Suggested Methods for Determining Water Content 143

Suggested Methods for Determining

Water Content, Porosity, Density, Absorption
and Related Properties and
Swelling and Slake-Durability
Index Properties
PART 1: SUGGESTED METHODS FOR DETERMINING
WATER CONTENT, POROSITY, DENSITY, ABSORPTION
AND RELATED PROPERTIES

NOTES The sample should if possible be large, to minimise

the influence of experimental error. Alternative test
(i) Mechanical significance of porosity and density data methods are available calling for samples in different
The presence of pores in the fabric of a rock material form; selection from among these should be based on
decreases its strength, and increases its deformability. the nature of rock to be tested.
A small volume fraction of pores can produce an appre-
ciable mechanical effect. (iiO Rock constituents
Information on the porous nature of rock materials The following terms and symbols will be used to
is frequently omitted from petrological descriptions, but denote the masses and volumes of rock constituents
is required if these descriptions are to be used as a when calculating physical properties such as porosity
guide to mechanical performance. Sandstones and car- or density.
bonate rocks in particular occur with a wide range of Grains (the solid component of the sample), mass Ms,
porosities and hence of mechanical character; igneous volume Vs
rocks that have been weakened by weathering processes Pore water, mass Mw and volume Vw
also have typically high porosities. Pore air, zero mass and volume Va
Most rocks have similar grain densities and therefore Pores (voids), with volume Vv = Vw + Va
have porosity and dry density values that are highly Bulk sample mass M --- Ms + M~
correlated (see note (v) equation 4). A low density rock Bulk sample volume V -- V~ + Vv
is usually highly porous. It is often sufficient, therefore, Density of water p~ -- mass of water per unit volume
to quote values for porosity alone, but a complete
description requires values for both porosity and (iv) Definitions, terminology and preferred S.I. units
density. Those physical properties pertinent to the methods
" Microscopic techniques used to determine volumetric of test about to be described may be defined in terms
content of mineral grains, do not provide a sufficiently of the rock sample constituents listed above.
accurate estimate of volumetric pore content, and ex-
perimental techniques are required. However, micro- Water content w MW
- x 100 (~)
scopy and also techniques such as mercury injection Me
and permeability testing, can provide useful supplemen-
VW
tary information on the shape and size of pores. Degree of saturation S, - xloo (%)
V~
(ii) Nature of the rock sample VV
A representative sample for testing should generally Porosity n = - - x 100 (~o)
V
comprise several rock lumps, each an order of magni-
tude larger than the largest grain or pore size. Micro- Vo
Void ratio e = V---~ (-)
fussures of similar size to that of a rock will cause
erratic results; their presence should be noted and if
possible the lump size increased or reduced to specifi- Density = bulk density p _ M _ Ms + My (kg)
cally include or exclude the influence of such fissures. (mass density) V V (m 3)
144 International Society for Rock Mechanics

