ASTM D4647/D4647M-13
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Identification and Classification of Dispersive Clay Soils by the Pinhole Test
Standard Test Methods for Identification and Classification of Dispersive Clay Soils by the Pinhole Test
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The pinhole test provides one method of identifying the dispersive characteristics of clay soils that are to be or have been used in earth construction. The piping failures of a number of homogeneous earth dams, erosion along channel or canal banks, and rainfall erosion of earthen structures have been attributed to the colloidal erosion along cracks or other flow channels formed in masses of dispersive clay (2).
5.2 This test method models the action of water flowing along a crack in an earth embankment. Other indirect tests, such as the double hydrometer test (Test Method D4221), the crumb test (3, 4), that relates the turbidity of a cloud of suspended clay colloids as an indicator of the clay dispersivity, and chemical tests that relate the percentage of sodium to total soluble salt content of the soil are also used as indicator tests of clay dispersibility (2). The comparison of results from the pinhole test and other indirect tests on hundreds of samples indicates that the results of the pinhole test have the best correlation with the erosional performance of clay soils in nature.
5.3 Method A and Method C of the pinhole test require the evaluation of cloudiness of effluent, final size of the pinhole, and computation of flow rates through the pinhole in order to classify the dispersive characteristics of the soil. Method B requires only the evaluation of the cloudiness of effluent and final size of the pinhole to classify the dispersive characteristics of the soil. The computation of flow rates through the pinhole in Method A serves primarily as a guide to the proper equipment and specimen performance under sequential pressures applied during the test. All methods produce similar results and any method can be used to identify dispersive clays.
5.4 The use of Method A or Method C results in the accumulation of data relative to sequential flow rates through the pinhole and consequent enlargement or erosion of the hole. The pinhole erosion test was d...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method presents a direct, measurement of the dispersibility and consequent colloidal erodibility of clay soils by causing water to flow through a small hole punched in a specimen. The results of the tests are qualitative and provide general guidance regarding dispersibility and erodibility. This test method is complemented by Test Method D4221.
1.2 This test method and the criteria for evaluating test data are based upon results of several hundred tests on samples collected from embankments, channels, and other areas where clay soils have eroded or resisted erosion in nature (1).2
1.3 Three alternative procedures for classifying the dispersibility of clay soils are provided as follows:
1.3.1 Method A and Method C, adapted from Ref (1), classify soils into six categories of dispersiveness as: dispersibility (D1, D2), slight to moderately dispersive (ND4, ND3), and nondispersive (ND2, ND1).
1.3.2 Method B classifies soils into three categories of dispersiveness as: dispersibility (D), slightly dispersive (SD), and nondispersive (ND).
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.
1.5 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
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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Designation:D4647/D4647M −13
Standard Test Methods for
Identification and Classification of Dispersive Clay Soils by
1
the Pinhole Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4647/D4647M; 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 presents a direct, measurement of the
dispersibility and consequent colloidal erodibility of clay soils
2. Referenced Documents
by causing water to flow through a small hole punched in a
3
specimen. The results of the tests are qualitative and provide
2.1 ASTM Standards:
general guidance regarding dispersibility and erodibility. This
D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
test method is complemented by Test Method D4221.
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
1.2 This test method and the criteria for evaluating test data Fluids
are based upon results of several hundred tests on samples
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
3
collected from embankments, channels, and other areas where
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft (600
2
3
clay soils have eroded or resisted erosion in nature (1).
kN-m/m ))
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
1.3 Three alternative procedures for classifying the dispers-
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
ibility of clay soils are provided as follows:
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering
1.3.1 Method A and Method C, adapted from Ref (1),
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
classify soils into six categories of dispersiveness as: dispers-
ibility (D1, D2), slight to moderately dispersive (ND4, ND3), D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
and nondispersive (ND2, ND1). (Visual-Manual Procedure)
1.3.2 Method B classifies soils into three categories of
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
dispersiveness as: dispersibility (D), slightly dispersive (SD),
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
and nondispersive (ND).
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
D4221 Test Method for Dispersive Characteristics of Clay
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
Soil by Double Hydrometer
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and
Practice D6026.
Plasticity Index of Soils
1.5 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
Construction Materials Testing
therefore,eachsystemshallbeusedindependentlyoftheother.
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
Combining values from the two systems may result in non-
Data
conformance with the standard.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3. Terminology
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1 Definitions:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.1 For definitions of terms in these test methods, refer to
Terminology D653.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland
RockandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD18.06onPhysical-Chemical
Interactions of Soil and Rock.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2013. Published February 2013. Originally
ε1
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approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D4647 – 06 . DOI: For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
10.1520/D4647_D4647M-13. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
these test methods. the ASTM website.
*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
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D4647/D4647M−13
3.2.1 dispersive clays—clays that disaggregate easily and sures applied during the test. All methods produce similar
rapidly in water of low-salt concentration, and without signifi- resultsandanymethodcanbeusedtoidentifydispersiveclays.
cant mechanical assistance. Such clays usually have a hig
...
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: D4647 − 06 D4647/D4647M − 13
Standard Test MethodMethods for
Identification and Classification of Dispersive Clay Soils by
1
the Pinhole Test
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4647;D4647/D4647M; 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—Section 10.1.14 was editorially corrected in September 2009.
1. Scope*
1.1 This test method presents a direct, qualitative measurement of the dispersibility and consequent colloidal erodibility of clay
soils by causing water to flow through a small hole punched in a specimen. The results of the tests are qualitative and provide
general guidance regarding dispersibility and erodibility. This test method is complemented by Test Method D4221.
1.2 This test method and the criteria for evaluating test data are based upon results of several hundred tests on samples collected
2
from embankments, channels, and other areas where clay soils have eroded or resisted erosion in nature (1).
1.3 Three alternative procedures for classifying the dispersibility of clay soils are provided as follows:
1.3.1 Method A and Method C, adapted from Ref (1), classify soils into six categories of dispersiveness as: dispersibility (D1,
D2), slight to moderately dispersive (ND4, ND3), and nondispersive (ND2, ND1).
1.3.2 Method B classifies soils into three categories of dispersiveness as: dispersibility (D), slightly dispersive (SD), and
nondispersive (ND).
1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice
D6026.
1.5 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as the standard. The values
given in parentheses are provided for information only.stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system
shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
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
3
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
3 3
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft (600 kN-m/m ))
D1193 Specification for Reagent Water
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure)
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D4221 Test Method for Dispersive Characteristics of Clay Soil by Double Hydrometer
D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.06 on Physical-Chemical
Interactions of Soil and Rock.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2006Jan. 1, 2013. Published December 2006 February 2013. Originally approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 19982006
ε1
as D4647 – 93D4647(2006). – 06 . DOI: 10.1520/D4647-06E01.10.1520/D4647_D4647M-13.
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of thisthese test method.methods.
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*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
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D4647/D4647M − 13
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard
...
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