ASTM D4253-00(2006)
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
Standard Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the maximum-index dry density/unit weight of cohesionless, free-draining soils using a vertically vibrating table. The adjective "dry before density or unit weight is omitted in the title and remaining portions of this standard to be consistent with the applicable definition given in Section 3 on Terminology.
1.2 Systems 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 standard 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 Four alternative methods are provided to determine the maximum index density/unit weight, as follows:
1.3.1 Method 1AUsing oven-dried soil and an electromagnetic, vertically vibrating table.
1.3.2 Method 1BUsing wet soil and an electromagnetic, vertically vibrating table.
1.3.3 Method 2AUsing oven-dried soil and an eccentric or cam-driven, vertically vibrating table.
1.3.4 Method 2BUsing wet soil and an eccentric or cam-driven vertically vibrating table.
1.4 The method to be used should be specified by the individual assigning the test.
1.4.1 The type of table to be used (Method 1 or 2) is likely to be decided based upon available equipment. Note 1There is evidence to show that electromagnetic tables yield slightly higher values of maximum index density/unit weight than the eccentric or cam-driven tables.
1.4.2 It is recommended that both the dry and wet methods (Methods 1A and 1B or 2A and 2B) be performed when beginning a new job or encountering a change in soil types, as the wet method can yield significantly higher values of maximum index density/unit weight for some soils. Such a higher maximum index density, when considered along with the minimum index density/unit weight, Test Methods D 4254, will be found to significantly affect the value of the relative density () calculated for a soil encountered in the field. While the dry method is often preferred because results can usually be obtained more quickly, as a general rule the wet method should be used if it is established that it produces maximum index densities/unit weights that would significantly affect the use/application of the value of relative density.
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-m) sieve, provided they still have cohesionless, free-draining characteristics (nominal sieve dimensions are in accordance with Specification E 11). Further, these test methods are applicable to soils in which 100 %, by dry mass, of soil particles pass a 3-in. (75-mm) sieve.
1.5.1 Soils, for the purpose of these test methods, shall be regarded as nat...
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Designation: D4253 − 00(Reapproved 2006)
Standard Test Methods for
Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a
Vibratory Table
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4253; 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.
1. Scope* 1.3 Four alternative methods are provided to determine the
maximum index density/unit weight, as follows:
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the
1.3.1 Method 1A—Using oven-dried soil and an
maximum–index dry density/unit weight of cohesionless, free-
electromagnetic, vertically vibrating table.
draining soils using a vertically vibrating table. The adjective
1.3.2 Method 1B—Using wet soil and an electromagnetic,
“dry before density or unit weight is omitted in the title and
vertically vibrating table.
remaining portions of this standard to be consistent with the
1.3.3 Method 2A—Usingoven-driedsoilandaneccentricor
applicable definition given in Section 3 on Terminology.
cam-driven, vertically vibrating table.
1.2 Systems of Units:
1.3.4 Method 2B—Using wet soil and an eccentric or
1.2.1 The testing apparatus described in this standard has
cam-driven vertically vibrating table.
been developed and manufactured using values in the gravi-
1.4 The method to be used should be specified by the
metric or inch-pound system. Therefore, test apparatus dimen-
individual assigning the test.
sions and mass given in inch-pound units are regarded as the
1.4.1 The type of table to be used (Method 1 or 2) is likely
standard.
to be decided based upon available equipment.
1.2.2 It is common practice in the engineering profession to
concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) NOTE 1—There is evidence to show that electromagnetic tables yield
slightly higher values of maximum index density/unit weight than the
and a unit of force (lbf).This implicitly combines two separate
eccentric or cam-driven tables.
systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravita-
1.4.2 It is recommended that both the dry and wet methods
tionalsystem.Itisscientificallyundesirabletocombinetheuse
of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single (Methods 1A and 1B or 2A and 2B) be performed when
beginning a new job or encountering a change in soil types, as
standard.Thisstandardhasbeenwrittenusingthegravitational
system of units when dealing with the inch-pound system. In the wet method can yield significantly higher values of
maximum index density/unit weight for some soils. Such a
this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight).
