ASTM D1557-12(2021)
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3 (2,700 kN-m/m3))
Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft<sup>3</sup> (2,700 kN-m/m<sup>3</sup>))
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Soil placed as engineering fill (embankments, foundation pads, road bases) is compacted to a dense state to obtain satisfactory engineering properties such as shear strength, compressibility, or permeability. In addition, foundation soils are often compacted to improve their engineering properties. Laboratory compaction tests provide the basis for determining the percent compaction and molding water content needed to achieve the required engineering properties, and for controlling construction to assure that the required compaction and water contents are achieved.
Note 3: The degree of soil compaction required to achieve the desired engineering properties is often specified as a percentage of the modified maximum dry unit weight as determined using this test method. If the required degree of compaction is substantially less than the modified maximum dry unit weight using this test method, it may be practicable for testing to be performed using Test Method and to specify the degree of compaction as a percentage of the standard maximum dry unit weight. Since more energy is applied for compaction using this test method, the soil particles are more closely packed than when D698 is used. The general overall result is a higher maximum dry unit weight, lower optimum moisture content, greater shear strength, greater stiffness, lower compressibility, lower air voids, and decreased permeability. However, for highly compacted fine-grained soils, absorption of water may result in swelling, with reduced shear strength and increased compressibility, reducing the benefits of the increased effort used for compaction (2). Use of D698, on the other hand, allows compaction using less effort and generally at a higher optimum moisture content. The compacted soil may be less brittle, more flexible, more permeable, and less subject to effects of swelling and shrinking. In many applications, building or construction codes may direct which test method, D698 or this one, should be used...
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover laboratory compaction methods used to determine the relationship between molding water content and dry unit weight of soils (compaction curve) compacted in a 4- or 6-in. (101.6- or 152.4-mm) diameter mold with a 10.00-lbf. (44.48-N) rammer dropped from a height of 18.00 in. (457.2 mm) producing a compactive effort of 56 000 ft-lbf/ft3 (2700 kN-m/m3).
Note 1: The equipment and procedures are the same as proposed by the U.S. Corps of Engineers in 1945. The modified effort test (see 3.1.3) is sometimes referred to as the Modified Proctor Compaction Test.
1.1.1 Soils and soil-aggregate mixtures are to be regarded as natural occurring fine- or coarse-grained soils, or composites or mixtures of natural soils, or mixtures of natural and processed soils or aggregates such as gravel or crushed rock. Hereafter referred to as either soil or material.
1.2 These test methods apply only to soils (materials) that have 30 % or less by mass of their particles retained on the 3/4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve and have not been previously compacted in the laboratory; that is, do not reuse compacted soil.
1.2.1 For relationships between unit weights and molding water contents of soils with 30 % or less by weight of material retained on the 3/4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve to unit weights and molding water contents of the fraction passing the 3/4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve, see Practice D4718/D4718M.
1.3 Three alternative methods are provided. The method used shall be as indicated in the specification for the material being tested. If no method is specified, the choice should be based on the material gradation.
1.3.1 Method A:
1.3.1.1 Mold—4-in. (101.6-mm) diameter.
1.3.1.2 Material—Passing No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve.
1.3.1.3 Layers—Five.
1.3.1.4 Blows per layer—25.
1.3.1.5 Usage—May be used if 25 % or less by mass of the material is retained on the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve. However, if 5 to 25 % by mass of the materi...
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D1557 −12 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Methods for
Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using
3 3 1
Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft (2,700 kN-m/m ))
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1557; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 1.3.1.4 Blows per layer—25.
1.3.1.5 Usage—May be used if 25% or less by mass of the
1.1 These test methods cover laboratory compaction meth-
material is retained on the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve. However, if
ods used to determine the relationship between molding water
5 to 25% by mass of the material is retained on the No. 4
content and dry unit weight of soils (compaction curve)
(4.75-mm) sieve, Method A can be used but oversize correc-
compactedina4-or6-in.(101.6-or152.4-mm)diametermold
tions will be required (See 1.4) and there are no advantages to
with a 10.00-lbf. (44.48-N) rammer dropped from a height of
using Method A in this case.
18.00 in. (457.2 mm) producing a compactive effort of 56 000
3 3 1.3.1.6 Other Use—If this gradation requirement cannot be
ft-lbf/ft (2700 kN-m/m ).
met, then Methods B or C may be used.
NOTE 1—The equipment and procedures are the same as proposed by
1.3.2 Method B:
the U.S. Corps of Engineers in 1945. The modified effort test (see 3.1.3)
1.3.2.1 Mold—4-in. (101.6-mm) diameter.
is sometimes referred to as the Modified Proctor Compaction Test.
