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The Point Load Tester permits the determination of the Point Load Strength Index (Is (50)). This
index provides a useful method to establish a rock strength classification. The index can also be
used to determine the rock anisotropy as well as to predict other rock strength properties, such as
the uniaxial, tensile and compressive strengths. The Point Load Test is a fast and convenient way
to determine the strength and fracture toughness of an ore. The Point Load Index can be used to
simultaneously characterize rock for blast ability and comminuting processes. The uniaxial
compression test is used to determine compressive strength of rock specimens. However, it is a
time-consuming and expensive test that requires significant specimen preparation and the results
may not be available for a long time after the samples are collected. When extensive testing
and/or timely information is required for preliminary and reconnaissance information, alternative
tests such as the point load test can be used to reduce the time and cost of compressive strength
tests, when used in the field. Such data can be used to make timely and more informed decisions
during the exploration phases and more efficient and cost effective selection of samples for more
precise and expensive laboratory tests. In a Point Load Test, a sample of rock is mounted
between two pointed platens and pressure is applied until failure of the sample occurs. The peak
applied load is recorded and used to calculate the Point Load Index.

The point load tester consists of a hydraulically powered ram and two pointed platens. One of
these platens is stationary while the other is free to move through the application of pressure,
delivered via the hydraulically powered ram. The rock specimen to be tested is placed between
the two platens and force is applied to the specimen by activation of the hydraulic ram. The
force applied to the rock is increased and eventually causes the rock to fail. The peak pressure
applied is indicated on a pressure gauge. The force recorded by the instrument to just break the
rock (P) is converted to a strength value, equivalent to a 50 mm rock. This produces the so-
called Is(50) value or Size-Corrected Point Load Index.
vccording to Brook (1985), the formula to convert the force reading to Is(50) value is as follows:

Is(50) = FP / (De)2

Where

F = size correction factor = (De/50)0.45

P = applied load (MN)

De = (4v/)0.5

v= minimum cross sectional area of the specimen (mm2)

The units of the point load index are MPa and whereas the test is considered to cause tensile
failure it can be converted to compressive strength (C) by:

C = 24 Is(50)

The shape and size of each particle tested in a Point Load Test can influence the results of the
test, as will natural variations in rock quality and competence. The best possible shape for
greatest accuracy is cylindrical, such as core. If core samples are not available, square or
rectangular particles are preferred. Shapes to avoid are concave or convex particles and
triangular shaped particles. To avoid partial shearing, the surfaces where the platens contact the
particle should be flat and parallel. This will also minimise the possibility of the particle falling
out during the test. The Point Load Index is normalised to a thickness of 50 mm, however
examining larger particles reduces the affect of shape and rock texture. Samples should also be
as competent as possible, without any obvious pre-existing flaws.
   c 

The report details the Point Load Test procedure method and presents the results in tabular form,
as well as in a histogram format for each ore type. Further interpretation of the results is
available if required. The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent upon the
competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities
used. The point load strength test is used as an index test for strength classification of rock
materials. The test results should not be used for design or analytical purposes. The Point Load
Test allows the user to determine an ³Uncorrected Point Load Strength Index´ (Is). This index
must be corrected to a standard equivalent diameter (De) of 50mm. It then becomes a unique
property of the rock tested (Is (50)) which is most useful in rock strength classification. Rock
anisotropy is quantified by the ³Strength vnisotropy Index´ (Ia (50)). This index is the ratio of
the greatest to least (Is (50)) index measured respectively perpendicular and parallel to the
existing planes of weakness. Point load testing is used to determine rock strength indexes in
geotechnical practice. The point load test apparatus and procedure enables economical testing of
core or lump rock samples in either a field or laboratory setting. In order to estimate uniaxial
compressive strength, index-to-strength conversion factors are used. These factors have been
proposed by various researchers and are dependent upon rock type. This study involved the
extensive load frame and point load testing of coal measure rocks in six states. Rock lithologies
were classified into general categories and conversion factors were determined for each category.
This allows for intact rock strength data to be made available through point load testing for
numerical geotechnical analysis and empirical rock mass classification systems such as the Coal
Mine Roof Rating (CMRR). The PLT is an attractive alternative to the UCS because it can
provide similar data at a lower cost. The PLT has been used in geotechnical analysis for over
thirty years (ISRM, 1985). The PLT involves the compressing of a rock sample between conical
steel platens until failure occurs. The apparatus for this test consists of a rigid frame, two point
load platens, a hydraulically activated ram with pressure gauge and a device for measuring the
distance between the loading points. The pressure gauge should be of the type in which the
failure pressure can be recorded. v state of the art point load testing device with sophisticated
pressure reading instrumentation.
 





1.? Point Load Test

www.jktech.com.au/Products...Testing/pointloadtesting.htm

2.? USING THE POINT LOvD TEST TO DETERMINE THE UNIv IvL COMPRESSIVE ...
www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/pubs/pdfs/utplt.pdf
3.? vSTM D5731 -08 Standard Test Method for Determination of the Point ...
www.astm.org/Standards/D5731.htm

4.? POINT LOvD TESTER

www.roctest.com/modules/AxialRealisation/.../E5048A-050901.pdf

5.? Suggested Method for Determining Point Load Strength .

www.wes.army.mil/SL/MTC/handbook/RT/RTH/325-89.pdf - Similar
6.? The point-load test in geotechnical practice - Elsevier
linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/0013795275900241

7.? Stress testing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stress_testing