This practice is used to prepare specimens to evaluate any internal defects, such as cracks, that may not be apparent on the surfaces of broken blocks of rock. Such evaluation can also aid in the selection and location of slabs for testing as outlined in Practice D 4992. In some cases, the need for further testing or evaluation may be eliminated.

The sawing of rock samples will reduce them to a suitable size for testing and, in many cases, preserve the natural structure of the internal defects so the samples can be evaluated by the various durability tests.

Durability tests specimens should be 64 ± 6 mm 2.5± 0.25 in) thick normal to bedding or any potential planes of weakness which may be observed in the samples. In no case will the size of the slab be less than 125 mm (5 in.) on a side, excluding the thickness Ideally, a test specimen size equal to the proposed design size would provide the ultimate in correlation between laboratory tests and actual field performance. However, in most cases, this is neither practical nor economically feasible.

1.1 This practice covers the preparation of rock slabs for various tests used to evaluate any visual internal defects, or the durability of rock by means of laboratory tests. These tests include, but are not limited to, Test Methods D 5240, D 5312, and D 5313.

1.2 Units The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 All observed and measured values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D 6026.

1.4 This practice offers a set of instructions for performing one or more specific operations. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this practice may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project's many unique aspects. The word "Standard" in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specific hazards statement, see Section 7.