IS 13030:1991 specifies laboratory test methods for determining water content, porosity, density, and related physical properties of rock materials. It provides detailed procedures for testing rock samples of various shapes and sizes, including techniques suitable for rocks that may swell or disintegrate when immersed in water. This standard is essential for geotechnical and civil engineers, geologists, and researchers involved in rock mechanics and material characterization to assess rock quality and mechanical behavior.
Overview
IS 13030:1991 specifies laboratory test methods for determining water content, porosity, density, and related physical properties of rock materials. It provides detailed procedures for testing rock samples of various shapes and sizes, including techniques suitable for rocks that may swell or disintegrate when immersed in water. This standard is essential for geotechnical and civil engineers, geologists, and researchers involved in rock mechanics and material characterization to assess rock quality and mechanical behavior.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 13030: Scope - Key Formulas, Tables, and Specifications
IS 13030 covers determination of rock properties like dry density, porosity, moisture content, and grain density using mercury displacement and pulverization techniques.
Grain Density, ρs (pulverized rock): [ \rho_s = \frac{M_5 - M_4}{V_1 \times [1 - \frac{(M_3 - M_1)}{(M_2 - M_1)}]} \quad \text{(kg/m}^3\text{)} ] where (V_1) = calibrated flask volume (m³).
Dry Density, ρa: [ \rho_a = \frac{\text{Dry mass of sample}}{\text{Bulk volume}} = \frac{M_3 - M_1}{V} ]
Porosity, n (%): [ n = \left[1 - \frac{\rho_a}{\rho_s}\right] \times 100 ]
Moisture Content, w (%): [ w = \frac{M_2 - M_3}{M_2 - M_s} \times 100 ]
| Parameter | Symbol | Unit | Measurement Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk volume of specimen | V | m³ | Mercury displacement |
| Dry mass of sample | (M_s) | kg | Oven-dried weight |
| Moisture content | w | % | Calculated from mass differences |
| Porosity | n | % | Calculated from densities |
flowchart LR
A[Sample Preparation] --> B[Mercury Displacement: Bulk Volume V]
B --> C[Mass
IS 13030 - Key Definitions & Formulas (Clause 2 & 5.4)
| Parameter | Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pore Volume (Vv) | ( V_v = \frac{M_{sat} - M_g}{\rho_w} ) | (M_{sat}) = saturated mass, (\rho_w) = water density |
| Bulk Volume (V) | Measured from specimen dimensions | (V = L \times B \times H) |
| Dry Density ((\rho_d)) | ( \rho_d = \frac{M_g}{V} ) | (M_g) = mass of solids |
| Porosity (n) | ( n = \frac{V_v}{V} \times 100 % ) | Expressed in percentage |
flowchart LR
Ms[Mass of grain (Ms)]
Mw[Mass of pore water (Mw)]
Vv[Pore Volume (Vv)]
V[Bulk Volume (V)]
Pd[Dry Density (ρd)]
n[Porosity (n)]
Ms --> Vv
Mw --> Vv
Vv --> n
V --> Pd
Ms --> Pd
V --> n
This summary captures essential definitions and formulas for soil physical property testing per IS 13030.
IS 13030 - Apparatus Key Specifications & Tables
| Obs. No. | Description | Symbol | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bulk volume by mercury displacement | V | m³ |
| 2 | Mass of dry container + lid | M₁ | kg |
| 3 | Mass of container + sample + lid | M₂ | kg |
| 4 | Mass of container + oven-dried sample + lid | M₃ | kg |
| 5 | Mass of dry volumetric flask + stopper | M₄ | kg |
| 6 | Mass of flask + liquid + stopper | M₅ | kg |
| 7 | Mass of flask + stopper + sample | M₆ | kg |
| 8 | Mass of flask + sample + liquid + stopper | M₇ | kg |
Wet mass of sample:
[
M_{\text{wet}} = M_2 - M_1
]
Dry mass of sample:
[
M_{\text{dry}} = M_3 - M_1
]
Mass of water in sample:
[
M_{\text{water
IS 13030: Determination of Water Content of a Rock Sample
[ \boxed{ w% = \frac{M_{wet} - M_{dry}}{M_{dry}} \times 100 } ]
flowchart TD
A[Collect rock sample] --> B[Weigh wet sample (M_wet)]
B --> C[Oven dry at 105 ± 5°C]
C --> D[Weigh dry sample (M_dry)]
D --> E[Calculate water content: ((M_wet - M_dry)/M_dry)*100]
This method ensures precise determination of moisture content critical for rock property evaluation.
