ASTM D4381/D4381M-22

Standard Test Method for Sand Content by Volume of Construction Slurries

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is used to determine the percentage of sand by volume in construction slurry. The significance of this test method mainly relates to construction slurries used for concrete wall and drilled piers construction. The range of measurement is too limited for use in applications where the sand content is intended to be greater than 20 %, such as in the cases of cement bentonite or soil bentonite walls.  
5.2 A high sand content in the construction slurry is abrasive for construction plant such as pumps, and is furthermore adverse to the formation of a filter cake in applications where bentonite fluid is used to stabilize an excavation.
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard depends on the competence of the personnel performing it and the suitability of the equipment and facilities being 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 those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the sand content of bentonitic slurries used in slurry construction techniques. This test method has been modified from API Recommended Practice 13B.  
1.2 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.  
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. Except, the sieve designation is identified using the “alternative” system in accordance with Practice E11 instead of the “standard system,” such that the sieve used is referred to as a No. 200 sieve, instead of a 75 µm sieve.  
1.4 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Sep-2022
• ICS: 93.020 - Earthworks. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.16 - Grouting

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D3740-23 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3740-19 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D653-14 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM E11-13 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2013
• Refers: ASTM D3740-12a - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D3740-12 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2012
• Refers: ASTM D653-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Refers: ASTM D3740-11 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2011
• Refers: ASTM D3740-10 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2010
• Refers: ASTM E11-09e1 - Standard Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
• Effective Date: 01-May-2009
• Refers: ASTM D1796-04(2009) - Standard Test Method for Water and Sediment in Fuel Oils by the Centrifuge Method (Laboratory Procedure)
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2009
• Refers: ASTM D653-09 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2009
• Refers: ASTM D653-08a - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2008
• Refers: ASTM D653-08 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2008
• Refers: ASTM D3740-08 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2008

Overview

ASTM D4381/D4381M-22, titled Standard Test Method for Sand Content by Volume of Construction Slurries, is an international standard developed by ASTM to provide a clear procedure for determining the sand content of bentonitic slurries. This standard is primarily used in slurry construction techniques relevant to concrete wall and drilled pier construction. Maintaining proper sand content in construction slurries is critical for achieving project quality, safeguarding construction equipment, and ensuring effective stabilization when bentonite fluids are used.

Key Topics

• Sand Content Measurement: The standard outlines a procedure for quantifying the percentage of sand by volume in construction slurries, particularly those containing bentonite.
• Applicability: The method is best suited for applications where sand content is below 20% by volume. It is not recommended for high-sand-content systems, such as cement-bentonite or soil-bentonite walls.
• Significance: High sand content can cause excessive abrasion to construction equipment, such as pumps, and negatively impact bentonite fluid performance by impeding the formation of an effective filter cake, which is essential for stabilizing excavations.
• Sampling and Accuracy: The reliability of test results relies heavily on proper sample collection, equipment calibration, and operator competence. The standard recommends calibration intervals for measuring tubes and sieves and emphasizes obtaining representative samples to prevent skewed results.
• Reporting Protocols: Guidance is included on what data must be recorded, such as sand content results, sample identification details, and any notable foreign material observed.

Applications

The sand content test method set out in ASTM D4381/D4381M-22 is widely utilized in several construction and civil engineering contexts:

• Slurry Wall Construction: Essential for ensuring that bentonite slurries have appropriate sand content when constructing below-grade cutoff walls or barriers.
• Drilled Shafts and Piers: Used to verify slurry properties for maintaining borehole stability and optimizing conditions for concrete placement.
• Quality Control: Supports geotechnical engineers, contractors, and inspectors in confirming that slurries meet project specifications, thus helping prevent operational problems such as equipment wear or reduced wall stability.
• Routine Field and Laboratory Use: Its procedures are adaptable for both on-site and laboratory environments, providing flexibility for ongoing monitoring during construction activities.

Related Standards

For comprehensive application, ASTM D4381/D4381M-22 references and aligns with several related international and ASTM standards:

• ASTM D653: Terminology relating to soil, rock, and contained fluids.
• ASTM D3740: Guidance on competence and capabilities for agencies engaged in testing and inspection of soils and rocks.
• ASTM D6026: Procedures for significant digits and rounding in geotechnical data.
• ASTM E11: Specification for woven wire test sieve cloth and sieves, critical for ensuring accurate particle size separation in slurry tests.
• ASTM E542: Practice for gravimetric calibration of laboratory volumetric instruments, ensuring measurement precision.
• API RP13B: Procedures for testing drilling fluids, from which aspects of this test method are derived.

