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ASTM D4959-00

(Test Method)

Standard Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil By Direct Heating

Standard Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil By Direct Heating

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers procedures for determining the water (moisture) content of soils by drying with direct heat, such as using a hotplate, stove, blowtorch, etc.
1.2 This test method is not intended as a replacement for Method D2216 but rather as a substitute when more rapid and less accurate results are acceptable or desired to expedite other phases of testing. Method D2216 is to be used as the method to compare for accuracy checks and correction.
1.3 When questions of accuracy between this test method and Method D2216 arise, Method D2216 shall be the referee method.
1.4 This test method is applicable for most soil types. For some soils, such as those containing significant amounts of halloysite, mica, montmorillonite, gypsum, or other hydrated materials, highly organic soils or soils that contain dissolved solids, (such as salt in the case of marine deposits), this test method may not yield reliable water content values.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.
1.6 This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

Status
Historical
Publication Date
09-Mar-2000
ICS
13.080.40 - Hydrological properties of soils
Technical Committee
D18 - Soil and Rock
Drafting Committee
D18.08 - Special and Construction Control Tests
Current Stage
Ref Project

Relations

Replaced By
ASTM D4959-07 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil By Direct Heating
Effective Date
01-Feb-2007
Referred By
ASTM E3317-22 - Standard Specification for Silica-Based Sediments for the Evaluation of Stormwater Treatment Devices
Effective Date
10-Mar-2000
Referred By
ASTM D2937-17e2 - Standard Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Drive-Cylinder Method
Effective Date
10-Mar-2000
Referred By
ASTM F1815-11(2018) - Standard Test Methods for Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity, Water Retention, Porosity, and Bulk Density of Athletic Field Rootzones
Effective Date
10-Mar-2000
Referred By
ASTM D6938-23 - Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)
Effective Date
10-Mar-2000
Referred By
ASTM E3373-23 - Standard Test Method for Scour of Hydrodynamic Separators and Settling Devices
Effective Date
10-Mar-2000
Referred By
ASTM C1893-23 - Standard Practice for Laboratory Performance Verification of Hydrodynamic Separators for the Treatment of Stormwater Runoff
Effective Date
10-Mar-2000
Referred By
ASTM F1668-16(2022) - Standard Guide for Construction Procedures for Buried Plastic Pipe
Effective Date
10-Mar-2000
Referred By
ASTM D2216-19 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
Effective Date
10-Mar-2000
Referred By
ASTM D7380/D7380M-21 - Standard Test Method for Soil Compaction Determination at Shallow Depths Using 2.3-kg [5-lbm] Dynamic Cone Penetrometer
Effective Date
10-Mar-2000
Referred By
ASTM C1746/C1746M-19 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Suspended Sediment Removal Efficiency of Hydrodynamic Stormwater Separators and Underground Settling Devices
Effective Date
10-Mar-2000
Referred By
ASTM E3318-23 - Standard Terminology for Standards Relating to Stormwater Control Measures
Effective Date
10-Mar-2000
Referred By
ASTM E2277-14(2019) - Standard Guide for Design and Construction of Coal Ash Structural Fills
Effective Date
10-Mar-2000
Referred By
ASTM D6758-18e1 - Standard Test Method for Measuring Stiffness and Apparent Modulus of Soil and Soil-Aggregate In-Place by Electro-Mechanical Method
Effective Date
10-Mar-2000
Referred By
ASTM D8167/D8167M-23e1 - Standard Test Method for In-Place Bulk Density of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by a Low-Activity Nuclear Method (Shallow Depth)
Effective Date
10-Mar-2000

