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ASTM D4944-04

(Test Method)

Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester

Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
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.  
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.  
This test method requires specimens consisting of soil having all particles smaller than the No. 4 sieve size.  
This test method may not be as accurate as other accepted methods such as Test Method D 2216. 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.  
Note 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D 3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
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 D 2216; 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 D 2216 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 D 2216 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 D 2216 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 No. 4 Standard sieve size.
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, 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 regulator...

General Information

Status
Historical
Publication Date
30-Jun-2004
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

Replaces
ASTM D4944-98 - Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester Method
Effective Date
01-Jul-2004
Replaced By
ASTM D4944-11 - Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester
Effective Date
01-Nov-2011
Referred By
ASTM D1556/D1556M-15e1 - Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by Sand-Cone Method
Effective Date
01-Jul-2004
Referred By
ASTM D2937-17e2 - Standard Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Drive-Cylinder Method
Effective Date
01-Jul-2004
Referred By
ASTM D3839-14(2019) - Standard Guide for Underground Installation of “Fiberglass” (Glass-Fiber Reinforced Thermosetting-Resin) Pipe
Effective Date
01-Jul-2004
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
01-Jul-2004
Referred By
ASTM D8064-16 - Standard Test Method for Elemental Analysis of Soil and Solid Waste by Monochromatic Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry Using Multiple Monochromatic Excitation Beams
Effective Date
01-Jul-2004
Referred By
ASTM D7698-21 - Standard Test Method for In-Place Estimation of Density and Water Content of Soil and Aggregate by Correlation with Complex Impedance Method
Effective Date
01-Jul-2004
Referred By
ASTM D2216-19 - Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
Effective Date
01-Jul-2004
Referred By
ASTM F1668-16(2022) - Standard Guide for Construction Procedures for Buried Plastic Pipe
Effective Date
01-Jul-2004
Referred By
ASTM D7830/D7830M-14(2021)e1 - Standard Test Method for In-Place Density (Unit Weight) and Water Content of Soil Using an Electromagnetic Soil Density Gauge
Effective Date
01-Jul-2004
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
01-Jul-2004
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
01-Jul-2004
Referred By
ASTM D2167-15 - Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Rubber Balloon Method
Effective Date
01-Jul-2004

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ASTM D4944-04 - Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure TesterASTM D4944-04 - Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester
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ASTM D4944-04 - Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester
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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:D4944–04
Standard Test Method for
Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by
1
the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4944; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.1 Thistestmethodoutlinesproceduresfordeterminingthe
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
water (moisture) content of soil by chemical reaction using
hazards statements, see Section 7.
calcium carbide as a reagent to react with the available water
in the soil producing a gas. A measurement is made of the gas
2. Referenced Documents
pressure produced when a specified mass of wet or moist soil
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
is placed in a testing device with an appropriate volume of
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
reagent and mixed.
Fluids
1.2 This test method is not intended as a replacement for
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Wa-
TestMethodD2216;butasasupplementwhenrapidresultsare
ter (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
required, when testing is done in field locations, or where an
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
oven is not practical for use. Test Method D2216 is to be used
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
as the test method to compare for accuracy checks and
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
correction.
E11 SpecificationforWovenWireTestSieveClothandTest
1.3 This test method is applicable for most soils. Calcium
Sieves
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
3. Terminology
the apparatus. To produce accurate results, the reagent must
3.1 Definitions of terms used in this test method can be
react with all the water which is not chemically hydrated with
found in Terminology D653.
soil minerals or compounds in the soil. Some highly plastic
clay soils or other soils not friable enough to break up may not
4. Summary of Test Method
produce representative results because some of the water may
4.1 Ameasuredvolumeofcalciumcarbide,inexcessofthat
be trapped inside soil clods or clumps which cannot come in
neededtoreactwiththewater,isplacedinthetestingapparatus
contact with the reagent. There may be some soils containing
along with two steel balls and a representative specimen of soil
certain compounds or chemicals that will react unpredictably
havingallparticlessmallerthantheNo.4sievesizeandhaving
with the reagent and give erroneous results.Any such problem
a mass equal to that specified by the manufacturer of the
will become evident as calibration or check tests with Test
instrument or equipment. The apparatus is shaken vigorously
Method D2216 are made. Some soils containing compounds or
in a rotating motion so the calcium carbide reagent can contact
minerals that dehydrate with heat (such as gypsum) which are
all the available water in the soil. Acetylene gas is produced
to have special temperature control with Test Method D2216
proportionally to the amount of available water present. The
may not be affected (dehydrated) in this test method.
apparent water content is read from a pressure gage on the
1.4 This test method is limited to using calcium carbide
apparatus calibrated to read in percent water content for the
moisture test equipment made for 20 g, or larger, soil speci-
mass of soil specified.
mens and to testing soil which contains particles no larger than
4.2 Acalibrationcurveisdevelopedforeachinstrumentand
the No. 4 Standard sieve size.
each soil type by plotting the pressure gage reading and the
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
water content determined from Test Method D2216 using
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
representative specimens of the soil. The calibration curve is
1
This test method is underthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 on Special and
2
Construction Control Tests. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved July 1, 2004. Published July 2004. Originally approved contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
in 1989. Last previous edition approved in 1998 as D4944 – 98. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
D4944-04. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of
...

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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The soil permittivity probe is used for the following purposes:  
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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.  
1.1.1 For limitations see Section 6 on Interferences.  
1.2 The permittivity probe is inserted into a hole drilled or punched into the soil being measured. As its name indicates, the probe measures the dielectric permittivity of the soil into which it is placed. Two electrodes, connected to an oscillating circuit, are mounted a predetermined distance apart. These electrodes act as the plates of a capacitor, with the soil between the plates forming the capacitor dielectric.  
1.2.1 The probe circuit creates an oscillating electric field in the soil. Changes in the dielectric permittivity of the soil are indicated by changes in the circuit’s operating frequency. Since water has a much higher dielectric constant (80) than the surrounding soil (typically around 4), the water content can be related by a mathematical function to the change in dielectric permittivity, and, consequently, the changes in the circuit’s operating frequency.  
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ASTM D4944-18(Test Method)
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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SCOPE
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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ASTM
ASTM D4643-17(Test Method)
Standard Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil and Rock by Microwave Oven 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 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.  
5.2 The principal objection to the use of the microwave oven for water-content determination has been the possibility of overheating the soil, thereby yielding a water content higher than would be determined by Test Method D2216. While not eliminating this possibility, the incremental drying procedure described in this test method will minimize its effects. Some microwave ovens have settings at less than full power, which can also be used to reduce overheating.  
5.3 The behavior of a soil, when subjected to microwave energy, is dependent on its mineralogical compositions, and as a result no one procedure is applicable for all types of soil. Therefore, the procedure recommended in this test method is meant to serve as a guide when using the microwave oven.  
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 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 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 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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