ASTM D7560-22

Standard Test Method for Determination of Fiber Length Percentages in Hydraulic Erosion Control Products (HECPs)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The fiber length of an HECP plays a role in the ability of the HECP to effectively be mixed and applied. This standard can be used by manufacturers to evaluate their manufacturing process (quality assurance/quality control). Laboratories can also use this method for quality assurance/quality control and also conformance to criteria testing.
Note 1: The quality of the result produced by these test methods 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 D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of these test methods 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 evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 Hydraulic erosion control product (HECP) fibers are manufactured and processed to specific length and width dimensions to facilitate the hydraulic application and to prevent clogging of the pump, recirculation pipes, nozzles, and tips. This test method is used to determine the length of the fibers on a percentage basis in an HECP.  
1.2 This test method can be used to evaluate an HECP during and after manufacturing. The results can be used for comparative evaluations of the manufacturing process.  
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. Sieve designations are shown in both the standard and alternative designations.  
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.  
1.4.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in the 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 considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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: 31-Oct-2022
• ICS: 13.080.01 - Soil quality and pedology in general
• ICS: 19.040 - Environmental testing
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.25 - Erosion and Sediment Control Technology

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D4753-24 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• 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 D2974-20e1 - Standard Test Methods for Determining the Water (Moisture) Content, Ash Content, and Organic Material of Peat and Other Organic Soils
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D2974-20 - Standard Test Methods for Determining the Water (Moisture) Content, Ash Content, and Organic Material of Peat and Other Organic Soils
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2020
• 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 D4753-15 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM D2974-14 - Standard Test Methods for Moisture, Ash, and Organic Matter of Peat and Other Organic Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• 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 D2974-13 - Standard Test Methods for Moisture, Ash, and Organic Matter of Peat and Other Organic Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-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 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 D653-11 - Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• 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

Overview

ASTM D7560-22 is an international standard developed by ASTM International detailing the test method for determining fiber length percentages in Hydraulic Erosion Control Products (HECPs). HECPs are specialized, temporary fiber-based products, hydraulically applied to control soil erosion and foster vegetation establishment. The standard specifies procedures for evaluating the distribution of fiber lengths within these products, supporting quality assurance, product consistency, and manufacturing control.

Understanding the distribution of fiber lengths is essential because proper fiber sizing ensures efficient hydraulic application, reduces the risk of equipment clogging, and optimizes performance in erosion control. ASTM D7560-22 is widely used by manufacturers, testing laboratories, and regulatory agencies involved in the production and assessment of HECPs.

Key Topics

• Significance of Fiber Length: The effectiveness of HECPs in erosion control depends heavily on the distribution of fiber lengths. Specific sizing allows smooth passage through pumps, nozzles, and recirculation pipes during application.
• Test Procedure: This method involves obtaining representative samples, drying and weighing, mechanical sieving, and recording mass retained at each sieve level to calculate fiber length percentages.
• Sampling: Guidelines for sampling from both manufacturing processes and sealed packaging ensure samples represent the product accurately.
• Quality Assurance: This standard is integral for manufacturers and laboratories to conduct quality control checks and verify conformance to technical specifications.
• Reporting: Clear requirements for data recording, including test material identification, equipment used, sampling method, and fiber length percentages, support traceability and decision-making.
• Safety and Compliance: Emphasizes adhering to established safety and regulatory practices.

Applications

ASTM D7560-22 provides practical benefits across the erosion control industry:

• Manufacturing Quality Control: Ensures that fiber mulch materials in HECPs meet specified requirements, reducing potential variation in performance.
• Product Evaluation: Supports comparative assessments, allowing manufacturers to benchmark pelletized or loose-fiber HECPs against product specifications or regulatory criteria.
• Laboratory Testing: Standardizes methods for research, development, and routine quality checks, contributing to consistent and reliable results.
• Construction and Environmental Engineering: Helps engineers select suitable HECPs based on validated physical properties, ensuring optimal performance in applications such as road embankments, construction sites, and land reclamation projects.
• Regulatory Compliance: Facilitates adherence to local, national, or international standards for erosion control practices.

Related Standards

The following ASTM standards and guides are referenced or complement ASTM D7560-22:

• ASTM D653: Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM D2974: Test Methods for Determining Water Content, Ash Content, and Organic Material of Peat and Other Organic Soils
• ASTM D3740: Practice for Agencies Engaged in Testing/Inspection of Soil and Rock for Engineering Design and Construction
• ASTM D4753: Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses
• ASTM D6026: Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data
• ASTM E11: Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves

Practical Value

ASTM D7560-22 helps stakeholders in erosion control maintain high standards of product quality and performance. By establishing a clear, repeatable methodology for determining fiber length percentages in HECPs, this test method underpins reliable, efficient hydraulic application and successful soil stabilization outcomes. Using standardized procedures enhances comparability across projects and suppliers, promoting trust and compliance in environmental and construction sectors.

