1.1 These four test methods cover the determination of the strength of intact rock core specimens in uniaxial and triaxial compression. Methods A and B determine the triaxial compressive strength at different pressures and Methods C and D determine the unconfined, uniaxial strength.

1.2 Methods A and B can be used to determine the angle of internal friction, angle of shearing resistance, and cohesion intercept.

1.3 Methods B and D specify the apparatus, instrumentation, and procedures for determining the stress-axial strain and the stress-lateral strain curves, as well as Young's modulus, E, and Poisson's ratio, υ. These methods do not make provisions for pore pressure measurements and specimens are undrained (platens are not vented). Thus, the strength values determined are in terms of total stress and are not corrected for pore pressures. These test methods do not include the procedures necessary to obtain a stress-strain curve beyond the ultimate strength.

1.4 Option A allows for testing at different temperatures and can be applied to any of the test methods, if requested.

1.5 This standard replaces and combines the following Standard Test Methods: D2664 Triaxial Compressive Strength of Undrained Rock Core Specimens Without Pore Pressure Measurements; D5407 Elastic Moduli of Undrained Rock Core Specimens in Triaxial Compression Without Pore Pressure Measurements; D2938 Unconfined Compressive Strength of Intact Rock Core Specimens; and D3148 Elastic Moduli of Intact Rock Core Specimens in Uniaxial Compression. The original four standards are now referred to as Methods in this standard.

1.6 For an isotropic material in Test Methods B and D, the relation between the shear and bulk moduli and Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio are:

1.7 Test Methods B and D for determining the elastic constants do not apply to rocks that undergo significant inelastic strains during the test, such as potash and salt. The elastic moduli for such rocks should be determined from unload-reload cycles that are not covered by these test methods.

1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this test method.

1.9 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

1.10 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.

1.11 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.