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ASTM D4959-00 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil By Direct HeatingASTM D4959-00 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil By Direct Heating
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ASTM D4959-00 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil By Direct Heating
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Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:D4959–00
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil By Direct
1
Heating
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4959; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D 4753 Specification for Evaluating, Selecting, and Speci-
fying Balances and Scales for Use in Testing Soil, Rock,
1.1 This test method covers procedures for determining the
2
and Related Construction Materials
water (moisture) content of soils by drying with direct heat,
such as using a hotplate, stove, blowtorch, etc.
3. Terminology
1.2 This test method can be used as a substitute for Test
3.1 Definitions—All definitions are in accordance with
Method D 2216 when more rapid results are desired to expe-
Terms and Symbols D 653.
dite other phases of testing and slightly less accurate results are
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
acceptable.
3.2.1 direct heating—a process by which the soil is dried by
1.3 When questions of accuracy between this test method
conductiveheatingfromthedirectapplicationofheatinexcess
and Method D 2216 arise, Method D 2216 shall be the referee
of 110°C to the specimen container, such as provided by a hot
method.
plate, gas stove or burner, heatlamps, or other heat sources.
1.4 This test method is applicable for most soil types. For
Direct application of heat by flame to the specimen is not
some soils, such as those containing significant amounts of
appropriate.
halloysite, mica, montmorillonite, gypsum, or other hydrated
3.2.2 water (moisture) content—the ratio, expressed as a
materials, highly organic soils or soils that contain dissolved
percentage, of the mass of water in a given mass of soil to the
solids, (such as salt in the case of marine deposits), this test
mass of the solid particles.
method may not yield reliable water content values.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
4. Summary of Test Method
standard.
4.1 A moist soil specimen is placed in a suitable container
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
and its mass is determined. It is then subjected to drying by the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
application of direct heat until dry by appearance, removed
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
from the heat source, and its new mass is determined. This
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
procedure is repeated until the mass becomes constant within
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
specified limits.
2. Referenced Documents 4.2 The difference between the masses of the moist speci-
men and the dried specimen is used as the mass of water
2.1 ASTM Standards:
contained in the specimen. The water content (expressed as a
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
2 percentage) is determined by dividing the mass of water by the
Fluids
dry mass of soil, multiplied by 100. For a given soil type and
D 2216 TestMethodforLaboratoryDeterminationofWater
2 specimen size, the time to achieve a constant dry mass can be
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock
noted and used to estimate drying time for subsequent tests of
D 3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
the same soil type using the same size specimen and drying
Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock
2
apparatus.
as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
5. Significance and Use
1
5.1 The water content of a soil is used throughout geotech-
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on Soil
and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 on Special and
nical engineering practice both in the laboratory and in the
Construction Control Tests.
field. The use of Test Method D 2216 for water content
Current edition approved March 10, 2000. Published April 2000. Originally
determination can be time consuming and there are occasions
published as D 4959 – 89. Last previous edition D 4959 – 89 (1994).
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08. when a more expedient method is desirable. Drying by direct
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
D4959
heating is one such method. Results of this test method have 7. Apparatus
been demonstrated to be of satisfactory accuracy for use in
7.1 Direct Heat Source—Any source or heat that can be
field control work, such as in the determination of water
directed to the soil specimen to raise the specimen temperature
c
...

