70 Rock Mechanics

Triaxial and permeability

Specimen Preparation

Core Drill
Cores may be cut from regular or irregular samples of rock or
other material for end preparation prior to strength testing. Side
guards and a drain tray provide protection against water spray and
a sliding front allows access to the specimen clamp.The clamp
provides maximum orientation for securing irregular block samples.

Specification
Dimensions (l x w x h) 500 x 500 x 1160 mm
Drill head travel 630 mm
Drill speeds 350 and 900 rpm
Weight 80 kg

Ordering Information
EL70-0095/01
Core Drill
For 220 – 240 V AC, 50 Hz, 1 ph

Accessories
EL70-0250/01
Core Drilling Barrels GSP210/250 Core Trimmer/Cut-off Machine, shown with cutting disc
Diamond surface set type with threaded solid back end to suit
EL70-0095/01 Core Drill.
GSP210/250
Core Trimmer/Cut-off Machine
Model number Core size Core diameter Effective core depth
EL70-0165 1.5 in 1.5 in 300 mm This unit, designed for use in Rock Mechanics, can also be used in
EL70-0195 NX 55 mm 300 mm mineralogy, ceramics and refractory sample preparation. Cores in
excess of 140 mm length and cubes up to 100 mm square can also
be prepared.
Coolant Recirculation Pump Unit
and Tank see EL70-0310/01
Specification
EL70-0095/01 Core Drill shown with Core Drilling Barrel
Dimensions (l x w x h) 406 x 915 x 760 mm
Two vices supplied 1– Regular and Irregular samples up
to 70 x 125 mm
1– V-vice cores up to 57 mm diameter
x 140 mm long
Blade capacity 200 mm
Rated power 750 W
Weight 103 kg

Ordering Information
EL70-0250/01
GSP210/250 Core Trimmer/Cut-off Machine
For 220 – 240 V AC, 50 Hz, 1 ph

Accessories
EL70-0270 Abrasive Cutting Disc. Diamond-set
cutting edge for trimming core ends. 200
mm diameter with centre securing hole
12.5 mm diameter. Maximum depth of cut
is 127 mm.
Weight 500 g
EL70-0290 Double-faced Cup Wheel. Diamond-set
faces. 175 mm diameter x 19 mm face
width, for finishing core ends parallel and at
right angles to the longitudinal axis.
Weight 1.2 kg

148
 Rock Mechanics
Triaxial and permeability 70
Coolant Recirculation Pump Unit
and Tank ELE-Hoek Cell Accessories

This unit comprises a recirculation pump mounted inside the tank Essential Accessories for all ELE-Hoek Cell
assembly. The pump recirculates flushing/coolant fluids (usually Compression Machines
water) back to the sample face. For use with EL70-0250/01
Load Spreader Pads
Specification
The following Load Spreader Pads are essential when using
Dimensions (l x w x h) 255 x 630 x 360 mm ELE-Hoek Cells of the indicated sizes.
Rated power 60 W
Capacity 15 l/min (2 m head) Ordering Information
Weight 13 kg
Cell model number Load spreader Distance pieces
pads (pairs)
Ordering Information
EL70-0910 (1.5 inch) EL70-2643 1 x 80 mm (EL37-5050)
EL70-0310/01 EL70-1710 (NX) EL70-2651 1 x 20 mm (EL37-4980)
Coolant Recirculation Pump Unit and Tank
For 220 – 240 V AC, 50 Hz, 1 ph

ELE-Hoek Cell Specimen Extruder

EL70-0310/01 Recirculation Pump and Tank

ELE-Hoek Cells

■ For use with pressures up to 70 MPa

■ Fast and effective specimen handling
■ Accessories for permeability testing
The ELE-Hoek cells detailed in this section have been designed to
accept the nominal core sizes specified in International Standards.
Specimen Extruder shown with Adaptor Set
A cell for 1.5 inch diameter specimens is also offered.

The basic cell comprises a steel body and two steel end caps Ordering Information
which are screwed to the body of the cell when in use.The body EL70-2725
incorporates two self-sealing couplings; one for connecting to the Specimen Extruder. Extrudes the specimen from its jacket
hydraulic pressure system, the other for de-airing the cell chamber without the need to drain the confining fluid. Incorporates a rack
and for the attachment of pressure measurement devices if and pinion mechanism mounted in a steel body, with adjustable
required. Hardened and ground spherical steel pistons and two back plate. Supplied without extruder adaptor sets. Weight 11 kg
jackets of the same diameter as the specimen are supplied.
Ordering Information
Extruder Adaptor Sets
Model Nominal Specimen Weight Spare
number core size diameter jacket Enables the specimen extruder to be used with the complete
range of ELE-Hoek Cells. Each set comprises back plate adaptor,
EL70-0910 1.5 inch 1.5 in 7.7 kg EL70-0912 cell body support and extruder shaft head.
EL70-1710 NX 55 mm 14.5 kg EL70-1712
Adaptor set Specimen For use Weight
model number size with cell
EL70-2743 1.5 inch EL70-0910 1.7 kg
EL70-2751 NX EL70-1710 1.5 kg