However,balancesorscalesmeasuremass;andweightmustbe higher maximum index density, when considered along with
the minimum index density/unit weight, Test Methods D4254,
calculated. In the inch-pound system, it is common to assume
that 1 lbf is equal to 1 lbm. While reporting density is not will be found to significantly affect the value of the relative
density (3.2.8) calculated for a soil encountered in the field.
regarded as nonconformance with this standard, unit weights
shouldbecalculatedandreportedsincetheresultsmaybeused While the dry method is often preferred because results can
usually be obtained more quickly, as a general rule the wet
to determine force or stress.
method should be used if it is established that it produces
1.2.3 The terms density and unit weight are often used
maximumindexdensities/unit weightsthatwouldsignificantly
interchangeably. Density is mass per unit volume whereas unit
affect the use/application of the value of relative density.
weight is force per unit volume. In this standard density is
given only in SI units. After the density has been determined,
1.5 These test methods are applicable to soils that may
the unit weight is calculated in SI or inch-pound units, or both.
containupto15%,bydrymass,ofsoilparticlespassingaNo.
200 (75-µm) sieve, provided they still have cohesionless,
free-draining characteristics (nominal sieve dimensions are in
accordancewithSpecificationE11).Further,thesetestmethods
This standard is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture,
are applicable to soils in which 100%, by dry mass, of soil
Plasticity and Density Characteristics of Soils.
particles pass a 3-in. (75-mm) sieve.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2006. Published March 2006. Originally
1.5.1 Soils, for the purpose of these test methods, shall be
approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as D4253 – 00. DOI:
10.1520/D4253-00R06. regarded as naturally occurring cohesionless soils, processed
*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
D4253 − 00 (2006)
particles, or composites or mixtures of natural soils, or mix- Construction Materials Testing
tures of natural and processed particles, provided they are free D6026Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
draining. Data
E11Specification forWovenWireTest Sieve Cloth andTest
1.6 These test methods will typically produce a higher
Sieves
maximum dry density/unit weight for cohesionless, free-
E177Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
draining soils than that obtained by impact compaction in
ASTM Test Methods
which a well-defined moisture-density relationship is not
E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
apparent. However, for some soils containing between 5 and
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
15% fines, the use of impact compaction (Test Methods D698
or D1557) may be useful in evaluating what is an appropriate
3. Terminology
maximum index density/unit weight.
3.1 Definitions—For common definitions in this standard
1.7 For many types of free-draining, cohesionless soils,
refer to Terminology D653.
these test methods cause a moderate amount of degradation
(particle breakdown) of the soil. When degradation occurs,
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
typically there is an increase in the maximum index density/
3.2.1 dry density/unit weight, ρ or γ ,n—the dry density/
d d
unit weight obtained, and comparable test results may not be
unit weight of a soil deposit or fill at the given void ratio.
obtainedwhendifferentsizemoldsareusedtotestagivensoil.
3.2.2 given void ratio, e, n—theinsituorstatedvoidratioof
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
a soil deposit or fill.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.3 maximum index density/unit weight, ρ or γ ,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- dmax dmax
n—thereferencedrydensity/unitweightofasoilinthedensest
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
state of compactness that can be attained using a standard
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
laboratory compaction procedure that minimizes particle seg-
2. Referenced Documents regation and breakdown.
2.1 ASTM Standards: 3.2.4 maximum index void ratio, e ,n—thereferencevoid
max
C127Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific
ratio of a soil at the minimum index density/unit weight.
Gravity), and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
3.2.5 minimum index density/unit weight, ρ or γ ,
dmin dmin
D422Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
n—the reference dry density/unit weight of a soil in the loosest
D653Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
stateofcompactnessatwhichitcanbeplacedusingastandard
Fluids
laboratory procedure which prevents bulking and minimizes
D698Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
particle segregation.
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft (600
3.2.6 minimum index void ratio, e ,n—the reference void
kN-m/m ))
min
ratio of a soil at the maximum index density/unit weight.
D854Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
Water Pycnometer
3.2.7 relative density, D,n—the ratio, expressed as a
d
D1140Test Methods for Determining the Amount of Mate-
percentage,ofthedifferencebetweenthemaximumindexvoid
rialFinerthan75-µm(No.200)SieveinSoilsbyWashing
ratio and any given void ratio of a cohesionless, free-draining
D1557Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
soil; to the difference between its maximum and minimum
istics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft
index void ratios. The equation is as follows:
(2,700 kN-m/m ))
e 2 e
max
D2216Test Methods for Laboratory Determination ofWater
D 5 3100 (1)
d
e 2 e
max min
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D2487Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering or, in terms of corresponding dry densities
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
ρ ρ 2 ρ
~ !
dmax d dmin
D2488Practice for Description and Identification of Soils D 5 3100 (2)
d
ρ ρ 2 ρ
~ !
d dmax dmin
(Visual-Manual Procedure)
D3740Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies in terms of corresponding or dry unit weights
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
γ γ 2 γ
~ !
dmax d dmin
Used in Engineering Design and Construction D 5 (3)
d
γ γ 2 γ
~ !
