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Designation: D 3148 – 02

Standard Test Method for

Elastic Moduli of Intact Rock Core Specimens in Uniaxial
Compression1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 3148; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope * 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.1 This test method covers the determination of elastic safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
moduli of intact rock core specimens in uniaxial compression. responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
It specifies the apparatus, instrumentation, and procedures for priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
determining the stress-axial strain and the stress-lateral strain bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
curves, as well as Young’s modulus, E, and Poisson’s ratio, n. 2. Referenced Documents
NOTE 1—This test method does not include the procedures necessary to 2.1 ASTM Standards:
obtain a stress-strain curve beyond the ultimate strength.
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
1.2 For an isotropic material, the relation between the shear Fluids2
and bulk moduli and Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio are: D 2216 Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water
E (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock2
G5 (1) D 3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
2~1 1 n!
E Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspectionof Soil and Rock
K5
3~1 2 2n!
(2) Used in Engineering Design and Construction2
D 4543 Practice for Preparing Rock Core Specimens and
where: Determining Dimensional and Shape Tolerances2
G = shear modulus, E 4 Practices for Load Verification of Testing Machines3
K = bulk modulus, E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
E = Young’s modulus, and Determine the Precision of a Test Method4
n = Poisson’s ratio.
The engineering applicability of these equations is decreased 3. Terminology
if the rock is anisotropic. When possible, it is desirable to 3.1 Definitions: See Terminology D 653 for general defini-
conduct tests in the plane of foliation, bedding, etc., and at right tions.
angles to it to determine the degree of anisotropy. It is noted 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
that equations developed for isotropic materials may give only 3.2.1 bulk modulus, K [FL-2]—average normal stress di-
approximate calculated results if the difference in elastic vided by the change in volume per original volume.
moduli in any two directions is greater than 10 % for a given 3.2.2 shear modulus, G [FL-2]—ratio of the shear stress to
stress level. the corresponding shear strain below the proportional limit.
NOTE 2—Elastic moduli measured by sonic methods may often be
employed as preliminary measures of anisotropy.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A rock core sample is cut to length, and the ends are
1.3 The test method given for determining the elastic
machined flat. The specimen is placed in a loading frame and,
constants does not apply to rocks that undergo significant
if required, heated to the desired test temperature. Axial load is
inelastic strains during the test, such as potash and salt. The
continuously increased on the specimen, and deformation is
elastic moduli for such rocks should be determined from
monitored as a function of load.
unload-reload cycles, which is not covered by this test method.

1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
2
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.12 on Rock Mechanics. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
3
Current edition approved Jan. 10, 2002. Published April 2002. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.01.
4
published as D 3148 – 72. Last previous edition D 3148 – 96. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.

