ASTM D4254-00(2006)e1
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density
Standard Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The density/unit weight of a cohesionless soil may be determined by various in-place methods in the field or by the measurement of physical dimensions and masses by laboratory soil specimens. The dry density/unit weight of a cohesionless soil does not necessarily, by itself, reveal whether the soil is loose or dense.
Relative density/unit weight expresses the degree of compactness of a cohesionless soil with respect to the loosest and densest condition as defined by standard laboratory procedures. Only when viewed against the possible range of variation, in terms of relative density/unit weight, can the dry density/unit weight be related to the compaction effort used to place the soil in a compacted fill or indicate volume change and stress-strain tendencies of soil when subjected to external loading.
An absolute minimum density/unit weight is not necessarily obtained by these test methods.
Note 1—In addition, there are published data to indicate that these test methods have a high degree of variability. However, the variability can be greatly reduced by careful calibration of equipment, and careful attention to proper test procedure and technique.
The use of the standard molds (6.3.1) has been found to be satisfactory for most soils requiring minimum index density/unit weight testing. Special molds (6.3.2) shall only be used when the test results are to be applied in conjunction with design or special studies and there is not enough soil to use the standard molds. Such test results should be applied with caution, as minimum index densities/unit weights obtained with the special molds may not agree with those that would be obtained using the standard molds.
Note 2—The quality of the result produced by this standard 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 D 3740, generally, are considered capable of competent and objective testing/s...
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the minimum-index dry density/unit weight of cohesionless, free-draining soils. The adjective “dry” before density or unit weight is omitted in the title and remaining portions of this standards to be be consistent with the applicable definitions given in Section 3 on Terminology.
1.2 System of units:
1.2.1 The testing apparatus described in this standard has been developed and manufactured using values in the gravimetric or inch-pound system. Therefore, test apparatus dimensions and mass given in inch-pound units are regarded as the standard.
1.2.2 It is common practice in the engineering profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and a unit of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two separate systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravitational system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single standard. This test method has been written using the gravitational system of units when dealing with the inch-pound system. In this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight). However, balances or scales measure mass; and weight must be calculated. In the inch-pound system, it is common to assume that 1 lbf is equal to 1 lbm. While reporting density is not regarded as nonconformance with this standard, unit weights should be calculated and reported since the results may be used to determine force or stress.
1.2.3 The terms density and unit weight are often used interchangeably. Density is mass per unit volume, whereas unit weight is force per unit volume. In this standard, density is given only in SI units. After the density has been determined, the unit weight is calculated in SI or inch-pound units, or both.
1.3 Three alternative methods are provided to determine the minimum index density/unit weight, as follows:
1.3.1 Method A—Usin...
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´1
Designation: D4254 − 00(Reapproved 2006)
Standard Test Methods for
Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils and
Calculation of Relative Density
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4254; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
ε NOTE—Corrected research report reference in Section 12 editorially in March 2008.
1. Scope* 1.3 Threealternativemethodsareprovidedtodeterminethe
minimum index density/unit weight, as follows:
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the
1.3.1 Method A—Using a funnel pouring device or a hand
minimum-index dry density/unit weight of cohesionless, free-
scoop to place material in mold.
draining soils. The adjective “dry” before density or unit
1.3.2 Method B—Depositing material into a mold by ex-
weight is omitted in the title and remaining portions of this
tracting a soil filled tube.
standards to be be consistent with the applicable definitions
1.3.3 Method C —Depositing material by inverting a
given in Section 3 on Terminology.
graduated cylinder.
1.2 System of units:
1.4 The method to be used should be specified by the
1.2.1 The testing apparatus described in this standard has
individual assigning the test. If no method is specified, the
been developed and manufactured using values in the gravi-
provisions of Method A shall govern. Test Method A is the
metric or inch-pound system. Therefore, test apparatus dimen-
preferred procedure for determining minimum index density/
sions and mass given in inch-pound units are regarded as the
unit weight as used in conjunction with the procedures of Test
standard.