Relative density d P l-) The sample should not take up water in the interval
(specific gravity) Pw between drying and mass determination. Where necess-
ary the sample container should be covered with an
Ms (kg) airtight lid and stored in a dessicator during cooling.
Dry density pa
V (I113)
(vii) Determination of the bulk volume I/
Dry relative density (dry) da Pd
(specific gravity) Pw (-) Caliper method. The bulk volume of specimens in the
form of regularly shaped prisms or cylinders may be
(kg) calculated from vernier or micrometer caliper measure-
_ Ms + VvPw
Saturated density Psat ments. An average of several readings for each dimen-
V
(m3) sion, each accurate to 0.1 mm, should be used in the
calculation of bulk volume.
Saturated relative density dsat = Ps
(-) Buoyancy method. The bulk volume of regular or ir-
(saturated specific gravity) Pw
regular specimens may be calculated using Archimedes
_ Ms (kg) principle, from the difference between saturated-surface-
Grain density Ps (m 3) dry and saturated-submerged sample weights. The
(density of solids) V~ method is not suited to friable, swelling or slaking
P8 rocks.
Grain relative density d~
(-) The sample is then transferred underwater to a
(grain specific gravity) Ps
basket in an immersion bath. Its saturated-submerged
(N) least one hour, with periodic agitation to remove
Unit weight 7 = Pg (m 3) trapped air.
The sample is then transferred underwater to a
(v) Interdependence equations basket in an immersion bath. Its saturated-submerged
mass M~ub is determined to an accuracy of 0.1 g from
The physical properties defined above are interre-
the difference between the saturated-submerged mass
lated, so that any one property may be calculated if
of the basket plus sample and that of the basket alone.
others are known. The sample is then removed from the immersion
For simplicity only three properties will be referred bath and surface dried with a moist cloth, care being
to in the text, namely, water content, porosity and dry taken to remove only surface water and to ensure that
density of rock. The equations listed below may be used no rock fragments are lost. Its saturated-surface-dry
to calculate any of the remaining properties from these mass M~a, is determined to an accuracy of 0.1 g.
three.
The sample bulk volume is calculated as
Whereas water content, degree of saturation and po-
rosity are usually expressed as percentages, the void V - M s a t - M~,b
ratio is usually expressed as a dimensionless ratio. The Pw
following interdependence equations have been given
Mercury displacement method. High surface tension
to conform to the above.
prevents mercury penetrating all but the largest pores
100wpa in rock. The specimen is forced under mercury and
S, - (?/o)
npw its volume determined from the displaced fluid volume.
A calibrated tube may be incorporated in the apparatus
n
e- (-) for this purpose, or the displacement may be measured
l00 - n
by a micrometer screw gauge--electric contact tech-
(kg) nique. Alternatively a technique may be employed
p = 1+ Pa (m 3) where the displaced mercury volume is obtained by
mass determination. The apparatus should give results
lOOpe (kg) accurate to 0.5~o of the specimen bulk volume, and
Ps 100 - n (m 3) should be periodically calibrated using a standard
sphere or cylinder.
Water displacement method. The bulk volume of a
(vi) Determination of the grain mass M~ saturated-surface-dry sample may be determined by
The grain mass Ms of the sample is defined as the water displacement using a technique similar to that
equilibrium mass of the sample after oven drying at for mercury displacement. Alternatively the dry or par-
a temperature of 105°C. tially dry sample may be coated in wax or plastic and
A thermostatically controlled, ventilated drying oven its bulk volume determined from the water volume dis-
capable of maintaining a temperature of 105°C accurate placed by the coated sample, corrected for the volume
to 3°C for a period of at least 24 h is required. of coating material. The method requires accurate
The sample is regarded as 'oven dry' when successive determination of coating volume and is best applied
mass determinations at intervals of 4 hr yield values to large bulk samples where other techniques are im-
differing by less than 0.1~o of the sample mass. practical.
 Suggested Methods for Determining Water Content 145

(viii) Determination of pore volume (volume of voids) W (b) A sample container of non-corrodible material,
Saturation method--the pore volume of a rock including an airtight lid.
sample may be determined from the difference between (c) A dessicator to hold sample containers during
saturated-surface-dry and oven-dry masses. The sample cooling.
is saturated by water immersion in a vacuum and its (d) A balance of adequate capacity, capable of weigh-
saturated-surface-dry mass Msat is determined. It is then ing to an accuracy of 0.01% of the sample weight.
oven dried to determine the grain mass Ms.
The pore volume Vo is calculated as 3. P R O C E D U R E
Msat - Ms (a) The container with its lid is cleaned and dried,
vo= and its mass A determined.
Pw
(b) A representative sample comprised at least 10
The Washburn-Bunting method (Washburn & Bunting,
lumps each having either a mass of at least 50 g or
1922). A rock specimen is oven-dried and immersed
a minimum dimension of ten times the maximum grain
in mercury. The pressure on the mercury is reduced
size, whichever is the greater, is selected. For in situ
that the pore air expands, leaves the rock and is trapped
water content determination sampling, storage and
above the mercury column. The volume of pore air
handling precautions should be such that water content
Va is measured directly in a calibrated tube, after press-
remains within 1% of the in situ value.
ure has been equalised with that of the atmosphere.
(c) The sample is placed in the container, the lid re-
The method is rapid but is best suited to rocks with
placed and the mass B of sample plus container deter-
high porosity.
mined.
(ix) Determination of grain volume V~ (d) The lid is removed and the sample dried to con-
stant mass at a temperature of 105°C.
Boyle's law method. The pressure-volume relationship
(e) The lid is replaced and the sample allowed to
for a container filled with gas only is obtained, then
cool in the dessicator for 30 min. The mass C of sample
for the same container filled with specimen plus gas.
plus container is determined.
The difference in compressibility is due to the volume
Vs of incompressible grains, and this volume may be
calculated from the results. One type of Boyle's law 4. CALCULATION
single-cell porosimeter employs a graduated mercury
pore water Mass Mo
pump to measure volume displacement, together with Water content w = x 100%
a Bourdon gauge to measure pressure change. Boyle's grain Mass Ms
law double cell techniques employ pressure equaliza- B-C
x 100%.
tion between two containers at different initial pressures. -

