ASTM D4564-93
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Sleeve Method
Standard Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Sleeve Method
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the density of soil in place by the sleeve method.
1.2 The sleeve method of determining the density of soil in place is used for cohesionless, granular soils for which other methods of determining the density (sand cone, test pit, and the like) may not be practical. Typically, the sleeve method is applicable for soils that are predominantly fine gravel size, with a maximum of 5% fines, and a maximum particle size of 3/4 in. (19.0 mm). Note 1-There have been other methods developed for testing cohesionless soils. Compared to other methods, this procedure is convenient for field construction control testing because smaller and lighter equipment is used and the test can be performed in a smaller area.
1.3 A calibration equation is necessary in the application of this test method to obtain a reliable value of the in-place density of the soil (see Annex A1). The calibration equation is used to calculate the density of the soil in place from the mass of dry soil per inch of test hole measured by the sleeve method.
1.3.1 The calibration equation is predetermined for a particular soil type that is to be tested. When the soil changes significantly in either gradation or particle angularity, the calibration equation may have to be adjusted or redefined before the sleeve method can be used.
1.3.2 There may be certain soils meeting the general description in 1.2 for which a calibration equation may not be appropriate due to unsatisfactory correlation of the data. The sleeve method would not be applicable for these soils.
1.3.3 There may be certain soils meeting the description in 1.2 for which the calibration equation may be applicable only for a certain range of densities. The sleeve method will give reliable values of the density in place only within that range of densities.
1.4 It is common practice in the engineering profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and a unit of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two separate systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravitational system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single standard. This standard has been written using the gravitational system of units when dealing with the inch-pound system. In this system the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight). However, the use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm), or the recording of density in lbm/ft should not be regarded as nonconformance with this test method.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, 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
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Standards Content (Sample)
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Designation: D 4564 – 93
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS
100 Barr Harbor Dr., West Conshohocken, PA 19428
Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Copyright ASTM
Standard Test Method for
Density of Soil in Place by the Sleeve Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4564; 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 standard. This standard has been written using the gravitational
system of units when dealing with the inch-pound system. In
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the density
this system the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight).
of soil in place by the sleeve method.
However, the use of balances or scales recording pounds of
1.2 The sleeve method of determining the density of soil in
mass (lbm), or the recording of density in lbm/ft should not be
place is used for cohesionless, granular soils for which other
regarded as nonconformance with this test method.
methods of determining the density (sand cone, test pit, and the
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
like) may not be practical. Typically, the sleeve method is
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the
applicable for soils that are predominantly fine gravel size,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
with a maximum of 5 % fines, and a maximum particle size of
3 priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
⁄4 in. (19.0 mm).
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
NOTE 1—There have been other methods developed for testing cohe-
sionless soils. Compared to other methods, this procedure is convenient
2. Referenced Documents
for field construction control testing because smaller and lighter equip-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ment is used and the test can be performed in a smaller area.
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
1.3 A calibration equation is necessary in the application of 2
Fluids
this test method to obtain a reliable value of the in-place
D 2216 Method for Laboratory Determination of Water
density of the soil (see Annex A1). The calibration equation is
(Moisture) Content of Soil, Rock, and Soil-Aggregate
used to calculate the density of the soil in place from the mass
Mixtures
of dry soil per inch of test hole measured by the sleeve method.
D 4253 Test Methods for Maximum Index Density of Soils
1.3.1 The calibration equation is predetermined for a par-
Using a Vibratory Table
ticular soil type that is to be tested. When the soil changes
D 4254 Test Methods for Minimum Index Density of Soils
significantly in either gradation or particle angularity, the 2
and Calculation of Relative Density
calibration equation may have to be adjusted or redefined
D 4753 Specification for Evaluating, Selecting, and Speci-
before the sleeve method can be used.
fying Balances and Scales for Use in Soil, Rock, and
1.3.2 There may be certain soils meeting the general de- 2
Construction Material Testing
scription in 1.2 for which a calibration equation may not be
E 11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur-
appropriate due to unsatisfactory correlation of the data. The 3
poses
sleeve method would not be applicable for these soils.
1.3.3 There may be certain soils meeting the description in 3. Terminology
1.2 for which the calibration equation may be applicable only
3.1 Definitions—Except as listed below, all definitions are
for a certain range of densities. The sleeve method will give
in accordance with Terminology D 653.
reliable values of the density in place only within that range of
3.1.1 gravel—particles of rock that will pass a 3-in. (75-
densities.
mm) sieve and be retained on a No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve.
