ASTM D6032-02

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.
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.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Nov-2002
• ICS: 13.080.99 - Other standards related to soil quality
• ICS: 73.100.30 - Equipment for drilling and mine excavation
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.12 - Rock Mechanics

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D6032-96 - Standard Test Method for Determining Rock Quality Designation (RQD) of Rock Core
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Replaced By: ASTM D6032-02(2006) - Standard Test Method for Determining Rock Quality Designation (RQD) of Rock Core
• Effective Date: 01-May-2006
• Referred By: ASTM D4394-17 - Standard Test Method for Determining In Situ Modulus of Deformation of Rock Mass Using Rigid Plate Loading Method
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Referred By: ASTM D4395-17 - Standard Test Method for Determining In Situ Modulus of Deformation of Rock Mass Using Flexible Plate Loading Method
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Referred By: ASTM D4506-21 - Standard Test Method for Determining In Situ Modulus of Deformation of a Rock Mass Using the Radial Jacking Test
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002
• Referred By: ASTM D4971-16 - Standard Test Method for Determining In Situ Modulus of Deformation of Rock Using Diametrically Loaded 76-mm (3-in.) Borehole Jack
• Effective Date: 10-Nov-2002

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NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.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:D6032–02
Standard Test Method for
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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.
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1. Scope * Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the rock
3. Terminology
quality designation (RQD) as a standard parameter in drill core
3.1 For terminology used in this test method, refer to
logging.
Terminology D 653.
1.2 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
3.2.1 core run—in the most basic usage, the length of the
Practice D 6026.
interval measured from the depth each core sample was started
1.2.1 The method used to specify how data are collected,
to the depth at which drilling stopped and the sample was
calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to
recovered from the core barrel. If required, the core run can
theaccuracytowhichthedatacanbeappliedindesignorother
also be defined to cover a specific length or lithology in the
uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using this
core samples.
standard is beyond its scope.
3.2.2 drill break—any mechanical or man-made break in
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
the core that is not natural occurring.
standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are approxi-
3.2.3 intact core—any segment of core between two open,
mate.
natural discontinuities.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.4 rock quality designation (RQD)—a modified core
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
recovery percentage in which all pieces of sound core over 100
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
mm are counted as recovery.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2.5 sound core—any core which is fresh to moderately
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
weather and which has sufficient strength to resist hand
2. Referenced Documents breakage.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Summary of Test Method
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
2 4.1 The RQD denotes the percentage of intact and sound
Fluids
rock retrieved from a borehole of any orientation.All pieces of
D 2113 Practice for Diamond Core Drilling for Site Inves-
2 intact and sound rock core equal to or greater than 100 mm (4
tigation
in.)longaresummedanddividedbythetotallengthofthecore
D 3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
run, as shown in Fig. 1. Rock mechanics judgement may be
Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock
2 necessary to determine if a piece of core qualifies as being
as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
intact and sound.
D 5079 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Rock
2
Core Samples
5. Significance and Use
D 6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechni-
3 5.1 The RQD was first introduced in the mid 1960’s to
cal Data
provide a simple and inexpensive general indication of rock
E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
mass quality to predict tunneling conditions and support
requirements. The recording of RQD has since become virtu-
ally standard practice in drill core logging for a wide variety of
1
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland geotechnical investigations.
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.21 on GroundWater and
5.2 The RQD values provide a basis for making preliminary
Vadose Zone Investigations.
design decisions involving estimation of required depths of
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 2002. Published January 2003. Originally
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 1996 as D 6032–96.
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
3 4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.09. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
*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.
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D6032–02
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FIG. 1 RQD Logging Center Line Method
criteria of Practice D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent
excavation for foundations of structures. The RQD values also
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
can serve to identify potential problems related to bearing
cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not
...