Rock Manual Part 2: (See also ISRM standards and the USACE Handbook.)

USBR Standards

Please view the Rock Manual introduction (pdf) for an explanation of how to use these standards. These standards are numbered in the USBR manual series. Click on the number on the right to go down to that list of standards. Recommendations in the descriptoin column hold unless otherwise specified.

Category	USBR Series
Equipment calibration	1000
Equipment specifications	2000
General test methods and definitions	3000
Cement and concrete test methods (Concrete Manual-Part 2)	4000
Soil test methods (Earth Manual-Part 2)	5000
Rock test methods	6000
Drilling and sampling methods	7000
General standards	9000
Accreditation and certification	9000
Equipment (list, inventory)	9100
Laboratory buildings	9200
Quality assurance, documentation, and reporting	9300

Standards that are in the Earth Manual are marked in tan.

Replacing Standards: when appropriate, many of the Reclamation Standards were replaced with suitable standards that were already available in the private domain. Whenever possible, ASTM, ISRM standards and other standards were either consulted or used in lieu of specialized USBR procedures and are listed under the appropriate USBR series number (these other similar standards are marked in red).

Procedures specifically developed by USBR (marked in green) are written in a more detailed step-by-step format and include example data forms and work sheets. These standards have not been corroborated under field or lab conditinos and are subject to change. Users should check with manufacturer specifications.

ISRM materials link to the ISRM order form.

USACE standards link to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Handbook for Concrete and Cement.

ASTM Standards link to the ASTM abstract and can be ordered from that page. Note: Reclamation's Technical Service Center has a subscription to these services, so Reclamation employees in the Denver Office can access these materials from our intranet library.

Number	Title	Description	Source	Date
USBR 1000	STANDARDS FOR LINEAR MEASUREMENT DEVICES	Standard USBR 1000 in the USBR Earth Manual – Part 2, is recommended ordering and maintaining quality control of linear measurement devices to be used for laboratory and field applications.	Earth Manual Part 2	*
USBR 1007	CALIBRATING DIAL INDICATORS	Standard USBR 1007 in the USBR Earth Manual – Part 2, is recommended for calibrating dial indicators to be used for laboratory and field applications.	Earth Manual Part 2	*
USBR 1008	CALIBRATING LINEAR VARIABLE DIFFERENTIAL TRANSFORMERS	Standard USBR 1008 in the USBR Earth Manual – Part 2, is recommended for calibrating linear variable differential transformers to be used for laboratory and field applications.	Earth Manual Part 2	*
USBR 1012	CALIBRATING BALANCES OR SCALES	Standard USBR 1012 in the USBR Earth Manual – Part 2, is recommended for calibrating balances or scales to be used for laboratory and field applications.	Earth Manual Part 2	*
USBR 1020	CALIBRATING OVENS	Standard USBR 1020 in the USBR Earth Manual – Part 2, is recommended for calibrating ovens to be used for laboratory and field applications.	Earth Manual Part 2
USBR 1040	CALIBRATING PRESSURE GAGES	Standard USBR 1040 in the USBR Earth Manual – Part 2, is recommended for calibrating pressure gages to be used for laboratory and field applications.	Earth Manual Part 2	*
USBR 1045	CALIBRATING FORCE TRANSDUCERS (LOAD CELLS)	Standard USBR 1045 in the USBR Earth Manual – Part 2, is recommended for calibrating force transducers to be used for laboratory and field applications.	Earth Manual Part 2	*
USBR 1050	CALIBRATING PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS	Standard USBR 1050 in the USBR Earth Manual – Part 2, is recommended for calibrating pressure transducers to be used for laboratory and field applications.	Earth Manual Part 2	*
USBR 1055	CALIBRATING DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS	Standard USBR 1055 in the USBR Earth Manual – Part 2, is recommended for calibrating differential pressure transducers to be used for laboratory and field applications.	Earth Manual Part 2	*
USBR 1100	LOAD VERIFICATION OF TESTING MACHINES: ASTM STANDARDS/E4.PDF ASTM STANDARDS/E74.PDF	The latest version of ASTM Standard E4 and E74 are recommended for load verification of testing machines to be used for laboratory and field applications.	Other similar standard	*

3000

USBR 3000	USING SIGNIFICANT DIGITS IN CALCULATING AND REPORTING LABORATORY DATA ASTM D6026	Unless specified otherwise in the testing standard being used, the latest version of ASTM Standard 6026 is recommended for using significant digits for laboratory and field applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 3100	STATISTICAL CONSIDERATIONS ASTM E122 USACE 104-93 USACE Statistical Considerations	The latest version of ASTM Standard E122 and USACE 104-93 are a few of the recommended statistical considerations to be used for laboratory and field applications. Depending on the project details and funding, the sample size needed for E122 may not be attainable.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 39I0	STANDARD TERMS AND SYMBOLS RELATING TO ROCK MECHANICS TESTING ASTM D653 ISRM TERMINOLOGY	The latest version of ASTM Standard D653 and ISRM Terminology are recommended for laboratory and field applications. Specialized geology or mining terminology references may be needed for terms not found in these documents.	Other similar standard	*

5000

USBR 5300

DETERMINING MOISTURE CONTENT OF SOIL AND ROCK BY THE OVEN METHOD

ASTM D2216

The latest version of ASTM Standard D2216 is recommended to be used for determining the moisture of rock, including soil like, samples for laboratory and field applications.

