ASTM D5313/D5313M-21 PDF Download

The ASTM D5313/D5313M-21 standard is titled "Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Under Wetting and Drying Conditions". This test method is specifically designed to evaluate the resistance of individual pieces of rock used for erosion control to deterioration under wetting and drying conditions. The ability of these rocks to resist deterioration affects the stability and longevity of erosion control structures such as construction projects, shorelines, and stream banks.

The test method involves exposing rock samples to a cycle of wetting and drying similar to natural weathering conditions. This is done on slabs of rock prepared according to specific procedures outlined in the standard. The test is intended to be representative of the proposed erosion control rock and identify any weaknesses in its durability.

It is important to note that this test method does not provide an absolute value for rock durability but rather an indication of its resistance to wetting and drying. Therefore, the results of this test method should not be solely relied upon for determining rock durability. The interpretation of the test data is left to the end-user or client.

The test is appropriate for evaluating various types of rock materials used for erosion control purposes, including breakwater stone, armor stone, riprap, and gabion-sized rocks. However, the test has limitations. Firstly, the size of the cut rock slab specimens may not fully represent the quality of larger rock samples used in construction. Proper sampling and examination of the rock source are essential in minimizing this limitation. Additionally, the test requires the rock slabs to be exposed to 80 cycles of wetting and drying, making it a time-intensive procedure that can take several months to complete.

The standard also provides guidelines for units of measurement and significant digits to be used in the test method, as well as a note on the importance of competent personnel and suitable equipment for reliable results.