test is an accelerated weathering test that simulates the freezing and thawing of cold weather exposure. The rock slabs, prepared in accordance with procedures in Practice D5121, are intended to be representative of erosion control sized materials and their inherent weaknesses. The test is appropriate for breakwater stone, armor stone, riprap and gabion sized rock materials.
The limitations of this test are twofold. First the test is a simulation of freezing and thawing conditions. The internal expansive force, derived from the rehydration of the salt upon re-immersion, simulates the expansion of water on freezing relying on chemical crystal formation to simulate freezing rather than the actual freezing of water. Secondly 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.
1.2 The use of reclaimed concrete and other materials is beyond the scope of this test method.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units 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 representativ...
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´1
Designation: D5240/D5240M − 12 (Reapproved 2013)
Standard Test Method for
Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Using
Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5240/D5240M; 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.
ε NOTE—Editorially updated units of measurement statement in April 2018.
1. Scope* 1.4.1 For purposes of comparing measured or calculated
value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated
1.1 This test method covers test procedures for evaluating
value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant
the soundness of rock for erosion control by the effects of a
digits in the specified limits.
sodium or magnesium sulfate solution on slabs of rock. The
1.4.2 Theproceduresusedtospecifyhowdataarecollected/
testisanacceleratedweatheringtestthatsimulatesthefreezing
recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the
and thawing of cold weather exposure. The rock slabs, pre-
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
pared in accordance with procedures in Practice D5121, are
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
intended to be representative of erosion control sized materials
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
and their inherent weaknesses. The test is appropriate for
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
breakwater stone, armor stone, riprap and gabion sized rock
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
materials.
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
The limitations of this test are twofold. First the test is a
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
simulation of freezing and thawing conditions. The internal
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical
expansive force, derived from the rehydration of the salt upon
methods for engineering design.
re-immersion, simulates the expansion of water on freezing
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
relying on chemical crystal formation to simulate freezing
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ratherthantheactualfreezingofwater.Secondlythesizeofthe
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
cut rock slab specimens may eliminate some of the internal
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
defects present in the rock structure. The test specimens may
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
not be representative of the quality of the larger rock samples
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
used in construction. Careful examination of the rock source
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
andpropersamplingareessentialinminimizingthislimitation.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.2 The use of reclaimed concrete and other materials is
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
beyond the scope of this test method.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
2. Referenced Documents
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
2.1 ASTM Standards:
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
C88 Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by Use of
with the standard.
Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
C295 Guide for Petrographic Examination ofAggregates for
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Concrete
Practice D6026, unless superseded by this standard.
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Fluids
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 January 2013. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D5240/D5240M – 12. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/D5240_D5240M-12R13E01. 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
D5240/D5240M − 12 (2013)
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water oven drying. At the completion of the test, the percent loss by
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass mass for each specimen set is determined. A visual examina-
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies tion of the slabs is performed at the end of testing. The type of
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as deterioration and changes to previously noted planes of weak-
Used in Engineering Design and Construction ness are recorded.
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
5. Significance and Use
Construction Materials Testing
5.1 Rock for erosion control consists of individual pieces of
D4992 Practice for Evaluation of Rock to be Used for
natural stone. The ability of these individual pieces of stone to
Erosion Control
resistdeteriorationduetoweatheringactionaffectsthestability
D5121 Practice for Preparation of Rock Slabs for Durability
of the integral placement of rock for erosion control and hence,
Testing
the stability of construction projects, structures, shorelines, and
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
stream banks.
Data
5.2 The sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate soundness test
E100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
is one method by which to estimate qualitatively the durability
E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-
of rock under weathering conditions. This test method was
Ventilation Ovens
developed to be used in conjunction with additional test
3. Terminology methods listed in Practice D4992. This test method does not
provide an absolute value, but rather an indication of the
3.1 Definitions—See Terminology D653 for general defini-
resistance to freezing and thawing; therefore, the results of this
tions.
test method are not to be used as the sole basis for the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
determination of rock durability.
3.2.1 rock saw, n—a saw capable of cutting rock. The term
5.3 This test method has been used to evaluate many
“rock saw” shall include the blade which saws the rock, any
different types of rocks. There have been occasions when test
components that control or power the sawing process or both,
results have provided data that have not agreed with the
and framework on which the blade and any other associated
durability of rock under actual field conditions; samples
components are mounted.
yielding a low soundness loss have disintegrated in actual
3.2.2 slab, n—a section of rock having two smooth, ap-
usage, and the reverse has been true.
proximately parallel faces, produced by two saw cuts. The
NOTE 1—The quality of results produced by this standard is dependent
thickness of the slab is generally less than the other dimensions
on the competence of the personnel performing it and suitability of the
of the rock. The slab will be the rock specimen which will equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice
D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective
subsequently undergo durability tests. The words “slab” and
testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that
“specimen” are interchangeable throughout the test method.
compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results.
