ASTM D4394-17 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D4394-17 — Standard Test Method for Determining In Situ Modulus of Deformation of Rock Mass Using the Rigid Plate Loading Method. This test method defines the apparatus, procedures, data reduction, and reporting requirements for field determination of the in situ modulus of deformation of rock masses by applying a uniform load over a rigid circular plate and measuring the resulting displacement.

Abstract

Provides a field test procedure (rigid plate loading) to determine an in situ elastic (deformation) modulus of a rock mass. The standard describes test setup (plate, loading system, displacement measurement), test execution (instantaneous and time-dependent load steps), data reduction using elastic solutions for a uniformly distributed circular load on a semi‑infinite medium, and reporting conventions. Results are used to estimate rock-mass deformation behavior for design of underground openings, foundations, and other rock-structure interactions.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn — ASTM lists D4394-17 as withdrawn (no replacement). Last update from ASTM indicating withdrawal in January 2026.
• Publication date: July 1, 2017 (designation D4394-17).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 93.020 — Earthworks; excavations; foundation construction; underground works.
• Edition / version: D4394-17 (2017 edition).
• Number of pages: Approximately 10–11 pages (2017 edition typically listed as 11 pages by standard distributors).

Scope

This test method covers preparation, equipment, test procedure, and data reduction for determining the in situ modulus of deformation of a rock mass using a rigid plate loading technique. It is intended primarily for use in adits or small underground chambers but can be adapted for surface applications with suitable modifications. Both instantaneous deformation and primary creep (time‑dependent behavior) can be obtained; reporting conventions and units (inch‑pound standard with SI conversions for information) are specified. Users are reminded that results depend on site conditions and tester competence.

Key topics and requirements

• Test objective: determine an in situ elastic/deformation modulus of a rock mass for design and analysis.
• Equipment: rigid circular plate, loading frame or hydraulic jack, calibrated load measurement, displacement transducers or dial gauges, data acquisition as required.
• Test procedure: staged loading with load increments, measurement of plate settlement, allowance for time‑dependent deformation where applicable.
• Data reduction: use elastic solution for uniform circular loading on a semi‑infinite medium to calculate modulus; report significant digits per Practice D6026.
• Reporting: test location, plate size, loading sequence, measured displacements, calculated modulus, test temperature/conditions, and any deviations from the procedure.
• Limitations: results are influenced by rock discontinuities, test scale, boundary conditions, and operator competence (see Practice D3740 for agency capability).

Typical use and users

Used by geotechnical and rock mechanics engineers, tunnelling and underground works specialists, mining engineers, research laboratories, and consultants to obtain field‑based deformation moduli for rock masses. Typical applications include design of underground openings, support systems, foundation–rock interaction studies, and verification of numerical models. Field testing contractors and testing agencies performing in situ rock characterization also use this method.

Related standards

References and related ASTM documents typically cited with D4394 include Practice D3740 (qualification of agencies performing testing), Practice/Guide D6026 (guidelines for significant digits and rounding), and various ASTM geotechnical test methods for rock and soil mechanics. Historical editions include D4394-08 and earlier versions; the 2017 edition (D4394-17) is listed as withdrawn by ASTM in early 2026 with no direct replacement.

Keywords

rigid plate loading, in situ modulus, modulus of deformation, rock mass, rock mechanics, field test, plate load, adit testing, geotechnical testing, ASTM D4394

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D4394-17 is a test method that specifies how to determine the in situ modulus of deformation of a rock mass using a rigid circular plate and staged loading, with procedures for measurement and data reduction.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test preparation, equipment setup (plate, loading apparatus, measurement devices), execution (loading increments and time observations), calculations to derive an in situ deformation modulus from measured plate settlement, and reporting conventions. The method is intended mainly for underground (adit) testing but may be adapted for surface tests.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical and rock mechanics engineers, laboratory and field testing contractors, tunnel and mining engineers, and researchers needing field measurements of rock mass deformability.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As of the most recent publisher information, D4394-17 has been withdrawn by ASTM (early 2026) and is listed with no direct replacement. Users should consult ASTM or local standards bodies for current guidance or alternative methods.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone ASTM test method within the suite of geotechnical/rock mechanics standards but is commonly used alongside practices such as D3740 (agency competence) and D6026 (significant digits/rounding). Historical earlier editions (2008, 2004, etc.) exist.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: rigid plate loading; in situ modulus; rock mass deformation; plate load test; geotechnical field test; ASTM D4394.