Practical Value

Adhering to ASTM D4381/D4381M-22 enables construction teams to:

• Verify the suitability of slurry mixes before and during use
• Optimize equipment life and reduce unplanned maintenance due to abrasive slurries
• Improve the effectiveness of excavation support systems
• Uphold regulatory compliance and project quality standards

Keywords: ASTM D4381, sand content test, construction slurry, bentonite, slurry wall, drilled pier, geotechnical testing, quality control, slurry stabilization, concrete construction

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: D4381 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Sand Content by Volume of Construction Slurries
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4381; 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* Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the sand
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Re-
content of bentonitic slurries used in slurry construction
cords in Geotechnical Data
techniques. This test method has been modified from API
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
Recommended Practice 13B.
Sieves
1.2 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
E542 Practice for Gravimetric Calibration of Laboratory
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Volumetric Instruments
Practice D6026.
2.2 American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard:
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded API RP13B Recommended Practice Standard Procedure for
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this Testing Drilling Fluids
standard. Except, the sieve designation is identified using the
3. Terminology
“alternative”systeminaccordancewithPracticeE11insteadof
the “standard system,” such that the sieve used is referred to as 3.1 Definitions:
a No. 200 sieve, instead of a 75 µm sieve.
3.1.1 Fordefinitionsofcommontermsusedinthisstandard,
refer to Terminology D653.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4. Summary of Test Method
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.1 The measuring tube of the sand-content set (Fig. 1)is
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
filled with construction slurry and water to the appropriate
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
marks and is shaken. The mixture is poured through the sieve.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
The funnel is fitted over the top of the screen and the assembly
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
inverted,insertingthetipofthefunnelintothemeasuringtube.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
All material is washed from the screen and the amount of sand
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
read in the measuring tube, as percent by volume.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5. Significance and Use
2. Referenced Documents
5.1 This test method is used to determine the percentage of
sand by volume in construction slurry. The significance of this
2.1 ASTM Standards:
test method mainly relates to construction slurries used for
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
concrete wall and drilled piers construction. The range of
Fluids
measurement is too limited for use in applications where the
D1796 Test Method for Water and Sediment in Fuel Oils by
sand content is intended to be greater than 20 %, such as in the
the Centrifuge Method (Laboratory Procedure)
cases of cement bentonite or soil bentonite walls.
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
5.2 Ahighsandcontentintheconstructionslurryisabrasive
for construction plant such as pumps, and is furthermore
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
adverse to the formation of a filter cake in applications where
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.16 on Grouting.
bentonite fluid is used to stabilize an excavation.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally
NOTE1—Thequalityoftheresultproducedbythisstandarddependson
approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D4381/D4381M – 12,
the competence of the personnel performing it and the suitability of the
which was withdrawn January 2021 and reinstated in October 2022. DOI:
equipment and facilities being used. Agencies that meet the criteria of
10.1520/D4381-22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from American Petroleum Institute (API), 200 Massachusetts Ave.
the ASTM website. NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20001, http://www.api.org.
*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
D4381 − 22
NOTE 1—Photo courtesy of N. L. Baroid–N. L. Industries, Inc.,
Houston, TX.
FIG. 1 Sand-Content Set
FIG. 2 Measuring Tube Dimensions
Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and
air-free water at 20°C, when reading the bottom of the shaded
objective testing, sampling, inspection, etc. Users of this standard are
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure
meniscus. Practice E542 references standards that address
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740
graduation marks and other glassware specifications in detail.
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
6.1.3.2 The mud line graduation shall correspond to a
volume of 27.5 mL, and the water line graduation shall
6. Apparatus
correspond to a volume of 100.0 mL, as shown in Fig. 2. The
6.1 Sand-Content Set (see Fig. 1), consisting of the follow-
limit of error in determining these graduations shall not exceed
ing:
1.0%.
6.1.1 Sieve, No. 200 mesh, shall be 50 mm in diameter.
6.1.3.3 Sand content graduations shall be marked volumes
6.1.2 Funnel, to fit screen and measuring tube.
aspercentagesfrom0to20 %andasshowninFig.2.Thelimit
6.1.3 Measuring Tube, each:
of error in determining these graduations are given in Table 1.
6.1.3.1 The measuring tube shall be a 200 mm long cone
NOTE 2—Volume of sand, including void spaces between grains, is
shaped centrifuge tube, conforming to the dimensions and
measured and expressed as percent by volume of construction slurry.
tolerances given in Fig. 2 and made of thoroughly annealed
glass. The taper shall be uniform, and the bottom shall be 6.1.3.4 The accuracy of the graduation marks shall be
rounded.All graduations shall be clear and distinct. Scale error gravimetrically certified, in accordance with Practice E542
tolerances of the graduations apply to calibrations made with using equipment traceable through the National Institute for
D4381 − 22
TABLE 1 Measuring Tube Graduation Tolerances density in the sample and an unrepresentative specimen.
Marking Scale Division, % Limit of Error, %
0.00%–1.00% 0.25% 0.10%
9. Procedure
1.00%–5.00% 0.50% 0.20%
5.00 % – 10.00 % 1.00 % 0.50 % 9.1 Fill the measuring tube to the designated mark with
10.00 % – 20.00 % 2.00 % 1.00 %
construction slurry.
9.2 Add water to the next designated mark.
9.3 Close the mouth of the tube and shake vigorously.
Standards and Technology (NIST). The verification and certi-
9.4 Pour the mixture into the clean, No. 200 mesh sieve.
fication shall include verification for each mark through the
1 % mark, of the 5 %, 10 %, and 20 % marks; and of the mud
9.5 Discard the liquid that passes through the sieve.
line and water line marks. The tube shall not be used if the
9.6 Add more water to the tube, shake, and pour into the
scale error exceeds the applicable tolerances specified in
sieve. Repeat until the water which passes through the sieve is
6.1.3.2 and 6.1.3.3.
clear.
6.1.3.5 A tube may be marked with graduations identifying
9.7 Wash the sand retained on the sieve to clean any
volumesinlieuofthemarkingschemedescribedin6.1.3.2and
remaining slurry.
6.1.3.3, with tubes used
...