3.2.3 armor stone, n—stone generally 900 to 2700 kg [one
Reliable results depend on many factors and Practice D3740 provides a
means of evaluating some of them.
to three tons] resulting from blasting, cutting, or by other
methods placed along shorelines or in jetties to protect the
6. Apparatus
shoreline from erosion due to the action of large waves.
3.2.4 breakwater stone, n—stone generally 2700 to 18 000 6.1 Rock Saw—A laboratory water-cooled diamond saw
kg [three to twenty tons] resulting from blasting, cutting, or by used to cut geological and concrete specimens, or a diamond
other methods placed along shorelines or in jetties to protect saw used for lapidary purposes, shall be acceptable. A mini-
the shoreline from erosion due to the action of large waves. mum blade diameter of 36 cm [14 in.] will be needed to obtain
the required slab sizes (a larger blade is preferable). The blade
3.2.5 riprap stone, n—stone generally less than 1800 kg
shall be a circular diamond blade.
[two tons] specially selected and graded, when properly placed
6.1.1 The rock saw apparatus shall have a fixed or remove-
prevents erosion through minor wave action, or strong currents
able vise to hold the samples during the cutting process. An
and thereby preserves the shape of a surface, slope, or
automatic feed (either gravity, hydraulic, or screwfeed oper-
underlying structure.
ated) that controls the cutting action is preferred; however, a
3.2.6 gabion-fill stone, n—stone generally less than 22 kg
manual feed is also acceptable. The saw shall have a platform
[50 lb] and placed in baskets of wire or other suitable material.
to prevent the cut slab from falling and shattering.
These baskets are then tied together to form an integral
NOTE 2—Coolants other than water may interfere with subsequent
structure designed to resist erosion along stream banks and
testing or evaluation, or both.
around bridge piers.
6.2 Containers—Of sufficient size to hold the specimens
4. Summary of Test Method
and baskets fully immersed in a sulfate solution. It is advised
4.1 Erosion control rock samples are trimmed into saw-cut that these containers be sealable, non-reactive, resistant to
slab specimens.The trimmed slabs are oven dried to a constant breakage and resistant to deformation and degradation when
mass. The specimens are repeatedly immersed in saturated exposed to the chemicals and temperatures encountered in this
solutions of sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate followed by test method.
´1
D5240/D5240M − 12 (2013)
6.3 Baskets—Baskets for immersing the slab specimens in 7.1.1 Sodium Sulfate Solution—Prepare a saturated solution
the solution, in accordance with the procedure described in this of sodium sulfate by dissolving a reagent grade of the salt in
test method, shall be perforated in such a manner as to permit water at a temperature of 25 to 30 °C [77 to 86 °F]. Add
free access of the solution to the specimen and drainage of the sufficient salt (Note 5), of either the anhydrous (Na SO )orthe
2 4
solution from the specimen without loss of material. crystalline (Na SO ·10H O) form, to ensure not only satura-
2 4 2
NOTE 3—Baskets made of suitable wire mesh or sieves with suitable tion but also the presence of excess crystals when the solution
openings are satisfactory containers for the samples.
is ready for use in the tests. Thoroughly stir the mixture during
theadditionofthesaltandstirthesolutionatfrequentintervals
6.4 Temperature Regulation—Suitable means for regulating
until used. To reduce evaporation and prevent contamination,
thetemperatureofthesamplesat21 61°C[70 62°F]during
keep the solution covered at all times when access is not
immersion in the sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate solution
needed. Allow the solution to cool to 21 61°C[70 6 2 °F].
shall be provided.
Again stir, and allow the solution to remain at the designated
6.5 Balances—The balance shall meet the requirements of
temperatureforatleast48hbeforeuse.Priortoeachuse,break
Specification D4753.AClass GP 10 balance of 5 g readability
up the salt cake, if any, in the container, stir the solution
and accuracy is acceptable.
thoroughly,anddetermineandrecordthespecificgravityofthe
solution.
6.6 Drying Oven—Thermostatically controlled oven meet-
When used, the solution shall have a specific gravity of
ing the requirements of Specification E145 and capable of
1.151 to 1.174. Discard a discolored solution, or filter it and
maintainingauniformtemperatureof110 65°C[230 69°F]
check for specific gravity.
throughout the drying chamber. These requirements typically
require the use of a forced-draft type oven. Preferably the oven
NOTE 5—For the solution, 215 g of anhydrous salt or 700 g of the
should be vented outside the building. The rate of evaporation,
decahydrate per litre of water are sufficient for saturation at 22 °C [71.6
at this range of temperature, shall be at least 25 g/h for 4 h,
°F]. However, since these salts are not completely stable and since it is
during which period the doors of the oven shall be kept closed. desirable that an excess of crystals be present, the use of not less than 350
g of the anhydrous salt or 750 g of the decahydrate salt per litre of water
This rate shall be determined by the loss of water from 1-L
is recommended.