IS 13030: Porosity & Density Determination Using Saturation and Caliper Techniques
| Parameter | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Saturated-submerged mass | ( M_{sub} = M_2 - M_1 ) | kg |
| Saturated-surface-dry mass | ( M_{sat} = M_4 - M_3 ) | kg |
| Dry mass (Grain weight) | ( M_s = M_1 - M_g ) | kg |
| Bulk volume | ( V = \frac{M_{sat} - M_{sub}}{\rho_w} ) | m³ |
| Pore volume | ( V_v = \frac{M_{sat} - M_s}{\rho_w} ) | m³ |
| Porosity | ( n = \frac{V_v}{V} \times 100 = \frac{M_{sat} - M_s}{M_{sat} - M_{sub}} \times 100 ) | % |
| Dry density | ( \rho_d = \frac{M_s}{V} ) | kg/m³ |
flowchart TD
A[Sample] --> B[Measure Masses: M1, M2, M3, M4, Mg]
B --> C[Calculate Msub, Msat, Ms]
C --> D[Calculate Bulk Volume V]
C --> E[Calculate Pore Volume Vv]
D & E --> F[Calculate Porosity n and
Here are the key formulas and specifications from IS 13030 for Porosity and Density determination using Saturation and Buoyancy techniques:
| Symbol | Description | Formula | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Msub | Saturated-submerged mass | Msub = M2 - M1 | kg |
| Msat | Saturated-surface-dry mass | Msat = M4 - M3 | kg |
| Ms | Dry mass (Grain weight) | Ms = M5 - Mg | kg |
| V | Bulk volume | V = (Msat - Msub) / Pw | m³ |
| Vv | Pore volume | Vv = (Msat - Ms) / Pw | m³ |
| n | Porosity (%) | n = (Vv / V) × 100 = [(Msat - Ms) / (Msat - Msub)] × 100 | % |
| ρd | Dry density | ρd = Ms / V | kg/m³ |
flowchart LR
A[Dry Sample Mass (Ms)] --> C[Calculate Bulk Volume (V)]
B[Saturated Surface Dry Mass (Msat)] --> C
D[Saturated Submerged Mass (Msub)] --> C
C --> E[Calculate Pore Volume (Vv)]
E --> F[Calculate Porosity (n)]
IS 13030: Porosity & Density Determination Using Mercury Displacement & Grain Specific Gravity
| Parameter | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Saturated-submerged mass | ( M_{sub} = M_2 - M_1 ) | kg |
| Saturated-surface-dry mass | ( M_{sat} = M_4 - M_3 ) | kg |
| Dry mass (Grain weight) | ( M_s = M_5 - M_g ) | kg |
| Bulk volume, (V) | ( V = \frac{M_{sat} - M_{sub}}{\rho_w} ) | m³ |
| Pore volume, (V_v) | ( V_v = \frac{M_{sat} - M_s}{\rho_w} ) | m³ |
| Porosity, (n) | ( n = \frac{V_v}{V} \times 100 ) or ( n = \frac{M_{sat} - M_s}{M_{sat} - M_{sub}} \times 100 ) | % |
| Dry density, (\rho_d) | ( \rho_d = \frac{M_s}{V} ) | kg/m³ |
flowchart TD
A[Sample Preparation] --> B[Measure Masses: M1 to M5, Mg]
B --> C[Calculate Msub, Msat, Ms]
C --> D[Calculate Bulk Volume V]
D --> E[Calculate Pore Volume Vv]
E --> F[
Key Precautions:
[ \text{Moisture content} = \frac{M_2 - M_3}{M_2 - M_s} \times 100% ]
Where:
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| (M_2) | Mass of container + sample + lid (kg) |
| (M_3) | Mass of container + oven-dried sample + lid (kg) |
| (M_s) | Dry mass of sample (kg) |
flowchart TD
A[Sample Preparation] --> B[Drying in Oven at 105±3ºC]
B --> C[Cooling in Desiccator]
C --> D[Weighing Samples]
D --> E[Mercury Displacement for Volume]
E --> F[Calculate Moisture Content]
F --> G[Adjust Liquid Volume in Bath]
Summary: Follow strict mercury safety, use consistent liquid sources, and maintain controlled conditions for accurate moisture testing as per IS 13030 Clause 7.4.