149
 70 Rock Mechanics
Triaxial and permeability

Triaxial Compression Machines Hydraulic Constant Pressure Systems

This machine incorporates the Advanced Digital Readout Successful triaxial tests on rock specimens require a means
(ADR) Microprocessor System.The ADR is designed to of providing a continuous constant confining pressure.The
minimise data entry during normal testing procedures and is two pressure systems described have been developed by ELE
fully described in the concrete section. to provide an accurate self-compensating pressure which
can be applied quickly and effectively to the range of
These machines are specially adapted for use with ELE ELE-Hoek Cells.
Hoek Triaxial Cells
Hand-operated Pressure System
ELE-Hoek Cell ADR 2000
Compression Machine
■ High stability load frame
■ Calibration accuracy satisfies BS EN ISO 7500-1,
ASTM E4, AS 2193, AFNOR P18-411

Specification
Dimensions (l x w x h) 520 x 700 x 1300 mm
Capacity 2000 kN
Ram travel 50 mm
Display ADR Digital Readout
Platen diameter 178 mm
Accuracy Better than ±1% over upper 90%
of working range
Rated power 1350 W
Weight 600 kg

Ordering Information EL70-5000 Hand-operated Pressure System

EL70-2620/01
ELE-Hoek Cell ADR 2000 Compression Machine supplied Specification
complete with digital readout, power pack, special upper and lower
platens and gates. Pump Single piston
For 220 – 240 V AC, 50 Hz, 1 ph Maximum pressure 70 MPa
Gauge 300 mm diameter
scale marked 0-70 MN/m2
Weight 14.8 kg
ELE-Hoek Cell in EL70-2620/01 ADR 2000 Compression Machine
Ordering Information
EL70-5000
Hand-operated Pressure System

Strength Envelope
Axial Stress MPa

Confining Pressure MPa

150
 Rock Mechanics
Triaxial and permeability 70
Permeability of Rock Permeability Constant Pressure
Systems
Investigating the permeability or flow of water through rock
subjected to high confining pressures is often necessary.The ELE Oil/water
capacity of a rock mass at depth to transmit or yield water Constant Pressure Systems
is of particular importance when designing deep structures
such as tunnels. ■ Sealed oil reservoir
■ Continuous constant pressure control
Permeability end caps used with ELE-Hoek Cells and constant
pressure systems are a cost-effective solution suited to investigating The ELE oil/water constant pressure system provides continuous
the permeability of rock at high confining pressures in the variable pressure. The machine features a clear hydraulic/water
laboratory. interface reservoir.
To collect and measure the water which permeates through the Supplied with digital pressure gauge.
rock specimen, a suitable burette such as EL25-4540 is
recommended. Each permeability end cap incorporates a tubing
connector which accepts standard 6 mm tubing, EL26-1926 used Specification
to connect the cell to the pressure system and burette. Dimensions (l x w x h) 240 x 400 x 500 mm
Maximum pressure 3500 kPa
Permeability End Caps Usable oil capacity 1 litre
Supplied as a pair complete with spacer (distance) block Weight 12 kg

Ordering Information Special Note:

EL70-0950 It is recommended that the oil be changed every 3 months when the
Permeability End Caps. 1.5 in. Weight 0.3 kg unit is in constant use. Order EL26-1805 oil (2 litres)

EL70-1750 Ordering Information

Permeability End Caps NX. Weight 6.2 kg EL70-5130/01
PressureTest 3500 complete with 2 litres of oil.
Accessories For 220 – 240 V AC, 50 – 60 Hz, 1 ph
10 ml Burette see EL25-4540
Nylon Opaque Tubing (per metre)
see EL26-1926

Permeability End Caps and Distance Blocks with Hoek Cell

Permeability test EL70-5130/01 PressureTest 3500

Typical range of permeability coefficient k (cm/s) values of

soil and rock
Gravels 1 to 5
Sands 10-5 to 10-1
Clays 10-9 to 10-7
Shale 10-11 to 10-7
Sandstone 10-8 to 10-4
Limestone 10-7 to 10-4
Fractured rocks 10-6 to 10-2

151
 77 Rock Mechanics
Classification, strength and durability

The Engineering Classification Rock Classification

of Rock
The Engineering Classification of Rock is an important stage
in the selection and subsequent use of rock as a
construction material.
The range of products available in this section provides test
equipment suitable for determining the more important
rock qualities.
The classification and characterisation of rock are
important parts of the science of rock mechanics. A
knowledge of the rock formation on which engineering
structures are founded is essential if sound engineering
design is to be applied. Rock can be identified and
subsequently categorised by a number of methods.The
following equipment provides a selection of methods
designed to enable the engineer to classify a rock with
confidence.