Methods D4253. Methods B and C are provided for guidance
1.2.2 It is common practice in the engineering profession to
of testing used in conjunction with special studies, especially
concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm)
where there is not enough material available to use a 0.100 ft
and a unit of force (lbf).This implicitly combines two separate
3 3 3
(2830 cm ) or 0.500 ft (14200 cm ) mold as required by
systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravita-
Method A.
tionalsystem.Itisscientificallyundesirabletocombinetheuse
of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single 1.5 These test methods are applicable to soils that may
standard. This test method has been written using the gravita- containupto15%,bydrymass,ofsoilparticlespassingaNo.
tional system of units when dealing with the inch-pound 200 (75-µm) sieve, provided they still have cohesionless,
system.Inthissystem,thepound(lbf)representsaunitofforce free-draining characteristics (nominal sieve dimensions are in
(weight). However, balances or scales measure mass; and accordance with Specification E11).
weight must be calculated. In the inch-pound system, it is 1.5.1 MethodAisapplicabletosoilsinwhich100%,bydry
commontoassumethat1lbfisequalto1lbm.Whilereporting mass, of soil particles pass a 3-in. (75-mm) sieve and which
density is not regarded as nonconformance with this standard, may contain up to 30%, by dry mass, of soil particles retained
unitweightsshouldbecalculatedandreportedsincetheresults ona1 ⁄2-inch (37.5-mm) sieve.
may be used to determine force or stress. 1.5.2 MethodBisapplicabletosoilsinwhich100%,bydry
1.2.3 The terms density and unit weight are often used mass, of soil particles pass a ⁄4-inch (19.0-mm) sieve.
interchangeably.Densityismassperunitvolume,whereasunit 1.5.3 MethodCisapplicableonlytofineandmediumsands
weight is force per unit volume. In this standard, density is in which 100%, by dry mass, of soil particles pass a ⁄8-in.
given only in SI units. After the density has been determined, (9.5-mm) sieve and which may contain up to 10%, by dry
the unit weight is calculated in SI or inch-pound units, or both. mass, of soil particles retained on a No. 10 (2.00-mm) sieve.
1.5.4 Soils, for the purposes of these test methods, shall be
regarded as naturally occurring cohesionless soils, processed
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
Rock andisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD18.03onTexture, Plasticity
and Density Characteristics of Soils.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2006. Published March 2006. Originally Kolbuszewski, J. J., “An Experimental Study of the Maximum and Minimum
approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as D4254–00. DOI: Porosities of Sands,” Proceedings, Second International Conference on Soil
10.1520/D4254-00R06E01. Mechanics and Foundation Engineering , Rotterdam Vol I, 1948, pp. 158–165.
*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
´1
D4254 − 00 (2006)
particles, or composites or mixtures of natural soils, or mix- state of compactness that can be attained using a standard
tures of natural and processed particles, provided they are laboratory compaction procedure that minimizes particle seg-
free-draining. regation and breakdown.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2.4 maximum-index void ratio, e ,n—thereferencevoid
max
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ratio of a soil at the minimum index density/unit weight.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.2.5 minimumindexdensity/unitweight ρ or γ ,
demon diminish
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
n— reference dry density/unit weight of a soil in the loosest
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
stateofcompactnessatwhichitcanbeplacedusingastandard
laboratory procedure that prevents bulking and minimizes
2. Referenced Documents
particle segregation.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.2.6 minimum-index void ratio, e ,n—the reference void
C127Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific min
ratio of a soil at the maximum index density/unit weight.
Gravity), and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
D422Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
3.2.7 relative density, D,n—the ratio, expressed as a
d
D653Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
percentage,ofthedifferencebetweenthemaximumindexvoid
Fluids
ratio and any given void ratio of a cohesionless, free-draining
D854Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
soil to the difference between its maximum and minimum
Water Pycnometer
index void ratios. The equation is:
D1140Test Methods for Determining the Amount of Mate-
e 2 e
max
rialFinerthan75-µm(No.200)SieveinSoilsbyWashing D 5 3100 (1)
d
e 2 e
max min
D2216Test Methods for Laboratory Determination ofWater
or, in terms of corresponding dry densities:
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D2487Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering
ρ ~ρ 2 ρ !
dmax d demon
D 5 3100 (2)
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System) d
ρ ρ 2 ρ
~ !
d dmax demon
D2488Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
or, in terms of corresponding dry unit weights:
(Visual-Manual Procedure)
D3740Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
γ γ 2 γ
~ !
dmax d demon
D 5 (3)
d
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
γ γ 2 γ
~ !