d dmax dmin
D4254Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit
3.2.8 percent compaction or relative compaction, R ,n—the
Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density
c
ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the dry density/unit weight
D4753Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
of a given soil to its maximum index density/unit weight. The
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
equation is:
2 ρ
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or d
R 5 3100 (4)
c
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
ρ
dmax
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. or
D4253 − 00 (2006)
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
γ
d
R 5 3100 (5)
c criteriaofPracticeD3740,generally,areconsideredcapableofcompetent
γ
dmax
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
3.2.9 density index, I —the ratio, expressed as a percentage,
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure
d
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740
of the difference between any given dry density/unit weight
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
and the minimum index density/unit weight of a given cohe-
sionless soil to the difference between its maximum and 5.4 The double amplitude of vertical vibration has been
minimum index densities/unit weights. The equation is: found to have a significant effect on the density obtained. For
a particular vibrating table and mold assembly, the maximum
ρ 2 ρ
d dmin
I 5 3100 (6) index density/unit weight of a given material may be obtained
d
ρ 2 ρ
dmax dmin
at a double amplitude of vibration other than the double
or
amplitude of 0.013 6 0.002 in. (0.33 6 0.05 mm) at a
frequency of 60 Hz or 0.019 6 0.003 in. (0.48 6 0.08 mm) at
γ 2 γ
d dmin
I 5 (7)
50 Hz required in this method; that is, dry density/unit weight
d
γ 2 γ
dmax dmin
may initially increase with increasing double amplitude of
vibration, reach a peak, and then decrease with further in-
4. Summary of Test Method
creases in double amplitude of vibration. Furthermore, the
4.1 The maximum index density/unit weight of a given
relationshipbetweenthepeakdensity/unitweightandoptimum
free-drainingsoilisdeterminedbyplacingeitheroven-driedor
double amplitude of vibration (double amplitude of vibration
wet soil in a mold, applying a 2-lb/in. (14-kPa) surcharge
where peak density/unit weight occurrs) can vary with various
(dead weight) to the surface of the soil, and then vertically
soil types and gradations. For this reason, these methods allow
vibrating the mold, soil, and surcharge. Use either an
the use of double amplitudes of vibration other than that
electromagnetic, eccentric, or cam-driven vibrating table hav-
described above, in special circumstances as provided in
ing a sinusoid-like time-vertical displacement relationship at a
11.1.6.3.
double amplitude of vertical vibration (peak-to-peak) of about
5.5 The use of the standard molds (6.1.1) has been found to
0.013in.(0.33mm)for8minat60Hzorabout0.019in.(0.48
be satisfactory for most soils requiring maximum index-
mm) for 10 min at 50 Hz. The maximum index density/unit
density/unit weight testing. Special molds (6.1.2) shall only be
weightiscalculatedbydividingtheoven-driedmass/weightof
usedwhenthetest resultsaretobeappliedinconjunctionwith
the densified soil by its volume (average height of densified
design or special studies and there is not enough soil to use the
soil times area of mold).
standard molds. Such test results should be applied with
5. Significance and Use
caution as maximum index densities/unit weights obtained
with the special molds may not agree with those that would be
5.1 For many cohesionless, free-draining soils, the maxi-
obtained using the standard molds.
mumindexdensity/unitweightisoneofthekeycomponentsin
evaluating the state of compactness of a given soil mass that is
6. Apparatus
either naturally occurring or placed by man (fill).
6.1 Mold Assembly—An example of a typical mold assem-
5.1.1 Relative density and percent compaction are com-
bly is shown in Fig. 1. Individual components and accessories
monly used for evaluating the state of compactness of a given
shall be as follows:
soil mass. Density/unit weight index is also sometimes used.
6.1.1 Standard Molds—Cylindrical metal molds having
See Section 3 for descriptions of terms.
3 3 3
nominalvolumesof0.100ft (2830cm )and0.500ft (14200
5.2 It is generally recognized that either relative density or
cm ). The molds shall conform to the requirements shown in
percent compaction is a good indicator of the state of com-
Fig. 2.The actual volume of the molds shall be within 61.5%
pactness of a given soil mass. However, the engineering
of the specified nominal volume.
properties, such as strength, compressibility, and permeability
6.1.2 Special Molds—Cylindrical metal molds having a
of a given soil, compacted by various methods to a given state
3 3
capacity less than 0.100 ft (2 830 cm ), an inside diameter
of compactness can vary considerably.Therefore, considerable
equaltoorgreaterthan2 ⁄4in.(70mm),butlessthan4in.(100
engineering judgment must be used in relating the engineering
mm
...
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