Rock Mechanics Testing Equipment

It is common for Rock samples to be subjected to defined stress conditions in order to determine the stress-stran relationships. All these phenomena can be mathematically described and used for mechanical design simulations.

Rock samples require careful sample preparation from cores in order to fully analyze their properties. Sample machinery include coring machines, general masonry saws, core trimmers, rock specimen grinding machines as well as rock sample verification apparatus systems. Properties such as the roughess, strength and permeability can be further examined with the use of our diverse line of Rock Mechanic apparatus systems. Following precise sample preparation, rock samples can undergo Uniaxial and triaxial testing systems in order to identify the rock splitting and crushing properties.

Further tests are available for the testing of Rock samples which will allow for further analysis of the mechanical properties. Contact your NextGen representative today to further discuss how we can be your Quality Control solution.

What Rock Mechanics Testing Covers

Rock testing reports the intact rock parameters that engineers use for excavation strategy, stability checks and deformation expectations in mining, tunneling and dam work. Laboratory programs typically report compressive strength and, when stress and strain data are captured, stiffness. Index tests such as point load classify rock quickly, direct shear tests measure the strength of a joint or interface, and the Cerchar test rates how hard a rock wears the tools that cut it. Intact core results are not the same as rock mass behavior, because joints and weakness planes influence real structures. The core preparation guide covers why the specimen comes first.

Specimen Preparation Comes First

Standards treat specimen preparation as part of the test. ASTM D4543 covers preparing rock core as cylindrical specimens and verifying length, diameter, straightness, end flatness and end perpendicularity against set tolerances. If an end face is not flat or not perpendicular, the platen touches an edge or a point first, the stress concentrates locally and the failure no longer reflects the rock. The tolerances matter most for strong rock and for stiff load frames without a spherical seat. Weak, porous or poorly cemented rock may be hard to prepare to the ideal, and the standard asks the laboratory to prepare to the highest practical level and report the specimen condition.

Standards for Rock Testing

ASTM D5731 determines the point load strength index of rock on cores, cut blocks and irregular lumps, and it is used for classification and screening rather than as a substitute for design-strength testing. ASTM D5607 describes laboratory direct shear strength tests of rock under constant normal force, on intact rock or on a specimen with a single discontinuity. The NextGen standard page notes that ASTM has marked it withdrawn, so confirm which reference your specification cites. ASTM D7625-10 defines the Cerchar abrasivity test; our standard page notes that this edition is withdrawn and later versions of D7625 exist.

Rock Testing Equipment from NextGen

Preparation starts with the laboratory coring machine, the rock core cutter and masonry saw and the automatic CoreTrim 3000, followed by the NG-CoreGrind 1000, NG-CoreGrind 2000 and CoreGrind 3000 end grinders. Strength and shear are covered by the portable point load tester and the rock shear box apparatus, and abrasivity by the West Cerchar tester. Each machine is installed and calibrated by NextGen engineers, with operator training and support for the life of the equipment.