Topic: Rock strength – Point Load Test

1.0 Objective

This experiment deals with determination of rock strength when a certain load implied on the
rocks. Students should be able conducted the experiment, understanding the theory and
recognize the rock strength on different types of rocks in Malaysia.

2.0 Learning Outcomes

a) To determine index strength of rocks using one of the indirect tests.

b) To evaluate the physical properties of rocks for civil engineering application.
c) To understand the theory rock test.

3.0 Theory

This apparatus, also name Franklin Press (1970), is used to obtain quick information concerning
rock strength. Point load measurement represent one of the most widely used in classification
tests for rocks, both in the field and in the laboratory. A rock piece is subjected to a compression
load along its diameter with two opposite conical platens (Figure 1). The index of rock strength is
calculated based on the ratio between the maximum applied load, P (N) and the core diameter
(mm2).

The test consists to compress up to a failure a core or irregular block of rock sample by the
application of a point load by a couple of steel conical points of standard size. The load required
obtaining the failure of the sample and the distance between the conical points before and after
the test is then measured. Three test methods are generally carried on are compression along a
diameter, axial compression and compression on irregular pieces. The distance between the
points must be between 30 and 85 mm, and the shape ratio as indicated in Figure 1.
4.0 Equipment and Materials
a) Digital or manual rock strength index apparatus (Point Load Test)
b) Irregular pieces rock sample
c) Vernier Caliper / Ruler
d) Clear safety goggles

5.0 Procedure

1) Apparatus Preparation
- A basic point load tester must consist of a loading system typically comprised of a
loading frame, platens, a measuring system for indicating load P, (required to break
the specimen), and a means for measuring the distance, D between the two platen
contact points at the start of testing and after failure.
- The loading system shall have a loading frame with a platen-to-platen clearance that
allows testing of rock specimens in the required size range.
- The apparatus consists of a load frame 55kN capacity with hydraulic loading ram
actuated by hand pump.
- The loading capacity shall be sufficient to break the target and strongest specimens
to be tested.
- Measurements of failure load, P, shall be to a precision of 65% or better of full-scale
load-measuring system, irrespective of the size and strength of specimen that is
tested.

2) Sample Preparation
- Based on ASTM d5731-08, ten (10) core or block samples should be tested from the
same original type of rock. For irregular lumps sample, at least 20 samples are
required. However, for learning purposes, three (3) samples are enough for tested.
- Specimens in the form of the rock cores, blocks, or irregular lumps with a test
diameter from 30 to 85 mm can be tested.

- 30 < D < 85 Equation 1

D = Distance of the contract conical points (mm)

- Check the specimen shapes requirement before sample tested using Equation 2 and
3. For detail load configurations and specimen shape requirement for various
sample’s shape, see Figure 1.
0.3 < D/W < 1.0 Equation 2
0.5 D < L Equation 3

W: Average width (Waverage) of the sample perpendicular to the loading direction

(mm)
L: Distance between the contract conical points and the nearest free end (mm)
 3) Testing Procedure
- Identify the point of load configuration on the samples that will be tested. Refer
Figure 1 and Equation 3.
- Insert a specimen in the test machine and close the platens to make contact along a
line perpendicular to the core end face.
- Close the valve of the hydraulic circuit of the hand pump.
- Insert the extension rod the jacket lever and zero set the digital readout unit.
- Steadly increase the load such that failure occurs within 10 to 60s, and record failure
load, P.
- The test will be accepted if the sample failed in axial condition or vertical direction
from top to bottom of the sample tested. See Figure 2(a), (b) and (c).
- Otherwise, test should be rejected if the fracture surface passes through only one
platen loading point. See Figure 2(d).

6.0 Result and Analysis

1) Uncorrected Point Load Strength Index, Is (MPa)

The Is is calculated as follows:

Is = P (1000)
De2
Where;

P= Failure load, expressed in kilo Newton (kN)

De= Equivalent diameter of the core sample, expressed in millimeter (mm), and is given by;

De2 = D2 for diametral core test without penetration, (mm2) or

De2 = 4 A/ π for axial, block and irregular lump samples, (mm2);

Where;

A= Waverage X D = represents the minimum cross sectional area of a plane through the
platen contact points. See Figure 1.

2) Point Load Indenter, Is(50) (MPa)

Is(50) refer to point load strength of a rock specimen that measured by a diametral test
with D = 50 mm. The diameter of 50 mm has been the preferred diameter since that
diameter is associated with rock quality designations (RQD) and predominance of Nx
core samples.

Therefore, for another specimen such as axial, block and irregular lump samples, size
correction factor is need to determine the Point load index Is(50) . It can be measured
using the following equation;
 Is(50)= Is X F

Where;

F is the ‘size correction factor’, and can be determined as follows;

F=(De) 0.45
50 /

De= √4A/ π

The mean value of Is(50) is to be calculated by deleting the two highest and the two
lowest value from the ten samples, or more, valid tests, and calculating the mean of the
remaining values.

3) Corelation Point Load Test, Is(50) and Uniaxial Compression Strength (UCS)

The relationship between the point load index, Is(50) and uniaxial compression strength
as follows;
1. For core sample diameter= 50 mm;

σc= K Is(20)
K= 20 for soft rock (after Brock and Franklin, 1972; Bieniawski 1975)
K= 24 for hard rock

2. For platen separation D ≠50 mm in diameter, (size correction is necessary)

(Bieniawski 1975),

σc= (14 ÷ 0.175 D) IB(50)

Where;

σc= uniaxial compression strength (UCS, MPa)

K= Conversion Factor (dimensionless)
-Tabulated all the results in Table 1 attached

7.0 Question and Discussion

1) Why point load strength index Is(50) obtained are not recommended to be usedas design
input parameter?
2) Describe generally the differences between index and direct hit.
3) Explain the discontinuities and their effect on strength.

8.0 Conclusion
Conclude your results of the point load strength index Is(50) and uniaxial compression strength in
the Table 1 by rate its significance or applications in civil engineering or construction industry.