Ordering Information
EL77-0020
Rock Colour Chart BS 5930, EN DD ENV1997-2.
A 16 page chart displaying 115 colours indicating the range of rock
colours.The chart provides numerical designations for
Hue,Value and Chroma. Weight 85 g

EL77-0032
Geological Hammer. Chisel tail, Weight 900 g.

EL77-0035
Geological Hammer. Pick tail. Weight 620 g

Rock Classification Hammer

This lightweight, portable impact hammer is used for rock
classification tests. Cylindrical cores, usually NW size, are held in a
horizontal position and the hammer mechanism impacted against
the core to obtain rebound readings. A series of readings are
taken along the length of the core to obtain the average
classification rebound number.

Ordering Information
EL77-0470
Rock Classification Hammer. Weight 1.4 kg

NW Rock Cradle
To obtain repeatable results from the impact test, specimens should
rest on a base of uniform mass.The solid metal cradle is designed
to locate NW cores for the Rock Classification Hammer impact
test.The cradle incorporates a guide for positioning the hammer to
allow for a series of readings along the length of the core.

Ordering Information
EL77-0480
NW Rock Cradle. Weight 9.1 kg

Rock Classification Hammer and

Rock Colour Chart NW Rock Cradle

152
 Rock Mechanics
Classification, strength and durability 77
The Point-load Strength Test Point Load Test on Different
Sample Shapes
Digital Point-load Test Apparatus
EN DD ENV 1997-2, ASTM D-5731.

Originally developed at Imperial College, London, the apparatus

comprises a two-column fixed crosshead frame and a hand
operated hydraulic jack.

Pressure applied by the jack extends the piston carrying the lower
conical point.The upper point is fixed to the crosshead with a scale
mounted on the frame to provide specimen diameter information
for use in point load strength index calculations.

Pressure is indicated directly on the digital readout unit. Loads up

to 55 kN can be applied to specimens as large as 101.6 mm in
diameter.

The apparatus is supplied complete with heavy-duty face mask.

Specification
Capacity 55 kN
Maximum sample size 101.6 mm
Load range 0 to 55 kN x 0.001 kN
Weight 25 kg

Ordering Information
EL77-0115
Digital Point-Load Test Apparatus

EL77-0115 Digital Point-Load Test Apparatus

ELE International has a policy of continuous product review to

ensure compliance to the relevant testing standards.

The latest product information can be found on the ELE

e-commerce system at www.ele.com

We recommend that you take a few minutes to register for access

to this fully integrated and advanced facility for:

■ Placing and tracking orders anytime 24/7

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153
 77 Rock Mechanics
Classification, strength and durability

Rock Shear Strength

The engineering strength and slope stability of a rock

formation is directly related to the strength of any fault line
within it, therefore it is essential to obtain data concerning
such weakness at the design stage.

Portable Shear Box Assembly

The technique enables the engineer to select specimens of rock
from exposed faces or bore holes, observe orientation of fault
lines, then set and test the fault in the shear box.

The apparatus consists of a diagonally split box assembly.The upper EL77-1030 Portable Shearbox Assembly
half incorporates a vertical ram for compressive loading, and the
lower half, two horizontal rams for reversible shearing action.The
force applied by the horizontal ram is aligned with the centre of
the box and the discontinuity in the specimen. Pressure is applied Rock Durability
to the rams by means of hand-operated hydraulic pumps and load
is indicated on two Bourdon tube gauges. An adjustable low friction
pressure maintainer incorporated into the loading system allows a Slake Durability Apparatus
constant load to be maintained during the test.The pressure ASTM D 4644
maintainer is supplied with a foot pump.
This apparatus provides a means of predicting the durability of rock
Specification to weakening and disintegration when subjected to the simulated
effects of climatic slaking.The system incorporates a motor drive
Maximum sample size unit mounted on a base board with quick-release drive assemblies
Irregular 125 x 115 mm face area capable of revolving two or four specimen test drums at a speed
Cores 101 mm diameter of 20 revolutions per minute.The test drums are supported on
Load application Hydraulic via two single speed hand water lubricated bearings allowing unobstructed clearance below
pump/reservoir assemblies the drum.
Load gauge Two x 150 mm dia dual-marked
scale 50 kN x 1 kN and Two drums manufactured from a corrosion resistant material are
11 000 lbf x 200 lbf supplied with two water troughs.
Horizontal Dial gauge 25 mm travel x 0.01 mm
displacement Specification
Weight 45.5 kg Dimensions (l x w x h) 1320 x 368 x 267 mm

Drums Length 100 mm

Ordering Information Diameter 140 mm
Mesh 2 mm
EL77-1030
Portable Shear Box Assembly Weight 20 kg

Accessory
EL77-1100 Crystacal Plaster for casting specimens Ordering Information
in position. Weight 25 kg bag EL77-0510/01
Slake Durability Apparatus
For 220 – 240 V AC, 50 – 60 Hz, 1 ph

EL77-0510 series Slake Durability Apparatus

154