Specific Gravity and Absorption of Rock For Erosion Control: Standard Test Method For

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This test method covers determining specific gravity and absorption of rock materials for erosion control applications like riprap and armor stone.

This test method is appropriate for breakwater stone, armor stone, riprap, gabion sized rock materials, and gabion-fill.

Specimens are soaked, surface water is removed, and specimens are weighed both in and out of water to calculate specific gravity and weight change is measured to determine absorption.

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles

for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Designation: D6473 − 15

Standard Test Method for


Specific Gravity and Absorption of Rock for Erosion
Control1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6473; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-


1.1 This test method covers the determination of specific priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
gravity and absorption of rock for erosion control, commonly mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
referred to as riprap or armor stone. The specific gravity may 1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
be expressed as bulk specific gravity or apparent specific dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
gravity. Bulk specific gravity and absorption are based on a ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
24 6 4-h soaking time for the rock specimens tested. This test Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
is appropriate for breakwater stone, armor stone, riprap, and mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
gabion sized rock materials. Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.2 The use of reclaimed concrete and other materials is 2. Referenced Documents
beyond the scope of this test method.
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded C127 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathemati- and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
cal conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
information only and are not considered standard. Fluids
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
Practice D6026, unless superseded by this standard. Used in Engineering Design and Construction
1.4.1 For purposes of comparing measured or calculated D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant Construction Materials Testing
digits in the specified limits. D4992 Practice for Evaluation of Rock to be Used for
1.4.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/ Erosion Control
recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the Data
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
3. Terminology
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider- 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of common technical terms
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to used in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope 3.2.1 absorption—the increase in the mass of rock due to
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical water in the pores of the material, but not including water
methods for engineering design. adhering to the outside surface of the particles. Absorption is
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the expressed as a percentage of the dry mass.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.2.2 apparent specific gravity—the ratio of the mass in air
of a given volume of the impermeable portion of a permeable
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.17 on Rock for Erosion
2
Control. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved July 1, 2015. Published July 2015. Originally approved contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as D6473 - 10. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
D6473-15. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard


