| S.No. | Checkpoint | IS Requirement | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| A. SAMPLE PREPARATION AND CONDITION | |||
| A1 | Core sample quality and recovery Acceptance: Recovery ≥ 75%; no damage during extraction; end faces parallel and perpendicular | Cl. 3.1 — Sample integrity | |
| A2 | Sample dimension verification Acceptance: Diameter and height measured; H/D ratio 2.0–2.5; perpendicularity ≤ 1°; smoothness ≤ 0.5 mm | Cl. 3.2 — Sample geometry | |
| A3 | Moisture condition of sample Acceptance: Tested as received; or saturated if required; moisture content measured; noted as 'dry' or 'saturated' | Cl. 3.3 — Sample saturation state | |
| A4 | Sample visual inspection Acceptance: Fractures, planes of weakness noted; RQD assessed; quality classification documented | Cl. 3.4 — Defect identification | |
| B. UCS TEST SETUP AND CALIBRATION | |||
| B1 | Compression testing machine calibration Acceptance: Machine calibrated within 12 months; certificate available; load cell accuracy ±2%; dial gauge verified | Cl. 4.1 — Equipment accuracy | |
| B2 | Machine load rate setting Acceptance: Load rate = 0.5–1.0 MPa/sec as per standard; applied continuously; no acceleration or deceleration | Cl. 4.2 — Test procedure | |
| B3 | Sample positioning and centering Acceptance: Sample centered on loading plate; platen surfaces smooth; contact uniform; no eccentric loading | Cl. 4.3 — Load alignment | |
| B4 | Deformation measurement setup Acceptance: Deformation measured by dial gauge or LVDT; accuracy ±0.01 mm; zero reading verified | Cl. 4.4 — Strain measurement | |
| C. UCS TEST EXECUTION | |||
| C1 | Initial load application Acceptance: Light seating load applied; zero deformation gauge; deformation reading started | Cl. 5.1 — Seating load | |
| C2 | Progressive load application and recording Acceptance: Load recorded at regular intervals; deformation noted; data logged continuously or at 25% intervals | Cl. 5.2 — Load-deformation curve | |
| C3 | Failure observation and peak load Acceptance: Peak load identified; failure mode observed; fracture pattern documented; post-failure behavior recorded | Cl. 5.3 — Failure point | |
| C4 | Sample behavior and failure mode Acceptance: Brittle/ductile noted; single plane/multiple fractures; vertical/shear/cone failure documented | Cl. 5.4 — Fracture documentation | |