C-A
Pulverization method. After determination of bulk
volume and grain mass, the oven-dry sample is pulver-
5. REPORTING OF RESULTS
ized and its grain volume Go determined by displace-
ment of an equivalent volume of liquid (e.g. toluene) The water content should be reported to the nearest
in a volumetric flask. 0.1% stating whether this corresponds to in situ water
Porosity calculated from bulk volume and grain content, in which case precautions taken to retain water
volume using the pulverization method is termed total during sampling and storage should be specified.
porosity, since the pore volume obtained includes that
of 'closed' pores. Other techniques give effective po-
rosity values since they measure the volume of inter- 2. S U G G E S T E D M E T H O D FOR
connected pores only. POROSITY/DENSITY
DETERMINATION USING
1. S U G G E S T E D M E T H O D FOR S A T U R A T I O N A N D CALIPER
D E T E R M I N A T I O N OF THE TECHNIQUES
WATER C O N T E N T OF A ROCK
SAMPLE 1. SCOPE

1. SCOPE (a) This test is intended to measure the porosity, the

dry density and related properties of a rock sample
This test is intended to measure the mass of water in the form of specimens of regular geometry.
contained in a rock sample as a percentage of the oven- (b) The method should only be used for non-friable,
dry sample mass. coherent rocks that can be machined and do not appre-
ciably swell or disintegrate when oven dried or im-
2. APPARATUS
mersed in water. The method is recommended when
(a) An oven capable of maintaining a temperature regularly shaped specimens are required for other test
of 105°C to within 3°C for a period of at least 24 hr. purposes.
146 International Society for Rock Mechanics

2. APPARATUS (b) Density values should be given to the nearest

10kg/m 3 and porosity values to the nearest 0.11;/o.
(a) An oven capable of maintaining a temperature
(c) The report should specify that bulk volume was
of 105°C to within 3°C for a period of at least 24 hr.
obtained by caliper measurement and that pore volume
(b) A dessicator to hold specimens during cooling.
was obtained by water saturation.
(c) A measuring instrument such as vernier or mi-
crometer caliper, capable of reading specimen dimen-
sions to an accuracy of 0.1 ram.
3. S U G G E S T E D M E T H O D FOR
(d) Vacuum saturation equipment such that the POROSITY/DENSITY
specimens can be immersed in water under a vacuum DETERMINATION USING
of less than 800 Pa (6 torr) for a period of at least one SATURATION AND BUOYANCY
hour.
TECHNIQUES
(e) A balance of adequate capacity, capable of deter-
mining the mass of a specimen to an accuracy of 0.01%. 1. SCOPE
(a) The test is intended to measure the porosity, the
3. PROCEDURE dry density and related properties of a rock sample
in the form of lumps or aggregate of irregular geometry.
(a) At least three specimens from a representative
It may also be applied to a sample in the form of
sample of a material are machined to conform closely
specimens of regular geometry.
to the geometry of a right cylinder or prism. The mini-
(b) The method should only be used for rocks that
mum size of each specimen should either be such that
do not appreciably swell or disintegrate when oven-
its mass is at least 50 g (for an average density rock
dried and immersed in water.
a cube with sides of 27 mm will have sufficient mass)
or such that its minimum dimension is at least ten
times the maximum grain size, whichever is the greater. 2. APPARATUS
(b) The specimen bulk volume V is calculated from
(a) An oven capable of maintaining a temperature
an average of several caliper readings for each dimen-
of I05°C to within 3°C for a period of at least 24 hr.
sion. Each caliper reading should be accurate to
(b) A sample container of non-corrodible material, in-
0.1 mm.
cluding an air-tight lid.
(c) The specimen is saturated by water immersion
(c) A .dessicator to hold sample containers during
in a vacuum of less than 800Pa (6 tort) for a period
cooling.
of at least 1 hr, with periodic agitation to remove
(d) Vacuum saturation equipment such that the
trapped air.
sample can be immersed in water under a vacuum of
(d) The specimen is removed and surface dried using
less than 800 Pa (6 torr) for a period of at least 1 hr.
a moist cloth, care being taken to remove only surface
(e) A balance of adequate capacity, capable of deter-
water and to ensure that no fragments are lost. Its
mining the mass of a specimen to an accuracy of 0.01%.
saturated-surface-dry mass M~,, is determined.
(f) An immersion bath and a wire basket or perfor-
(e) The specimen is dried to constant mass at a tem-
ated container, such that the sample immersed in water
perature Of 105°C, allowed to cool for 30 min in a dessi-
can be freely suspended from the stirrup of the balance
cator, and its mass is determined to give grain mass
to determine the saturated-submerged mass. The basket
Ms. Specimens in this test are generally of sufficient
should be suspended from the balance by a fine wire
coherence not to require containers, but these should
so that only the wire intersects the water surface in
be used if the rock is at all friable or fissile.
the immersion bath.

