ASTM D3967 covers the apparatus, specimen preparation and procedures for determining the splitting tensile strength of rock by diametral line compression of disk-shaped specimens, a test also known as the Brazilian test. It uses flat loading platens, and SI units are the standard units.
ASTM presents the splitting test as a simpler and less costly alternative to direct tension testing for routine work. Because rock engineering often involves combined compressive and tensile stresses, the method measures tensile strength with compression present, closer to field conditions. Testing along different diametral directions can reveal strength differences in anisotropic rocks, and a uniform procedure keeps disks breaking diametrally so results are comparable.
The test is run in a compression or universal testing machine with a splitting fixture that loads the disk along its diameter. Our splitting fixtures for rock and concrete testing support splitting tensile testing to ASTM D3967. If you need help matching ASTM D3967 requirements to your parts or setup, contact our team.