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: D7560 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Fiber Length Percentages in Hydraulic
Erosion Control Products (HECPs)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7560; 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 ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 Hydraulic erosion control product (HECP) fibers are
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
manufactured and processed to specific length and width
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
dimensions to facilitate the hydraulic application and to pre-
vent clogging of the pump, recirculation pipes, nozzles, and
2. Referenced Documents
tips. This test method is used to determine the length of the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
fibers on a percentage basis in an HECP.
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
1.2 This test method can be used to evaluate an HECP
Fluids
during and after manufacturing. The results can be used for
D2974 Test Methods for Determining the Water (Moisture)
comparative evaluations of the manufacturing process.
Content, Ash Content, and Organic Material of Peat and
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
Other Organic Soils
as the standard. No other units of measurement are included in
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
this standard. Sieve designations are shown in both the
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
standard and alternative designations.
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Construction Materials Testing
Practice D6026.
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Re-
1.4.1 Theproceduresusedtospecifyhowdataarecollected/
cords in Geotechnical Data
recorded or calculated in the standard are regarded as the
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
Sieves
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
3. Terminology
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
3.1 Definitions:
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be 3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this
standard, refer to Terminology D653.
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
methods for engineering design.
3.2.1 hydraulically applied, adj—in erosion control, apply-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ing a liquid based substance, such as a water slurry, solution or
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the emulsion, to the soil surface by spraying or dropping using
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- devices such as nozzles, towers, or aerially.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4. Summary of Test Method
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
4.1 Arepresentative sample is obtained either during manu-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
facturing or from a processed and sealed bag. A test specimen
is taken from the representative sample, put in a sieve stack
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.25 on Erosion and
Sediment Control Technology. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2022. Published November 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
ɛ1
approved in 2016. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as D7560 - 16 . DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D7560-22. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7560 − 22
that is placed in a sieve shaker and allowed to shake for 5 min. verifiedtobewithinthestatedrange.Ifthewatercontentisnot
After shaking, the mass of fibers retained on each sieve are within the specified range, discard the representative sample
measured and recorded. The cumulative mass retained per and obtain a new representative sample. Once a representative
sieve is then calculated and recorded. sample meets the specified water content range, proceed to 7.4.
7.3 Sealed Bag or Bale Sampling—Checkanybagorbaleto
5. Significance and Use
be used for testing for visible damage, such as tears, rips, and
5.1 The fiber length of an HECP plays a role in the ability
holespriortouse.Ifthepackagingisdamaged,donotuseitfor
of the HECPto effectively be mixed and applied.This standard
testing. Working quickly, open the bag or bale and take at least
can be used by manufacturers to evaluate their manufacturing
30 g from each of the top one third, middle one third, and the
process (quality assurance/quality control). Laboratories can
bottom one third of the bag or bale. Record the mass of each of
also use this method for quality assurance/quality control and
the thirds and the total mass of the representative sample to the
also conformance to criteria testing.
nearest 1 g.Then immediately take 50 6 10 g of material from
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by these test methods is
the representative sample and use it to determine the water
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
content. Follow the procedure inTest Methods D2974, Method
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
Afor obtaining only the water content. Measure and record all
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
the values associated with the water content determination.
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of these test methods
are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself Place the remaining representative sample in an airtight con-
assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice
tainer and seal until the water content has been determined and
D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
verifiedtobewithinthestatedrange.Ifthewatercontentisnot
within the specified range, discard the representative sample
6. Apparatus
and obtain a new representative sample. Once a representative
6.1 Balance/Scale—Balances/scales shall conform to the
sample meets the specified water content range, proceed to 7.4.
requirements of Guide D4753 and be verified/calibrated annu-
7.4 Place the fibers of the remain
...