Griffin low-form beakers, each initially containing 500 g [1 lb]
of water at a temperature of 21 62°C[70 6 3 °F], placed at
7.1.2 Magnesium Sulfate Solution—Prepare a saturated so-
each corner and the center of each shelf of the oven. The lution of magnesium sulfate by dissolving a reagent grade of
evaporation requirement is to apply to all test locations when
the salt in water at a temperature of 25 to 30 °C [77 to 86 °F].
the oven is empty except for the beakers of water. Add sufficient salt (Note 6), of either the anhydrous (MgSO )
or the crystalline (MgSO ·7H O) (Epsom salt) form, to ensure
4 2
6.7 Specific Gravity Measurement—Hydrometers conform-
saturationandthepresenceofexcesscrystalswhenthesolution
ing to the requirements of Specification E100, or a suitable
is ready for use in the tests. Thoroughly stir the mixture during
combination of graduated glassware and balance, capable of
theadditionofthesaltandstirthesolutionatfrequentintervals
measuring the solution specific gravity within 60.001.
until used. To reduce evaporation and prevent contamination,
6.8 Camera—Adigital or film camera capable of pr
...
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: D5240/D5240M − 12 (Reapproved 2013) D5240/D5240M − 12 (Reapproved
´1
2013)
Standard Test Method for
Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Using
Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5240/D5240M; 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.
ε NOTE—Editorially updated units of measurement statement in April 2018.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers test procedures for evaluating the soundness of rock for erosion control by the effects of a sodium
or magnesium sulfate solution on slabs of rock. The test is an accelerated weathering test that simulates the freezing and thawing
of cold weather exposure. The rock slabs, prepared in accordance with procedures in Practice D5121, are intended to be
representative of erosion control sized materials and their inherent weaknesses. The test is appropriate for breakwater stone, armor
stone, riprap and gabion sized rock materials.
The limitations of this test are twofold. First the test is a simulation of freezing and thawing conditions. The internal expansive
force, derived from the rehydration of the salt upon re-immersion, simulates the expansion of water on freezing relying on chemical
crystal formation to simulate freezing rather than the actual freezing of water. Secondly 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.
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 considerations.
It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical methods for engineering design.
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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 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.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.17 on Rock for Erosion
Control.
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2013. Published January 2013. Originally approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D5240/D5240M – 12. DOI:
10.1520/D5240_D5240M-12R13.10.1520/D5240_D5240M-12R13E01.
*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
D5240/D5240M − 12 (2013)
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C88 Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
C295 Guide for Petrographic Examination of Aggregates for Concrete
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction
Materials Testing
D4992 Practice for Evaluation of Rock to be Used for Erosion Control
D5121 Practice for Preparation of Rock Slabs for Durability Testing
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
E100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—See Terminology D653 for general definitions.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 rock saw, n—a saw capable of cutting rock. The term “rock saw” shall include the blade which saws the rock, any
components that control or power the sawing process or both, and framework on which the blade and any other associated
components are mounted.
3.2.2 slab, n—a section of rock having two smooth, approximately parallel faces, produced by two saw cuts. The thickness of
the slab is generally less than the other dimensions of the rock. The slab will be the rock specimen which will subsequently undergo
durability tests. The words “slab” and “specimen” are interchangeable throughout the test method.
3.2.3 armor stone, n—stone generally 900 to 2700 kg [one to three tons] resulting from blasting, cutting, or by other methods
placed along shorelines or in jetties to protect the shoreline from erosion due to the action of large waves.
3.2.4 breakwater stone, n—stone generally 2700 to 18 000 kg [three to twenty tons] resulting from blasting, cutting, or by other
methods placed along shorelines or in jetties to protect the shoreline from erosion due to the action of large waves.
3.2.5 riprap stone, n—stone generally less than 1800 kg [two tons] specially selected and graded, when properly placed prevents
erosion through minor wave action, or strong currents and thereby preserves the shape of a surface, slope, or underlying structure.
3.2.6 gabion-fill stone, n—stone generally less than 22 kg [50 lb] and placed in baskets of wire or other suitable material. These
baskets are then tied together to form an integral structure designed to resist erosion along stream banks and around bridge piers.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Erosion control rock samples are trimmed into saw-cut slab specimens. The trimmed slabs are oven dried to a constant mass.
