ASTM D4914-99
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Density of Soil and Rock in Place by the Sand Replacement Method in a Test Pit
Standard Test Methods for Density of Soil and Rock in Place by the Sand Replacement Method in a Test Pit
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
These test methods are used to determine the in-place unit weight of compacted materials in construction of earth embankments, road fills, and structure backfill. For construction control, these test methods are often used as the bases for acceptance of material compacted to a specified unit weight or to a percentage of a maximum unit weight determined by a standard laboratory test method (such as determined from Test Method D 698 or D 1557), subject to the limitations discussed in 1.4.
These test methods can be used to determine the in-place unit weight of natural soil deposits, aggregates, soil mixtures, or other similar material.
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 these test methods are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself ensure reliable results. Reliable results depends on many factors; Practice D 3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the in-place density and unit weight of soil and rock using a pouring device and calibrated sand to determine the volume of a test pit. The word "rock" in these test methods is used to imply that the material being tested will typically contain particles larger than 3 in. (75 mm).
1.2 These test methods are best suited for test pits with a volume of from 1 to 6 ft (0.03 and 0.17 m ). In general, the materials tested would have a maximum particle size of 3 to 5 in. (75 to 125 mm).
1.2.1 These test methods may be used for larger sized excavations if desirable. However, for larger sized excavations, Test Method D5030 is preferred.
1.2.2 Test Method D1556 or D2167 are usually used to determine the volume of test holes smaller than 1 ft (0.03 m ). While the equipment illustrated in these test methods is used for volumes less than 1 ft (0.03 m ), the test methods allow larger versions of the equipment to be used when necessary.
1.3 Two test methods are provided as follows:
1.3.1 Test Method A -In-Place Density and Unit Weight of Total Material (Section 9).
1.3.2 Test Method B -In-Place Density and Unit Weight of Control Fraction (Section 10).
1.4 Selection of Test Methods:
1.4.1 Test Method A is used when the in-place unit weight of total material is to be determined. Test Method A can also be used to determine percent compaction or percent relative density when the maximum particle size present in the in-place material being tested does not exceed the maximum particle size allowed in the laboratory compaction test (refer to Test Methods D698, D1557, D4253, and D4254). For Test Methods D698 and D1557 only, the unit weight determined in the laboratory compaction test may be corrected for larger particle sizes in accordance with, and subject to the limitations of Practice D4718.
1.4.2 Test Method B is used when percent compaction or percent relative density is to be determined and the in-place material contains particles larger than the maximum particle size allowed in the laboratory compaction test or when Practice D4718 is not applicable for the laboratory compaction test. Then the material is considered to consist of two fractions, or portions. The material from the in-place unit weight test is physically divided into a control fraction and an oversize fraction based on a designated sieve size. The unit weight of the control fraction is calculated and compared with the unit weight(s) established by the laboratory compaction test(s).
1.4.2.1 Because of possible lower densities created when there is particle interference (see Practice D4718), the percent compaction of the control fraction should not be assumed to represent the percent compacti...
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Designation: D 4914 – 99
Standard Test Methods for
Density of Soil and Rock in Place by the Sand Replacement
1
Method in a Test Pit
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4914; 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 * 1.4.2 Test Method B is used when percent compaction or
percent relative density is to be determined and the in-place
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the
material contains particles larger than the maximum particle
in-place density and unit weight of soil and rock using a
sizeallowedinthelaboratorycompactiontestorwhenPractice
pouring device and calibrated sand to determine the volume of
D 4718 is not applicable for the laboratory compaction test.
a test pit. The word “rock’’ in these test methods is used to
Then the material is considered to consist of two fractions, or
imply that the material being tested will typically contain
portions. The material from the in-place unit weight test is
particles larger than 3 in. (75 mm).
physically divided into a control fraction and an oversize
1.2 These test methods are best suited for test pits with a
3 3
fraction based on a designated sieve size. The unit weight of
volume of from 1 to 6 ft (0.03 and 0.17 m ). In general, the
the control fraction is calculated and compared with the unit
materials tested would have a maximum particle size of 3 to 5
weight(s) established by the laboratory compaction test(s).
in. (75 to 125 mm).
1.4.2.1 Because of possible lower densities created when
1.2.1 These test methods may be used for larger sized
there is particle interference (see Practice D 4718), the percent
excavationsifdesirable.However,forlargersizedexcavations,
compaction of the control fraction should not be assumed to
Test Method D 5030 is preferred.
represent the percent compaction of the total material in the
1.2.2 Test Method D 1556 or D 2167 are usually used to
3 3
field.
determine the volume of test holes smaller than 1 ft (0.03 m ).
1.4.3 Normally, the control fraction is the minus No. 4 sieve
While the equipment illustrated in these test methods is used
3 3
size material for cohesive or nonfree draining materials and the
for volumes less than 1 ft (0.03 m ), the test methods allow
minus 3-in. sieve size material for cohesionless, free-draining
larger versions of the equipment to be used when necessary.
materials. While other sizes are used for the control fraction
1.3 Two test methods are provided as follows:
3 3
( ⁄8, ⁄4-in.), these test methods have been prepared using only
1.3.1 Test Method A—In-Place Density and Unit Weight of
the No. 4 and the 3-in. sieve sizes for clarity.
Total Material (Section 9).
1.5 Any materials that can be excavated with handtools can
1.3.2 Test Method B—In-Place Density and Unit Weight of
be tested provided that the void or pore openings in the mass
Control Fraction (Section 10).
are small enough (or a liner is used) to prevent the calibrated
1.4 Selection of Test Methods:
sand used in the test from entering the natural voids. The
1.4.1 Test Method A is used when the in-place unit weight
materialbeingtestedshouldhavesufficientcohesionorparticle
of total material is to be determined.Test MethodAcan also be
interlocking to maintain stable sides during excavation of the
used to determine percent compaction or percent relative
test pit and through completion of this test. It should also be
density when the maximum particle size present in the in-place
firm enough not to deform or slough due to the minor pressures
material being tested does not exceed the maximum particle
exerted in digging the hole and pouring the sand.
size allowed in the laboratory compaction test (refer to Test
1.6 These test methods are generally limited to material in
Methods D 698, D 1557, D 4253, and D 4254). For Test
an unsaturated condition and are not recommended for mate-
MethodsD 698andD 1557only,theunitweightdeterminedin
rials that are soft or friable (crumble easily) or in a moisture
the laboratory compaction test may be corrected for larger
condition such that water seeps into the hand-excavated hole.
particle sizes in accordance with, and subject to the limitations
The accuracy of the test methods may be affected for materials
of Practice D 4718.
that deform easily or that may undergo volume change in the
excavated hole from standing or walking near the hole during
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on
the test.
Soil and Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 on Special
1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regar
...
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