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

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 D 3148
5. Significance and Use the triaxial apparatus; it is not to be used to determine elastic constants.
5.1 The elastic constants are used to calculate the stress and 6.3 Temperature Measuring Device—Special limits-oferror
deformation in rock structures. thermocouples or platinum resistance thermometers (RTDs)
5.2 The deformation and strength properties of rock cores having accuracies of at least 61°C with a resolution of 0.1°C.
measured in the laboratory usually do not accurately reflect 6.4 Platens—Two steel platens are used to transmit the axial
large-scale in situ properties, because the latter are strongly load to the ends of the specimen. They shall have a hardness of
influenced by joints, faults, inhomogeneities, weakness planes, not less than 58 HRC. One of the platens should be spherically
and other factors. Therefore, laboratory values for intact seated and the other on a plain rigid platen. The bearing faces
specimens must be employed with proper judgment in engi- shall not depart from a plane by more than 0.015 mm when the
neering applications. platens are new and shall be maintained within a permissible
variation of 0.025 mm. The diameter of the spherical seat shall
NOTE 3—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
be at least as large as that of the test specimen but shall not
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the exceed twice the diameter of the test specimen. The center of
criteria of Practice D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent the sphere in the spherical seat shall coincide with that of the
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/ and the like. Users of this bearing face of the specimen. The spherical seat shall be
standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in properly lubricated to ensure free movement. The movable
itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend n many factors; portion of the platen shall be held closely in the spherical seat,
Practice D 3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors. but the design shall be such that the bearing face can be rotated
6. Apparatus and tilted through small angles in any direction. If a spherical
seat is not used, the bearing faces of the platens shall be
6.1 Loading Device—The loading device shall be of suffi-
parallel to 0.0005 mm/mm of platen diameter. The platen
cient capacity to apply load at a rate conforming to the
diameter shall be at least as great as the specimen but shall not
requirements specified in 10.5. It shall be verified at suitable
exceed the specimen diameter by more than 1.50 mm. This
time intervals in accordance with the procedures given in
platen diameter shall be retained for a length of at least
Practices E 4 and comply with the requirements prescribed
one-half the specimen diameter.
therein. The loading device may be equipped with a displace-
6.5 Strain/Deformation Measuring Devices—The strain/
ment transducer than can be used to advance the loading ram
deformation measuring system shall measure the strain with a
at a specified rate.
resolution of at least 25 3 10−6 strain and an accuracy within
6.2 Elevated-Temperature Enclosure— The elevated tem-
2 % of the value of readings above 250 3 10 −6 strain and
perature enclosure may be either an enclosure that fits in the
accuracy and resolution within 5 3 10 −6 for readings lower
loading apparatus or an external system encompassing the
than 250 3 10−6 strain, including errors introduced by excita-
complete test apparatus. The enclosure may be equipped with
tion and readout equipment. The system shall be free from
humidity control for testing specimens in which the moisture
noncharacterizable long-term instability (drift) that results in
content is to be controlled. For high temperatures, a system of
an apparent strain of 10−8/s.
heaters, insulation, and temperature measuring devices are
normally required to maintain the specified temperature. Tem- NOTE 5—The user is cautioned about the influence of temperature on
perature shall be measured at three locations, with one sensor the output of strain and deformation sensors located within the heated
environment.
near the top, one at midheight, and one near the bottom of the
specimen. The average specimen temperature based on the 6.5.1 Axial Strain Determination—The axial deformations
midheight sensor shall be maintained to within 61°C of the or strains may be determined from data obtained by electrical
required test temperature. The maximum temperature differ- resistance strain gages, compressometers, linear variable dif-
ence between the midheight sensor and either end sensor shall ferential transformers (LVDTs), or other suitable means. The
not exceed 3°C. design of the measuring device shall be such that the average
of at least two axial strain measurements can be determined.
NOTE 4—An alternative to measuring the temperature at three locations
Measuring positions shall be equally spaced around the cir-
along the specimen during the test is to determine the temperature
distribution in a dummy specimen that has temperature sensors located in cumference of the specimen close to midheight. The gage
drill holes at a minimum of six positions: along both the centerline and length over which the axial strains are determined shall be at
specimen periphery at midheight and at each end of the specimen. The least 10 grain diameters in magnitude.
temperature controller set point shall be adjusted to obtain steady-state 6.5.2 Lateral Strain Determination—The lateral deforma-
temperatures in the dummy specimen that meet the temperature require- tions or strains may be measured by any of the methods
ments at each test temperature (the centerline temperature at midheight mentioned in 6.5.1. Either circumferential or diametric defor-
shall be within 61°C of the required test temperature, and all other
specimen temperatures shall not deviate from this temperature by more
mations (or strains) may be measured. A single transducer that
than 3°C). The relationship between controller set point and dummy wraps around the specimen can be used to measure the change
specimen temperature can be used to determine the specimen temperature in circumference. At least two diametric deformation sensors
during testing provided that the output of the temperature feedback sensor shall be used if diametric deformations are measured. These
(or other fixed-location temperature sensor in the triaxial apparatus) is sensors shall be equally spaced around the circumference of the
maintained constant within 61°C of the required test temperature. The specimen, close to midheight. The average deformation (or
relationship between temperature controller set point and steady-state strain) from the diametric sensors shall be recorded.
specimen temperature shall be verified periodically. The dummy specimen
is used solely to determine the temperature distribution in a specimen in NOTE 6—The use of strain gage adhesives requiring cure temperatures