d dmax demon
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
3.2.8 densityindex/unitweight,I ,n—theratio,expressedas
d
D4253Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit
a percentage, of the difference between any given dry density/
Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
unit weight and the minimum index density/unit weight of a
D4753Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
given cohesionless soil to the difference between its maximum
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
and minimum index densities/unit weights. The equation is:
Construction Materials Testing
ρ 2 ρ
d demon
D6026Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
I 5 3100 (4)
d
ρ 2 ρ
Data dmax min
E11Specification forWovenWireTest Sieve Cloth andTest
or, in terms of corresponding dry unit weights:
Sieves
γ 2 γ
d demon
E177Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
I 5 3100 (5)
d
γ 2 γ
dmax demon
ASTM Test Methods
E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
4. Summary of Test Method
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
4.1 The minimum index density/unit weight represents the
3. Terminology
loosest condition of a cohesionless, free-draining soil that can
3.1 Definitions—For common definitions in this standard be attained by a standard laboratory procedure, which prevents
refer to Terminology D653.
bulking and minimizes particle segregation. Any particular
procedure selected will consist of determining the density/unit
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
weight of oven-dried soil placed into a container of known
3.2.1 dry density/unit weight ρ or γ,n—the dry density/
d d
volume in such a manner that prevents bulking and particle
unit weight of a soil deposit or fill at the given void ratio.
segregation, and minimizes compaction of the soil.
3.2.2 givenvoidratio,e,n—thein-situorstatedvoidratioof
a soil deposit or fill.
5. Significance and Use
3.2.3 maximum index density/unit weight, ρ or γ ,
ddmax dmax
5.1 The density/unit weight of a cohesionless soil may be
n—thereferencedrydensity/unitweightofasoilinthedensest
determined by various in-place methods in the field or by the
measurementofphysicaldimensionsandmassesbylaboratory
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
soil specimens. The dry density/unit weight of a cohesionless
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
soil does not necessarily, by itself, reveal whether the soil is
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. loose or dense.
´1
D4254 − 00 (2006)
5.2 Relative density/unit weight expresses the degree of equaltoorgreaterthan2 ⁄4in.(70mm)butlessthan4in.(100
compactness of a cohesionless soil with respect to the loosest mm) and conforming to the design methodology presented in
and densest condition as defined by standard laboratory pro- Fig. 2. Such molds may only be used when the test results are
cedures. Only when viewed against the possible range of to be used in conjunction with design or special studies, and
3 3
variation, in terms of relative density/unit weight, can the dry there is not enough soil to use the 0.100 ft (2830 cm ) mold.
density/unit weight be related to the compaction effort used to 6.3.3 Balances(s), of sufficient capacity to determine the
placethesoilinacompactedfillorindicatevolumechangeand total mass of the specimen and mold, having sufficient accu-
stress-strain tendencies of soil when subjected to external racythatthemassofthesoilisdeterminedtothenearest0.1%.
loading. Balances capable of satisfying these requirements for most
conditions have specifications as follows:
5.3 An absolute minimum density/unit weight is not neces-
3 3
6.3.3.1 For 0.500-ft (14200-cm ) molds, use a balance
sarily obtained by these test methods.
having a minimum capacity of 40-kg and meeting the require-
NOTE 1—In addition, there are published data to indicate that these test
mentsofSpecificationD4753foraClassGP10(readabilityof
methodshaveahighdegreeofvariability. However,thevariabilitycanbe
5 g).
greatly reduced by careful calibration of equipment, and careful attention
3 3
6.3.3.2 For 0.100-ft (2830-cm ) molds, use a balance
to proper test procedure and technique.
having a minimum capacity of at least 15 kg and meeting the
5.4 The use of the standard molds (6.3.1) has been found to
requirements of Specification D4753 for Class GP5 (readabil-
besatisfactoryformostsoilsrequiringminimumindexdensity/
ity of 1 g).
unit weight testing. Special molds (6.3.2) shall only be used
6.3.3.3 For special molds that are less than 0.1 ft (2830
when the test results are to be applied in conjunction with
cm ) in capacity, use a balance having a minimum capacity of
designorspecialstudiesandthereisnotenoughsoiltousethe
at least 2 kg and meeting the requirements of Specification
standard molds. Such test results should be applied with
D4753 for a Class GP 2 (readability of 0.1 g).
caution, as minimum index densities/unit weights obtained
6.3.4 Pouring Devices, are used in conjunction with the
with the special molds may not agree with those that would be
3 3
0.100 ft (2830 cm ) standard mold and with special molds.
obtained using the standard molds.
