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IS 13030:1991 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for method of test for laboratory determination of water content, porosity, density and related properties of rock material. This standard specifies the laboratory method for determining the water content, porosity, and density (bulk, dry, and saturated) of rock material. It provides detailed procedures for specimen preparation, testing using equipment like ovens and pycnometers, and the formulas required for calculating these fundamental physical properties.
Method of test for laboratory determination of water content, porosity, density and related properties of rock material
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Ensuring complete saturation (24-48 hr soaking) and complete drying (to a constant mass at 105°C) is critical for accuracy.
! When using the water displacement method for volume, ensure the sample is surface-dried (SSD condition) without losing internal moisture before weighing.
! The accuracy of the weighing balance is paramount, especially for low-porosity rocks where the mass difference between saturated and dry states is minimal.
Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Density (Unit Weight) of Soil and Rock
Covers determination of bulk density, dry density, saturated density, and porosity of rock specimens.
ISRM Suggested Methods (2007)International Society for Rock Mechanics (ISRM), International
HighCurrent
Suggested Methods for Determining Water Content, Porosity, Density, Absorption and Related Properties
Provides comprehensive, globally recognized procedures for all parameters covered in IS 13030.
EN 1936:2006CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
MediumCurrent
Natural stone test methods - Determination of real density and apparent density, and of total and open porosity
Focuses on dimension stone but test principles for density and porosity are identical.
ASTM D2216 - 19ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
Specifically addresses the water content determination portion of IS 13030.
Key Differences
≠IS 13030 allows for saturation by simple submergence in water for 72 hours, whereas ASTM D7263 and EN 1936 mandate a more rigorous vacuum saturation procedure (e.g., <100 Pa for 24 hours in ASTM) to ensure complete saturation, especially in low-porosity rocks.
≠For grain density determination, IS 13030 specifies crushing the specimen to pass a 2.0 mm sieve. In contrast, ASTM D7263 (Method C) requires crushing the material to pass a 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve.
≠IS 13030 is a single, consolidated standard for all related properties (water content, density, porosity). In the ASTM system, the methods are split, with water content primarily in ASTM D2216 and density/porosity properties in ASTM D7263.
Key Similarities
≈All standards are based on the same fundamental principles of physics, utilizing Archimedes' principle (hydrostatic weighing) to determine the volume of saturated specimens.
≈The oven drying temperature for determining the constant dry mass of the rock specimen is consistently specified as 105°C to 110°C (or 110 ± 5°C) across IS 13030, ASTM D7263, and ASTM D2216.
≈The method of coating irregular or friable specimens with paraffin wax to make them impervious for volume determination by water immersion is a common technique described in both IS 13030 and ASTM D7263 (Method B).
≈The mathematical formulas used to derive porosity, void ratio, and degree of saturation from the primary measurements of mass (dry, saturated, submerged) and grain density are identical across all standards.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Specimen Drying Temperature
105°C to 110°C
110 ± 5°C
ASTM D7263 / D2216
Minimum Core Specimen Diameter
NX size (54.7 mm)
At least 10 times the largest mineral grain diameter
ISRM Suggested Methods
Primary Saturation Method (Time)
72 hours soaking
24 hours under vacuum
ASTM D7263
Vacuum Pressure for Saturation
Not specified
Less than 100 Pa (1 mm Hg)
ASTM D7263
Sieve Size for Grain Density Test
Passes 2.0 mm IS Sieve
Passes 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve
ASTM D7263
Balance Readability (specimen < 200g)
0.001 g
0.01 g (for mass), 0.001 g (for pycnometer)
ASTM D7263
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values6
Quick Reference Values
Oven drying temperature105 ± 5 °C
Minimum specimen mass for density test50 g
Balance sensitivity0.01 percent of the specimen mass
The sample should be dried in an oven at a temperature of 105 ± 5 °C until a constant mass is achieved (Clause 3.1).
What is the minimum mass for a rock specimen for testing?+
A representative specimen of at least 50 g should be used for density and porosity tests (Clause 4.1).
How is porosity calculated?+
Porosity (n) is calculated as the ratio of the volume of voids to the total volume, expressed as a percentage. It is derived from bulk density (ρ) and grain density (ρs) using the formula: n = (1 - ρ/ρs) * 100 (Clause 6.4).
What are the two main methods for determining specimen volume?+
Volume can be determined either by direct measurement for regularly shaped specimens (like cubes or cylinders) or by water displacement (Archimedes' principle) for irregular lumps (Clause 5.3).