ASTM WK22313 to Address Rock Abrasivity Measurements
June 12, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
ASTM International Committee D18 on Soil and Rock is developing ASTM WK22313, a proposed standard for measuring rock abrasivity, which is designed to aid mechanical excavation projects.
ASTM WK22313 - Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Abrasivity of Rock Using the Cerchar Method is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D18.12 on Rock Mechanics.
ASTM WK22313 covers the determination of rock abrasivity using the Cerchar abrasivity index, which measures the wear on a steel cone caused by scratching a freshly broken rock surface.
"Advances in underground excavation methods, particularly the use of tunnel boring machines, have led to an increasing need for knowledge about the rock abrasivity," said Bernie Gorski, an ASTM WK22313 task group member.
"The proposed standard will help in better equipment selections for a mechanical excavation project and will provide better performance prediction of mechanical excavation machines," said Dr. Hamid Nazeri, a member of D18 and the task group.
Nazeri said the proposed standard will allow for a better assessment of a rock formation's suitability for mechanical excavation, as well as better performance prediction of selected mechanical excavation machines.
In addition, the standard will provide information on a machine's down time and associated cost of possible bit repair/change by providing an index for estimation of bit wear.
Nazeri also said the proposed standard has the potential to reduce the number of legal disputes among contractors, project owners and consultants by providing more knowledge about the physical properties of rock.
Mining and civil engineers, mechanical excavation, drilling contractors, manufacturers of mechanical excavation machines and rock drilling bit/equipment will be the primary users of ASTM WK22313.
Source: ASTM International.