Pouring devices consist of relatively rigid containers having
NOTE 2—The quality of the result produced by this standard is volumes about 1.25 to 2 times greater than the volumes of the
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
mold(s) used, and fitted with spouts or tubes about 6 in. (150
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
mm) long. Two pouring spouts are required, one having an
criteriaofPracticeD3740,generally,areconsideredcapableofcompetent
inside spout diameter of 0.50 in. (13 mm) and another with an
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
inside spout diameter of 1.0 in. (25 mm). A lipped brim, or
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740
othermeans,mustbeprovidedtosecurelyconnectthespoutto
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
the container that permits free and even flow of the soil from
the container into the spout, and then into the mold.
6. Apparatus
6.3.5 Rigid, Thin-Walled Tubes,forusewithMethodB.The
6.1 Apparatus for Methods A, B, and C:
size of the tubes is dependent upon the mold size selected.The
6.1.1 Drying Oven, thermostatically controlled, preferably
volume of the tubes shall be between 1.25 and 1.30 times the
of the forced-draft type, capable of maintaining a uniform
volume of the mold. The inside diameter of the tube shall be
temperature of 230 6 9°F (110 6 5°C) throughout the drying
about 0.7 times the inside diameter of the mold.
chamber.
6.3.6 Other equipment such as mixing pans, a large metal
1 3
6.1.2 Sieves, 3-in. (75-mm), 1 ⁄2-in. (37.5-mm), ⁄4-in. (19-
scoop, a hair-bristled dusting brush, and a metal straightedge
mm), ⁄8-in. (9.5-mm), No. 4 (4.75-mm), No. 10 (2.00-mm),
(for trimming excess soil after it has been placed in the mold).
and No. 200 (75-µm) conforming to the requirements of
6.4 Apparatus for Method C:
Specification E11.
6.4.1 Glass Gradu
...
This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM 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.
Designation:D4254–91(Reapproved 1996)
Standard Test Method for Designation:D4254–00
e1
(Reapproved 2006)
Standard Test Methods for
Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils and
Calculation of Relative Density
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4254; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
e NOTE—Corrected research report reference in Section 12 editorially in March 2008.
1. Scope
1.1These test methods cover the determination of the minimum index density/unit weight of cohesionless, free-draining soils.
*
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the minimum-index dry density/unit weight of cohesionless, free-draining
soils. The adjective “dry” before density or unit weight is omitted in the title and remaining portions of this standards to be be
consistent with the applicable definitions given in Section 3 on Terminology.
1.2 System of units:
1.2.1 The testing apparatus described in this test method standard has been developed and manufactured using values in the
gravimetric or inch-pound system. Therefore, test apparatus dimensions and mass given in inch-pound units are regarded as the
standard.
1.2.2 It is common practice in the engineering profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and
a unit of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two separate systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravitational
system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single standard. This
test method has been written using the gravitational system of units when dealing with the inch-pound system. In this system, the
pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight). However, balances or scales measure mass; and weight must be calculated. In the
inch-poundsystem,itiscommontoassumethat1lbfisequalto1lbm.Whilereportingdensityisnotregardedasnonconformance
with this test method, standard, unit weights should be calculated and reported since the results may be used to determine force
or stress.
1.2.3 The terms density and unit weight are often used interchangeably. Density is mass per unit volume, whereas unit weight
is force per unit volume. In this test method standard, density shall be is given only in SI units. After the density has been
determined, calculations for determining unit weights shall be given. the unit weight is calculated in SI or inch-pound units, or
both.
1.3 Three alternative proceduresmethods are provided to determine the minimum index density/unit weight, as follows:
1.3.1Test Method 1.3.1 Method A—Using a funnel pouring device or a hand scoop to place material in mold.
1.3.2Test Method 1.3.2 Method B—Depositing material into a mold by extracting a soil filled tube.
1.3.3Test Method C—Depositing 1.3.3 Method C —Depositing material by inverting a graduated cylinder.
1.4 The test method to be used should be specified by the individual assigning the test. If no test method is specified, the
provisions of Test MethodAshall govern. Test MethodAis the preferred procedure for determining minimum index density/unit
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D-18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture, Plasticity,
and Density Characteristics of Soils.
