ASTM D5240/D5240M-20

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it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
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Designation: D5240/D5240M − 12 (Reapproved 2013) D5240/D5240M − 20
Standard Test Method for
Evaluation of the Durability of Rock for Erosion Control
Using Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5240/D5240M; 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.
ε NOTE—Editorially updated units of measurement statement in April 2018.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method covers test procedures for evaluating the soundness of rock for erosion control by the effects of a sodium
or magnesium sulfate solution on slabs of rock. The test It is an accelerated weathering test that simulates the freezing and thawing
of cold weather exposure. test. The rock slabs, prepared in accordance with procedures in Practice D5121, are intended to be
representative of erosion control sized materials and their inherent weaknesses. The test is appropriate for breakwater stone, armor
stone, riprap and gabion sized rock materials.
The limitations of this test are twofold. First the test is a simulation of freezing and thawing conditions. The internal expansive
force, derived from the rehydration of the salt upon re-immersion, simulates the expansion of water on freezing relying on chemical
crystal formation to simulate freezing rather than the actual freezing of water. Secondly the size of the cut rock slab specimens
may eliminate some of the internal defects present in the rock structure. The test specimens may not be representative of the quality
of the larger rock samples used in construction. Careful examination of the rock source and proper sampling are essential in
minimizing this limitation.
1.1.1 The limitations of this test are twofold. First the test is a simulation of freezing and thawing conditions using accelerated
life cycling techniques. The test evaluates the internal expansive force derived from the rehydration of the salt upon re-immersion,
an event that may not occur in some natural environments, to simulate the expansion of water rather than the actual freezing of
water. Secondly, the size of the cut rock slab specimens may eliminate some of the internal defects present in the rock structure.
The test specimens may not be representative of the quality of the larger rock samples used in construction. Careful examination
of the rock source and proper sampling are essential in minimizing this limitation.
1.2 The use of reclaimed concrete and other materials for erosion control is beyond the scope of this test method.
1.3 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated
in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values
from the two systems may result in non-conformancenonconformance with the standard. Reporting of test results in units other
than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
1.3.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound (lbf)
represents a unit of force (weight), while the unit for mass is slugs. The slug unit is not given unless dynamic (F=ma) calculations
are involved.
1.3.2 It is common practice in the engineering/construction profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of
mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This practice implicitly combines two separate systems of units; the absolute and the gravitational
systems. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single standard. As
stated, this standard includes the gravitational system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the slug unit for mass. However,
the use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft shall not be regarded as
nonconformance with this standard.
1.3.3 Calculations are done using only one set of units; either SI or gravitational inch-pound. Other units are permissible,
provided appropriate conversion factors are used to maintain consistency of units throughout the calculations, and similar
significant digits or resolution, or both are maintained.
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
Control.
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2013Jan. 1, 2020. Published January 2013March 2020. Originally approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 20122013 as
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D5240/D5240M – 12.D5240/D5240M – 12(2013) . DOI: 10.1520/D5240_D5240M-12R13E01.10.1520/D5240_D5240M-20.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5240/D5240M − 20
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice
D6026, unless superseded by this standard.
1.4.1 For purposes of comparing measured or calculated value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated value(s) shall
be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant digits in the specified limits.
1.4.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the industry
standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not
consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives;
and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations.
It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical methods for engineering design.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C88C88/C88M Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by Use of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
C295C295/C295M Guide for Petrographic Examination of Aggregates for Concrete
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction
Materials Testing
D4992 Practice for Evaluation of Rock to be Used for Erosion Control
D5121 Practice for Preparation of Rock Slabs for Durability Testing
D5313/D5313M Test Method for Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Under Wetting and Drying Conditions
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
E100 Specification for ASTM Hydrometers
E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—See Terminology D653 for general definitions.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
3.1.2 gabion-fill stone, n—in rock, stone generally less than 22 kg [50 lb] and placed in baskets of wire or other suitable material
that is tied together to form an integral structure designed to resist erosion along stream banks and around bridge piers as well as
stabilize shorelines, stream banks or slopes as well as retaining walls, noise barriers, temporary flood walls, silt filtration from
runoff, for small or temporary/permanent dams, or channel lining. D5121, D5313/D5313M
3.1.3 rock saw, n—in rock, a saw capable of cutting rock. The term “rock saw” shall include the blade which saws the rock,
any components that control or power the sawing process or both, and framework on which the blade and any other associated
components are mounted. D5121, D5313/D5313M
3.1.3.1 Discussion—
The term “rock saw” shall include the cutting mechanisms that saw the rock, any components that control or power the sawing
process or both, any components to cool or wash away cuttings from the cutting area, and framework on which the cutting
mechanisms and any other associated components are mounted or held. The cutting mechanism can be a blade or a wire, with or
without abrasive materials such as diamonds to assist in the cutting process, especially for harder rocks.
