ASTM D7830/D7830M-14(2021)e1
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for In-Place Density (Unit Weight) and Water Content of Soil Using an Electromagnetic Soil Density Gauge
Standard Test Method for In-Place Density (Unit Weight) and Water Content of Soil Using an Electromagnetic Soil Density Gauge
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The method described determines wet density and gravimetric water content by correlating complex impedance measurement data to an empirically developed model. The empirical model is generated by comparing the electrical properties of typical soils encountered in civil construction projects to their wet densities and gravimetric water contents determined by other accepted methods.
5.2 The test method described is useful as a rapid, non-destructive technique for determining the in-place total density and gravimetric water content of soil and soil-aggregate mixtures and the determination of dry density.
5.3 This method may be used for quality control and acceptance of compacted soil and soil-aggregate mixtures as used in construction and also for research and development. The non-destructive nature allows for repetitive measurements at a single test location and statistical analysis of the results.
Note 2: The quality of the result produced by this standard 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 requirements of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective sampling/testing/inspection, and the like. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluation some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the procedures for determining in-place properties of non-frozen, unbound soil and soil aggregate mixtures such as total density, gravimetric water content and relative compaction by measuring the intrinsic impedance of the compacted soil.
1.1.1 The method and device described in this test method are intended for in-process quality control of earthwork projects. Site or material characterization is not an intended result.
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.
1.2.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight) while the unit for mass is slugs. The rationalized slug unit is not given in this standard.
1.2.2 In the engineering profession, it is customary practice to use, interchangeably, units representing both mass and force, unless dynamic calculations are involved. This implicitly combines two separate systems of units, that is, the absolute system and the gravimetric system. It is undesirable to combine the use of two separate systems within a single standard. The use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm), or the recording of density in lbm/ft3 should not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the Guide for Significant Digits and Rounding established in Practice D6026.
1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data is collected, recorded, and calculated in this standard are regarded as industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that should generally be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or decrease the number of significant digits of reported data commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in the analysis methods for engineering design.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,...
General Information
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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.
´1
Designation: D7830/D7830M − 14 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Test Method for
In-Place Density (Unit Weight) and Water Content of Soil
Using an Electromagnetic Soil Density Gauge
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7830/D7830M; 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.
ε NOTE—Referenced Documents section was updated editorially in July 2021.
1. Scope industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
significant digits that should generally be retained. The proce-
1.1 This test method covers the procedures for determining
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
in-place properties of non-frozen, unbound soil and soil aggre-
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
gate mixtures such as total density, gravimetric water content
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
and relative compaction by measuring the intrinsic impedance
increaseordecreasethenumberofsignificantdigitsofreported
of the compacted soil.
data commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the
1.1.1 The method and device described in this test method
scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in the
are intended for in-process quality control of earthwork proj-
analysis methods for engineering design.
ects. Site or material characterization is not an intended result.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.2 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
therefore,eachsystemshallbeusedindependentlyoftheother.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Combining values from the two systems may result in noncon-
formance with the standard. NOTE 1—ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity
ofanypatentrightsassertedinconnectionwithanyitemmentionedinthis
1.2.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used
standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination
when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound
of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk of infringement of
(lbf) represents a unit of force (weight) while the unit for mass
such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.
is slugs.The rationalized slug unit is not given in this standard.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
1.2.2 In the engineering profession, it is customary practice
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
touse,interchangeably,unitsrepresentingbothmassandforce,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
unless dynamic calculations are involved. This implicitly
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
combines two separate systems of units, that is, the absolute
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
systemandthegravimetricsystem.Itisundesirabletocombine
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
the use of two separate systems within a single standard. The
use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm), or
2. Referenced Documents
the recording of density in lbm/ft should not be regarded as
2.1 ASTM Standards:
nonconformance with this standard.
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
Fluids
Guide for Significant Digits and Rounding established in
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
Practice D6026.
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft (600
1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data is collected,
kN-m/m ))
recorded, and calculated in this standard are regarded as
D1556/D1556M Test Method for Density and Unit Weight
of Soil in Place by Sand-Cone Method
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 on Special and
Construction Control Tests. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved July 15, 2021. Published July 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D7830 – 14. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI:10.1520/D7830_D7830M–14R21E01. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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D7830/D7830M − 14 (2021)
D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character- an electromagnetic impedance spectroscopy device. Electro-
istics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft magnetic properties of the soil are determined at specific
(2,700 kN-m/m )) frequencies by measuring the changes in the electromagnetic
D2167 Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in field. A function is generated that describes the relationship
Place by the Rubber Balloon Method between electrical properties over a range of frequencies. That
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water function is compared to an empirical model and other calibra-
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass tion checks to determine water content and density.
D2937 Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the
4.2 This method employs electromagnetic impedance spec-
Drive-Cylinder Method
troscopy to determine the volumetric water content and wet
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
density. The measurement spectrum is made up of frequencies
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
ranging from 30 kHz to 50 MHz.
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
4.3 Propertiessuchasdrydensity,gravimetricwatercontent
D4253 Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit
and relative compaction are calculated from the total density
Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
and the volumetric water content.
D4254 Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit
Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density
5. Significance and Use
D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and
Plasticity Index of Soils
5.1 The method described determines wet density and
D4643 Test Method for Determination of Water Content of
gravimetric water content by correlating complex impedance
Soil and Rock by Microwave Oven Heating
measurement data to an empirically developed model. The
D4718/D4718M Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and
empirical model is generated by comparing the electrical
Water Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles
properties of typical soils encountered in civil construction
D4944 TestMethodforFieldDeterminationofWater(Mois-
projects to their wet densities and gravimetric water contents
ture)ContentofSoilbytheCalciumCarbideGasPressure
determined by other accepted methods.
