CANADIAN GEOTECHNICAL JOURNAL, vol.34, no.6, pp.991-1001, 1997 (SCI-Expanded)
The block punch index test, requiring only a small cylindrical disc sample, has been developed during the last decade and provides a practical index in assessing the strength of intact rock. In this study, earlier developments in the block punch index test are reviewed and a method for sample size correction is described. Analysis of the results, obtained from 23 different rocks, reveals that size correction in the block punch index test is indispensable, A strong correlation was found between the block punch index and the uniaxial compressive strength and strength anisotropy. Utilization of the block punch index as an input parameter in rock mass classification was also suggested.