ASTM D4914-08
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Density and Unit Weight of Soil and Rock in Place by the Sand Replacement Method in a Test Pit
Standard Test Methods for Density and Unit Weight 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 density 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 density 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 density of natural soil deposits, aggregates, soil mixtures, or other similar material.
Note 1—Notwithstanding the statements on precision and bias contained in this test method, the precision of this test method 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. Users of these test methods are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself ensure reliable results. Reliable testing 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 from 0.03 to 0.17 m3 (1 to 6 ft3). In general, the materials tested would have a maximum particle size of 75 to 125 mm (3 to 5 in.).
1.2.1 These test methods may be used for larger sized excavations if desirable. However, for larger sized excavations, Test Method D 5030 is preferred.
1.2.2 Test Method D 1556 or D 2167 are usually used to determine the volume of test holes smaller than 0.03 m3 (1 ft3). While the equipment illustrated in these test methods is used for volumes less than 0.03 m3 (1 ft3), 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 D 698, D 1557, D 4253, and D 4254). For Test Methods D 698 and D 1557 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 D 4718.
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 D 4718 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 D 4718), the percent compaction of the control fraction should not ...
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Designation: D4914 − 08
StandardTest Methods for
Density and Unit Weight of Soil and Rock in Place by the
1
Sand Replacement Method in a Test Pit
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4914; 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* laboratory compaction test may be corrected for larger particle
sizes in accordance with, and subject to the limitations of
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the
Practice D4718.
in-place density and unit weight of soil and rock using a
1.4.2 Test Method B is used when percent compaction or
pouring device and calibrated sand to determine the volume of
percent relative density is to be determined and the in-place
a test pit. The word “rock’’ in these test methods is used to
material contains particles larger than the maximum particle
imply that the material being tested will typically contain
sizeallowedinthelaboratorycompactiontestorwhenPractice
particles larger than 3 in. (75 mm).
D4718 is not applicable for the laboratory compaction test.
1.2 These test methods are best suited for test pits with a
Then the material is considered to consist of two fractions, or
3 3
volume from 0.03 to 0.17 m (1 to 6 ft ). In general, the
portions. The material from the in-place unit weight test is
materials tested would have a maximum particle size of 75 to
physically divided into a control fraction and an oversize
125 mm (3 to 5 in.).
fraction based on a designated sieve size. The unit weight of
the control fraction is calculated and compared with the unit
1.2.1 These test methods may be used for larger sized
excavationsifdesirable.However,forlargersizedexcavations, weight(s) established by the laboratory compaction test(s).
Test Method D5030 is preferred. 1.4.2.1 Because of possible lower densities created when
there is particle interference (see Practice D4718), the percent
1.2.2 Test Method D1556 or D2167 are usually used to
3 3
compaction of the control fraction should not be assumed to
determine the volume of test holes smaller than 0.03 m (1 ft ).
represent the percent compaction of the total material in the
While the equipment illustrated in these test methods is used
3 3
field.
for volumes less than 0.03 m (1 ft ), the test methods allow
1.4.3 Normally, the control fraction is the minus No. 4 sieve
larger versions of the equipment to be used when necessary.
size material for cohesive or nonfree draining materials and the
1.3 Two test methods are provided as follows:
minus 3-in. sieve size material for cohesionless, free-draining
1.3.1 Test Method A—In-Place Density and Unit Weight of
materials. While other sizes are used for the control fraction
Total Material (Section 9).
3 3
( ⁄8, ⁄4-in.), these test methods have been prepared using only
1.3.2 Test Method B—In-Place Density and Unit Weight of
the No. 4 and the 3-in. sieve sizes for clarity.
Control Fraction (Section 10).
1.5 Any materials that can be excavated with hand tools can
1.4 Selection of Test Methods: be tested provided that the void or pore openings in the mass
are small enough (or a liner is used) to prevent the calibrated
1.4.1 Test Method A is used when the in-place unit weight
sand used in the test from entering the natural voids. The
of total material is to be determined.Test MethodAcan also be
materialbeingtestedshouldhavesufficientcohesionorparticle
used to determine percent compaction or percent relative
interlocking to maintain stable sides during excavation of the
density when the maximum particle size present in the in-place
test pit and through completion of this test. It should also be
material being tested does not exceed the maximum particle
firmenoughnottodeformorsloughduetotheminorpressures
size allowed in the laboratory compaction test (refer to Test
exerted in digging the hole and pouring the sand.
Methods D698, D1557, D4253, and D4254). ForTest Methods
D698 and D1557 only, the unit weight determined in the
1.6 These test methods are generally limited to material in
an unsaturated condition and are not recommended for mate-
rials that are soft or friable (crumble easily) or in a moisture
1
condition such that water seeps into the hand-excavated hole.
These test methods are under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil
and Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 on Special and
The accuracy of the test methods may be affected for materials
Construction Control Tests.
that deform easily or that may undergo volume change in the
Current edition approved March 1, 2008. Published March 2008. Originally
excavated hole from standing or
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:D4914–99 Designation: D 4914 – 08
Standard Test Methods for
Density and Unit Weight of Soil and Rock in Place by the
1
Sand Replacement 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*
1.1 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).
3 3
1.2 These test methods are best suited for test pits with a volume of from 10.03 to 6 ft0.17 m (0.03 and 0.17 m(1 to 6 ft ). In
general, the materials tested would have a maximum particle size of 375 to 5 in. (75125 mm (3 to 125 mm). 5 in.).
1.2.1 These test methods may be used for larger sized excavations if desirable. However, for larger sized excavations, Test
Method D 5030 is preferred.
3
1.2.2 Test Method D 1556 or D 2167 are usually used to determine the volume of test holes smaller than 1 ft0.03 m (0.03 m(1
3 3 3
ft ).While the equipment illustrated in these test methods is used for volumes less than 1 ft0.03 m (0.03 m(1 ft ), 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 MethodAis used when the in-place unit weight of total material is to be determined.Test MethodAcan 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 toTest Methods D 698, D 1557,
D 4253, and D 4254). ForTest Methods D 698 and D 1557 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 D 4718.
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 D 4718 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 D 4718), the percent
compaction of the control fraction should not be assumed to represent the percent compaction of the total material in the field.
1.4.3 Normally, the control fraction is the minus No. 4 sieve size material for cohesive or nonfree draining materials and the
3
minus 3-in. sieve size material for cohesionless, free-draining materials. While other sizes are used for the control fraction ( , ⁄8,
3
⁄4-in.), these test methods have been prepared using only the No. 4 and the 3-in. sieve sizes for clarity.
1.5 Any materials that can be excavated with hand tools can be tested provided that the void or pore openings in the mass are
small enough (or a liner is used) to prevent the calibrated sand used in the test from entering the natural voids. The material being
tested should have sufficient cohesion or particle interlocking to maintain stable sides during excavation of the test pit and through
completion of this test. It should also be firm enough not to deform or slough due to the minor pressures exerted in digging the
hole and pouring the sand.
1.6 These test methods are generally limited to material in an unsaturated condition and are not recommended for materials that
are soft or friable (crumble easily) or in a moisture condition such that water seeps into the hand-excavated hole. Th
...
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