In-Place Density Testing of Soil and Rock
In-Place Density Testing of Soil and Rock
particle sizes in accordance with, and subject to the limitations Combining values from the two systems may result in non-
of Practice D4718. conformance with the standard.
1.8 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
and Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 on Special and Practice D6026.
Construction Control Tests.
1.8.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected,
Current edition approved March 1, 2016. Published March 2016. Originally
approved in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D4914 – 08. DOI: recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the
10.1520/D4914_D4914M-16. industry standard. In addition they are representative of the
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character- for the control fraction selected.
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600
kN-m/m3)) 3.2.3 sand pouring device(s), n—handheld pouring de-
D1556 Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in vice(s) that holds the density sand equipped with a long
Place by Sand-Cone Method pouring spout for placing the sand with unobstructed flow at a
D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character- constant drop height.
istics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3 [Link] Discussion—Multiple cans may be used but they
(2,700 kN-m/m3)) must be of the same design and calibrated.
D2167 Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in 4. Summary of Test Method
Place by the Rubber Balloon Method
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water 4.1 The ground surface at the test location is prepared and a
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass template (metal frame) is placed and fixed into position. The
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies volume of the space between the top of the template and the
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as ground surface is determined by filling the space with cali-
Used in Engineering Design and Construction brated sand using a pouring device. The mass of the sand
D4253 Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit required to fill the template in place is determined and the sand
Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table removed. Material from within the boundaries of the template
D4254 Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit is excavated forming a pit. Calibrated sand is then poured into
Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density the pit and template; the mass of sand within the pit and the
D4718 Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water volume of the hole are determined. The wet density of the
Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles in-place material is calculated from the mass of material
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal- removed and the measured volume of the test pit. The water
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and content is determined and the dry density of the in-place
Construction Materials Testing material is calculated.
D5030 Test Method for Density of Soil and Rock in Place by 4.2 The density of a control fraction of the material can be
the Water Replacement Method in a Test Pit determined by subtracting the mass and volume of any oversize
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical particles from the initial values and recalculating the density.
Data
D7382 Test Methods for Determination of Maximum Dry 5. Significance and Use
Unit Weight and Water Content Range for Effective 5.1 These test methods are used to determine the in-place
density of compacted materials in construction of earth
2
embankments, road fills, and structure backfill. For construc-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, [Link], or
tion control, these test methods are often used as the bases for
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@[Link]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on acceptance of material compacted to a specified density or to a
the ASTM website. percentage of a maximum unit weight determined by a
6. Interferences
6.1 Because of possible lower densities created when there
is particle interference (see Practice D4718), the percent
compaction of the control fraction should not be assumed to
represent the percent compaction of the total material in the
field when using method B with oversize corrections.
6.2 A careful assessment must be made as to whether or not
the volume determined is representative of the in-place condi-
tion when this test method is used for clean, relatively
uniform-sized particles. The disturbance during excavation, FIG. 1 Typical Metal Template for Excavating Test Pit
due to lack of cohesion, and the void spaces between particles
spanned by the liner (if used) may affect the measurement of
the volume of the test pit.
7.6 Liner, approximately less than 25 µm [1 mil, 0.001 in.]
NOTE 2—Experience with this test used in cohesionless uniform fine thick and large enough to line the test pit with about 0.3 m [1
gravels, pea gravels, or processed uniform gravel drain materials have ft] extending beyond the outside of the template. Any type of
shown errors in test hole volume. material, plastic sheeting, etc., can be used as long as it is
7. Apparatus flexible enough to conform to the ground surface.
7.1 Balance or Scale—A balance (or scale) to determine the 7.7 Sand Pouring Devices—(See Fig. 2 for some typical
mass of the calibrated sand and the excavated soil having a devices.) Many types of pouring devices are available. Use
minimum capacity of 20 kg [50 lbm] and meeting the require- multiple 10 to 15-L [3 to 4-gal] containers as long as they meet
ments of Specification D4753 for a balance of 1-g [0.002-lbm] spout requirements. Larger containers may be used as long as
readability. the vertical 50-mm [2-in.] drop height can be maintained. The
device must have a spout that will reach into a field test pit so
7.2 Balance or Scale—A balance (or scale) to determine that the drop distance from the end of the spout to the sand
water content of minus No. 4 material having a minimum surface can be maintained at about 50 mm [2 in.]. The inside
capacity of 1000 g [2-lbm] and meeting the requirements of diameter of the spout must also be large enough to allow free
Specification D4753 for a balance of 0.1 g [0.001 lbm] flow of the sand without clogging.
readability.
7.8 Metal Straightedge, about 50 mm [2 in.] high, at least 3
7.3 Drying Oven—An oven, thermostatically controlled,
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mm [1⁄8 in.] thick, and with a length 1.5 times the side length
preferably of the forced-draft type, and capable of maintaining (or diameter) of the metal template, used for screeding excess
a uniform temperature of 110 6 5°C throughout the drying sand placed in template. It must have a thickness or rigidity
chamber. such that it will not bend when screeding the sand.