3.1.4 slab, n—in rock, a section of rock having two smooth, approximately parallel faces, produced by two saw cuts. The cuts
spaced such that the thickness of the slab is generally less than the other dimensions of the rock. The slab will be the rock specimen
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D5240/D5240M − 20
which will subsequently undergo durability tests. The words “slab” and “specimen” are interchangeable throughout the test
method. D5121, D5313/D5313M
3.1.4.1 Discussion—
The slab will be the rock specimen which will subsequently undergo durability tests. The words “slab” and “specimen” are
interchangeable throughout the test method.
3.2.3 armor stone, n—stone generally 900 to 2700 kg [one to three tons] resulting from blasting, cutting, or by other methods
placed along shorelines or in jetties to protect the shoreline from erosion due to the action of large waves.
3.2.4 breakwater stone, n—stone generally 2700 to 18 000 kg [three to twenty tons] resulting from blasting, cutting, or by other
methods placed along shorelines or in jetties to protect the shoreline from erosion due to the action of large waves.
3.2.5 riprap stone, n—stone generally less than 1800 kg [two tons] specially selected and graded, when properly placed prevents
erosion through minor wave action, or strong currents and thereby preserves the shape of a surface, slope, or underlying structure.
3.2.6 gabion-fill stone, n—stone generally less than 22 kg [50 lb] and placed in baskets of wire or other suitable material. These
baskets are then tied together to form an integral structure designed to resist erosion along stream banks and around bridge piers.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Erosion control rock samples are trimmed into saw-cut slab specimens. The trimmed slabs are oven dried oven-dried to a
constant mass. The specimens are repeatedly immersed in saturated solutions of sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate followed by
oven drying. At the completion of the test, the percent loss by mass for each specimen set is determined. A visual examination of
the slabs is performed at the end of testing. The type of deterioration and changes to previously noted planes of weakness are
recorded.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Rock for erosion control consists of individual pieces of natural stone. The ability of these individual pieces of stone to resist
deterioration due to weathering action affects the stability of the integral placement of rock for erosion control and hence, the
stability of construction projects, structures, shorelines, and stream banks.
5.2 The sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate soundness test is one method by which to estimate qualitatively the durability of
rock under weathering conditions. This test method was developed to be used in conjunction with additional test methods listed
in Practice D4992. This test method does not provide an absolute value, but rather an indication of the resistance to freezing and
thawing; therefore, the results of this test method are not to be used as the sole basis for the determination of rock durability.
5.3 This test method has been used to evaluate many different types of rocks. There have been occasions when test results have
provided data that have not agreed with the durability of rock under actual field conditions; samples yielding a low soundness loss
have disintegrated in actual usage, and the reverse has been true.
NOTE 1—The quality of results produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and suitability of the
equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective
testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable
results depend on many factors and Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of them.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Rock Saw—A laboratory water-cooled diamond saw used to cut geological and concrete specimens, or a diamond saw used
for lapidary purposes, shall be acceptable. A minimum blade diameter of 36 cm [14 in.] will be needed to obtain the required slab
sizes (a larger blade is preferable). The blade shall be a circular diamond blade.
6.1.1 The rock saw apparatus shall have a fixed or removeableremovable vise to hold the samples during the cutting process.
An automatic feed (either gravity, hydraulic, or screwfeedscrew-feed operated) that controls the cutting action is preferred;
however, a manual feed is also acceptable. The saw shall have a platform to prevent the cut slab from falling and shattering.
NOTE 2—Coolants other than water may interfere with subsequent testing or evaluation, or both.
6.2 Containers—Of sufficient size to hold the specimens and baskets fully immersed in a sulfate solution. It is advised that these
containers be sealable, non-reactive, resistant to breakage, and resistant to deformation and degradation when exposed to the
chemicals and temperatures encountered in this test method.
6.3 Baskets—Baskets for immersing the slab specimens in the solution, in accordance with the procedure described in this test
method, shall be perforated in such a manner as to permit free access of the solution to the specimen and drainage of the solution
from the specimen without loss of material.
NOTE 3—Baskets made of suitable wire mesh or sieves with suitable openings are satisfactory containers for the samples.
6.4 Temperature Regulation—Suitable means for regulating the temperature of the samples at 21 6 1 °C [70 6 2 °F] during
immersion in the sodium sulfate or magnesium sulfate solution shall be provided.
D5240/D5240M − 20
6.5 Balances—The balance shall meet the requirements of Specification D4753. A Class GP 10 balance of 5 g readability and
accuracy is acceptable.
6.6 Drying Oven—Thermostatically controlled oven meeting the requirements of Specification E145 and capable of maintaining
a uniform temperature of 110 6 5 °C [230 6 9 °F] throughout the drying chamber. These requirements typically require the use
of a forced-draft type oven. Preferably the oven should be vented outside the building. The rate of evaporation, at this range of
temperature, shall be at least 25 g/h for 4 h, during which period the doors of the oven shall be kept closed. This rate shall be
determined by the loss of water from 1-L Griffin low-form beakers, each initially containing 500 g [1 lb] of water at a temperature
of 21 6 2 °C [70 6 3 °F], placed at each corner and the center of each shelf of the oven. The evaporation requirement is to apply
to all test locations when the oven is empty except for the beakers of water.