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1.1 This test method describes the procedures for measuring the water mass per unit volume of soil and soil-aggregate by use of an in situ permittivity probe. Measurements are taken at a depth beneath the surface of the soil determined by the design of the probe.  
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5.1 Understanding the mechanical properties of frozen soils is of primary importance to permafrost engineering. Data from creep tests are necessary for the design of most foundation elements embedded in, or bearing on frozen ground. They make it possible to predict the time-dependent settlements of piles and shallow foundations under service loads, and to estimate their short- and long-term bearing capacity. Creep tests also provide quantitative parameters for the stability analysis of underground structures that are created for permanent use.  
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Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The water content of soil is used throughout geotechnical engineering practice, both in the laboratory and in the field. Results are sometimes needed within a short time period and in locations where it is not practical to install an oven or to transport samples to an oven. This test method is used for these occasions.  
5.2 The results of this test have been used for field control of compacted embankments or other earth structures such as in the determination of water content for control of soil moisture and dry density within a specified range.  
5.3 This test method requires specimens consisting of soil having all particles smaller than the 4.75 mm (No. 4) sieve size.  
5.4 This test method may not be as accurate as other accepted methods such as Test Method D2216. Inaccuracies may result because specimens are too small to properly represent the total soil, from clumps of soil not breaking up to expose all the available water to the reagent and from other inherent procedural, equipment or process inaccuracies. Therefore, other methods may be more appropriate when highly accurate results are required, or when the use of test results is sensitive to minor variations in the values obtained.  
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1.1 This test method outlines procedures for determining the water (moisture) content of soil by chemical reaction using calcium carbide as a reagent to react with the available water in the soil producing a gas. A measurement is made of the gas pressure produced when a specified mass of wet or moist soil is placed in a testing device with an appropriate volume of reagent and mixed.  
1.2 This test method is not intended as a replacement for Test Method D2216; but as a supplement when rapid results are required, when testing is done in field locations, or where an oven is not practical for use. Test Method D2216 is to be used as the test method to compare for accuracy checks and correction.  
1.3 This test method is applicable for most soils. Calcium carbide, used as a reagent, reacts with water as it is mixed with the soil by shaking and agitating with the aid of steel balls in the apparatus. To produce accurate results, the reagent must react with all the water which is not chemically hydrated with soil minerals or compounds in the soil. Some highly plastic clay soils or other soils not friable enough to break up may not produce representative results because some of the water may be trapped inside soil clods or clumps which cannot come in contact with the reagent. There may be some soils containing certain compounds or chemicals that will react unpredictably with the reagent and give erroneous results. Any such problem will become evident as calibration or check tests with Test Method D2216 are made. Some soils containing compounds or minerals that dehydrate with heat (such as gypsum) which are to have special temperature control with Test Method D2216 may not be affected (dehydrated) in this test method.  
1.4 This test method is limited to using calcium carbide moisture test equipment made for 20 g, or larger, soil specimens and to testing soil which contains particles no larger than the 4.75 mm (No. 4) Standard sieve size.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are mathematical conversions, which are provided for information purposes only and are not considered standard.  
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The water content of a soil is used throughout geotechnical engineering practice both in the laboratory and in the field. The use of Test Method D2216 for water content determination can be time consuming and there are occasions when a more expedient method is desirable. The use of a microwave oven is one such method.  
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5.4 This test method is best suited for minus 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve sized material. Larger size particles can be tested; however, care must be taken because of the increased chance of particle shattering.  
5.5 The use of this method may not be appropriate when highly accurate results are required, or the test using the data is extremely sensitive to moisture variations.  
5.6 Due to the localized high temperatures that the specimen is exposed to in microwave heating, the physical characteristics of the soil may be altered. Degregation of individual particles may occur, along with vaporization or chemical transition. It is therefore recommended that samples used in this test method not be used for other tests subsequent to drying.
Note 1: The quality of the results produced by this test method is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and the suitability of the equi...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method outlines procedures for determining the water content of soils by incrementally drying soil in a microwave oven.  
1.2 This test method can be used as a substitute for Test Method D2216 when more rapid results are desired to expedite other phases of testing and slightly less accurate results are acceptable.  
1.3 When questions of accuracy between this test method and Test Method D2216 arise, Test Method D2216 shall be the referee method.  
1.4 This test method is applicable for most soil types. For some soils, such as those containing significant amounts of halloysite, mica, montmorillonite, gypsum or other hydrated materials, highly organic soils, or soils in which the pore water contains significant amounts of dissolved solids (such as salt in the case of marine deposits), this test method may not yield reliable water content values due to the potential for heating above 110°C or lack of means to account for the presence of precipitated solids that were previously dissolved.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. Performance of the test method utilizing another system of units shall not be considered non-conformance. The sieve designations are identified using the “standard” system in accordance with Specification E11, such as 2.0-mm and 19-mm, followed by the “alternative” system of No. 10 and 3/4-in., respectively, in parentheses.  
1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026, unless otherwise superseded by this standard.  
1.6.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies...