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D6473 − 15
material (that is, the solid matter including its impermeable tions. In addition, the absorption test has been used as an index
pores or voids) at a stated temperature to the mass of an equal test in determining whether additional tests are needed to
volume of distilled water at the same stated temperature. The evaluate the durability of a rock.
value is dimensionless. 5.4 Test specimens equal in size to the proposed design size
3.2.3 bulk specific gravity—the ratio of the mass in air of a would provide the best correlations between laboratory tests
given volume of a permeable solid (including both permeable and actual field performance, however this is usually neither
and impermeable voids within the material) at a stated practical nor economically feasible.
temperature, to the mass in air of an equal volume of distilled 5.5 The results of these tests are not to be used as the sole
water at the same stated temperature. The value is dimension- basis for determination of rock durability, but should be used in
less. conjunction with the results of other tests.
3.2.4 bulk specific gravity (saturated surface-dry) (SSD)—
5.6 These test methods have been used to evaluate different
the ratio of the mass of a given volume of permeable solid,
types of rocks. There have been rare occasions when test
(including the mass of water within the saturated permeable
results have provided data that have not agreed with the
voids) filled to the extent achieved by submerging in water for
durability of rock under actual field conditions. For example,
approximately 24 h at the stated temperature to the mass of an
some rocks with low absorption values have fragmented in
equal volume of water at the same stated temperature. The
actual usage and some with high absorption values have proven
value is dimensionless.
to be durable.
3.2.5 gabion-fill stone—stone generally less than 25 kg (50
lb) and placed in baskets of wire or other suitable material. NOTE 2—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
These baskets are then tied together to form an integral suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies which meet the
structure designed to resist erosion along stream banks and criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
around bridge piers. and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure
3.2.6 specific gravity—the ratio of the mass in air of a given reliable results. Reliable results depends on many factors; Practice D3740
volume of solid at a stated temperature to the mass of an equal provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
volume of distilled water at the same stated temperature. The
value is dimensionless. 6. Apparatus
6.1 Balance—A balance or scale conforming to the require-
4. Summary of Test Method ments of Specification D4753 and readable (with no estima-
4.1 An air-dried specimen (block, chunk, or slab) of rock is tion) and accurate to the nearest 5 g or to 0.1 % or better of the
submerged in water for 24 6 4 h after which its mass is mass of the test specimen. The balance shall be equipped with
determined while still submerged. It is then removed from the suitable apparatus for suspending the sample container in water
water, dried to a surface dry condition, and its mass re- from the center of the platform or pan of the balance.
determined. Finally, it is dried in an oven to a constant mass. 6.2 Specimen Container—A wire basket capable of holding
The initial mass and increase in mass are used to determine the the submerged rock specimen being tested. The container shall
specimen’s specific gravity and percentage of water absorbed. be constructed so as to prevent trapping air when the container
NOTE 1—Immersion durations other than the 24-h period have been is submerged.
used. Specimens in those tests have been immersed in increments over a
four-day period. Test results indicate a higher percentage of water
6.3 Water Tank—A watertight tank capable of holding the
absorption than the 24 h test. Negligible differences in bulk specific fully immersed rock and specimen container while suspended
gravity were measured after one-day soaking and four-day incremental below the balance.
soakings.
6.4 An example apparatus is shown in Fig. 1.
5. Significance and Use 6.5 Drying Oven—Vented, thermostatically-controlled,
preferably of the forced-draft type and capable of maintaining
5.1 Rock riprap and armor stone are composed of pieces of
a uniform temperature of 110 6 5°C (230 6 9°F) throughout
natural rock that are placed on construction projects,
the drying chamber.
shorelines, streambeds, bridge abutments, pilings, and other
structures to minimize the effects of erosion. The ability of rock 7. Sampling
to withstand deterioration from weathering affects both the
effectiveness of the project and its cost. The specific gravity 7.1 Practice D4992 provides guidance on sampling a source
and absorption of rock provide useful information that can be of rock. A source that is macroscopically uniform in color,
used in evaluating possible deterioration of rock. texture, mineralogy, or some other visual property shall be
represented by a sample consisting of a minimum of five
5.2 Bulk specific gravity and bulk specific gravity SSD may specimens of rock. A macroscopically non-uniform source
reflect the quality of rock and is important in that it may shall be represented by a sample consisting of a minimum of
provide one indicator to the resistance of a rock to movement eight specimens of rock for testing. Rock types that comprise
by water. less than 5 % of the total source, as determined from their
5.3 The absorption of water into rock may affect its dura- macroscopic properties may be ignored, unless their presence
bility under freezing conditions and salt crystallization condi- will greatly affect the test results and subsequent proposed use

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D6473 − 15
9.3 Remove each specimen from the water and roll it in a
large absorbent cloth until all visible films of water are
removed. A moving stream of air (but not a heated air stream,
such as from a drier) may be used to assist the drying. Take
care to avoid evaporation of water from the pores during the
surface drying operation. Determine and record the mass of
each specimen as the saturated-surface dry mass, B.
9.4 Dry each specimen for a minimum of 24 h or to a
constant mass within 60.1 % at a temperature of 110 6 5°C
(230 6 9°F), then cool them in air at room temperature for 1 to
3 h. Constant mass will be considered to have been achieved
when weight loss is less than 0.1 % of specimen weight in four
hours of drying. Determine and record the mass of each
specimen as the oven-dry mass, A.
NOTE 5—The use of tap water instead of distilled water is permitted.
The tap water shall not contain a high amount of dissolved minerals and
shall stand for several hours to dissipate any dissolved air. Laboratory test
results run on specimens tested in distilled water were sufficiently close to
FIG. 1 Example Apparatus those tested in tap water so as not to significantly affect the result.