Other similar standard

6000

USBR 6005	DIAMOND CORE DRILLING, CORING, AND SAMPLING FOR SITE INVESTIGATION ASTM D2113 ASTM D6032	The latest version of ASTM Standard D2113 is recommended for diamond core drilling, coring, and sampling for site investigation. Also, the latest version of ASTM Standard D6032 is recommended for determining rock quality designation (RQD) from the drill core. While not stated in the standard, RQD may be calculated by the drill interval or continuously.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6010	HANDLING, STORAGE, SHIPMENT, INSPECTION, PHOTOGRAPHING AND DISPOSITION OF ROCK CORE ASTM D5079	The latest version of ASTM Standard D5079 is recommended to be used for laboratory and field applications with the following variations: Cardboard tubing shall not be used as markers or as a spacer for missing core or open space in the core boxes. Wood and/or preferably long lengths of dense Styrofoam, with a diameter suitable for the core box, that can be cut with a knife should be used for placing at the end of core runs, filling the entire length of missing core, and any unused space in the core box. Disposition plan should be devise as each project will be different	Other similar standard
USBR 6010	General TSC Recommendations for Curatorial Care of Concrete and Rock Drill Core Samples	.Additional suggestions for rock sample curatorial issues.	Unique USBR rock manual standard	*
USBR 6020	PREPARING ROCK TEST SPECIMENS FOR LABORATORY COMPRESSION AND DIRECT TENSION TESTING AND DETERMINING DIMENSIONAL AND SHAPE TOLERANCES ASTM D4543 ASTM E112	The latest version of ASTM Standard D4543 is the recommended for preparing rock core specimens for compression testing to be used in laboratory applications. Examine grain size requirements for the specimen to determine whether ASTM E122 could be used.	Other similar standard
USBR 6025	SAMPLING AND QUALITY EVALUATION TESTING OF ROCK FOR RIP RAP SLOPE PROTECTION	Standard USBR 6025 in the USBR Rock Manual – Part 2, is recommended for sampling and quality evaluation testing of rock for rip rap.	Unique USBR rock manual standard	*
USBR 6110	DETERMINING BULK SPECIFIC GRAVITY, ABSORPTION, AND POROSITY OF ROCK ISRM Suggested Methods for Determining Water Content, Porosity, Density,Absorption and Related Properties Suggested Method for Progressive Saturation of Rock Samples: 116-95	The latest version of ISRM Suggested Methods for Determining Water Content, Porosity, Density,Absorption and Related Propertiesis recommended to be used for laboratory and field applications. For large specimens where a vacuum chamber is not feasible, USACE 116-95 procedure, which progressively saturates a rock specimen, may be worth considering. USACE 116-95 highlights the importance of vacuum or progressive saturation by giving an example of poor results using a rapid saturation technique.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6120	DETERMINING DYNAMIC ELASTIC CONSTANTS OF ROCK USING ULTRASONIC VELOCITIES (TRANSMISSION METHOD) ASTM D2845	The latest version of ASTM Standard D2845 is recommended for determining the elastic constants for rock cores using ultrasonic velocities in laboratory applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6210	PERFORMING UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION TESTING OF ROCK CORE ASTM D7012	The latest version of ASTM Standard D7012 is the recommended for uniaxial compression tests for laboratory applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6220	DETERMINING MODULUS OF ELASTICITY AND POISSON'S RATIO OF ROCK IN UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION ASTM D7012	The latest version of ASTM Standard D7012 is recommended for computing Modulus of Elasticity and Poisson’s ratio of rocks tested in uniaxial compression for laboratory applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6230	PERFORMING DIRECT TENSILE TESTING OF ROCK CORE ASTM D2936	The latest version of ASTM Standard D2936 is recommended for testing rock cores in direct tension for laboratory applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6235	PERFORMING SPLITTING TENSILE STRENGTH TESTING OF INTACT ROCK CORE SPECIMENS ASTM D3967	The latest version of ASTM Standard D3967 is recommended for testing rock cores in splitting tension for laboratory applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6238	PERFORMING FLEXURAL TEST ON ROCK BEAM - 3-POINT LOADING ASTM C99	The latest version of ASTM Standard C99 is recommended for flexural testing of rock specimens using a three-point method for laboratory or field applications. Other test methods may be more applicable for certain rock types such as slate.