Industrial Minerals - Determination of the Coefficient of Linear Thermal Expansion of Rock Specimens by Means of Resistance Wire (SR-4) Strain Gauge

The Concrete Research Division, U.S. Corps of Engineers, has developed a simple procedure for determining the coefficients of linear thermal expansion of rocks by means of resistance wire (SR-4) strain gauges. Gauges are cemented to the surfaces of specimens, which are then brought alternately to temperatures of 35OF and 1350F. Results are accurate to the seventh decimal place. IN the course of investigations of the thermal properties of various rocks proposed for use as aggregates in concrete structures, a relatively rapid method of determining coefficients of linear thermal expansion was required. A method which proved to be satisfactory for this purpose was developed in the petrographic laboratory of the Concrete Research Division, U.S. Corps of Engineers, at Clinton, Miss. The method is based on the fact that strain effects in a specimen can be determined by measuring variations in the resistance of an electrical conductor firmly cemented to the surface of the specimen. Equipment for the determination of strain, electrically, has been developed by the Baldwin-South-wark Division of the Baldwin Locomotive Works in Philadelphia. This equipment includes small strain gauges made of coils of resistance wire bonded between thin sheets of paper (SR-4 gauges), and a portable "Strain Indicator" which records variations in the length of the gauges in microinches per inch. Gauges of this type are now in general use for determinations of various mechanically-induced strains, but their use for the determination of coefficients of thermal expansion appears to be a new application. The advantages of the method are that the test specimens may be relatively small and require only a minor amount of preparation, that a large number of tests can be run at the same time, and that the installation and operation of the equipment is relatively simple. The method and equipment described are now in regular use for determining the coefficients of linear thermal expansion of rock samples submitted to this laboratory. Rocks which have been tested include granites, syenites, gabbros, and other igneous rocks, limestones and dolomitic limestones, sandstones, and quartzites. Specimen Preparation: To standardize the conditions of the tests, the rock specimens are sliced by diamond saw into slabs about 11/2x11/4 in. In the case of bedded or foliated rocks, three oriented slabs are cut from the same specimen, and represent, respectively, a direction in a plane of the bedding or foliation of the rock; a direction along the bedding or foliation and at a right angle to the first; and a direction across the planes of bedding or foliation. One of the large surfaces of each slab is lapped for a few minutes with No. 100 abrasive powder to remove saw scars and irregularities. The slabs are soaked in petroleum ether and then dried in an oven to remove all traces of oil picked up in the sawing