6.7 Specific Gravity Measurement—Hydrometers conforming to the requirements of Specification E100, or a suitable
combination of graduated glassware and balance, capable of measuring the solution specific gravity within 60.001.60.001 is
acceptable.
6.8 Camera—A digital or film camera capable of producing good quality, color photographs for documenting “before” and
“after” photographs.testing conditions of the specimen.
6.9 Photographic Scale—A scale of appropriate dimension and division when compared to the field of view and the detail being
studied. When selecting a scale, always choose the scale that will provide at least as precise a measurement as the system that will
be measuring the photographic information. If the system has a precision to one millimeter, make sure the scale used is accurate
and precise to at least one millimeter across the entire scale.
6.10 Containers—Low form beakers, 1 liter.
7. Special Solutions Required
7.1 Prepare the solution for immersion of test samples from either sodium or magnesium sulfate in accordance with 7.1.1 or
7.1.2 (Note 4). The volume of the solution shall be at least five times the solid volume of all samples immersed at any one time.
NOTE 4—Some rock containing carbonates of calcium or magnesium are attacked chemically by fresh sulfate solution, resulting in erroneously high
measured losses. If this condition is encountered or is suspected, repeat the test using a filtered solution that has been used previously to test the same
type of carbonate rock, provided that the solution meets the requirements of 7.1.1 and 7.1.2 for specific gravity.
7.1.1 Sodium Sulfate Solution—Prepare a saturated solution of sodium sulfate by dissolving a reagent grade of the salt in water
at a temperature of 25 to 30 °C [77 to 86 °F]. Add sufficient salt (Note 5), of either the anhydrous (Na SO ) or the crystalline
2 4
(Na SO ·10H O) form, to ensure not only saturation but also the presence of excess crystals when the solution is ready for use
4 2
in the tests. Thoroughly stir the mixture during the addition of the salt and stir the solution at frequent intervals until used. To
reduce evaporation and prevent contamination, keep the solution covered at all times when access is not needed. Allow the solution
to cool to 21 6 1 °C [70 6 2 °F]. Again stir, and allow the solution to remain at the designated temperature for at least 48 h before
use. Prior to each use, break up the salt cake, if any, in the container, stir the solution thoroughly, and determine and record the
specific gravity of the solution.
When used, the solution shall have a specific gravity of 1.151 to 1.174. Discard a discolored solution, or filter it and check for
specific gravity.
NOTE 5—For the solution, 215 g of anhydrous salt or 700 g of the decahydrate per litre of water are sufficient for saturation at 22 °C [71.6 °F]. However,
since these salts are not completely stable and since it is desirable that an excess of crystals be present, the use of not less than 350 g of the anhydrous
salt or 750 g of the decahydrate salt per litre of water is recommended.
7.1.2 Magnesium Sulfate Solution—Prepare a saturated solution of magnesium sulfate by dissolving a reagent grade of the salt
in water at a temperature of 25 to 30 °C [77 to 86 °F]. Add sufficient salt (Note 6), of either the anhydrous (MgSO ) or the
crystalline (MgSO ·7H O) (Epsom salt) form, to ensure saturation and the presence of excess crystals when the solution is ready
4 2
for use in the tests. Thoroughly stir the mixture during the addition of the salt and stir the solution at frequent intervals until used.
To reduce evaporation and prevent contamination, keep the solution covered at all times when access is not needed. Allow the
solution to cool to 21 6 1 °C [70 6 2 °F]. Again stir, and allow the solution to remain at the designated temperature for at least
48 h before use. Prior to each use, break up the salt cake, if any, in the container, stir the solution thoroughly, and determine and
record the specific gravity of the solution. When used, the solution shall have a specific gravity of 1.295 to 1.308. Discard a
discolored solution, or filter it and check for specific gravity.
NOTE 6—For the solution, 350 g of anhydrous salt or 1230 g of the heptahydrate per litre of water are sufficient for saturation at 23 °C [73.4 °F].
However, since these salts are not completely stable, with the hydrous salt being the more stable of the two, and since it is desirable that an excess of
crystals be present, it is recommended that the heptahydrate salt be used and in an amount of not less than 1400 g/litre of water.
7.1.3 Barium Chloride Solution—Prepare 100 mL of 5 % barium chloride solution by dissolving 5 g of BaCl in 100 mL of
distilled water.
NOTE 7—The previous iteration of this procedure, Test Method D5240-04, referred to Test Method C88. The references were to provide guidance in
1) the preparation of special solutions required and 2) the storage, drying, and cyclic requirements of the test specimens. The sections that had previously
only cited Test Method C88 have been expanded verbatim from Test Method C88, including all time temperature and special solution-specific gravity
D5240/D5240M − 20
requirements, to permit Test Method D5240/D5240M to be a stand-alone method.
7. Reagents and Materials
7.1 Prepare the solution for immersion of test samples from either sodium or magnesium sulfate in accordance with 7.1.1 or
7.1.2 (Note 4). The volume of the solution shall be at least five times the solid volume of all samples immersed at any one time.
NOTE 4—Some rock
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