MIRZA MUHAMMMAD ZAID

2009-MIN-21

Lab # 8 Objective:
Determination of point Load index on a given sample of rock

Scope:
The purpose of this test is to measure the specimens strength by applying a concentrated load using a pair of conical hardened steel plates, causing failure by the development of tensile cracks parallel to the axis of loading. Specimens are either in the form of rock cores or irregular lumps. Core specimens are preferred. Tests can be performed either in laboratory or the field, depending on the testing machine. The index thus obtained is used for rock strength classification and initial determination of its unconfined compressive strength.

Apparatus:
A loading system A system for measuring the load The testing machine incorporates a loading system and a system for measuring the load required to break the specimen. The testing machine can of portable type. It can be a loading frame equipped with a pair of conical hardened steel plates. Essential features for the testing machine are as follows: The loading system should be adjustable to accept 1 to 4 inch (25 to 100 mm) rock specimens, for which a loading capacity of up to 11,000 lbs. (approximately 50 kN) is usually required. To minimize delay between tests, a quick retracting ram is desirable. Spherically truncated conical platens are used to transmit the load to the specimen. The platens should be hardened and accurately aligned during testing. The load measuring system should indicate failure load to an accuracy of 2%. It should incorporate a maximum-indicating device, so that the reading is retained and can be recorded after the specimen failure.

Test specimen preparation:

Rock samples are grouped on the basis of both rock type and estimated strength. At least 10 specimens are selected for testing each sample if core samples are used.

MIRZA MUHAMMMAD ZAID

2009-MIN-21

Specimens in the form of core are preferred for accurate classification. Acceptable minimum and maximum core sizes are AX and HX, respectively.

Procedure:
The diametrical test: 1) Cores specimen with length to diameter ratio, greater than 1.4 is suitable for diametrical testing. 2) The inclination of bedding, foliation, or other weakness, if present, is recorded with respect to the line of loading. 3) The diameter, D, of the specimen is measured to the nearest 0.005 inch. (0.1 mm) by averaging the two diameters measured at right angles to each other at about upper height, mid-height, and lower height of the specimen. 4) The diameter D is then the average of three diameters obtained at the upper height, mid-height, and the lower height of the specimen. 5) The specimen is inserted in the test machine and the platens advanced to make contact along a core diameter, ensuring the distance, L, between the contact points and the nearest free end is at least 0.7D. 6) The load in increased to failure, and the failure load P is recorded. The fragments are retained foe water content determination which is performed after all specimens of the samples are tested for point-load strength.

The axial Test: Core specimens with a length to-diameter ratio _0.05 should be used. Long pieces of core can be utilized to obtain both diametral and axial strength values. The core Is tested diametrically first, ensuring that a suitable length is retained for subsequent axial testing. Tests for Anisotropic Strength: Tests should be made in both the weakest and strongest directions where the rock is bedded, schistose, or where it shows obsevable anisotropy. Care should be taken to ensure that the loading is strictly in and perpendicular to the direction of the weakness plane.

MIRZA MUHAMMMAD ZAID

2009-MIN-21

Calculations:The point load Index is calculated as follows: Point load index = Is =P/D2 Where P = load required to break the specimen D = the distance between the two platen contact points For Statndard classification, the index Is (50) should be used. Is (50) is the point load strength corrected to a diameter of 50 mm and may be obtained from Is by correcting this value to a reference diameter of 50 mm using the correction chart. The point load strength is closely correlated with the results of uniaxial compression strength tests. The approximate correlation between the point load index and the uniaxial compressive strength is qu = 24 Is F = (D/50)0.45 Is (50) = F X Is Sample = Granite D1 = 47.30 mm,

Sr. no
D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6

diameter
47.30 mm 47.25 mm 47.30 mm 47.25 mm 47.25 mm 47.30 mm Average dia = D = 47.275 mm

MIRZA MUHAMMMAD ZAID

L1 = 58.70 mm ,

2009-MIN-21

Sr. no
L1 L2 L3

Length
58.80 mm 58.80 mm 58.76 mm

Average length = L = 58.76 L/D = 58.76/47.275 = 1.24 So the test performed = diametrical P = 18.68 KN Is =P/D2 = 18680/(47.275)2 = 8.358 F = (D/50)0.45 = (47.275/50)0.45 = 0.975 Is (50) = F X Is = 0.975 X 8.358 = 8.15

qu = 24 Is = 24 X 8.15 = 195.58 MPa