1.4 It is common practice in the engineering profession to
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm)
3.2.1 calibration equation—relationship between the den-
and a unit of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two separate
sity of a soil in place and the mass of dry soil per inch of test
systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravita-
hole, using the sleeve method. A linear relationship between
tional system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use
the two values is assumed.
of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 In this test method, the density is determined by working
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on Soil
a metal sleeve into the soil to be tested, removing the soil
and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 on Special and
Construction Control Tests.
Current edition approved Sept. 15, 1993. Published November 1993. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
published as D 4564 – 86. Last previous edition D 4564 – 86. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 4564
within the sleeve, and determining the dry mass of soil 7.2.1 Rotate the sleeve into the soil in a clockwise direction
removed per linear inch of the depth of the excavation within only.
the sleeve. The mass per inch is related to the dry density of the 7.2.2 The sleeve advancement into the soil must follow the
in-place material using a calibration equation that has been penetration sequence (one-half length of sleeve, three-fourths
predetermined for the particular soil being tested. length of sleeve, etc.) determined in the calibration procedure.
7.2.3 The sleeve penetration into the soil should be perpen-
5. Significance and Use
dicular to the baseplate with as little variation as possible.
5.1 This test method is used to determine the density of
7.2.4 Soil should never be excavated from below the lead-
cohesionless soil used in the construction of earth embank- ing edge of the sleeve.
ments and roadfills, or of cohesionless soils used for structure
NOTE 2—Since this test is sensitive to procedural techniques, operator
backfill, bedding and backfill for pipe, or filters. This test
experience in performing in-place density tests is desirable. Trial deter-
method is used as the basis for acceptance of soils compacted
minations should be performed before using the test procedure as a basis
to a specified density or to a specified relative density.
of acceptance for construction control.
5.2 This test method may be useful in determining the
7.3 Test results are not direct. A calibration equation must be
density of cohesionless soils in a confined or limited space
applied to the mass of dry soil per inch of test hole to arrive at
since this test method requires less working area than other
the in-place dry density.
methods.
7.4 The sleeve(s) should be checked periodically for wear
5.3 A predetermined calibration equation is necessary to use
(see 8.2.3). If the cutting edge has become dull or damaged, it
this procedure (see Annex A1). It is assumed there is a linear
may be repaired if the angle and length of the bevel is
relationship between the density in place and the mass of dry
maintained.
soil per inch of test hole measured by the sleeve method. This
8. Calibration
may not be true for certain soils or the linear relationship may
8.1 Determine the calibration equation in accordance with
exist only for a particular range of densities.
Annex A1.
6. Apparatus
8.2 Calibration of the Sleeve:
6.1 Sleeve Apparatus—The sleeve apparatus shall consist of 8.2.1 Using either a vernier caliper or inside micrometer
caliper, determine the inside diameter of the sleeve just above
a sleeve baseplate, sleeve, measurement plate, and driver. The
apparatus shall conform to the requirements shown in Fig. 1. the beveled edge in three locations spaced equally around the
circumference of the sleeve. If any two measurements differ by
6.2 Balances—For determining the moisture content, a
balance or scale having a minimum capacity of about 1000 g 0.10 in. (2.5 mm), the sleeve is out of round and should not be
used. Repeat this procedure after every 100 tests.
and meeting the requirements of Specification D 4753 for a
balance for 0.1-g readability. For the in-place density determi- 8.2.2 If more than one sleeve is to be used to determine the
calibration equation or for measuring the in-place density, the
nation and development of the calibration equation, the bal-
ances or scales used must conform to the requirements and diameter measurements for the sleeves shall not differ more
than 0.05 in. (1.3 mm). There should be some control over the
principles of Specification D 4753.
6.3 Drying Equipment—An oven, in accordance with amount of the bevel on sleeves that are going to be used
Method D 2216, for drying moisture content samples, and interchangeably.
8.2.3 If from wear, a diameter measurement shows a 0.05-
assorted dishes and pans.