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6240	PERFORMING TRIAXIAL COMPRESSION TESTING OF ROCK CORE SPECIMENS ASTM D7012 USACE 204-80: Standard Method of Test for Multistage Triaxial Strength of Undrained Rock Core Specimens Without Pore Pressure Measurements	The latest version of ASTM Standard D7012: Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength and Elastic Moduli of Intact Rock Core Specimens under Varying States of Stress and Temperatures is the recommended for triaxial compression tests for laboratory applications. Triaxial tests involving one specimen testing will need to consider USACE 204-80 test method for multistage tests.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6250	PERFORMING LABORATORY DIRECT SHEAR STRENGTH TESTS ON ROCK SPECIMENS ASTM D5607	The latest version of ASTM Standard D5607 is the recommended for direct shear strength tests in laboratory applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6255	PERFORMING DIRECT SHEAR AND SLIDING FRICTION TESTING USING A PORTABLE DIRECT SHEAR DEVICE	Standard USBR 6255 in the USBR Rock Manual – Part 2, is recommended for a portable direct shear test device in the laboratory and field applications.	Unique USBR rock manual standard	*
USBR 6258	DETERMINING ANGLE OF BASIC FRICTION (STATIC) USING TILTING TABLE TEST	Standard USBR 6258 in the USBR Rock Manual – Part 2, is recommended for tilt table testing of rocks to obtain basic friction angles on rock specimens in laboratory and field applications.	Unique USBR rock manual standard	*
USBR 6260	PERFORMING SLAKING TEST AND SLAKE DURABILITY TEST ON WEAK ROCKS ASTM D4644	Unless specified otherwise in the testing standard being used, the latest version of ASTM standard method D4644 is recommended to obtain the slake durability of shales and similar weak rocks is to be used for laboratory and field applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6265	PERFORMING FREE SWELL, UPLIFT, AND EXPANSION TESTS FOR SWELLING ROCK ASTM D4546 ISRM Suggested Method for Swelling Rock	The latest version of ASTM standard method D4546 is recommended to obtain free swell, uplift, and expansion data for swelling rocks for laboratory and field applications. If the ASTM standard is not adequate, then the ISRM procedure should be considered.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6310	DETERMINING PERMEABILITY OF ROCK CORE – FLOW PUMP PERMEABILITY TEST	Standard USBR 6310 in the USBR Rock Manual – Part 2, is recommended for flow pump permeability testing on rock specimens in laboratory and field applications.	Unique USBR rock manual standard	*
USBR 6314	DETERMINING TRANSMISSIVITY AND STORATIVITY OF LOW PERMEABILITY ROCK MASS BY IN SITU MEASUREMENTS USING WATER PRESSURE PULSE TECHNIQUE ASTM D4631	Standard ASTM D4631 is recommended for determining transmissivity on the rock mass in field applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6316	DETERMINING COEFFICIENT OF PERMEABILITY OF IN SITU ROCK MASS BY CONSTANT PRESSURE PERMEABILITY TEST METHOD ASTM D4630	Standard ASTM D4630 is recommended for obtaining the permeability of the rock mass using a constant head in field applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6510	USING INCLINOMETERS FOR MONITORING ROCK MASS MOVEMENTS ASTM D6230 Concrete Dam Instrumentation Manual Embankment Dams Instrumentation Manual	Standard ASTM D6230, in conjunction with the USBR Embankment Dam and Concrete Instrumentation manuals, is recommended for monitoring rock mass movement in field applications using inclinometers.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6515	USING PIEZOMETER TO MONITOR WATER PRESSURE IN A ROCK MASS Concrete Dam Instrumentation Manual Embankment Dams Instrumentation Manual	Standard USBR 6515 in the USBR Rock Manual – Part 2, in conjunction with the USBR Embankment Dam and Concrete Instrumentation manuals, is recommended for monitoring water pressure with piezometers in a rock mass in field applications.	Unique USBR rock manual standard	*
USBR 6520	USING EXTENSOMETERS FOR MONITORING ROCK MASS MOVEMENTS ASTM D4403 Concrete Dam Instrumentation Manual Embankment Dams Instrumentation Manual	Standard ASTM D4403, in conjunction with the USBR Embankment Dam and Concrete Instrumentation manuals, is recommended for monitoring rock mass movement in field applications using extensometers.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6530	PERFORMING IN SITU UNIAXIAL COMPRESSION AND DEFORMATION MODULUS TESTS OF WEAK ROCK ASTM D4555	Standard ASTM D4555 is recommended for monitoring rock mass movement in field applications using extensometers.