Standardization News

The abrasiveness of rock plays a crucial role in the performance of any mechanical excavation machines because overall costs are affected by the rate of cutting tool replacement and/or repair and machine downtime. The need for a standard that assists the civil and mining industries in quantifying rock abrasiveness properly and uniformly has been answered by a new ASTM International standard.

D7625, Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Abrasiveness of Rock Using the CERCHAR Method, was developed by Subcommittee D18.12 on Rock Mechanics, part of ASTM International Committee D18 on Soil and Rock.

"Most mechanical excavation machines are capital-intensive and site-specific, especially regarding rock abrasiveness," says Hamid Nazeri, rock mechanics division manager, Advanced Terra Testing Inc., and a D18 member. "Because of this, a good estimation of application conditions plays an important role in maximizing a machine's performance and excavation speed, which minimizes the cost of the project."

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation number, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (phone: 610-832-9585).

CONTACT Technical Information: Hamid Nazeri, Advanced Terra Testing Inc. • Lakewood, Colo. • Phone: 303-232-8308 • E-mail: hnazeri@terratesting.com O ASTM Staff: Robert Morgan • Phone: 610-832-9732 • E-mail: rmorgan@astm.org O Upcoming Meeting: Jan. 30-Feb. 2, 2011 • January Committee Week • Baltimore, Md.