ASTM D8167/D8167M-23e1
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for In-Place Bulk Density of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by a Low-Activity Nuclear Method (Shallow Depth)
Standard Test Method for In-Place Bulk Density of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by a Low-Activity Nuclear Method (Shallow Depth)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The test method described is useful as a rapid, nondestructive technique for in-place measurements of bulk density of soil and soil-aggregate. Test results may be used for the determination of dry density if the water content of the soil or soil-aggregate is determined by separate means, such as those methods described in Test Methods D2216, D4643, D4944, and D4959.
4.2 The test method is used for quality control and acceptance testing of compacted soil and soil-aggregate mixtures as used in construction and also for research and development. The nondestructive nature allows repetitive measurements at a single test location and statistical analysis of the results.
4.3 Density—The fundamental assumptions inherent in the method is that Compton scattering is the dominant interaction and that the material is homogeneous.
Note 3: 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 criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/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 evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes the procedures for measuring in-place bulk density of soil and soil-aggregate using nuclear equipment with radioactive sources (hereafter referred to simply as “gauges”). These gauges are distinct from those described in Test Method D6938 insofar as:
1.1.1 These gauges do not contain a system (nuclear or otherwise) for the determination of the water content of the material under measurement.
1.1.2 These gauges have photon yields sufficiently low as to require the inclusion of background radiation effects on the response during normal operation.
1.1.2.1 For the devices described in Test Method D6938, the contribution of gamma rays detected from the naturally-occurring radioisotopes in most soils (hereafter referred to as “background”) compared to the contribution of gamma rays used by the device to measure in-place bulk density is typically small enough to be negligible in terms of their effect on measurement accuracy. However, for these low-activity gauges, the gamma ray yield from the gauge is low enough that the background contribution from most soils compared to the contribution of gamma rays from the gauge is no longer negligible, and changes in this background can adversely affect the accuracy of the bulk density reading.
1.1.2.2 In order to compensate for potentially differing background contribution to low-activity gauge measurements at different test sites, a background reading must be taken in conjunction with gauge measurements obtained at a given test site. This background reading is utilized in the bulk density calculation performed by the gauge with the goal of minimizing these background effects on the density measurement accuracy.
1.2 For limitations see Section 5 on Interferences.
1.3 The bulk density of soil and soil-aggregate is measured by the attenuation of gamma radiation where the source is placed at a known depth up to 300 mm [12 in.] and the detector(s) remains on the surface (some gauges may reverse this orientation).
1.3.1 The bulk density of the test sample in mass per unit volume is calculated by comparing the detected rate of gamma radiation with previously established calibration data.
1.3.2 Neither the dry density nor the water content of the test sample is measured by this device. However, the results of this test can be used with the water content or water mass per unit volume value determined by alternative methods to determine the dry density of the test sample.
1.4 The gauge is calibrated to read the bulk den...
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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: D8167/D8167M − 23
Standard Test Method for
In-Place Bulk Density of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by a Low-
1
Activity Nuclear Method (Shallow Depth)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D8167/D8167M; 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
ε NOTE—Minor editorial correction was made in May 2023.
1. Scope* 1.2 For limitations see Section 5 on Interferences.
1.1 This test method describes the procedures for measuring
1.3 The bulk density of soil and soil-aggregate is measured
in-place bulk density of soil and soil-aggregate using nuclear
by the attenuation of gamma radiation where the source is
equipment with radioactive sources (hereafter referred to
placed at a known depth up to 300 mm [12 in.] and the
simply as “gauges”). These gauges are distinct from those
detector(s) remains on the surface (some gauges may reverse
described in Test Method D6938 insofar as:
this orientation).
1.1.1 These gauges do not contain a system (nuclear or
1.3.1 The bulk density of the test sample in mass per unit
otherwise) for the determination of the water content of the
volume is calculated by comparing the detected rate of gamma
material under measurement.
radiation with previously established calibration data.
1.1.2 These gauges have photon yields sufficiently low as to
1.3.2 Neither the dry density nor the water content of the
require the inclusion of background radiation effects on the
test sample is measured by this device. However, the results of
response during normal operation.
this test can be used with the water content or water mass per
1.1.2.1 For the devices described in Test Method D6938, the
unit volume value determined by alternative methods to
contribution of gamma rays detected from the naturally-
determine the dry density of the test sample.
occurring radioisotopes in most soils (hereafter referred to as
1.4 The gauge is calibrated to read the bulk density of soil
“background”) compared to the contribution of gamma rays
or soil-aggregate.
used by the device to measure in-place bulk density is typically
small enough to be negligible in terms of their effect on
1.5 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
measurement accuracy. However, for these low-activity
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
gauges, the gamma ray yield from the gauge is low enough that
Practice D6026.
the background contribution from most soils compared to the
1.5.1 For purposes of comparing, a measured or calculated
contribution of gamma rays from the gauge is no longer
value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated
negligible, and changes in this background can adversely affect
value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant
the accuracy of the bulk density reading.
digits in the specified limits.
1.1.2.2 In order to compensate for potentially differing
1.5.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/
background contribution to low-activity gauge measurements
recorded and calculated in this standard are regarded as the
at different test sites, a background reading must be taken in
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
conjunction with gauge measurements obtained at a given test
significant digits that should generally be retained. The proce-
site. This background reading is utilized in the bulk density
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
calculation performed by the gauge with the goal of minimiz-
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
ing these background effects on the density measurement
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
accuracy.
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to com-
mensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of
this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
methods for engineering design.
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 on Special and
Construction Control Tests.
1.6 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
Current edition approved April 1, 2023. Published April 2023. Originally
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
approved in 2018. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D8167/D8167M–18a.
DOI: 10.1520/D8167_D8167M–23E01. values stated in each system may not be exact equi
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