The specimens are repeatedly immersed in saturated solutions of sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate followed by oven drying.
At the completion of the test, the percent loss by mass for each specimen set is determined. A visual examination of the slabs is
performed at the end of testing. The type of deterioration and changes to previously noted planes of weakness are recorded.
5. 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 The sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate soundness test is one method by which to estimate qualitatively the durability of
rock under weathering conditions. 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.
5.3 This test method has been used to evaluate many different types of rocks. There have been occasions when test results have
provided data that have not agreed with the durability of rock under actual field conditions; samples yielding a low soundness loss
have disintegrated in actual usage, and the reverse has been true.
NOTE 1—The quality of results produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and suitability of the
equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 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.
´1
D5240/D5240M − 12 (2013)
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 and Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of them.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Rock Saw—A laboratory water-cooled diamond saw used to cut geological and concrete specimens, or a diamond saw used
for lapidary purposes, shall be acceptable. A minimum blade diameter of 36 cm [14 in.] will be needed to obtain the required slab
sizes (a larger blade is preferable). The blade shall be a circular diamond blade.
6.1.1 The rock saw apparatus shall have a fixed or removeable vise to hold the samples during the cutting process. An automatic
feed (either gravity, hydraulic, or screwfeed operated) that controls the cutting action is preferred; however, a manual feed is also
acceptable. The saw shall have a platform to prevent the cut slab from falling and shattering.
NOTE 2—Coolants other than water may interfere with subsequent testing or evaluation, or both.
6.2 Containers—Of sufficient size to hold the specimens and baskets fully immersed in a sulfate solution. It is advised that these
containers be sealable, non-reactive, resistant to breakage and resistant to deformation and degradation when exposed to the
chemicals and temperatures encountered in this test method.
6.3 Baskets—Baskets for immersing the slab specimens in the solution, in accordance with the procedure described in this test
method, shall be perforated in such a manner as to permit free access of the solution to the specimen and drainage of the solution
from the specimen without loss of material.
NOTE 3—Baskets made of suitable wire mesh or sieves with suitable openings are satisfactory containers for the samples.
6.4 Temperature Regulation—Suitable means for regulating the temperature of the samples at 21 6 1 °C [70 6 2 °F] during
immersion in the sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate solution shall be provided.
6.5 Balances—The balance shall meet the requirements of Specification D4753. A Class GP 10 balance of 5 g readability and
accuracy is acceptable.
6.6 Drying Oven—Thermostatically controlled oven meeting the requirements of Specification E145 and capable of maintaining
a uniform temperature of 110 6 5 °C [230 6 9 °F] throughout the drying chamber. These requirements typically require the use
of a forced-draft type oven. Preferably the oven should be vented outside the building. The rate of evaporation, at this range of
temperature, shall be at least 25 g/h for 4 h, during which period the doors of the oven shall be kept closed. This rate shall be
determined by the loss of water from 1-L Griffin low-form beakers, each initially containing 500 g [1 lb] of water at a temperature
of 21 6 2 °C [70 6 3 °F], placed at each corner and the center of each shelf of the oven. The evaporation requirement is to apply
to all test locations when the oven is empty except for the beakers of water.
6.7 Specific Gravity Measurement—Hydrometers conforming to the requirements of Specification E100, or a suitable
combination of graduated glassware and balance, capable of measuring the solution specific gravity within 60.001.
6.8 Camera—A digital or film camera capable of producing good quality, color photographs for “before” and “after”
photographs.
6.9 Photographic Scale—A scale of appropriate dimension and division when compared to the field of view and the detail being
studied. When selecting a scale, always choose the scale that will provide at least as precise a measurement as the system that will
be measuring the photographic information. If the system has a precision to one millimeter, make sure the scale used is accurate
and precise to at least one millimeter across the entire scale.
7. Special Solutions Required
7.1 Prepare the solution for immersion of test samples from either sodium or magnesium sulfate in accordance with 7.1.1 or
7.1.2 (Note 4). The volume of the solution shall be at least five times the solid volume of all samples immersed at any one time.
NOTE 4—Some rock containing carbonates of calcium or magnesium are attacked chemically by fresh sulfate solution, resulting in erroneously high
measured losses. If this condition is encountered or is suspected, repeat the test using a filtered solution that has been used previously to test the same
type of carbonate rock, provided that the solution meets the requirements of 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 for specific gravity.
7.1.1 Sodium Sulfate Solution—Prepare a saturated solution of sodium sulfate by dissolving a reagent grade of the salt in water
at a temperature of 25 to 30 °C [77 to 86 °F]. Add sufficient salt (Note 5), of either the anhydrous (Na SO ) or the crystalline
2 4
(Na SO ·10H O) form, to ensure not only saturation but also the presence of exces
...
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