ROCK STRENGTH

SCHMIDT’S (REBOUND) HAMMER (L-TYPE) (LAB 3)

OBJECTIVE:

This experiment deals with determination of rock strength when a certain load implied on the
rocks. Students should be able conducted the experiment, understanding the theory and
recognize the rock strength on different types of rocks in Malaysia.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

a) To determine a rock strength on different types of rock formation in Malaysia. b) To evaluate

the physical properties of rocks for civil engineering application. c) To understand the theory rock
test.

THEORY:

Rebound hammer test is undertaken using Schmidt’s hammer L-type (N-type for concrete
material). Test procedure is simple and equipment is portable and easy to operate. Test can be
undertaken on site and the number of test is unlimited. Test can be carried out on the surface of
irregular block or, on core samples does not involve destruction of sample (minimize sample
usage). Index value obtained is rebound number (R), which is an indicator on the degree of
hardness of rock surface being tested. Rebound hammer test is frequently used in estimating the
compressive strength of joint surface in rock. The value of R can be used to estimate the
compressive strength of rock using the following equation (Franklin, 1989):

Log10 JCS = 0.00088(γ)(R) + 1.01

Where, JCS (MPa) is the compressive strength of rock surface; γ is unit weight of rock (kN/m3).
The term JCS means joint compressive strength, which implies the surface strength of joints
(fracture planes) in rock. This means that rebound hammer test can also be used to estimate the
surface strength of joint in addition to rock block sample. For fresh rock (weathering grade I), JCS
is approximately equals to the UCS of the rock material. In other words when rock is not
weathered, its surface compressive strength is approximately equals to the strength of its
material composition (usually measured by UCT).

EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS:

1. Rebound Hammer (L-type), consisting of a spring-loaded piston, or hammer, which is projected

against a metal anvil in contact with the rock surface. The hammer must travel with a fixed and
reproducible velocity. The rebound distance of the piston from the steel plunger is measured in a
linear scale attached to the frame of the instrument and is taken as an empirical measure of rock
hardness.

2. Steel Base - A steel base of minimum mass of 20 kg to which specimens are securely fastened.
Rock core specimens may be tested in a steel cradle with a semi cylindrical machined slot of the
same radius as the core, or firmly seated in a steel V-block.

3. Calibration Anvil - The standard calibration block used to calibrate the rebound hammer.

4. Abrasive Stone - A medium-grained texture silicon carbide or equivalent material.

CALIBRATION

1. Prior to each testing sequence, calibrate the hammer using a calibration test anvil supplied by
the manufacturer for that purpose.

2. Place the calibration anvil in the core holder and conduct ten readings on the anvil.

3. Calculate the correction factor by dividing the manufacturer’s standard hardness value for the
anvil

by the average of the ten readings taken on the anvil.

SAMPLING

1. Drill core specimens shall be NX (54 mm) or larger core art at least 15 cm in length. Block
specimens shall have edge lengths of at least 15 cm. Rock surfaces tested in place, including
natural outcrops or prepared surfaces such as tunnel walls or floors, shall have a smooth, flat test
area at least 15 cm in diameter.

2. Samples shall be representative of the rock to be studied. Obtain samples by direct sampling of
subsurface rock units with core borings or by sampling blocks of rock material from outcrops that
correlate with the subsurface rock unit of interest. At surface outcrops, avoid sampling and
testing rock material weakened by weathering or alteration or is otherwise unrepresentative of
the rock material of interest.

3. The rebound hammer is generally unsuitable for very soft or very hard rock. Conduct simple
field tests to quickly assess a rock material’s suitability for the rebound hammer test method.
Scratch very soft rock with a fingernail and peel with a pocket knife. An intact specimen of very
hard rock breaks only by repeated, heavy blows with a geological hammer and cannot be
scratched with a common 20d steel nail.

SPECIMEN PREPARATION

1. For a block or core specimen, determine its length by taking the average of four lengths
measured at four equally spaced points on the circumference and record to the nearest 5 mm.

2. For a block or core specimen, determine its diameter by taking the average of two diameters
measured at right angles to each other approximately midway along the length of the specimen
and record to the nearest 5 mm.

3. Report the moisture condition of the block or specimen.

4. The test surface of all specimens, either in the laboratory or in the field, shall be smooth to the
touch

and free of joints, fractures, or other obvious localized discontinuities to a depth of at least 6 cm.
In situ rock shall be flat and free of surface grit over the area covered by the plunger. If the
surface of the test area is heavily textured, grind it smooth with the abrasive stone.