1.3.2.2 Material—Passing ⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve.
1.1.1 Soilsandsoil-aggregatemixturesaretoberegardedas
1.3.2.3 Layers—Five.
naturaloccurringfine-orcoarse-grainedsoils,orcompositesor
1.3.2.4 Blows per layer—25.
mixtures of natural soils, or mixtures of natural and processed
1.3.2.5 Usage—May be used if 25% or less by mass of the
soils or aggregates such as gravel or crushed rock. Hereafter 3
material is retained on the ⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve. However, if
referred to as either soil or material.
5 to 25% of the material is retained on the ⁄8-in. (9.5-mm)
sieve, Method B can be used but oversize corrections will be
1.2 These test methods apply only to soils (materials) that
have 30% or less by mass of their particles retained on the required (See 1.4). In this case, the only advantages to using
⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve and have not been previously com- Method B rather than Method C are that a smaller amount of
sample is needed and the smaller mold is easier to use.
pacted in the laboratory; that is, do not reuse compacted soil.
1.2.1 For relationships between unit weights and molding 1.3.2.6 Other Usage—If this gradation requirement cannot
be met, then Method C may be used.
water contents of soils with 30% or less by weight of material
retained on the ⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve to unit weights and 1.3.3 Method C:
1.3.3.1 Mold—6-in. (152.4-mm) diameter.
molding water contents of the fraction passing the ⁄4-in.
(19.0-mm) sieve, see Practice D4718/D4718M. 1.3.3.2 Material—Passing ⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve.
1.3.3.3 Layers—Five.
1.3 Three alternative methods are provided. The method
1.3.3.4 Blows per layer—56.
used shall be as indicated in the specification for the material
1.3.3.5 Usage—May be used if 30% or less (see 1.4)by
being tested. If no method is specified, the choice should be
mass of the material is retained on the ⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve.
based on the material gradation.
1.3.4 The6-in.(152.4-mm)diametermoldshallnotbeused
1.3.1 Method A:
with Method A or B.
1.3.1.1 Mold—4-in. (101.6-mm) diameter.
1.3.1.2 Material—Passing No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve. NOTE 2—Results have been found to vary slightly when a material is
tested at the same compactive effort in different size molds, with the
1.3.1.3 Layers—Five.
smaller mold size typically yielding larger values of unit weight and
density (1).
1.4 If the test specimen contains more than 5% by mass of
ThesetestmethodsareunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoil
oversize fraction (coarse fraction) and the material will not be
and Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture,
Plasticity and Density Characteristics of Soils.
CurrenteditionapprovedJuly1,2021.PublishedJuly2021.Originallyapproved
in 1958. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D1557–12. DOI: 10.1520/ Theboldfacenumbersinparenthesesrefertothelistofreferencesattheendof
D1557-12R21. this standard.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D1557 − 12 (2021)
included in the test, corrections must be made to the unit tion. Users should be aware that selling mercury or mercury
weightandmoldingwatercontentofthetestspecimenortothe containing products or both into your state may be prohibited
appropriatefieldin-placeunitweight(ordensity)testspecimen by state law.
using Practice D4718/D4718M.
1.10 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.5 This test method will generally produce a well-defined
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
maximum dry unit weight for non-free draining soils. If this
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
test method is used for free-draining soils the maximum unit
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
weight may not be well defined, and can be less than obtained
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
using Test Methods D4253.
1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
2. Referenced Documents
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in 3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Practice D6026, unless superseded by these test methods.
C127Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
1.6.1 For purposes of comparing measured or calculated
and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated
C136/C136MTest Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and
value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant
Coarse Aggregates
digits in the specified limits.
C670Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
1.6.2 Theproceduresusedtospecifyhowdataarecollected/ for Test Methods for Construction Materials
recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the D653Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Fluids
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce- D698Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft (600
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider- kN-m/m ))
ations for the user’s objectives; it is common practice to D854Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be Water Pycnometer
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope D2168Practices for Calibration of Laboratory Mechanical-
of these test methods to consider significant digits used in Rammer Soil Compactors
analytical methods for engineering design. D2216Test Methods for Laboratory Determination ofWater
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
1.7 The values in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the
D2487Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering
standard. The values stated in SI units are provided for
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
information only, except for units of mass. The units for mass
D2488Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
are given in SI units only, g or kg.