Current edition approved Aug. 15, 1991. Published November 1991. Originally published as D4254–83. Last previous edition D4254–83.
This standard is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture, Plasticity and
Density Characteristics of Soils.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2006. Published March 2006. Originally approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as D4254–00.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02.
Kolbuszewski, J. J., “An Experimental Study of the Maximum and Minimum Porosities of Sands,” Proceedings, Second International Conference on Soil Mechanics
and Foundation Engineering, Rotterdam Vol I, 1948, pp. 158–165.
*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.
e1
D4254–00 (2006)
weight as used in conjunction with the procedures of Test Methods D4253. Test Methods B and C are provided for guidance of
testing used in conjunction with special studies, especially where there is not enough material available to use a 0.100 ft (2 830
3 3 3
cm ) or 0.500 ft (14200 cm ) mold as required by Test Method A.
1.5 These test methods are applicable to soils that may contain up to 15%, by dry mass, of soil particles passing a No. 200
(75-µm) sieve, provided they still have cohesionless, free-draining characteristics (nominal sieve dimensions are in accordance
with Specification E11).
1.5.1TestMethod1.5.1 MethodAisapplicabletosoilsinwhich100%,bydrymass,ofsoilparticlespassa3-in.(75-mm)sieve
and which may contain up to 30%, by dry mass, of soil particles retained on a 1- ⁄2-inch (37.5-mm) sieve.
1.5.2Test Method1.5.2 Method B is applicable to soils in which 100%, by dry mass, of soil particles pass a ⁄4-inch (19.0-mm)
sieve.
1.5.3Test Method1.5.3 Method C is applicable only to fine and medium sands in which 100%, by dry mass, of soil particles
pass a ⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve and which may contain up to 10%, by dry mass, of soil particles retained on a No. 10 (2.00-mm)
sieve.
1.5.4 Soils, for the purposes of these test methods, shall be regarded as naturally occurring cohesionless soils, processed
particles,orcompositesormixturesofnaturalsoils,ormixturesofnaturalandprocessedparticles,providedtheyarefree-draining.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C127Test Method for Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate Test Method for Density, Relative Density
(Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D854Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soils Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Water Pycnometer
D1140 Test Methods for Amount of Material in Soils Finer than No. 200 (75-m) Sieve
D2216Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil, Rock, and Soil-Aggregate Mixtures
Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D2487Test Method for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure)
D4253Test Methods for Maximum Index Density of Soils Using aVibratoryTable 3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements
for Agencies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
D4753SpecificationforEvaluating,Selecting,andSpecifyingBalancesandScalesforUseinSoilandRockTesting 4253 Test
Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
D4753 GuideforEvaluating,Selecting,andSpecifyingBalancesandStandardMassesforUseinSoil,Rock,andConstruction
Materials Testing
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
E11Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Purposes
E319Methods of Testing Single-Arm Balances
Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
E380Practice for Use of the International System of Units (SI) (The Modernized Metric System) 177 Practice for Use of the
Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1Except as listed below, all definitions are in accordance with Terminology D653.
3.1.2maximum index density/unit weight, r or g —the reference dry density/unit weight of a soil in the densest state of
dmax dmax
compactness that can be attained using a standard laboratory compaction procedure that minimizes particle segregation and
breakdown.
3.1.3minimum index void ratio, e —the reference void ratio of a soil at the maximum index density/unit weight.
min
3.1.4minimum index density/unit weight r or g —the reference dry density/unit weight of a soil in the loosest state of
dmin dmin
compactness at which it can be placed using a standard laboratory procedure that prevents bulking and minimizes particle
segregation.
3.1 Definitions: For common definitions in this standard refer to Terminology D653
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 maximum index void ratio, e —the reference void ratio of a soil at the minimum index density/unit weight. dry
max
e1
D4254–00 (2006)
density/unit weight r or g , n—the dry density/unit weight of a soil deposit or fill at the given void ratio.
d d
3.2.2 given void ratio, egiven void ratio, e, n—the in-situ or stated void ratio of a soil deposit or fill.
3.2.3 dry density/unit weight rdor g —the dry density/unit weight of a soil deposit or fill at the given void ratio. maximum
d
index density/unit weight, r or g , n— the reference dry density/unit weight of a soil in the densest state of compactness
ddmax dmax
that can be attained using a standard laboratory compaction procedure that minimizes particle segregation and breakdown.
