The Slake Durability Apparatus used in measuring the ability of shale and soft rocks to withstand weathering in wet and dry conditions. This test method is useful in obtaining data on the abrasive properties of the rocks, useful in the construction of particularly embankments, etc. By rotating samples in mesh drums filled with water and drying them over multiple cycles, the apparatus measures the percent loss of mass, referred to as the Slake Durability Index.

The Slake Durability Apparatus is an assembly of an electrical motor which, through a transmission system, turns a pair of cylindrical stainless-steel drums. Every individual drum is of size 140 mm diametre and 100 mm long, and is constructed with 2.00mm mesh that was used in the form of tumbling barrel to test the rock samples during the process. Its design enables the system to be upgraded to the maximum of four drums for increased output. Attached water tanks are also considered with the water level being set 20 mm below the drum’s axis in the testing process.

The Slake Durability Apparatus is used in the testing the ability of weak rocks to withstand cycles of wetting and drying. This is a useful method of testing particularly for construction and civil engineering projects where knowledge of the long-term behavior is critical. The results are also useful in estimating the service life of the rocks, in regards to their strength and quality so they can be fitting for construction.

The Slake Durability Apparatus is a test process that entails drying of rock samples, and applying wear stress on the samples while in the rotating drum. The test is repeated and the degree of wear is obtained from the amount of mass that has been lost from the sample. This loss translates to resistance of the rock to disintegration and that’s why the slake durability apparatus is a key tool when determining the behavior of the material in other modes of application.

The Slake Durability Apparatus delivers the right results on the degradation of rock faces over a period, making it effective in conformity to the ASTM D 4644 procedure for water immersion.