7.4 Sieves—No. 4, 4.75-mm [0.187-in.] sieve and 75-mm 7.9 Sand—The sand must be clean, dry, uniform,
[3-in.] sieve, conforming to the requirements of Specification uncemented, durable, and free flowing. The gradation, physical
E11. characteristics, selection, and storage of the sand shall meet the
7.5 Metal Template—A square or circular template to serve requirements of Test Method D1556 except that the maximum
as a pattern for the excavation. Template dimensions, shapes, particle size may be No. 4, 4.75-mm [0.187-in.] sieve.
and material may vary according to the size of the test pit to be 7.9.1 If the test methods are used for test pits larger than
excavated. Refer to Appendix X1 for recommended template about 0.2 m3 [6 ft3], a one-size material relatively free of fines
sizes. The template shall be rigid enough not to deflect or bend. and of a larger particle size, such as pea gravel, may be used.
NOTE 3—The template shown in Fig. 1 represents a design that has been 7.10 Miscellaneous Equipment—Shovels for preparing test
found suitable for this purpose. surface; hammer for seating template; assorted small brushes,
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FIG. 2 Typical Sand Pouring Devices (Dimensions in Inches with Rationalized SI Equivalent)
picks, chisels, bars, knives, and spoons for digging test pit; 8.1.2 Some sands used in the procedures outlined herein
buckets with lids, seamless cans with lids, or other suitable may be dusty and appropriate precautions should be taken
containers for retaining the test sample and sand without water when mixing and pouring. Use dust masks during sand pouring
content change; bags or other suitable containers for waste operations to avoid inhalation of silica dust.
sand; cloth for collecting excess sand or soil; and assorted pans
and porcelain dishes suitable for drying water content speci- 8.2 Caution:
mens. 8.2.1 Materials that may flow or deform during the test must
be identified and appropriate precautions taken.
8. Hazards
8.2.2 Movement of heavy equipment in the immediate test
8.1 Precaution: area should not be permitted during the volume determination.
8.1.1 These test methods may involve handling heavy loads.
FIG. 3 Plastic Liner Placed Over the Template FIG. 5 Excavation of the Test Pit
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m 13
where: m 17 5 (17)
1 g/cm3 =
1/103 =
density of water,
constant to convert g/cm3 to kg/m3,
11 S D
w os
100
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material, if required, should be performed in accordance with
Practice D4718. 15.1 Precision—Test data on precision is not presented due
to the nature of the soil and rock materials being tested by these
14. Report test methods. It is not feasible at this time to have ten or more
14.1 The methodology used to specify how data are re- agencies participate in an in situ testing program at a given site.
corded is covered in 1.8. Also, it is not feasible to produce multiple test locations having
uniform properties. Any variation observed in the data is just as
14.2 Record as a minimum the following general informa- likely to be due to specimen variation as operator or laboratory
tion (data): testing variation.
14.2.1 Project and Feature information, 15.1.1 Subcommittee D 18.08 is seeking any data from
14.2.2 Date of testing and personnel performing the test, users of these test methods that might be used to make a limited
14.2.3 Test Location including coordinates or stationing, statement on precision.
and elevation,
14.2.4 Site conditions that may influence the test, including 15.2 Bias—There is not accepted reference value for these
surface conditions and weather conditions, test methods, therefore, bias cannot be determined.
14.2.5 Visual description of the material, and
14.2.6 Comments on conduct of the test including any test 16. Keywords
conditions or difficulties affecting test results. Examples may 16.1 acceptance test; degree of compaction; density tests;
include cobbles and boulders with angular edges and method of field test; in-place density; pit test; quality control; sand
treatment, large inclusions left in the excavation, movement of replacement method
(Mandatory Information)
A1.3.2 This procedure should be performed: A1.5.3.1 As a general rule, reclaiming sand is no longer
A1.3.2.1 When a new supply of sand is processed into the desirable or economically feasible.
storage bin. A1.5.3.2 If sand is reclaimed, after each recovery it must be
A1.3.2.2 At intervals not exceeding 14 days when several screened over a sieve that would pass its original maximum
unit weight tests are required on a daily basis. particle size to eliminate clay balls or other foreign matter.
A1.3.2.3 If tests are made at infrequent intervals, the sand Discard the sand after three usages.
must be calibrated before a test or series of tests is begun.
A1.3.2.4 For any change in equipment, personnel, or size or A1.6 Conditioning
shape of the field test pit, (see 8.2.7 – 8.2.9). A1.6.1 Store the sand in covered bins or containers to
A1.3.2.5 After any significant changes in atmospheric maintain a uniformly dry condition. A 55-gal barrel with a
humidity, or change in moisture of the sand. The sand should valve near the bottom makes an excellent storage container. An
be as dry as possible. internal heat source, such as a heat tape, may be necessary in
storage containers in areas that experience significant changes
NOTE A1.1—Most sands have a tendency to absorb water from the
atmosphere. A very small amount of absorbed moisture can make a in atmospheric moisture.
substantial change in bulk density. In areas of high humidity or where the A1.6.2 When a new supply of sand is introduced into the
humidity changes often, the bulk density may need to be determined more
often than the 14-day maximum interval indicated. The need for more
storage bin and before each calibration, thoroughly mix the
frequent checks can be determined by comparing the results of different sand and blend. Calibration records must document new
bulk-density tests on the same sand made in the area and conditions of use shipments of sand and dates that new sand is introduced into
over a period of time. the current storage bin.