4. CALCULATIONS
3. PROCEDURE

Msa, - Ms (a) A representative sample comprising at least 10

Pore volume V~, -- lumps of regular or irregular geometry, each having
either a mass of at least 50g or a minimum dimension
100Vv of at least 10 times the maximum grain size, whichever
Porosity n = ---V-~%
is the greater, is selected. The sample is washed in water
to remove dust.
MS (b) The sample is saturated by water immersion in
Dry density of rock Pd = - - .
V a vacuum of less than 800 Pa (6 torr) for a period of
at least one hour, with periodic agitation to remove
trapped air.
5. REPORTING OF RESULTS
(c) The sample is then transferred under water to
(a) Individual results for at least three specimens per the basket in the immersion bath. Its saturated-sub-
rock sample should be reported, together with average merged mass Ms,b is determined to an accuracy of 0.1 g
results for the sample. from the difference between the saturated-submerged
 Suggested Methods for Determining Water Content 147

mass of the basket plus sample and that of the basket 2. A P P A R A T U S

alone. (a) An oven capable of maintaining a temperature
(d) The sample container with its lid is cleaned and of 105°C to within 3°C for a period of at least 24 hr.
dried, and its mass A is determined.
It should have forced ventilation exhausting to outside
(e) The sample is removed from the immersion bath
atmosphere.
and surface-dried with a moist cloth, care being taken
(b) Specimen containers of non-corrodible material,
to remove only surface water and to ensure that no
including airtight lids.
rock fragments are lost. The sample is transferred to
(c) A dessicator to hold specimen containers during
the sample container, the lid replaced, and the mass
cooling.
B of saturated-surface-dry sample plus container is
(d) A balance of adequate capacity, capable of mass
determined.
determination to 0.001 g.
(f) The lid is removed and the sample dried to constant
(e) A mercury-displacement volume measuring
mass at a temperature of 105°C, the lid replaced and
apparatus capable of measuring specimen volume to
the sample allowed to cool for 30 min in a dessicator.
0.5%.
The mass C of oven-dry sample plus container is
(f) Grinding equipment to reduce the sample to a
measured.
pulverized powder less than 150 #m in grain size.
4. C A L C U L A T I O N S (g) A calibrated volumetric flask and stopper (con-
veniently 50 cm3).
4. Saturated-surface-dry mass Msa, = B - A (h) A constant temperature water bath.
(i) A vacuum apparatus capable of maintaining a
Grain weight Ms=C-A
vacuum with a pressure of less than 800 Pa (6 torr).
V = MSat - Msab (j) A soft brush of camel hair or of a similar softness.
Bulk volume
Pw
Msat - - Ms 3. P R O C E D U R E
Pore volume vv=
Pw
(a) A representative sample is selected comprising at
lOOVv least ten rock lumps, the shape and size of lumps suit-
Porosity
V ing the capabilities of the volume measuring apparatus.
The minimum size of each lump should preferably be
Ms
Dry density of rock either such that its mass exceeds 50 g or such that its
Pd= V
minimum dimension is at least ten times the maximum
grain size, whichever is the greater. Specimens of swelling
5. R E P O R T I N G O F R E S U L T S or fissile rock should be sampled and stored to retain
water content to within 19/o of its in situ value prior
(a) The report should include porosity and dry den-
to testing.
sity values for the sample, and should specify that bulk
(b) Each specimen is brushed to remove loose mater-
volume was obtained by a buoyancy technique and that
ial and its volume V is measured by mercury displace-
pore volume was obtained by water saturation.
ment. Mercury adhering to the specimen is carefully
(b) Density values should be given to the nearest
removed, ensuring that no rock fragments are lost.
10 kg/m 3 and porosity values to the nearest 0.1~o.
(c) The specimen container with its lid is cleaned,
dried and its mass A is determined.
4. S U G G E S T E D M E T H O D FOR (d) The specimen is placed in the container, the lid
replaced and mass B of container plus specimen at
POROSITY/DENSITY
initial water content is determined.
DETERMINATION USING (e) The lid is removed and the specimen oven dried
MERCURY DISPLACEMENT AND to constant mass at a temperature of 105°C and
GRAIN SPECIFIC GRAVITY allowed to cool for 30 min in a dessicator. The mass
C of container plus oven-dry specimen is determined.
TECHNIQUES
(f) Steps (b)-(e) are repeated for each specimen in
the sample.
1. S C O P E
(g) Together the specimen was crushed and ground
(a) The test is intended to measure the porosity, the to a grain size no exceeding 150 #m. A number of repre-
dry density and related properties of a rock sample sentative sub samples of about 15g of the pulverized
in the form of lumps or aggregate of irregular geometry. material are selected and oven-dried.
It is particularly suitable if the rock material is liable (h) The mass D of a clean, dry volumetric flask plus
to swell or disintegrate if immersed in water. The test stopper is determined to 0.001 g.
may also be applied to regularly shaped rock specimens (i) The flask is filled with a fluid such as toluene that
or to coherent rock materials, but other techniques are is non-reactive with the rock, is brought to equilibrium
usually found more convenient in these cases. temperature in the constant temperature bath, and the
148 International Society for Rock Mechanics

