On August 6, 2018, the AASHTO Accreditation and Laboratory Assessment Programs will be adding a new Rock scope to their programs. We will be moving the following test methods from the Soils scope to the Rock scope:
- ASTM D3967 - Standard Test Method for Splitting Tensile Strength of Intact Rock Core Specimens
- ASTM D4543 - Standard Practices for Preparing Rock Core Specimens and Determining Dimensional and Shape Tolerances
- ASTM D4644 - Standard Test Method for Slake Durability of Shales and Similar Weak Rocks
- ASTM D5240 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Using Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
- ASTM D5312 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Under Freezing and Thawing Conditions
- ASTM D5313 - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Durability of Rock for Erosion Control Under Wetting and Drying Conditions
- ASTM D5607 - (Rock Direct Shear) Standard Test Method for Performing Laboratory Direct Shear Strength Tests of Rock Specimens Under Constant Normal Force
- ASTM D5731 - Standard Test Method for Determination of the Point Load Strength Index of Rock and Application to Rock Strength Classifications
- ASTM D7012 (Method C) - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength and Elastic Moduli of Intact Rock Core Specimens under Varying States of Stress and Temperatures
This additional scope will not impact the cost of an on-site assessment or your laboratory’s AASHTO Accreditation status. It will only change how these tests are listed on your laboratory’s assessment reports, request forms, and accreditation listing/certificate of accreditation.
Creating a Rock scope and separating these tests allows your laboratory’s specifiers, project owners, and potential customers to more easily locate these tests in accreditation listings. It also reflects a more accurate division between the different types of test in each scope.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns about this change. We are always looking for improvement opportunities and your feedback is critical to our success.