Slake Durability Apparatus

This test method has been developed to assess the deterioration of rocks over a period of time when subjected to water immersion.

ASTM D4644

Slake durability is a simulated weathering test to determine abrasion resistance during wetting and drying cycles of shale and similar soft rocks as used in embankments and other construction-related applications. Samples are alternately tumbled in mesh drums through a water medium and oven-dried for two cycles. The percent loss of mass is referred to as the slake durability index.

The Slake Durability Apparatus consists of a motorized drive unit which is mounted on a baseplate and which can rotate two or four drums at a speed of 20 r.p.m. The tank assemblies are filled with water to a level 20 mm below the drum axis. The test drums are manufactured from 2.00 mm mesh, 140 mm dia. x 100 mm long.