ASTM D4435-13e1 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM D4435-13e1 — Standard Test Method for Rock Bolt Anchor Pull Test. This method describes procedures for conducting field pull tests on rock-bolt anchors to determine working and ultimate anchor capacities for mechanical and bonded (grout/resin) anchor systems used in mining and civil engineering rock support applications.

Abstract

This standard specifies a field test in which a rock bolt installed in site conditions is pulled hydraulically while load and displacement are recorded to determine working capacity (the load at which displacement increases significantly) and ultimate capacity (peak load). It applies to mechanical anchors and grouted or resin anchors, does not address pretensioned bolts or full roof support system evaluation, and uses inch–pound units as the standard reporting system.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / Historical (withdrawn in 2022; retained as historical documentation).
• Publication date: 2013 (designation D4435-13 with editorial amendment e1).
• Publisher: ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials).
• ICS / categories: Geotechnical / rock engineering (commonly indexed under earthworks / foundation construction / underground works; ICS code examples referenced include 93.020).
• Edition / version: D4435-13e1 (revision of D4435-13; historical/emended edition).
• Number of pages: 6 pages (typical published length for the D4435 test method).

Scope

The scope covers procedures to measure the working and ultimate capacities of a rock-bolt anchor installed in rock in the same manner as the intended construction. The method is applicable to mechanical anchors and to bonded anchors (cement grout, epoxy, polyester, and similar resins). It explicitly excludes testing of pretensioned bolts and does not attempt to evaluate whole roof or overall support-system performance; results are intended to characterize anchor performance for selection and design decisions. Reporting is primarily in inch–pound units.

Key topics and requirements

• Objective: determine working capacity (onset of significant displacement) and ultimate capacity (peak load) from load versus displacement records.
• Applicability: mechanical anchors and grouted/resin anchors installed in situ; not for pretensioned bolts or whole-system evaluation.
• Test apparatus: hydraulic hollow‑center ram or equivalent loading system, rigid reaction frame, and load cell/displacement transducer meeting specified accuracy.
• Specimen recommendations: use sufficiently strong, relatively short bolts so failure occurs in the anchor system or rock (guidance often mentions short, high‑strength bolts; example guidance in commentary: ~6–8 ft for some test programs).
• Data reporting and rounding: follow ASTM Practice D6026 for significant digits and rounding when reporting observed and calculated values.
• Safety and limitations: standard notes that it does not address all safety concerns; user must adopt appropriate safety practices for field testing.

Typical use and users

This test is used by geotechnical and mining engineers, field testing contractors, anchor manufacturers, construction quality-control personnel, and researchers to validate anchor selection, estimate embedment performance, and compare anchor systems in specific rock conditions. It is often used during site investigations, construction acceptance testing, and pre‑construction performance evaluations.

Related standards

Standards commonly referenced with or used alongside D4435 include: ASTM Practice D6026 (significant digits and rounding for geotechnical data), ASTM D4436 (long‑term load retention tests for rock bolt anchors) and other related ASTM and industry test methods for anchor/pullout testing and concrete anchor testing (for example ASTM C900 for pullout strength of hardened concrete). Users should consult the applicable ASTM indexes for the current, active related documents.

Keywords

rock bolt, anchor pull test, anchor capacity, pullout test, grouted anchor, mechanical anchor, working capacity, ultimate capacity, geotechnical testing, mining support

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM D4435-13e1 is a field test method for performing anchor pull (pullout) tests on rock‑bolt anchors to determine working and ultimate capacities under site conditions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the procedures, apparatus, measurement, and reporting practices for conducting hydraulic pull tests on installed rock anchors (mechanical and bonded types), including how to record load‑displacement behavior and determine working and ultimate loads; it excludes pretensioned bolt tests and full roof/support system evaluations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Geotechnical and mining engineers, field testing labs and contractors, anchor manufacturers, and construction quality/acceptance teams use the method to verify anchor performance and inform design and installation choices.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: D4435-13e1 is listed as a historical/withdrawn document (withdrawn in 2022). Users should consult ASTM International for any active replacement documents or current guidance before relying on the withdrawn text for critical design or contractual acceptance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the ASTM suite of geotechnical and rock‑mechanics test methods maintained under Committee D18 (Soil and Rock). It references or is used alongside other ASTM practices and test methods (for example D6026 for reporting/rounding and related anchor/retention tests such as D4436).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: rock bolt, anchor pull test, pullout, anchor capacity, working capacity, ultimate capacity, grouted anchor, mechanical anchor, geotechnical field test.