6.4 Miscellaneous Equipment—A shovel, for preparing test in. (1.3-mm) difference from the initial measurement, the
sleeve(s) should either not be used or a new calibration
surface; nails and hammer for securing sleeve baseplate;
scoops and spoons for digging test hole; buckets with lids or equation should be determined. New sleeves shall have diam-
eter measurements within 0.05 in. of the sleeves used to
other suitable containers for retaining the density sample
without moisture loss; a trisquare or machinist’s square for determine the calibration equation.
8.2.4 Each sleeve shall be permanently identified with some
measuring the depth of the density hole; and a vernier caliper
or inside micrometer caliper to measure the diameter of the type of marking on the sleeve.
sleeve.
9. Procedure
9.1 Prepare a smooth, level working area (Note 3). Place the
7. Technical Considerations
baseplate on the designated area, making sure there are no air
7.1 Consistency in the gradation and particle angularity of
gaps underneath, and nail into place.
the soil being tested is critical to the test. Redetermining the
calibration equation may be required if changes in material NOTE 3—The working area may need to be at a sufficient depth below
the surface of the soil to avoid material possibly disturbed by surface
gradation or particle angularity, or both, occur. The person
traffic.
performing the test must be aware of the characteristics of the
soil used to determine the calibration equation and evaluate 9.1.1 Take care throughout the test procedure not to apply
whether or not the soil being tested is significantly different. pressure on the soil surface adjacent to the baseplate which
7.2 The test is operator sensitive. If accurate test results are could possibly disturb the in-place condition of the soil.
to be achieved, strict adherence to the procedures set forth in Construction or other activity should be stopped in the vicinity
this test method is crucial. In particular, there must be of the test to avoid disturbance of the soil by either pressure or
adherence to the following techniques: vibration.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 4564
FIG. 1 Density Sleeve Apparatus
9.2 Place the beveled edge of the sleeve on the soil surface mark placed on the inside of the sleeve, approximately 1 in. (25
inside the hole in the baseplate. Place the driver on the sleeve. mm) above the leading edge, can be a very useful reference.
Slowly rotate the sleeve in a clockwise direction while pushing Continue rotating and advancing the sleeve and extracting
the sleeve into the soil in the exact penetration sequence material in the sequence determined in the calibration proce-
determined in the calibration procedure (see Annex A1). The dure until the driver rests evenly on the baseplate. Never
sleeve penetration into the soil should be perpendicular to the extract material below the leading edge of the sleeve.
baseplate with as little variation as possible. 9.4 As the full depth of extraction of soil is approached,
9.3 Remove the driver and extract material from inside the flatten the bottom of the hole as much as possible while
sleeve, being careful not to disturb soil below the leading edge extracting the soil.
of the sleeve. Place the extracted soil in a moisture-proof 9.5 Seal the container with the excavated soil to preserve the
container, keeping the container closed as much as possible. A in-place moisture content.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D 4564
9.6 Place the measurement plate on the soil at the bottom of
w 5 moisture content of material from test hole, %,
f
the hole and rotate gently to seat the plate. Lift the measure-
m 5 wet mass of moisture sample, g or lb,
ment plate and inspect the bottom of the hole for surface
m 5 dry mass of moisture sample, g or lb,
irregularities. After inspecting and smoothing the surface, if m 5 wet mass of the material from the test hole, lb (g), and
m 5 dry mass of the material from the test hole, lb (g).
necessary, gently reseat the plate. Measure and record the depth
10.3 Calculate the mass of dry soil per inch of test hole as
of the hole from the top of the measurement plate to the top of
the baseplate using the trisquare or machinist’s square. Perform follows:
the measurement four times, once at each keystock on the
M 5 m /D (3)
4 a
sleeve. Two measurements, 180° apart, are all that is necessary
where:
to determine the average depth of the hole; however, since the
M 5 mass of dry soil per inch of test hole, lb/in. (g/mm),
depth measurement is critical, the other two measurements
m 5 dry mass of the material from test hole, lb (g), and
provide a useful check.
D 5 average depth of hole, in. (mm).
a
9.7 Calculate the average depth of the hole using the
10.4 Calculate the in-place dry density using the calibration
measurements at two opposite keystocks. Calculate the average
equation determined in accordance with Annex A1, as follows:
depth measured at the other two keystocks. If the two average
depth values are not within 0.05 in. (1.3 mm) of each other, in2place dry density 5 ~S· M! 1 Y (4)
remeasure the depths. For calculations, use the first two
where:
measurements. It ma
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