liquid level is adjusted accurately to the 50 cm 3 gradu- 5. S U G G E S T E D METHOD FOR

ation. The flask is removed, stoppered and its mass POROSITY/DENSITY
E determined to 0.001 g.
DETERMINATION USING
(j) The flask is emptied and dried, and the 15 g sub-
sample of dry, pulverized rock added with the aid of MERCURY DISPLACEMENT
a funnel. The mass F of flask, sample and stopper is AND BOYLE'S LAW TECHNIQUES
measured to 0.001 g.
(k) The flask and subsample are evacuated for about 1. SCOPE
20 min and sufficient fluid added to thoroughly wet the
(a) This test is intended to measure the porosity, the
sample. Further fluid is then added and the flask care-
dry density and related properties of a rock sample.
fully evacuated to remove air. The flask is replaced in
A sample in the form of specimens of a specific size
the constant temperature water bath and the liquid
and shape to suit the apparatus is usually required to
level adjusted accurately to the 50 c m 3 graduation.
ensure accurate results.
(1) The stoppered flask with its contents is allowed
(b) The method should only be used for rocks that
to cool and its mass G is determined to 0.001 g.
do not shrink appreciably during oven-drying.
(m) Steps 0)-(1) are repeated for each subsample of
pulverized material.
2. A P P A R A T U S

The procedure given below relates to a test using

4. CALCULATIONS the Kobe type of single cell Boyle's Law porosimeter
(Fig. 1). Any similar apparatus of equivalent accuracy
may however be used. The apparatus consists essen-
B-C
(a) Water content w = C_-~ x 100% tially of the following:
Oven drying equipment:
(a) An oven capable of maintaining a temperature
F-D of 105°C to within 3°C for a period of at least 24 hr.
(b) Grain density Ps =
v+ (b) A specimen container of non-corridible material
including an airtight lid.
(c) A dessicator to hold specimen containers during
where V I = calibrated volume of flask, usually cooling.
50 cm 3 (d) A balance of adequate capacity, capable of deter-
mining the mass of a specimen to an accuracy of 0.01%.
(c) Grain mass M~ = C - A A Boyle's law porosimeter such as a Kobe porosimeter
having the following features:
MS (e) A mercury screw-piston pump with micrometer
(d) Dry density of rock Pd ~ -- graduated to measure the volume of displaced mercury
V
to an accuracy of 0.01 c m 3. Conveniently one turn of
the screw pump changes the volume of the specimen
(e) Porosity n - lO0(ps - p,~) % . chamber by 1 c m 3.
Ps
(f) A specimen chamber with removable cap to allow
insertion of the specimen.
(g) A sight glass inscribed with a reference line, an
5. R E P O R T I N G O F RESULTS electric indicator-contact or other means of registering
(a) Individual dry density values for each specimen a mercury datum level in the cap.
in the sample should be reported, together with average (h) A gas inlet and outlet, each with a shutoff valve,
values for the sample. Porosity values for each sub- also a source of inert gas such as helium. Air may be
sample should also be reported together with the average used with some loss of accuracy, but must be ade-
value. quately dried.
(b) The report should sPecify that the bulk volume (i) A precision pressure gauge or pressure transducer
was obtained using a mercury displacement technique, with a range from 100 kPa to about 400 kPa, connected
and that the porosity was calculated from grain volume to measure the gas pressure in the specimen chamber.
measurements using a pulverization technique.
(c) The grain density or grain specific gravity for the
3. P R O C E D U R E
sample should be reported. The water content at which
bulk volume measurement took place should be speci- (a) At least three specimens are selected from a repre-
fied, stating whether this corresponds to in s i t u water sentative sample of material and each specimen is
content. tested separately to obtain an average result for the
(d) Density values should be given to the nearest sample. The size and shape of a specimen should allow
10 kg/m 3 and porosity values to the nearest 0.1 percent. only a small clearance with the specimen chamber to
150 International Society for Rock Mechanics