3.2.4 relative density, D maximum-index void ratio, e , n—the reference void ratio of a soil at the minimum index
d max
density/unit weight.
3.2.5 minimum index density/unit weight r or g , n—the reference dry density/unit weight of a soil in the loosest state
dmin dmin
of compactness at which it can be placed using a standard laboratory procedure that prevents bulking and minimizes particle
segregation.
3.2.6 minimum-index void ratio, e , n—the reference void ratio of a soil at the maximum index density/unit weight.
min
3.2.7 relative density, D , n—the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the difference between the maximum index void ratio and
d
any given void ratio of a cohesionless, free-draining soil to the difference between its maximum and minimum index void ratios.
The equation is:
e 2e
max
D 5 3100 (1)
d
e 2e
max min
e 2 e
max
D 5 3100 (1)
d
e 2 e
max min
or, in terms of corresponding dry densities:
r ~r 2r !
dmax d dmin
D 5 3100 (2)
d
r ~r 2r !
d dmax dmin
r ~r 2r !
dmax d dmin
D 5 3100 (2)
d
r ~r 2r !
d dmax dmin
or, in terms of corresponding dry unit weights:
g ~g 2g !
dmax d dmin
D 5 (3)
d
g ~g 2g !
d dmax dmin
g ~g 2g !
dmax d dmin
D 5 (3)
d
g ~ g 2g !
d dmax dmin
3.1.9!
3.2.8 density index/unit weight, I , n—theratio,expressedasapercentage,ofthedifferencebetweenanygivendrydensity/unit
d
weight and the minimum index density/unit weight of a given cohesionless soil to the difference between its maximum and
minimum index densities/unit weights. The equation is:
r 2r
d dmin
I 5 3100 (4)
d
r 2r
dmax min
r 2r
d dmin
I 5 3100 (4)
d
r 2r
dmax min
or, in terms of corresponding dry unit weights:
g 2g
d dmin
I 5 (5)
d
g 2g
dmax dmin
g 2g
d dmin
I 5 (5)
d
g 2g
dmax dmin
2gdmin 3100
4. Summary of Test Methods
4.1 The minimum index density/unit weight represents the loosest condition of a cohesionless, free-draining soil that can be
attained by a standard laboratory procedure, which prevents bulking and minimizes particle segregation.Any particular procedure
selected will consist of determining the density/unit weight of oven-dried soil placed into a container of known volume in such
a manner that prevents bulking and particle segregation, and minimizes compaction of the soil.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The density/unit weight of a cohesionless soil may be determined by various in-place methods in the field or by the
measurement of physical dimensions and masses by laboratory soil specimens. The dry density/unit weight of a cohesionless soil
does not necessarily, by itself, reveal whether the soil is loose or dense.
5.2 Relative density/unit weight expresses the degree of compactness of a cohesionless soil with respect to the loosest and
densestconditionasdefinedbystandardlaboratoryprocedures.Onlywhenviewedagainstthepossiblerangeofvariation,interms
of relative density/unit weight, can the dry density/unit weight be related to the compaction effort used to place the soil in a
e1
D4254–00 (2006)
compacted fill or indicate volume change and stress-strain tendencies of soil when subjected to external loading.
5.3 An absolute minimum density/unit weight is not necessarily obtained by these test methods.
NOTE 1—In addition, there are published data to indicate that these test methods have a high degree of variability. However, the variability can be
greatly reduced by careful calibration of equipment, including the vibrating table, and careful attention to proper test procedure and technique.
5.4 Theuseofthestandardmolds(6.3.1)hasbeenfoundtobesatisfactoryformostsoilsrequiringminimumindexdensity/unit
weighttesting.Specialmolds(6.3.2)shallonlybeusedwhenthetestresultsaretobeappliedinconjunctionwithdesignorspecial
studies and there is not enough soil to use the standard molds. Such test results should be applied with caution as minimum index
densities/unit weights obtained with the special molds may not agree with those that would be obtained using the standard molds.
) shall only be used when the test results are to be applied in conjunction with design or special studies and there is not enough
soil to use the standard molds. Such test results should be applied with caution, as minimum index densities/unit weights obtained
with the special molds may not agree with those that would be obtained using the standard molds.
NOTE 2—The quality of the result produced by this standard is dependent on the
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