IS 13030 Key Formulas & Specifications for Calculations
Pore Volume, Vy
[
V_y = \frac{M_{sat} - M_d}{\rho_w}
]
Where:
Bulk Volume, V
Calculated from external dimensions (m³).
Dry Density, (\rho_a)
[
\rho_a = \frac{M_d}{V} \quad (kg/m^3)
]
Porosity, (n) (in %)
[
n = \frac{V_y}{V} \times 100
]
Average Values
Compute average porosity and dry density over all specimens.
Grain Density, (\rho_s)
[
\rho_s = \frac{M_s}{V_1 \times [1 - (M_s - M_w)/M_s]} \quad (kg/m^3)
]
Where:
Dry Density, (\rho_a) and Porosity, (n)
Same formulas as above.
| Parameter | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Pore Volume (V_y) | (\frac{M_{sat} - M_d}{\rho_w}) | m³ |
| Bulk Volume (V) | From external dimensions | m³ |
| Dry Density (\rho_a) | (\frac{M_d}{V}) | kg/m³ |
| Porosity (n) | (\frac{V_y}{V} \times 100) |
IS 13030 - Clause 7.5: Observations Key Data & Formulas
| Parameter | Symbol | Unit | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk volume by mercury displacement | V | m³ | Volume of specimen measured by mercury |
| Mass of dry container + lid | M1 | kg | Empty container weight |
| Mass of container + sample + lid | M2 | kg | Wet sample weight with container |
| Mass of container + oven dried sample + lid | M3 | kg | Dry sample weight with container |
| Mass of dry volumetric flask + stopper | M4 | kg | Flask weight |
| Mass of volumetric flask + liquid + stopper | M5 | kg | Flask with liquid weight |
| Mass of flask + stopper + sample | M6 | kg | Flask with sample weight |
| Mass of flask + sample + liquid + stopper | M7 | kg | Flask with sample & liquid weight |
Wet mass of sample:
( M_{wet} = M_2 - M_1 ) (kg)
Dry mass of sample:
( M_{dry} = M_3 - M_1 ) (kg)
Mass of water in sample:
( M_{water} = M_2 - M_3 ) (kg)
Moisture content (%):
[
\text{Moisture} = \frac{M_2 - M_3}{M_2 - M_{dry}} \times 100
]
This structured data helps in precise determination of volume, moisture content, and density of materials as per IS 13030.
IS 13030: Reporting of Results (Clauses 4.4 & 7.7)
Report individually and average values for:
Specify test methods:
Record any gross changes in specimen shape or competence during drying.
General information to include:
[ \text{Moisture Content } (w) = \frac{M_2 - M_3}{M_2 - M_s} \times 100% ]
Where:
flowchart TD
A[Sample Collection] --> B[Measure Bulk Volume (Mercury Displacement)]
B --> C[Measure Masses (M1 to M7)]
C --> D[Calculate Dry Density, Porosity, Moisture Content]
D --> E[Record Individual & Average Values]
E --> F[Report with Project & Sampling Details]
This ensures standardized, clear, and reproducible reporting as per IS 13030.
