Point load tester (PLT 100) – ASTM D5731

The point load tester accurately determines the uncorrected point load strength index Is which is then converted to a point load index having a standard equivalent diameter (De) of 50 mm. The corrected Is(50) index enables rock strength classification; it can also be used to estimate the uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) and the rock’s anisotropy Ia(50). The device consists of a hydraulic ram, a manual hydraulic pump with a pressure gauge and a rigid two-column crosshead frame. Pressure applied by the pump displaces a piston carrying the lower conical platen.