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ASTM
ASTM D6836-16(Test Method)
Standard Test Methods for Determination of the Soil Water Characteristic Curve for Desorption Using Hanging Column, Pressure Extractor, Chilled Mirror Hygrometer, or Centrifuge

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The soil water characteristic curve (SWCC) is fundamental to hydrological characterization of unsaturated soils and is required for most analyses of water movement in unsaturated soils. The SWCC is also used in characterizing the shear strength and compressibility of unsaturated soils. The unsaturated hydraulic conductivity of soil is often estimated using properties of the SWCC and the saturated hydraulic conductivity.  
5.2 This method applies only to soils containing two pore fluids: a gas and a liquid. The liquid is usually water and the gas is usually air. Other liquids may also be used, but caution must be exercised if the liquid being used causes excessive shrinkage or swelling of the soil matrix.  
5.3 A full investigation has not been conducted regarding the correlation between soil water characteristic curves obtained using this method and soil water characteristics curves of in-place materials. Thus, results obtained from this method should be applied to field situations with caution and by qualified personnel.
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard depends on the competence of the personnel performing the test and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors. Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of these factors.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of soil water characteristic curves (SWCCs) for desorption (drying). SWCCs describe the relationship between suction and volumetric water content, gravimetric water content, or degree of water saturation. SWCCs are also referred to as soil water retention curves, soil water release curves, or capillary pressure curves.  
1.2 This standard describes five methods (A-E) for determining the soil water characteristic curve. Method A (hanging column) is suitable for making determinations for suctions in the range of 0 to 80 kPa. Method B (pressure chamber with volumetric measurement) and Method C (pressure chamber with gravimetric measurement) are suitable for suctions in the range of 0 to 1500 kPa. Method D (chilled mirror hygrometer) is suitable for making determinations for suctions in the range of 500 kPa to 100 MPa. Method E (centrifuge method) is suitable for making determinations in the range 0 to 120 kPa. Method A typically is used for coarse soils with little fines that drain readily. Methods B and C typically are used for finer soils, which retain water more tightly. Method D is used when suctions near saturation are not required and commonly is employed to define the dry end of the soil water characteristic curve (that is, water contents corresponding to suctions >1000 kPa). Method E is typically used for coarser soils where an appreciable amount of water can be extracted with suctions up to 120 kPa. The methods may be combined to provide a detailed description of the soil water characteristic curve. In this application, Method A or E is used to define the soil water characteristic curve at lower suctions (0 to 80 kPa for A, 0 to 120 kPa for E) near saturation and to accurately identify the air entry suction, Method B or C is used to define the soil water characteristic curve for intermediate water contents and suctions (100 to 1000 kPa), and Method D is used to define the soil water characteristic curves at low water contents and higher suctions (>1000 kPa).  
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guide for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026. The procedures in Practice D6026 that are used to specify how data are collected, recorded, and calculated are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are represe...

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ASTM
ASTM D8037/D8037M-16(Practice)
Standard Practice for Direct Push Hydraulic Logging for Profiling Variations of Permeability in Soils

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The injection logging system provides a rapid and efficient way to ascertain the pressure required to inject water into unconsolidated formations at the given flow rate in real time (Fig. 1) (1-4, 7).5 The measured injection pressure and flow rate are then used to assess variations in formation permeability versus depth and infer changes in formation lithology and understand the local hydrostratigraphy (1-4, 8-16). Log interpretation should be confirmed with targeted soil coring adjacent to selected log locations or running logs adjacent to one or more previously logged borings. Practice D3740 was developed for agencies engaged in the testing and/or inspection of soils and rock. As such, it is not totally applicable to agencies performing this practice. However, users of this practice should recognize that the framework of Practice D3740 is appropriate for evaluating the quality of an agency performing this practice. Currently there is no known qualifying national authority that inspects agencies that perform this practice.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes a method for rapid delineation of variations in formation permeability in the subsurface using an injection logging tool. Clean water is injected from a port on the side of the probe as it is advanced at approximately 2cm/s into virgin soils. Logging with the injection tool is typically performed with direct push equipment, however other drilling machines may be modified to run the logs by direct push methods (for example, addition of a suitable hammer and/or hydraulic ram systems). Injection logs exceeding 100 ft [30m] depth have been obtained. Direct push methods are not intended to penetrate consolidated rock and may encounter refusal in very dense formations or when cobbles or boulders are encountered in the subsurface. However, injection logging has been performed in some semi-consolidated or soft formations.  
1.2 This standard practice describes how to obtain a real time vertical log of injection pressure and flow rate with depth. The data obtained is indicative of the variations of permeability in the subsurface and is typically used to infer formation lithology. The person(s) responsible for review, interpretation and application of the injection logging data should be familiar with the logging technique as well as the soils, geology and hydrogeology of the area under investigation.  
1.3 The injection logging system may be operated with a built in electrical conductivity sensor to provide additional real time information on stratigraphy and is essential for targeting test zones. Other sensors, such as fluorescence detectors (Practice D6187), a membrane interface probe (Practice D7352) or a cone penetration tool (Test Method D5778) may be used in conjunction with injection logging to provide additional information. The use of the injection logging tool in concert with an electrical conductivity array or cone penetration tool is highly recommended (although not mandatory) to further define hydrostratigraphic conditions, such as migration pathways, low permeability zones (for example, aquitards) and to guide confirmation sampling. The EC log and injection pressure log may be compared in some settings to identify the presence of ionic contaminants or ionic injectates used for remediation.  
1.4 The injection logging system does not provide quantitative permeability or hydraulic conductivity information. However, injection pressure and flow data may be used to provide a qualitative indication of formation permeability. Semi-quantitative values of permeability may be obtained by correlation of injection logging data with other methods (1-4).2 Also, a log of estimated hydraulic conductivity (5) may be calculated for the saturated zone using an empirical model included in some versions of the log viewing software. The data allows for estimates of hydraulic conductivity (K) at the inch-scale using the corrected injection pressure ...