IS 13030 Key Formulas, Tables & Specifications Summary
Pore Volume, Vv:
[ V_v = \frac{M_{sat} - M_d}{\rho_w} ]
Dry Density, (\rho_d):
[ \rho_d = \frac{M_d}{V} ]
Porosity, (n) (%):
[ n = \frac{V_v}{V} \times 100 ]
| Parameter | Symbol | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Bulk volume by mercury displacement | (V) | m³ |
| Dry container + lid mass | (M_1) | kg |
| Container + sample + lid mass | (M_2) | kg |
| Container + oven dried sample + lid mass | (M_3) | kg |
| Dry volumetric flask + stopper mass | (M_4) | kg |
| Volumetric flask + liquid + stopper mass | (M_5) | kg |
| Flask + stopper + sample mass | (M_6) | kg |
| Flask + sample + liquid + stopper mass | (M_7) | kg |
[ \text{Moisture Content} = \frac{M_2 - M_3}{M_2 - M_s} \times 100 % ]
Where (M_s) = Dry mass of sample
Frequently Asked
Under IS 13030, the recommended sample sizes and shapes for testing are:
For example, a cube with 27 mm sides typically meets the 50 g mass requirement for average density rock.
Additional notes:
This ensures reliable determination of water content, porosity, and density.
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For rocks that swell or disintegrate when immersed in water, IS 13030 recommends:
| Rock Type | Suitable Method |
|---|---|
| Non-swelling, non-disintegrating | Saturation & Caliper / Saturation & Buoyancy |
| Swelling or disintegrating in water | Mercury displacement & Grain specific gravity |
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This ensures reliable density and porosity measurements without damaging sensitive rocks.
Porosity Calculation Using Saturation and Buoyancy Techniques (IS 13030)
Measure masses:
Calculate:
| Parameter | Formula | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Saturated-submerged mass | ( M_{sub} = M_2 - M_1 ) | kg |
| Saturated-surface-dry mass | ( M_{sat} = M_4 - M_3 ) | kg |
| Dry mass (grain weight) | ( M_s = M_4 - M_3 ) | kg |
| Bulk volume ( V ) | ( V = \frac{M_{sat} - M_{sub}}{\rho_w} ) | m³ |
| Pore volume ( V_v ) | ( V_v = \frac{M_{sat} - M_s}{\rho_w} ) | m³ |
| Porosity ( n ) | ( n = \frac{V_v}{V} \times 100 ) or <br> ( n = \frac{M_{sat} - M_s}{M_{sat} - M_{sub}} \times 100 ) | % |
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Safety Precautions for Mercury Displacement Method (IS 13030 - Clause 7.4):
| Precaution | Reason/Effect |
|---|---|
| Use fume cupboard | Avoid inhalation of toxic mercury vapors |
| Sprinkle powdered sulphur on spills | Converts mercury to less volatile sulphide |
| Use self-indicating silica gel | Maintains dryness, prevents contamination |
| Consistent liquid source | Ensures accurate volume measurements |
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Always prioritize safety by minimizing exposure and ensuring proper cleanup.
To preserve water content during sampling and storage per IS 13030, follow these key guidelines:
| Step | Requirement | Reference Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Sample size | ≥10 lumps, each ≥50 g or 10× grain | 4.3.2 |
| Container | Airtight, non-corrodible | 6.2b |
| Cooling | Desiccator with silica gel | 6.2c, 7.4a |
| Water retention | Maintain within ±1% of in situ | 4.3.2 |
| Reporting | Nearest 0.1%, specify precautions | 4.4.2 |
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This ensures accurate water content measurement reflecting true in situ conditions.
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