PROCEDURE

1. Place the steel base on a flat, level surface that provides firm, rigid support, such as a concrete
floor.

2. Securely clamp rock core specimens in a steel cradle with a semi cylindrical machined slot of
the same radius as the core, or firmly seat into a steel V-shaped block. Securely clamp block
specimens to the rigid steel base in such a manner as to prevent vibration and movement of the
specimen during the test.

3. For tests conducted on specimens in the laboratory, orient the instrument within 5° of
vertical with the bottom of the piston at right angles to and in firm contact with the surface of
the test specimen. A guide may be used to ensure the rebound hammer is positioned for
optimum performance. Position the hammer not less than one diameter from the edge of the
specimen.

4. For tests conducted in situ on a rock mass, the rebound hammer can be used at any desired
orientation provided the plunger strikes perpendicular to the surface tested. The results are
corrected to a horizontal or vertical position using the correction curves provided by the
manufacturer.

5. Before conducting the tests, ensure the hammer is at the same temperature as the test
specimens by exposing it to the ambient environmental conditions of the test area (indoors or
outdoors) for at least 2 h.

6. Compress the hammer spring by gradually depressing the plunger until the hammer is
triggered and impact occurs.

7. Read and record the height of the plunger rebound to the nearest whole number, as measured
on an arbitrary scale of 10 to 100 divisions located on the side of the hammer, before restoring
the piston to its original extension. Repeat this procedure at ten representative locations on the
specimen. Test locations shall be separated by at least the diameter of the piston and only one
test may be taken at any one point.

8. If a specimen breaks during rebound testing, energy is absorbed during breakage and,
consequently, the rebound reading will be lower than had it not broken. Any individual impact
test that causes cracking or any other visible failure shall cause that test and the specimen to be
rejected.
9. Some factors that may affect the results of the test include: i.Rock at 0° C or less may exhibit
very high rebound values.

ii.Temperature of the rebound hammer itself may affect the rebound number. The hammer and
materials to be tested should be at the same temperature.

iii.For readings to be compared, the direction of impact, horizontal, upward, downward, and so
forth, must be the same.

iv.Different hammers of the same nominal design may give rebound numbers differing from one
to three units and therefore, tests should be made with the same hammer in order to compare
results. If more than one hammer is to be used, a sufficient number of tests must be made on
typical rock surfaces to determine the magnitude of the differences to be expected.

RESULT AND ANALYSIS

1. Using the data from the ten readings obtained in procedure no. 7, discard readings differing
from the average of ten readings by more than seven units and determine the average of the
remaining readings. Record in Table 1.

2. To calculate the rebound hardness number (HR) of the tested rock material, multiply this
average by the correction factor determined in calibration no. 3 and record the results to the
nearest whole number.

1. Estimate the compressive strength of rock using the following chart:

B = HAMMER REBOUND / DURETE A CHOC / PRELLHARTE

2. Estimate the compressive strength of rock using the following equation (Franklin, 1989):
Log10 JCS = 0.00088(γ)(R) + 1.01

Where:

JCS (MPa) = compressive strength of rock surface γ = unit weight of rock (kN/m3)

Table 1: Calibration Table

Sample

GRANITE

123

74

76

76
 Total

226

Average Value, R

75.33

Table 2 : Rebound Number Table for Core Sample

SAMPLE

GRANITE

AVERAGE VALUE, R

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (MPa), JCS

34

38

70.15

36

41

81.66

32

35

60.26

40

46

105.20

42

49
122.46

42

49

122.46

44

52

142.56

42

49

122.46

44

52

142.56

10

40

46

105.20

11

40

46

105.20

12

42

49
 122.46

13

42

49

122.46

14

39

45

100.00

15

40

46

105.20

Total

599

692

1630.29

Average

39.93

46.13

108.69

Sample 1

Use γ (unit weight of rock) = 25 kNm3

Log10 JCS =

= 0.00088(25)(38) + 1.01

0.00088(γ)(R) + 1.01 = 70.15 Mpa

Average for Core Sample Compressive Strength, JCS

= 1630.29
15

= 108.69 Mpa

Rebound Number (R)

Rebound Number (R)

Table 3 : Rebound Number Table for irregular Sample

SAMPLE

UPPER SIDE (Pos. B)

LEFT SIDE (Post. A)