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6535	ESTIMATING COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH BY POINT LOAD TEST METHOD ASTM D5731	Standard ASTM D5731 is recommended for the indirect test method using point load tester in laboratory and field applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6538	ESTIMATING COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH BY SCHMIDT (Rebound) HAMMER TEST ISRM Suggested Method for Schmidt Hammer	The ISRM suggested method for the indirect test method of using a Schmidt hammer, also known as a rebound hammer, shall be used in laboratory and field applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6540	PERFORMING IN SITU DIRECT SHEAR TESTING OF ROCK ASTM D4554	Standard ASTM D4554 is recommended for the in situ direct shear testing of rock in field applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6545
USBR 6545	ISRM BOREHOLE SHEAR TESTER: EQUIPMENT AND TECHNIQUE Bureau of Mines Information Circular #8867 Borehole Shear Tester	Bureau of Mines Information Circular #8867 Borehole Shear Tester: Equipment and Technique, By Khamis Y. Haramy, 1981, is recommended for performing in situ direct shear tests in a borehole in field applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6550	DETERMINING IN SITU STRESSES IN ROCK BY OVERCORING METHOD ASTM D4623	Standard ASTM D4623 is recommended for determining the in situ stresses of a rock mass by overcoring in field applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6555	DETERMINING IN SITU STRESSES IN ROCK BY HYDRAULIC FRACTURING METHOD ASTM D4645	Standard ASTM D4645 is recommended for determining the in situ stresses of a rock mass using hydraulic fracturing techniques in field applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6560	DETERMINING IN SITU DEFORMATION MODULUS AND CREEP CHARACTERISTICS OF ROCK MASS USING A RADIAL JACKING METHOD ASTM D4506	Standard ASTM D4506 is recommended for determining the in situ deformation and creep characteristic of a rock mass using the radial jacking method in field applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6563	DETERMINING IN SITU DEFORMATION MODULUS AND CREEP CHARACTERISTICS OF ROCK MASS USING A FLAT JACK METHOD ASTM D4729	Standard ASTM D4729 is recommended for determining the in situ deformation and creep characteristic of a rock mass using the flat jack method in field applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6565	DETERMINING IN SITU DEFORMATION MODULUS AND CREEP CHARACTERISTICS OF ROCK MASS USING UNIAXIAL JACKING METHOD ASTM D4395	Standard ASTM D4395 is recommended for determining the in situ deformation and creep characteristic of a rock mass using the uniaxial jacking method in field applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6567	DETERMINING IN SITU DEFORMATION MODULUS AND CREEP CHARACTERISTICS OF ROCK MASS USING RIGID PLATE LOADING TEST METHOD ASTM D4394	Standard ASTM D4394 is recommended for determining the in situ deformation and creep characteristic of a rock mass using the plate loading method in field applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6570	DETERMINING IN SITU DEFORMATION MODULUS AND CREEP CHARACTERISTICS OF ROCK MASS USING DIAMETRICALLY LOADED BOREHOLE JACK METHOD ASTM D4971	Standard ASTM D4971 is recommended for determining the in situ deformation and creep characteristic of a rock mass using the borehole jack method in field applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6575	DETERMINING IN SITU DEFORMATION MODULUS USING A FLEXIBLE DILATOMETER	Standard USBR 6575 in the USBR Rock Manual – Part 2, is recommended for determining the in situ deformation modulus using a flexible dilatometer in a borehole in field applications.	Unique USBR rock manual standard	*
USBR 6580	DETERMINING THE STRENGTH OF A ROCK BOLT ANCHOR (PULL OUT TEST) ASTM D4435	Standard ASTM D4435 is recommended for determining the strength of a rock bolt anchor in a rock mass using a pull out test method in field applications.	Other similar standard	*
USBR 6584	DETERMINING THE ROCK BOLT ANCHOR OR ANCHOR TENSION USING A TORQUE WRENCH	Standard USBR 6584 in the USBR Rock Manual – Part 2, is recommended for determining the strength of a rock bolt anchor tension in a rock mass using a torque wrench test method in field applications.	Unique USBR rock manual standard	*
USBR 6588	ROCK BOLT ANCHOR – LONG TERM LOAD RETENTION TEST ASTM D4436	Standard ASTM D4436 is recommended for determining the long term load retention of a rock bolt anchor in a rock mass in field applications.	Other similar standard	*

9000

USBR 9300

CHECKING, ROUNDING, AND REPORTING OF LABORATORY DATA

Standard USBR 9300 in the USBR Earth Manual – Part 2, is recommended for checking, rounding, and reporting Laboratory data to be used for laboratory and field applications.

Earth Manual Part 2

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