stroke followed by a compression stroke with the speci- however, the porosity and density of the rock material
men in the chamber. The procedure is as follows: should be determined directly using techniques such
(h) With the inlet valve shut and the outlet open, as those proposed earlier (methods 2-5).
the pump is advanced until the mercury reaches the (c) The test should only be used for rocks that do
datum. The micrometer reading R1 is recorded. not appreciably disintegrate when immersed in water.
(i) The chamber is flushed with gas, the pump
advanced to the start point and the valves closed with
2. APPARATUS
the chamber at atmospheric pressure P1. The pump
is advanced and a micrometer reading R2 recorded (a) A sample container of non-corrodible material,
when the pressure reaches Pz- water tight and of sufficient capacity to contain the
(j) The specimen is removed from the dessicator and sample packed in dehydrated silica gel.
inserted in the chamber. The chamber is flushed with (b) A quantity of dehydrated silica gel.
gas and step (h) repeated, recording the displacement (c) A balance of adequate capacity, accurate to 0.5 g.
stroke micrometer reading R3 at which mercury
reaches the datum.
3. PROCEDURE
(k) Step (i) is repeated, recording the compression
stroke micrometer reading R4 when the pressure again (a) A representative sample is selected comprising at
reaches P2. least ten rock lumps. The size of each lump should
be such that its mass exceeds 50 g or such that its mini-
mum dimension is at least ten times the maximum
4. CALCULATIONS
grain size, whichever is the greater.
(b) The sample in an air-dry condition is packed into
Bulk volume By = R3 -- R1 the container, each lump separated from the next and
Grain volume Gv = Cf(R,, - R2) surrounded by crystals of dehydrated silica gel. The
container is left to stand for a period of 24 hr.
Grain weight Gw=B-A
(c) The container is emptied, the sample removed,
B~ - G~ brushed clean of loose rock and silica gel crystals and
Porosity n = - - x 100% its mass A determined to 0.5 g.
B~,
(d) The sample is replaced in the container and water
Dry density of rock Pa = G w / B v . is added until the sample is fully immersed. The con-
tainer is agitated to remove bubbles of air and is left
to stand for a period of one hour.
5. REPORTING OF RESULTS
(e) The sample is removed and surface-dried using a
(a) Individual dry density and porosity values for moist cloth, care being taken to remove only surface
each specimen in the sample should be recorded, water and to ensure that no fragments are lost. The
together with average values for the sample. mass B of the surface-dried sample is determined to
(b) The report should specify that the bulk volume 0.5g.
was obtained using a mercury displacement technique,
and that the porosity was calculated from grain volume
4. CALCULATION
measurements using a Boyle's law technique.
(c) Density values should be given to the nearest B-A
kg/m 3 and porosity values to the nearest 0.1 porosity Void index It, - A x 100%.
percent.
5. REPORTING OF RESULTS
6. SUGGESTED M E T H O D FOR VOID (a) The void index for the sample should be reported
INDEX DETERMINATION U S I N G to the nearest 1%.
(b) The report should specify that the void index is
THE QUICK ABSORPTION
defined as the water content after dessicator drying fol-
TECHNIQUE lowed by a one-hour period of immersion.
1. SCOPE
REFERENCES
(a) This test is intended to measure the void index,
defined as the mass of water contained in a rock sample 1. American Petroleum Institute. API recommended practice for
after a one hour period of immersion, as a percentage core-analysis procedure. Am. Petrol. Inst. Recommended Practice
RP 40 (1960).
of its initial dessicator-dry-mass. 2. British Standards Institution. Methods for sampling and testing
(b) The index is correlated with porosity, hence also mineral aggregates, sands and fillers. British Standard 812 (1967).
with such properties as degree of weathering or alter- 3. British Standards Institution. Methods of testing soils for civil
engineering purposes. British Standard 1377 (1967).
ation. The test is designed to call for a minimum of 4. Buell A, W. Porosity and permeability analysis. In Subsur/?lce
equipment. Where suitable equipment is available, Geologic Methods. Colorado Sch. Mines. pp. 168 179 11949).
 Suggested Methods for Determining Water Content 151