A1.3.2.6 If tests are routinely made using reclaimed sand,
A1.7 Procedure
calibrate when the cumulative mass of sand removed from the
storage container equals the capacity of the container. A record A1.7.1 Determine and record the mass of the mold.
of the mass of sand removed should be kept at a convenient A1.7.2 Place the calibration mold on a rigid surface.
location on or near the container.
A1.7.3 Using the pouring device, pour the sand into the
A1.4 Apparatus calibration mold, slightly overfilling. Use a circular motion to
keep the sand surface relatively level. Keep the end of the
A1.4.1 Metal Straightedge—About 50 mm (2 in.) high, at spout about 50 mm (2 in.) above the sand surface while
least 3 mm (1⁄8 in.) thick, and with a length 1.5 times the side pouring. A constant sand surcharge level in the container, sand
length of the calibration mold. drop distance and the avoidance of any vibration of the
A1.4.2 Mold—A mold or container is required that is similar measure are critical to the achievement of consistent results
to the size and shape of the test pit excavated in the material. (see A1.5.2).
The volume of the mold shall be determined in accordance A1.7.3.1 If the reservoir capacity is too small to fill the
with the principles described in Test Method D4253. calibration mold with one pour, use two or more pours to fill
A2. GUIDELINES FOR TEST HOLE OR TEST DIMENSIONS AND SELECTION OF EQUIPMENT
A2.1 This annex covers guidelines for selecting the exca- TABLE A2.2 Test Apparatus and Minimum Excavation VolumeA
vation dimensions and the type of equipment to use based on NOTE 1—More than 200 mm maximum particle size should be
the maximum particle size present in the material (or control determined on a case-by-case basis.
fraction) being tested. These guidelines apply to both these test Maximum Minimum Suggested Apparatus Required
Approximate
methods and to the companion Test Method D5030 for using Diameter of
Particle Required and Template Minimum
Excavated
water replacement to determine the volume of an excavated Size, mmB Volume, m3 Opening, m Depth, mmC
Hole, m
test pit. The guidelines are given in Table A2.1 and Table A2.2. 75 0.03 825-mm square 250 0.75
(Inch-pound equivalents for these two tables are provided in frame
Table A2.3.) The typical types of test pit excavation shapes are 125 0.06 1-m square frame 300 1
200 0.23 1.5-m diameter ring 450 1.5
shown in Fig. A2.1. A
Test Pit Type C (see Fig. A2.1).
B
Maximum particle size present in total material or the maximum particle size of
A2.2 These guidelines are based on providing a representa- control fraction if the total in-place density is not of concern.
tive sample of the material being tested and on practical C
This depth is necessary to obtain the minimum required volume of material when
working conditions. For a discussion of the shape and dimen- using the suggested apparatus and template opening.
sions of the test pits and for the minimum volumes for the
TABLE A2.1 Test Apparatus and Minimum Excavation VolumeA excavation, see Appendix X1 in Test Method D5030.
NOTE 1—More than 450 mm maximum particle size should be
determined on a case-by-case basis. A2.3 The guidelines shown in Table A2.1 apply to test pit
Minimum Required
Types A and B (see Fig. A2.1). These test pits generally are for
Maximum non-free draining materials or for cohesionless materials whose
Required Suggested Apparatus and Minimum
Particle
Size, mmB
Volume, Template Opening, m Depth, gradation and particle angularity will allow near-vertical side
m3 mmC
walls to be excavated.
75 0.03 0.6 m square frame 300
125 0.06 0.75 m square frame 450
200 0.23 1.2 m diameter ring 600
A2.4 The guidelines shown in Table A2.2 apply to test pit
300 0.76 1.8 m diameter ring 600 Type C (see Fig. A2.1). This type of test pit can be excavated
450 2.55 2.7 m diameter ring 900 when Type A or B cannot. For this case, the slope of the side
A
Test Pit Types A and B (see Fig. A2.1). walls will be much flatter, approximately the angle of repose of
B
Maximum particle size present in total material or the maximum particle size of the material.
control fraction if the total in-place density is not of concern.
C
This depth is necessary to obtain the minimum required volume of material when
using the suggested apparatus and template opening. A2.5 These guidelines are only applicable when the limita-
tions stated in 1.5 and 1.6 for unstable or soft materials are
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APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1.1 Example data form (Fig. X1.1) is taken from Earth Department of the Interior, 1999, US GPO.
Manual, Part II, Third Edition, Bureau of Reclamation, US
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Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D4914 – 08) that may impact the use of this standard. (March 1, 2016)
(1) The standard was converted to SI metric with rationalized (3) The report section was revised to include information on
in-lb units. significant digits.
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(2) Computation of Unit Weight was removed.
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