ASTM D6635-01(2007)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Performing the Flat Plate Dilatometer
Standard Test Method for Performing the Flat Plate Dilatometer
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Soundings performed using this test method provide a detailed record of dilatometer results which are useful for evaluation of site stratigraphy, homogeneity, depth to firm layers, voids or cavities, and other discontinuities. The penetration resistance and subsequent membrane expansion are used for soil classification and correlation with engineering properties of soils. When properly performed at suitable sites, the test provides a rapid means of characterizing subsurface conditions.
The DMT test provides measurements of penetration resistance, lateral stress, deformation modulus and pore-water pressure (in sands). However, the in-situ soil properties are affected by the penetration of the blade. Therefore, published correlations are used to estimate soil properties for the design and construction of earthworks and foundations for structures, and to predict the behavior of soils subjected to static or dynamic loads.
This test method tests the soil in-situ and soil samples are not obtained. However, the interpretation of the results from this test method does provide an estimate of the types of soil penetrated. Soil samples from parallel borings may be obtained for correlation purposes, but prior information or experience may preclude the need for borings.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes an in-situ penetration plus expansion test. The test is initiated by forcing the steel, flat plate, dilatometer blade , with its sharp cutting edge, into a soil. Each test consists of an increment of penetration, generally vertical, followed by the expansion of a flat, circular, metallic membrane into the surrounding soil. The test provides information about the soil's in-situ stratigraphy, stress, strength, compressibility, and pore-water pressure for use in the design of earthworks and foundations.
1.2 This method includes specific requirements for the preliminary reduction of dilatometer test data. It does not specify how to assess or use soil properties for engineering design.
1.3 This method applies best to those sands, silts, clays, and organic soils that can be readily penetrated with the dilatometer blade, preferably using static push (see 4.2). Test results for soils containing primarily gravel-sized particles and larger may not be useful without additional research.
1.4 This method is not applicable to soils that cannot be penetrated by the dilatometer blade without causing significant damage to the blade or its membrane.
1.5 The American Society for Testing and Materials takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.
1.6 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: D6635 − 01(Reapproved 2007)
Standard Test Method for
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Performing the Flat Plate Dilatometer
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6635; 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 priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.1 This test method describes an in-situ penetration plus
expansion test. The test is initiated by forcing the steel, flat
2. Referenced Documents
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plate, dilatometer blade , with its sharp cutting edge, into a
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2.1 ASTM Standards:
soil. Each test consists of an increment of penetration, gener-
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
ally vertical, followed by the expansion of a flat, circular,
Fluids
metallic membrane into the surrounding soil. The test provides
D1586 Test Method for Penetration Test (SPT) and Split-
information about the soil’s in-situ stratigraphy, stress,
Barrel Sampling of Soils
strength,compressibility,andpore-waterpressureforuseinthe
D2435 Test Methods for One-Dimensional Consolidation
design of earthworks and foundations.
Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading
1.2 This method includes specific requirements for the
D3441 Test Method for Mechanical Cone Penetration Tests
preliminary reduction of dilatometer test data. It does not 4
of Soil (Withdrawn 2014)
specify how to assess or use soil properties for engineering
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
design.
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
1.3 This method applies best to those sands, silts, clays, and Used in Engineering Design and Construction
organicsoilsthatcanbereadilypenetratedwiththedilatometer D5778 Test Method for Electronic Friction Cone and Piezo-
blade, preferably using static push (see 4.2). Test results for cone Penetration Testing of Soils
soils containing primarily gravel-sized particles and larger may
3. Terminology
not be useful without additional research.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.4 This method is not applicable to soils that cannot be
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3.1.1 A-pressure—the gage gas pressure against the inside
penetrated by the dilatometer blade without causing signifi-
of the membrane when the center of the membrane has lifted
cant damage to the blade or its membrane.
above its support and moved laterally 0.05-mm (tolerance
1.5 The American Society for Testing and Materials takes
+0.02, -0.00 mm) into the soil surrounding the blade.
no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted
3.1.2 B-pressure—the gage gas pressure against the inside
in connection with any item mentioned in this standard. Users
of the membrane when the center of the membrane has lifted
of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the
above its support and moved laterally 1.10-mm (6 0.03 mm)
validity of any such patent rights, and the risk of infringement
into the soil surrounding the blade.
of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.
3.1.3 C-pressure—The gage gas pressure against the inside
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
of the membrane when the center of the membrane returns to
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
the A-pressure position during a controlled, gradual deflation
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
following the B-pressure.
3.1.4 DMT—abbreviation for the flat plate dilatometer test
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ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
as described herein.
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.02 on Sampling and
3.1.5 DMT sounding—the entire sequence of dilatometer
Related Field Testing for Soil Evaluations.
Current edition approved July 1, 2007. Published August 2007. Originally
tests and results along a vertical line of penetration in the soil.
approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as D6635 – 01. DOI:
10.1520/D6635-01R07.
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The dilatometer is covered by a patent held by Dr. Silvano Marchetti, Via For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Bracciano 38, 00189, Roma, Italy. Interested parties are invited to submit informa- contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
tionregardingtheidentificationofacceptablealternativestothispatenteditemtothe Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Committee on Standards, ASTM Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West the ASTM website.
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Conshohocken, PA 19428–2959. Your comments will receive careful consideration The last appr
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