(Visual-Manual Procedures)
1.7.1 It is common practice in the engineering profession to
D3740Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm)
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
and a force (lbf). This implicitly combines two separate
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravita-
D4220/D4220MPractices for Preserving and Transporting
tionalsystem.Itisscientificallyundesirabletocombinetheuse
Soil Samples
of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single
D4253Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit
standard. These test methods have been written using the
Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
gravitationalsystemofunitswhendealingwiththeinch-pound
D4718/D4718MPractice for Correction of Unit Weight and
system.Inthissystem,thepound(lbf)representsaunitofforce
Water Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles
(weight). However, the use of balances or scales recording
D4753Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
pounds of mass (lbm) or the recording of density in lbm/ft
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
shall not be regarded as a nonconformance with this standard.
Construction Materials Testing
D4914/D4914MTest Methods for Density of Soil and Rock
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
in Place by the Sand Replacement Method in a Test Pit
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
D5030/D5030MTest Methods for Density of In-Place Soil
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
and Rock Materials by the Water Replacement Method in
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
a Test Pit
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
D6026Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Re-
1.9 Warning—Mercury has been designated by EPA and
cords in Geotechnical Data
many state agencies as a hazardous material that can cause
D6913/D6913MTest Methods for Particle-Size Distribution
central nervous system, kidney, and liver damage. Mercury, or
its vapor, may be hazardous to health and corrosive to
materials.Cautionshouldbetakenwhenhandlingmercuryand
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
mercury containing products. See the applicable product Ma-
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
terial Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for details and EPA’s website
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
(http://www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm) for additional informa- the ASTM website.
D1557 − 12 (2021)
(Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis are often compacted to improve their engineering properties.
E11Specification forWovenWireTest Sieve Cloth andTest Laboratory compaction tests provide the basis for determining
Sieves the percent compaction and molding water content needed to
E319Practice for the Evaluation of Single-Pan Mechanical achievetherequiredengineeringproperties,andforcontrolling
Balances construction to assure that the required compaction and water
IEEE/ASTM SI 10Standard for Use of the International contents are achieved.
System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
NOTE3—Thedegreeofsoilcompactionrequiredtoachievethedesired
engineering properties is often specified as a percentage of the modified
3. Terminology
maximum dry unit weight as determined using this test method. If the
required degree of compaction is substantially less than the modified
3.1 Definitions:
maximumdryunitweightusingthistestmethod,itmaybepracticablefor
3.1.1 See Terminology D653 for general definitions.
testing to be performed using Test Method and to specify the degree of
3.1.2 molding water content, n—the water content of the
compaction as a percentage of the standard maximum dry unit weight.
soil (material) specimen in the mold after it has been reconsti-
Since more energy is applied for compaction using this test method, the
tuted and compacted. soil particles are more closely packed than when D698 is used. The
general overall result is a higher maximum dry unit weight, lower
3.1.3 modified effort—in compaction testing, the term for
optimum moisture content, greater shear strength, greater stiffness, lower
3 3
the56000ft-lbf/ft (2700kN-m/m )compactiveeffortapplied
compressibility,lowerairvoids,anddecreasedpermeability.However,for
by the equipment and methods of this test. highly compacted fine-grained soils, absorption of water may result in
swelling, with reduced shear strength and increased compressibility,
3.1.4 modified maximum dry unit weight, γ (lbf/ft
d,max
reducing the benefits of the increased effort used for compaction (2). Use
(kN/m ))—in compaction testing, the maximum value defined
of D698, on the other hand, allows compaction using less effort and
by the compaction curve for a compaction test using modified
generally at a higher optimum moisture content. The compacted soil may
be less brittle, more flexible, more permeable, and less subject to effects
effort.
of swelling and shrinking. In many applications, building or construction
3.1.5 modified optimum water content, w (%)—in com-
opt
codes may direct which test method, D698 or this one, should be used
paction testing, the water content at which the soil can be
when specifying the comparison of laboratory test results to the degree of
compaction of the in-place soil in the field.
compacted to the maximum dry unit weight using modified
compactive effort.
5.2 Duringdesignofanengineeredfill,testingperformedto
determine shear, consolidation, permeability, or other proper-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 oversize fraction (coarse fraction), P (%)—the por- ties requires test specimens to be prepared by compacting the
C
soil at a prescribed molding water content to obtain a prede-
tion of total specimen not used in performing the compaction
test;itmaybetheportionoftotalspecimenretainedontheNo. termined unit weight. It is common practice to first determine
the optimum water content (w ) and maximum dry unit
4 (4.75-mm) sieve in Method A, ⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve in
opt
Method B, or ⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve in Method C. weight (γ ) by means of a compaction test. Test specimens
dmax
are compacted at a selected molding water content (w), either
3.2.2 test fraction (finer fraction), P (%)—the portion of
F
wet or dry of optimum (w ) or at optimum (w ), and at a
opt opt
the total specimen used in performing the compaction test; it
selected dry unit weight related to a percentage of maximum
may be fraction passing the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve in Method
dryu
...
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