Standardized tests 1 9 11 1.6 Standardized tests
Although the strategy of rock characterization is a function of the
engineering objectives, the tactical approach to individual tests can be
standardized. The advantages in doing this are that:
(a) the standardization guidance is helpful to anyone conducting the test;
(b) the results obtained by different organizations on rocks at different sites
can be compared in the knowledge that 'like is being compared with
like'; and
(c) there is a source of recommended procedures for use in contracts, if
required.
Also, there is an increasing move towards paying contractors according to
the quality of the rock, and it is only through the use of some form of stan-
dardized procedures that one can hope to determine the quality objectively.
These are the practical advantages. There is no intention in the minds of
those producing these standards that they should in any way inhibit the
further development of rock mechanics and rock engineering. In fact, most
research projects and many engineering projects will take the testing
procedures beyond these standards. The International Society for Rock
Mechanics Commission on Testing Methods has been producing
Suggested Methods for rock testing and characterization since 1978, and
these are widely used. There are also national bodies which produce
standards for their own countries. In particular, the American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM), via Committee D18.12, has produced an
extensive series of methods for rock testing. There are many other countries
which have their own wide range of standards. To illustrate the ISIW and
ASTM test methods that are available for testing rock, we have compiled
Table 11.1 (in which the publications are listed chronologically).