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 D 3148
above 65°C is not allowed unless it is known that microfractures do not and heater unit fluctuations. Record the initial deformation
develop at the cure temperature. readings. Consider this to be the zero for the test.
7. Safety Precautions NOTE 7—It has been observed that for some rock types microcracking
7.1 Many rock types fail in a violent manner when loaded to will occur for heating rates above 1°C/min. The operator is cautioned to
select a heating rate such that microcracking is not significant.
failure in compression. A protective shield should be placed
around the test specimen to prevent injury from flying rock 10.5 Apply the axial load continuously and without shock
fragments. Elevated temperatures increase the risks of electri- until the load becomes constant, reduces, or a predetermined
cal shorts and fire. amount of strain is achieved. Apply the load in such a manner
as to produce either a stress rate or a strain rate as constant as
8. Sampling feasible throughout the test. Do not permit the stress rate or
8.1 The specimen shall be selected from the cores to strain rate at any given time to deviate by more than 10 % from
represent a valid average of the type of rock under consider- that selected. The stress rate or strain rate selected should be
ation. This can be achieved by visual observations of mineral that which will produce failure of a similar test specimen in
constituents, grain sizes and shape, partings and defects such as unconfined compression in a test time between 2 and 15 min.
pores and fissures, or by other methods, such as ultrasonic The selected stress rate or strain rate for a given rock type shall
velocity measurements. be adhered to for all tests in a given series of investigation
(Note 8). Observe and record readings of deformation at a
9. Test Specimens minimum of 10 load levels that are evenly spaced over the load
9.1 Preparation—Prepare test specimens in accordance range. Continuous data recording is permitted, provided that
with Practice D 4543. the recording system meets the precision and accuracy require-
9.2 Moisture condition of the specimen at the time of test ments of 6.5.
can have a significant effect upon the deformation of the rock. NOTE 8—Results of tests by other investigators have shown that strain
Good practice generally dictates that laboratory tests be made rates within this range will provide strength and moduli values that are
upon specimens representative of field conditions. Thus, it reasonably free from rapid loading effects and reproducible within
follows that the field moisture condition of the specimen acceptable tolerances. Lower strain rates are permissible, if required by
should be preserved until the time of test. On the other hand, the investigation. The drift of the strain measuring system (see 6.5) shall
there may be reasons for testing specimens at other moisture be more stringent, corresponding to the longer duration of the test.
contents including zero. In any case, the moisture content of NOTE 9—Loading a high-strength specimen to failure in a loading
frame that is not stiff will often result in violent failure, which will tend to
the test specimen should be tailored to the problem at hand and
damage the strain/deformation measuring devices.
reported in accordance with 12.1.3. If the moisture content of
the specimen is to be determined, follow the procedures given 11. Calculation
in Test Method D 2216.
9.3 If moisture content is to be maintained, and the elevated 11.1 The axial strain, e a, and lateral strain, el, may be
temperature enclosure is not equipped with humidity control, obtained directly from strain-indicating equipment, or may be
seal the specimen using a flexible membrane or apply a plastic calculated from deformation readings, depending on the type
or silicone rubber coating to the specimen sides. of apparatus or instrumentation employed.
11.1.1 Calculate the axial strain, e a, as follows:
10. Procedure DL
ea 5 L (3)
10.1 Check the ability of the spherical seat to rotate freely in
its socket before each test. where:
10.2 Place the lower platen on the base or actuator rod of the L = original undeformed axial gage length, and
loading device. Wipe clean the bearing faces of the upper and DL = change in measured axial length (negative for a
lower platens and of the test specimen, and place the test decrease in length).
specimen on the lower platen. Place the upper platen on the
specimen and align properly. A small axial load, approximately NOTE 10—Tensile stresses and strains are used as being positive. A
100 N, may be applied to the specimen by means of the loading consistent application of a compression-positive sign convention may be
employed if desired. The sign convention adopted needs to be stated
device to properly seat the bearing parts of the apparatus. explicitly in the report. The formulas given are for engineering stresses
10.3 When appropriate, install elevated-temperature enclo- and strains. True stresses and strains may be used if desired.
sure and deformation transducers for the apparatus and sensors NOTE 11—If the deformation recorded during the test includes defor-
used. mation of the apparatus, suitable calibration for apparatus deformation
10.4 If testing at elevated temperature, raise the temperature must be made. This may be accomplished by inserting into the apparatus
at a rate not exceeding 2°C/min until the required temperature a steel cylinder having known elastic properties and observing differences
is reached (Note 7). The test specimen shall be considered to in deformation between the assembly and steel cylinder throughout the
have reached temperature equilibrium when all deformation loading range. The apparatus deformation is then subtracted from the total
deformation at each increment of load to arrive at specimen deformation
transducer outputs are stable for at least three readings taken at from which the axial strain of the specimen is computed. The accuracy of
equal intervals over a period of no less than 30 min (3 min for this correction should be verified by measuring the elastic deformation of
tests performed at room temperature). Stability is defined as a a cylinder of material having known elastic properties (other than steel)
constant reading showing only the effects of normal instrument and comparing the measured and computed deformations.