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ASTM
ASTM D4959-16(Test Method)
Standard Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil By Direct Heating

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The water content of a soil is used throughout geotechnical engineering practice both in the laboratory and in the field. The use of Test Methods D2216 for water content determination can be time consuming and there are occasions when a more expedient method is desirable. Drying by direct heating is one such method. Results of this test method have been demonstrated to be of satisfactory accuracy for use in field control work, such as in the determination of water content, and in the determination of in-place dry unit weight of soils.  
5.2 The principal objection to the use of the direct heating for water content determination is the possibility of overheating the soil, thereby yielding a water content higher than would be determined by Test Methods D2216. While not eliminating this possibility, the incremental drying procedure in this test method will minimize its effects. Some heat sources have settings or controls that can also be used to reduce overheating. Loose fitting covers or enclosures can also be used to reduce overheating while assisting in uniform heat distribution.  
5.3 The behavior of a soil when subjected to direct heating is dependent on its mineralogical composition, and as a result, no one procedure is applicable for all types of soils or heat sources. The general procedure of this test method applies to all soils, but test details may need to be tailored to the soil being tested.  
5.4 When this test method is to be used repeatedly on the same or similar soil from a given site, a correction factor can usually be determined by making several comparisons between the results of this test method and Test Methods D2216. A correction factor is valid when the difference is consistent for several comparisons, and is reconfirmed on a regular specified basis.  
5.5 This test method may not be appropriate when precise results are required, or when minor variations in water content will affect the results of other test methods, such as borderline s...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers procedures for determining the water content of soils by drying with direct heat, such as using a hotplate, stove, blowtorch, and the like.  
1.2 This test method can be used as a substitute for Test Methods D2216 when more rapid results are desired to expedite other phases of testing and slightly less accurate results are acceptable.  
1.3 When questions of accuracy between this test method and Test Methods D2216 arise, Test Methods D2216 shall be the referee method.  
1.4 This test method is applicable for most soil types. For some soils, such as those containing significant amounts of halloysite, mica, montmorillonite, gypsum, or other hydrated materials, highly organic soils or soils that contain dissolved solids, (such as salt in the case of marine deposits), this test method may not yield reliable water content values due to the potential for heating above 110°C or lack of means to account for the presence of precipitated solids that were previously dissolved.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Performance of the test method utilizing another system of units shall not be considered non-conformance. The sieve designations are identified using the “standard” system in accordance with Specification E11, such as 2.0-mm and 19-mm, followed by the “alternative” system of No. 10 and 3/4-in., respectively, in parentheses.  
1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in D6026, unless otherwise superseded by this standard.  
1.6.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated, in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider...

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