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.
´1
Designation: D7560 − 16 D7560 − 22
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Fiber Length Percentages in Hydraulic
Erosion Control Products (HECPs)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7560; 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—Editorially corrected units of measurement statement in June 2021.
1. Scope
1.1 Hydraulic erosion control product (HECP) fibers are manufactured and processed to specific length and width dimensions to
facilitate the hydraulic application and to prevent clogging of the pump, recirculation pipes, nozzles, and tips. This test method
provides the requirements and procedures needed is used to determine quantitatively the fiber length percentages of hydraulic
erosion control products (HECPs).of the fibers on a percentage basis in an HECP.
1.2 This test method allows for comparative evaluation of in-process HECPs to a manufactured product specification.can be used
to evaluate an HECP during and after manufacturing. The results can be used for comparative evaluations of the manufacturing
process.
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for
information only and are not considered standard.the standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. Sieve
designations are shown in both the standard and alternative designations.
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice
D6026.
1.4.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated in the 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 considerations for the user’s objectives;
and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations.
It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.
1.5 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.
1.6 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.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.25 on Erosion and Sediment
Control Technology.
Current edition approved July 1, 2016Nov. 1, 2022. Published July 2016November 2022. Originally approved in 2016. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as
ɛ1
D7560 - 16 . DOI: 10.1520/D7560-16E01.10.1520/D7560-22.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7560 − 22
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D2974 Test Methods for Determining the Water (Moisture) Content, Ash Content, and Organic Material of Peat and Other
Organic Soils
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction
Materials Testing
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Records in Geotechnical Data
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—Definitions: For common definitions of technical terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 hydraulic erosion control product, HECP, n—a manufactured, temporary, degradable, pre-packaged fibrous material that is
mixed with water and hydraulically applied as a slurry designed to reduce soil erosion and assist in the establishment and growth
of vegetation.
3.2.1 hydraulically applied, adj—in erosion control, applied within a water slurry, solution, or emulsionapplying a liquid based
substance, such as a water slurry, solution or emulsion, to the soil surface as a spray-on or dropped-on application through various
means, such as nozzle, tower, andby spraying or dropping using devices such as nozzles, towers, or aerially.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A sample of HECP is representative sample is obtained either during manufacturing or from a processed and sealed bag. A
test specimen is taken from the representative sample, put in a sieve stack that is placed in a sieve shaker machine and after five
minutes, the various screens are emptied and the cumulative fiberand allowed to shake for 5 min. After shaking, the mass of fibers
retained on each sieve is weighed and the percent retained for each sieve is recorded on the data sheet. are measured and recorded.
The cumulative mass retained per sieve is then calculated and recorded.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method determines the various fiber lengths that make up an HECP fiber mulch material. HECP fibers are engineered
and processed to specific length and width dimensions that facilitate the hydraulic application and prevent clogging of the pump,
recirculation pipes, nozzles, and tips.The fiber length of an HECP plays a role in the ability of the HECP to effectively be mixed
and applied. This standard can be used by manufacturers to evaluate their manufacturing process (quality assurance/quality
control). Laboratories can also use this method for quality assurance/quality control and also conformance to criteria testing.
5.2 This test method is used by manufacturers of HECP products for quality assurance testing.
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by these test methods 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 D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective
testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of these test methods 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 evaluating some of those factors.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Balance/Scale—A balance or scale conforming Balances/scales shall conform to the requirements of Guide D4753 readable
to 0.1% of the total test mass, or better. See Annex A1 for examples. and be verified/calibrated annually. The balance/scale must
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 the ASTM website.
D7560 − 22
have a readability without estimation of 0.001 g or better; and have a capacity that exceeds the mass of the sample plus a container.
In general, a balance/scale with a minimum capacity of 200 g is usually sufficient.
6.2 Mechanical Sieve Shaker—Sieve shaker machine capable of a A device that holds a stack of sieves while imparting a circular
motion having a minimum of 270 oscillations in a circular motion and a minimum of 150 vertical taps per minute. The sieve shaker
must be able to hold six full height 50 mm (2 in.) sieves with a diameter of 200 mm (8 in.).shaker shall have a timing device or
a timing device shall be used in conjunction with the shaker having a readability to the nearest 1 s or better. The sieve shaker shall
be verified annually.
6.3 Sieves—Test sieves compliant withEach sieve shall conform E11 - 13, Requirements. to the requirements of Specification
E11The specified sieve frame are 203 mm (8 in.) . The sieves, lids, and pans shall be 203 mm in diameter and 50.8 mm (2 in.)
in height. in height. The sieve stack consists of a lid, 2.36 mm (No. 8), 1.18 mm (No. 16), 0.710 mm (No. 25), 0.300 mm (No.
50), 0.150 mm (No. 100), and a pan in order from top to bottom.
6.4 Miscellaneous Items—Standard sieve set consisting of 2.36 mm No. 8 (.0937 in.), 1.18 mm No. 16 (0.0469 in.), 0.71 mm No.
25 (0.0278 in.), 0.3 mm No. 50 (0.0117 in.), 0.150 mm No. 100 (0.0059 in.), and sieve pan.Items such as dust masks, sieve brushes,
and bowls may be useful.
7. Hazards
7.1 7.1 HECPs may be dusty and a dust mask is recommended when working with these products.
7. Sampling, Test Specimens, Sampling and Test UnitsSpecimens
7.1 HECPs may be dusty and a dust mask is recommended when working with these products.
7.2 Manufacturing Process Sampling—When testing during the manufacturing process, obtain a Obtain a representative sample
of at least 90 g (3.17 oz) with a moisture content of 10 6 5 % 90 g that has a water content of 10 6 5 % before the bagging
procedure. process. Working quickly, measure and record the mass of the representative sample to the nearest 1 g. Then
immediately take 50 6 10 g of material from the representative sample and use it to determine the water content. Follow the
procedure in Test Methods D2974, Method A for obtaining only the water content. Measure and record all the values associ
...