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 D 3148
11.1.2 Calculate the lateral strain, e l, as follows: 11.4.3 Secant modulus, usually from zero stress to some
DD fixed percentage of maximum strength.
el 5 D 11.5 The value of Poisson’s ratio, n, is greatly affected by
(4) nonlinearities at low stress levels in the axial and lateral
stress-strain curves. It is suggested that Poisson’s ratio be
where: calculated from the equation:
D = original undeformed diameter, and
DD = change in diameter (positive for increased in diam- slope of axial curve E
n 5 2slope of lateral curve 5 2slope of lateral curve (6)
eter).
where the slope of the lateral curve is determined in the same
NOTE 12—Many circumferential transducers measure change in chord
length and not change in arc length (circumference). The geometrically
manner as was done in 11.4 for Young’s modulus, E.
nonlinear relationship between change in chord length and change in NOTE 13—The denominator in the equation in 11.5 will have a negative
diameter must be used to obtain accurate values of lateral strain. value if the sign convention is applied properly.
11.2 Calculate the compressive stress in the test specimen
12. Report
from the compressive load on the specimen and the initial
computed cross-sectional area as follows: 12.1 The report shall include the following:
12.1.1 Source of sample, including project name and loca-
P
s5A (5) tion (often the location is specified in terms of the drill hole
number and depth of specimen from collar of hole).
where: 12.1.2 Lithologic description of the rock, formation name,
s = stress, and load direction with respect to lithology.
P = load, and 12.1.3 Moisture condition of specimen before test.
A = area. 12.1.4 Specimen diameter and height, conformance with
11.3 Plot the stress-versus-strain curve for the axial and dimensional requirements.
lateral direction (Fig. 1). The complete curve gives the best 12.1.5 Temperature at which test was performed.
description of the deformation behavior of rocks having 12.1.6 Rate of loading or deformation rate.
nonlinear stress-strain relationships at low and high stress 12.1.7 Plot of the stress-versus-strain curves (Fig. 1).
levels. 12.1.8 Young’s modulus, E, method of determination as
11.4 The axial Young’s modulus, E, may be calculated using given in Fig. 2, and at what stress level or levels determined.
any of several methods employed in engineering practice. The 12.1.9 Poisson’s ratio, n, method of determination in 11.5,
most common methods, described in Fig. 2, are as follows: and at what stress level or levels determined.
11.4.1 Tangent modulus at a stress level that is some fixed 12.1.10 A description of physical appearance of specimen
percentage (usually 50 %) of the maximum strength. after test, including visible end effects such as cracking,
11.4.2 Average slope of the more-or-less straight-line por- spalling, or shearing at the platen-specimen interfaces.
tion of the stress-strain curve. The average slope may be 12.1.11 If the actual equipment or procedure has varied
calculated either by dividing the change in stress by the change from the requirements contained in this test method, each
in strain or by making a linear least squares fit to the variation and the reasons for it shall be discussed.
stress-strain data in the straight-line portion of the curve.
13. Precision and Bias
13.1 An interlaboratory study was conducted in which eight
laboratories each tested five specimens of four different rocks.
The specimens were cored by a single laboratory from a
common set of samples and randomly distributed to the testing
laboratories for grinding of the ends and testing. The study was
carried out in accordance with Practice E 691. Values of the
elastic modulus were determined using the tangent modulus
method at stress levels equal to 25, 50, and 75 % of the
compressive strength. Details of the study are given in ISR
Research Report No. PS #D18.12-R01, 1992. Table 1, Table 2,
and Table 3 give the repeatability (within a laboratory) and
reproducibility (between laboratories) for the method. At each
level of determination, both the repeatability and reproducibil-
ity limits increase with the values of the elastic modulus.
13.1.1 The probability is approximately 95 % that two test
results obtained in the same laboratory on the same material
will not differ by more than the repeatability limit. Likewise,
the probability is approximately 95 % that two test results
obtained in different laboratories on the same material will not
FIG. 1 Format for Graphical Presentation of Data differ by more than the reproducibility limit.

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 D 3148

FIG. 2 Methods for Calculating Young’s Modulus From Axial Stress-Axial Strain Curve

TABLE 1 Elastic Modulus (GPa) @ 25 % TABLE 2 Elastic Modulus (GPa) @ 50 %

Berea Salem Tennessee Barre Berea Salem Tennessee Barre
Sandstone Limestone Marble Granite Sandstone Limestone Marble Granite
Average Value 12.44 32.88 76.31 46.90 Average Value 16.74 32.00 74.19 54.21
Repeatability Limit (d25) 3.37 10.50 14.85 6.12 Repeatability Limit (d25) 4.15 4.21 10.13 6.75
Reproducibility Limit (d25) 4.17 12.54 17.17 6.45 Reproducibility Limit (d25) 5.19 5.47 12.33 7.77

13.1.2 The repeatability and reproducibility standard devia- 14. Keywords

tion is equal to the limit values given divided by 2.83 14.1 compression testing; loading tests; modulus of elastic-
(2 =2 ). ity; modulus-Young’s; rock
13.2 Bias cannot be determined since there is no standard
value of each of the elastic constants that can be used to
compare with values determined using this test method.

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 D 3148
TABLE 3 Elastic Modulus (GPa) @ 75 %
Berea Salem Tennessee Barre
Sandstone Limestone Marble Granite
Average Value 17.15 27.27 65.57 53.11
Repeatability Limit (d25) 4.48 3.29 13.60 7.99
Reproducibility Limit (d25) 4.84 6.26 13.60 8.47

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

In acordance with Committee D18 policy, this section identifies the location of changes to this standard since
the last edition that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Standards D 653 and D 3740 were added to Section 2. added because they are not in D 653.
(2) Terminology Section was added. (4) Required caveat for D 3740 was added.
(3) Definitions for bulk modulus and shear modulus were

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