GRANITE

AVERAGE VALUE, R

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (MPa), JCS

GRANITE

AVERAGE VALUE, R

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH (MPa), JCS

56

60

213.80

56

57

183.67

46

55

165.96

56

57
 183.67

58

60

213.80

68

57

183.67

52

60

213.80

60

57

183.67

42

49

122.46

60

57

183.67

46

55

165.96

68

57
 183.67

56

60

213.80

68

57

183.67

58

60

213.80

56

57

183.67

48

58

193.20

54

57

183.67

10

40

46

105.20

58

57
 183.67

11

68

60

213.80

60

57

183.67

12

58

60

213.80

48

54

157.76

13

54

60

213.80

58

57

183.67

14

62

60

213.80

64

57
 183.67

15

52

60

213.80

60

57

183.67

Total

796

863

2890.78

894

852

2729.14

Average

53.07

57.53

192.72

59.60

56.80

181.94

Sample 1 (Upper Side)

Use γ (unit weight of rock) = 25 kNm3

Log10 JCS =

= 0.00088(25)(60) + 1.01

0.00088(γ)(R) + 1.01 = 213.80 Mpa

Average for Upper Side Compressive Strength, JCS

= 2890.78

15

= 192.72 Mpa

Sample 1 (Left Side)

Use γ (unit weight of rock) = 25 kNm3

Log10 JCS =

= 0.00088(25)(57) + 1.01

0.00088(γ)(R) + 1.01 = 183.67 Mpa

Average for Left Side Compressive Strength, JCS

= 2729.14

15

= 181.94 Mpa

Rebound Number (R)

QUESTION AND DISCUSSION

i. Describe generally the differences between index and direct test.

Index or Indirect Test

Index test is relatively simple and rapid to conduct, but it does not provide fundamental property.
The data obtained is just an indicator on property that being tested. The apparatus used are
normally simple and portable which also allows the test to be conduct at site.

The tests may not require some detailed sample preparation where certain tests are non-
destructive type and does not involve failure of samples (cost saving for sample could be reused).
The data also not suitable for detailed design purposes but it is useful and valuable for
preliminary or pre-feasibility assessments. The tests for Index and Indirect Strength test include:

Point-load index test

Schmidt’s hammer test (rebound hammer L-type)

Slake durability index test

Seismic velocity test (PUNDIT test)

Brazilian test (inderect tensile test)

Direct or Strength Test

The test procedure requires detailed preparation of sample in terms of standard shapes and
finishing. The sample preparation process is equipment related and it is costly. The testing itself
involving sophisticated and large equipment significant to the detailed testing procedures and
may require complex analysis and this is also costly.

However, the data obtained is the fundamental property and would be the direct presentation of
property being evaluated. The numbers of tests were limited due to its cost of operation and with
this the data obtained can be use for detailed design. The tests for Direct or Strength test include:

Permeability of rock

Deformation modulus – modulus of elasticity E and Poisson’s ratio, v.

Unconfined compression test (UCT) and Triaxial compression test.

Shear test on discontinuity planes (e.g. joint bedding and foliation).

ii. Explain the discontinuities in rock and their effect on strength.

In rock mechanics, discontinuity or weak plane is commonly used term for rock defects. Bedding
planes in sedimentary rocks, cleavages and schistosities in metamorphic rock are typical
examples of fabric defects. Folds, faults and joints are structural defects (Giani,1992).
Discontinuities are divided into two scales either large-scale discontinuities or small scale
discontinuities.

Large-scale discontinuities are bedding plane, folds, faults and joints. Bedding planes represent
interruptions in the course of sedimentary rock grain deposition, which are therefore separated
by beds or strata. Folds are caused by a bend in the strata of layered rock. Faults are fractures or
fractured zones along which there has been an appreciable shear displacement. Joints are
fractures in rock along which there has been little or no displacement or very slight movement
perpendicular to the joint surface.

Small-scale discontinuities are cleavage planes and schistosities. Cleavage planes are generated
under the influence of tensile stresses, which determine rock splitting along definite parallel
planes. Cleavage is also associated with changes in rock fabric and large folding. Schistosities are
the varieties of foliations that occur in the coarser-grained metamorphic rocks and are usually the
results of the parallel arrangement of platy and ellipsoidal grain within the rock substance.

For small laboratory rock sample, it is affected by minerals arrangement and how cleavage
such as schistoscity in metamorphic rock. On a larger scale, rock masses are affected by
geological structures and discontinuities like bedding, joint and fault. (Figure 1)

The degree of strength reduction depends on loading orientation with respect to discontinuity
planes. Figure 2 shows the effect of single joint and multiple joint-set under different inclination
of uniaxial compression. In many cases luck exhibits multiple joint sets hence, it is weakened in all
direction (3rd cured in).

