ASTM D5873-14
Standard Test Method for Determination of Rock Hardness by Rebound Hammer Method

Standard No.

ASTM D5873-14

Release Date

2014

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM D5873-14

Scope

4.1 The rebound hardness method provides a means for rapid classification of the hardness of rock during site characterization for engineering, design, and construction purposes, geotechnical mapping of large underground openings in rock, see Guide D4879, or reporting the physical description of rock core, see Practice D4543.

4.2 The rebound hardness number, H_R, can serve in a variety of engineering applications that require characterization of rock material. These applications include, for examples, the prediction of penetration rates for tunnel boring machines, determination of rock quality for construction purposes, grouping of test specimens, and prediction of hydraulic erodibility of rock.

4.3 This test method is of limited use on very soft rock or very hard rock, which is defined as having uniaxial compressive strengths less than approximately 1 MPa or greater than 100 MPa.

4.4 The results of this test method are not intended for conversion to strength data suitable for design.

Note 1—Several types of rebound hammers are commercially available to accommodate testing of various sizes and types of rock. For the same rock or material, rebound numbers obtained from different hammers are not comparable.

Note 2—The quality of the result produced by this test method is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing and sampling. Users of this test method are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

1.1 This test method covers the testing apparatus, sampling, test specimen preparation, and testing procedures for determining the rebound hardness number of rock material using a spring-driven steel hammer, referred to variously as a rebound hammer, impact test hammer, or concrete test hammer.

1.2 This test method is best suited for rock material with uniaxial compressive strengths ranging between approximately 1 and 100 MPa. Test Method D7012 provides more information on compressive strength of rock.

1.3 The portable testing apparatus may be used in the laboratory or field to provide a means of rapid assessment of rock hardness or to serve as an indicator of rock hardness.

1.4 Rebound hammers are available from their original manufacturers in several different energy ranges. For a given plunger tip diameter and radius of curvature, the impact energy of the rebound hammer determines its range of applicability. Accordingly, this limitation should be kept in mind when selecting a hammer type. Earlier recommendations for rock mechanics applications were only for hammers with an impact energy of 0.735 N·m, especially on smaller core samples and weaker rocks (see also Brown 1981²). This test method applies only to hammers with an impact energy not to exceed 0.735 N·m. Hammers with energie......

ASTM D5873-14 Referenced Document

• ASTM C805/C805M Standard Test Method for Rebound Number of Hardened Concrete
• ASTM D2216 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• ASTM D3740 Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• ASTM D4543 Standard Practices for Preparing Rock Core Specimens and Determining Dimensional and Shape Tolerances
• ASTM D4879 Standard Guide for Geotechnical Mapping of Large Underground Openings in Rock
• ASTM D6026 Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
• ASTM D653 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM D7012 Standard Test Methods for Compressive Strength and Elastic Moduli of Intact Rock Core Specimens under Varying States of Stress and Temperatures

ASTM D5873-14 history

• 2014 ASTM D5873-14 Standard Test Method for Determination of Rock Hardness by Rebound Hammer Method
• 2013 ASTM D5873-13 Standard Test Method for Determination of Rock Hardness by Rebound Hammer Method
• 2005 ASTM D5873-05 Standard Test Method for Determination of Rock Hardness by Rebound Hammer Method
• 2000 ASTM D5873-00(2005)e1 Standard Test Method for Determination of Rock Hardness by Rebound Hammer Method
• 2000 ASTM D5873-00 Standard Test Method for Determination of Rock Hardness by Rebound Hammer Method