Tester
5.2 The test method described is useful as a rapid, non-
D4959 Test Method for Determination of Water Content of
destructive technique for determining the in-place total density
Soil By Direct Heating
and gravimetric water content of soil and soil-aggregate
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Re-
mixtures and the determination of dry density.
cords in Geotechnical Data
D6913/D6913M Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution
5.3 This method may be used for quality control and
(Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
acceptance of compacted soil and soil-aggregate mixtures as
D6938 TestMethodsforIn-PlaceDensityandWaterContent
used in construction and also for research and development.
of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow
The non-destructive nature allows for repetitive measurements
Depth)
at a single test location and statistical analysis of the results.
D7382 Test Methods for Determination of Maximum Dry
NOTE2—Thequalityoftheresultproducedbythisstandardtestmethod
Unit Weight of Granular Soils Using a Vibrating Hammer
is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
requirements of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
competent and objective sampling/testing/inspection, and the like. Users
2.2 Other Referenced Documents:
of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does
“Development of a Non-Nuclear Soil Density Gauge to
not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many
Eliminate the Need for Nuclear Density Gauges”
factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluation some of those
factors.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
6. Interferences
3.1.1 See Terminology D653 for general definitions.
6.1 Anomalies in the test material with electrical impedance
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
properties significantly different from construction soils and
3.2.1 impedance, n—a measure of opposition to alternating
aggregate evaluated during soil model development, such as
current (AC).
metal objects or organic material, may affect the accuracy of
3.2.2 impedance spectroscopy, n—a method that measures the test method.
the electromagnetic properties of a medium as a function of
6.2 Chemical and mineralogical composition may affect the
frequency.
results of a test. Examples of materials that may impact the
results include but are not limited to, quarried materials
4. Summary of Test Method
containing higher concentrations of iron, volcanic rock, and
4.1 The total or wet density and gravimetric water content
materials that have significant fractions of cemented particles,
of soil and soil-aggregate are correlated to empirical data using
organic soils, recycled materials or materials containing
asphalt, portland cement, lime, fly ash, or other stabilizing
Prepared for The Department of Homeland Security under contract No.
modifiers. In most cases the effect may be satisfactorily
HSHQDC-07-C-00080. Dated October 31, 2008. Available from the U.S. Depart-
ment of Homeland Security, Washington, D.C. 20528, http://www.dhs.gov. addressed by following the Calibration Procedure in Section 7.
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D7830/D7830M − 14 (2021)
6.3 A significant increase in the conductivity of the pore 6.8 Attempts to measure unknown in-place soils with a soil
water such as from ground water that may contain significant model that was generated from a limited range of density or
water content values, or both, may result in density and water
salt deposits or contaminants. In most cases the effect may be
satisfactorilyaddressedbyfollowingtheCalibrationProcedure content errors.
in Section 7.
6.9 Strongelectromagneticfieldssuchasthosegeneratedby
high tension power lines may interfere with the device opera-
6.4 This test method applies only to non-frozen soil. The
tion.
electrical properties of soil change with temperature.
Generally, testing should be limited to soil temperatures above
6.10 For a circular sensor 280 mm [11 in.] in diameter, the
10°C [50°F] and below 40°C [104°F]. Effects of temperature typical maximum measured volume is approximately 0.0034
3 3
on electrical properties of soils also depend on soil type.
m [0.12ft ].Theactualmeasuredvolumeisindeterminateand
Clayey soils are more temperature sensitive than sandy soils. varies with the plate diameter, sensor configuration, and
Accuracy of measurements improves when the temperature of material being tested. Results are typically influenced more by
soil is close to the temperature used in the model calibration. the density and water content of the material near the surface.
Calibration for temperature effects should be done when soil
4,5
7. Apparatus
temperatures differ by more than 10°C [18°F] from model
7.1 Electromagnetic Soil Density Gauge—Adevice capable
calibration temperatures. Calibration Procedures are given in
of generating an electromagnetic field and measuring the
Section 7.
differential voltage change between two electrodes. An ex-
6.5 The accuracy of the results obtained by this test method
ample of the device is shown in Fig. 1 and a sensor schematic
maybeinfluencedbypoororincorrectplacementofthedevice
section and approximate electrical fields that sense the soil is
on the soil being tested. Non-homogeneous soils, non-uniform
shown in Fig. 2. While the exact details of construction of the
surface texture, large air voids that may be present may
apparatus may vary, the system shall consist of:
decrease the precision of the results. Correct placement of the
7.1.1 Electronic circuitry to provide power and signal con-
soil gauge is important to the quality of the electrical measure-
ditioning to the sensor and to provide the data acquisition and
ments collected by the device.
display functions. The circuitry shall be designed to perform a
calibration of the unit over a range of conditions and materials
6.6 Oversized particles in the measurement volume may
expected in the field.
cause an error in water content and/or density results. Where
7.1.2 Internal circuitry suitable for displaying individual
lack of uniformity in the soil is suspected due to layering,
measurements to allow operators to record the results.
aggregates, or voids, the test site should be excavated and
visually examined to determine if the material is representative
The sole source of supply of the TransTech Soil Density Gauge (SDG)
of the in-situ material in general and if an oversize correction
apparatusknowntothecommitteeatthistimeisTransTechSystems,Inc.1594State
is required in accordance with Practice D4718/D4718M.
Street, Schenectady, NY. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please provide
this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive
6.7 Variation from actual values may increase for soil
careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee, which
materialthatissignificantlydrierorwetterthanoptimumwater
you may attend.
The Electromagnetic Soil Density Gauge is covered by a patent (patent no.: US
content as determined using Test Methods D698 or D1557.
7,21
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