ASTM D6032/D6032M-17 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D6032/D6032M-17 — Standard Test Method for Determining Rock Quality Designation (RQD) of Rock Core. This test method defines procedures for logging drill core and calculating the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) index, a widely used index that quantifies the percentage of sound, intact core in a core run and provides a simple indication of rock mass quality for geotechnical and engineering applications.

Abstract

This standard describes the purpose, significance and recommended procedures for determining RQD in drill core runs. RQD is used as a quick, inexpensive indicator of rock mass quality (useful in tunneling, foundation design, quarrying, open-pit work and other geotechnical tasks). The standard follows the original Deere calculation approach and provides guidance on handling drilling breaks, weathered/fractured pieces, core sizes, data recording and reporting conventions.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 28 February 2017 (designation D6032/D6032M-17).
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee D18 on Soil and Rock; Subcommittee D18.12 Rock Mechanics).
• ICS / categories: 13.080.99 (other standards related to soil quality); 73.100.30 (equipment for drilling and mine excavation).
• Edition / version: D6032/D6032M − 17 (current edition approved March 1, 2017; published April 2017).
• Number of pages: 9 pages (formal document length as published).

Scope

This test method covers determination of Rock Quality Designation (RQD) as a standard parameter in drill-core logging for core runs. It applies to commonly used core sizes (BQ through PQ, with NX and NQ optimal) provided that drilling technique does not introduce excess breakage or poor recovery. The standard does not cover RQD determinations made solely by borehole logging tools (acoustic/optical televiewers) and is limited to core-based RQD calculated using the Deere method. It provides examples and guidance for common and unusual drilling/logging situations, and notes limitations of applicability.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and significance of RQD as a percentage of intact, sound rock in a core run (baseline indicator for rock-mass quality and input to classification systems).
• Calculation rule (Deere method): sum the lengths of intact core pieces meeting the minimum length criterion and express as a percentage of the total core-run length.
• Minimum-length threshold for counting pieces: pieces equal to or longer than ~100 mm (4 in., commonly stated as >10 cm or ≥100 mm in practice guidance) are summed for the RQD numerator; pieces shorter than this threshold are excluded from the numerator but included in the total run length. Judgment is required to exclude pieces that are not “sound” even if they meet the length threshold.
• Core-size and technique guidance: optimal core sizes (NX, NQ) are noted but the standard covers BQ through PQ; emphasis on proper drilling technique and recognition/discounting of drilling breaks.
• Reporting, rounding and units: requirements follow Practice D6026 for significant digits/rounding; SI and inch‑pound units are provided but each system is treated independently.
• Limitations and exclusions: RQD is a single-direction index (along borehole axis), sensitive to joint orientation and drilling/handling effects; not a substitute for comprehensive rock-mass characterization.

Typical use and users

Users include geotechnical and geological engineers, drilling and logging technicians, mining and tunneling engineers, consultants, laboratories and public-agency geoscience teams. Typical uses are preliminary site characterization, input to rock-mass classification systems (RMR, Q-system), tunneling and excavation planning, foundation assessment, quarry and aggregate evaluation, and quality-control reporting for borehole investigations. The RQD is often recorded on core logs and RQD data sheets as part of routine core description.

Related standards

Standards and practices referenced or associated with D6032/D6032M-17 include: Practice D2113 (core recovery), Practice D3740 (minimum requirements for testing agencies), Practice D6026 (significant digits and rounding), Terminology D653, Guide D420 (site characterization), Guide D5878 (rock-mass classification guidance), and other D18 committee documents. A formal ASTM work item to revise D6032 has been recorded (WK81065).

Keywords

RQD; rock quality designation; drill core logging; core recovery; Deere method; core run; rock mass classification; geotechnical investigation; core diameter; drilling breaks.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D6032/D6032M-17 is the ASTM test method that defines procedures for determining Rock Quality Designation (RQD) from drill core, providing a standardized index of intact core percent for geotechnical assessment.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers how to measure and record core-piece lengths, apply the Deere calculation to produce an RQD percentage for a defined core run, guidance on core sizes and handling, and conventions for reporting. It does not cover indirect borehole-logging methods that do not use physical core.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical engineers, geologists, drill/logging crews, mining and tunneling practitioners, consultants and labs performing core logging and initial rock-mass quality assessments.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The published edition is D6032/D6032M-17 (approved 2017). As of the latest available committee records a revision work item (WK81065) exists to review/update the standard, so users should check for any newer revisions or reapprovals before relying on the text for formal contract specifications.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the ASTM D18 family of soil and rock standards and is intended to be used alongside related practices and guides (for example Practice D2113, D3740, D6026 and terminology D653) and other D18 rock-mechanics documents.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: RQD, rock quality designation, core logging, Deere method, core run, drill core, rock-mass classification.