5. Duncan N. Rock mechanics and earthworks engineering part 5; Meeting, Soc. Professional Well Log Analysts, Tulsa, Oklahoma.
quantitative classification of rock materials. Muck Shifter, 15 pp (1960).
October pp. 39--47 (1966). 10. Manger G. E. Method dependent values of bulk, grain and pore
6. Franklin J. A. Classification of rock according to its mechanical volume as related to observed porosity. U.S. Geol. Survey Bul.
properties. Ph.D. Thesis, London University (1970). N 1203, 20 pp (1966).
7. Hamrol A. A quantitative classification of the weathering and 11. Morgenstern N. R. & Phukan A. L. T. Non linear deformation
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PART 2" SUGGESTED METHODS FOR DETERMINING

SWELLING A N D SLAKE-DURABILITY
INDEX PROPERTIES

NOTES as determination of the liquid and plastic limits, the

(i) Mechanical significance of swelling and slake-dura- grain size distribution, or the content and type of clay
bility data minerals present.
An abundant class of rock materials, notably those
with high clay content, are prone to swelling, weaken-
ing or disintegration when exposed to short term 1. SUGGESTED M E T H O D FOR
weathering processes of a wetting and drying nature. DETERMINATION OF THE
Special tests are necessary to predict this aspect of SWELLING PRESSURE INDEX
mechanical performance. These tests are index tests;
UNDER CONDITIONS OF
they are best used in classifying and comparing one
rock with another. The swelling strain index should ZERO VOLUME CHANGE
not, for example, be taken as the actual swelling strain
1. SCOPE
that would develop in situ, even under similar condi-
tions of loading and of water content. This test is intended to measure the pressure necess-
These tests simulate natural wetting and drying pro- ary to constrain an undisturbed rock specimen at con-
cesses. Other types of test are better suited to estimat- stant volume when it is immersed in water.
ing resistance to such weathering agencies as frost, salt
crystallization or attrition (De Puy, 1965).
2. APPARATUS
(ii) Nature of the rock sample The apparatus may be adapted from that used for
Where possible undisturbed rock specimens should soil consolidation testing, and consists essentially of the
be tested, since rock fabric has an important effect on following:
the other properties to be measured. Where the sample (a) A metal ring for rigid radial restraint of the speci-
is too weak or too broken to allow preparation of un- men, polished and lubricated to reduce side fraction
disturbed specimens, as is usually the case with joint- and of depth at least sufficient to accommodate the
filling materials for example, the swelling tests may be specimen.
carried out on remoulded specimens. Remoulding (b) Porous plates to allow water access at top and
should be according to standard procedures for soil bottom of the specimen, the top plate of such a dia-
compaction, and the procedure followed should be de- meter to slide freely in the ring. Filter papers may be
scribed when reporting the test results. inserted between specimen and plates.
(c) A cell to contain the specimen assembly, capable
(iii) Application of the tests to hard and soft rocks of being filled with water to a level above the top
"These tests are commonly required for classification porous plate. The principal features of the cell and
or characterization of the softer rock materials. They specimen assembly are illustrated in Fig. 2.
may also be used, however, for characterization of (d) A micrometer dial gauge or other device reading
harder rocks where the rock condition, its advanced to 0.0025mm, mounted to measure the swelling dis-
state of weathering for example, indicates that they are placement at the central axis of the specimen.
appropriate. (e) A load measuring device capable of measuring
Rocks that disintegrate during the tests should be to an accuracy of 1%, the force required to resist
further characterized using soil classification tests such swelling.