Thurston Laboratories, LLC



Rock Strength Testing for Bunker Project

Years Active: 2024

Services Provided: Coring and strength testing of rock

Thurston Laboratories was approached about conducting strength testing on several rock samples obtained from the proposed site of a personal underground structure. Thurston Laboratories personnel cored and cut the samples and obtained specimen for three unconfined compression tests and two tensile split "Brazilian" tests.

The specimens were prepared and tested. The client was pleased with Thurston Laboratories' in-house capabilities and the speed with which the testing was completed. Out of respect for the privacy of the client, names and locations have been omitted.

Prepping the core drill.
Drilling the specimen from sample #1
Applying neat-cement caps to specimens to ensure uniform loading during unconfined compression.
Specimens prepared for two tensile split tests and three unconfined compression tests.
First compression sample tested to failure.
Second compression sample tested to failure. Note the distinct columnar failure mode.
Tensile split specimen loaded for testing.
Tensile split specimen tested to failure.
The results of two tensile split tests. Both specimens show failure in tension across the bedding of the rock.