of the rock. Sample the rock types in their approximate 10. Calculation
proportion to the types that occur at the source. 10.1 Calculate the bulk specific gravity, bulk specific grav-
ity (SSD), apparent specific gravity, and absorption for each
8. Specimens specimen at ambient laboratory temperature as follows:
8.1 Specimens shall be clean and without soil particles or bulk specific gravity 5 A/ ~ B 2 C ! (1)
other adherent materials. Specimens shall have all loose parts
bulk specific gravity ~ SSD! 5 B/ ~ B 2 C ! (2)
and adherent material removed by brushing with a stiff brush
(including the use of water, as necessary) and shall be allowed apparent specific gravity 5 A/ ~ A 2 C ! (3)
to air dry. absorption, % 5 @ ~ B 2 A ! /A # 3 100 (4)
8.2 Each specimen shall be a minimum of 1 kg (2.2 lb) in where:
mass. The maximum mass shall be limited only by the capacity
A = mass of oven-dry test specimen in air, g,
of the scale and size of the water-filled tank. B = mass of saturated-surface dry test specimen in air, g, and
NOTE 3—Tests to determine the absorption and specific gravity have C = buoyant mass of submerged test specimen in water, g.
been performed on aggregate-sized particles in accordance with Test
Method C127. Larger-sized particles may include more variability in rock 10.1.1 Calculate the results for each specific gravity test to
properties than small particles and can give a better indication of the bulk the nearest 0.01. Calculate the averages of all specific gravity
properties than small ones. tests by summing the results of all test specimens and dividing
by the number of specimens tested and report to the nearest
9. Procedure 0.01.
9.1 Conduct the testing procedure at ambient laboratory 10.1.2 Calculate the results for each absorption test to the
temperatures. nearest 0.1 %. Calculate the averages for all absorption tests by
9.2 Completely submerge the air-dried specimens in water summing the results of all specimens and dividing by the
at 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F) for a period of 24 6 4 h. Place the number of specimens and report to the nearest 0.1 %.
soaked test specimen, one at a time, in the suspended specimen
container ensuring it is completely immersed in water. The 11. Report: Test Data Sheet(s)/Form(s)
specimen container shall be immersed to the same level (depth) 11.1 Record the following information:
as when determining the tare value to reduce error caused by 11.1.1 Prepare a separate report on rock from each source.
the mass of the equipment above and below the water level. Report the source of the samples, its location, the dates
Take care to remove all entrapped air before determining its sampled and tested, and the geological formation if known,
mass in water by shaking the immersed container. Determine
11.1.2 Description and type of materials,
and record the mass of each specimen as the buoyant mass, C.
11.1.3 Name of the individuals performing the test,
Record this, and all subsequent masses, to the nearest 5 g or
0.1 %, whichever is more precise. 11.1.4 Indicate the type of specific gravity, whether bulk,
bulk (SSD), or apparent. The specific gravity results for each
NOTE 4—Care should be taken to ensure that any material detached specimen tested and the average of each type of test to the
from its parent specimen during the immersion process shall remain with
nearest 0.01, and
its parent specimen throughout the balance of testing. The detached
material shall be treated and its mass determined, as with the parent 11.1.5 Absorption result for each specimen tested and the
specimen. average of all the specimens tested to the nearest 0.1 %.

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D6473 − 15
12. Precision and Bias 12.3 Variation in the results of these test methods is a
12.1 The precision of these test methods has not been consequence of the variation in the materials sampled and
determined. Limited data are being evaluated to determine the tested and variation in the application of the test methods.
precision of these test methods. Subcommittee D18.17 is
seeking pertinent data from users of these test methods. 13. Keywords
12.2 The procedure defined in these test methods has no 13.1 absorption; riprap; rock material properties; specific
bias because the values of riprap particle size can be defined gravity
only in terms of a test method.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

In accordance with Committee D18 policy, this section identifies the location of changes to this standard since
the last edition (2010) that may impact the use of this standard. (July 1, 2015)

(1) Revised 1.1 to include what materials are deemed appro- (6) Added Figure 1 to illustrate the positioning of the specimen
priate for use in this practice. container relative to the water vessel during testing.
(2) Revised 1.3, 1.4, 3.1, 11 and 12, along with Note 2 to meet (7) Created new Section 8 (Specimens) with information re-
D18.91 editorial requirements. moved from Section 7 (Sampling), as it did not pertain to
(3) Deleted the reference to ASTM E145 in Sections 2.1 and sampling. This is consistent with Sections 7 and 8 in D5779.
6.4 as it has been removed from the standard. Subsequent sections were renumbered to reflect this revision.
(4) Added 3.2.4 to include gabion-fill as it is not referenced in (8) Revised Sections 9.2 and 9.4 for ease of use and clarifica-
D653. tion.
(5) Revised Section 4.1 for ease of use and clarification.

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