In laboratory testing it is important to take note the direction of loading with respect to rock
anisotropy. Strength parameters of a rock mass that exhibits small and large-scale discontinuities
are more appropriately assessed using in-situ large-scale testing like in-situ shear and plate
bearing test.

Weathering also affects the strength of rock. Degree of weathering od rock usually evaluated
by site assessment. Table 1 describes degree of weathering of rock mass (Zone 1 to Zone 6) and
rock material (Grade I to Grade VI). Figure 3 can be used to estimate the strength reduction of the
rock. It is important to differentiate between ZONE (rock mass) and GRADE (rock material). Since
weathering grade could only be assessed subjectively with little information on numerical value
of weathering degree, the effect of weathering is relatively difficult to be included in design. Slake
durability test may be used to assessed the degree of weathering numerically.

Figure 1: Effect on flow cleavage (schistocity) on strength of rock material

Single discontinuity

Pair of discontinuties

Many discontinuities

th

th

t
r

re

Intact rock strength

Intact rock strength

tr

Angle of fracture

Angle of fracture Intact rock strength

Strength reduced by discontinuity

Strength reduced by two discontinuities

Effect of many discontinuities

Angle of fracture

Figure 2: The influence of weakness or discontinuity planes on strength e.g joint

orientation with respect to loading axis

Figure 3: Effect of weathering on rock strength – Strength Reduction Factor (SRF) chart

– Weathering Grade I is a fresh rock SRF = 0, Grade VI is residual soils SRF = 0.001

Weathering Zone (material grade)

Descriptive terms

Material description and likely engineering characteristics

Zone 6 (Grade VI)

Residual soil.

Completely degraded to a soil; original rock fabric is completely absent; exhibit large volume
change; the soil has not been significantly transported.

Stability on slopes relies upon vegetation rooting and substantial erosion & local failures if
preventive measures are not taken.

Zone 5 (Grade V)

Completely weathered

Rock is substantially discoloured and has broken down to a soil but with original fabric
(mineral arrangement & relict joints) still intact; the soil properties depend on the composition of
the parent rock.

Can be excavated by hand or ripped relatively easily. Not suitable as foundation for large
structures. May be unstable in steep cuttings and exposes surfaces will require erosion
protection.

Zone 4 (Grade IV)

Highly weathered

Rock is substantially discoloured and more than 50% of the material is in degraded soil
condition; the original fabric near to the discontinuity surfaces have been altered to a greater
depth; a deeply weathered, originally strong rock, may show evidence of fresh rock as a
discontinuous framework or as corestone; an originally weak rock will have been substantially
altered, with perhaps small relict blocks but little evidence of the original structure.

Likely engineering characteristics are as in Zone 5.

Zone 3 (Grade III)

Moderately weathered

Rock is significantly discoloured; discontinuities will tend to be opened by weathering process

and discolouration have penetrated inwards from the discontinuity surfaces; less than 50% of the
rock material is decomposed or disintegrated to a soil; rock samples containing discolouration are
noticeably weaker than the fresh undiscoloured rock; an originally weak rock will comprise relict
blocks of substantially weathered material. Occasionally may be excavated without blasting or
cutting (i.e. by block leverage at the discontinuities); will be relatively easily crushed by
construction plant moving over it in situ, may be suitable as rock foundation (with some
reinforcements); joints may exhibit lower strength characteristics, so rendering side slopes
unstable.

Zone 2 (Grade II)

Slightly weathered

Some disclouration on and adjacent to discontinuity surfaces; discoloured rock is not

significantly weaker than undiscoloured fresh rock; weak (soft) parent rock may show
penetration of discolouration.

Normally requires blasting or cutting for excavation; suitable as a foundation rock but with open
jointing will tend to be very permeable.

Zone 1 (Grade I)

Fresh

No visible sign of rock material weathering; no internal discolouration or disintegration.

Normally requires blasting or cutting for excavation; may require minimal reinforcement in cut
slope unless rock mass is closely jointed.

TABLE 1 : Description of zone and weathering grade of rock (Attewell, 1993).

CONCLUSION

Conclude your results of the Schmidt’s (Rebound) Hammer (L-Type) by rate its significance or
applications in civil engineering or construction industry.