ASTM D7263-09(2018)
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Density (Unit Weight) of Soil Specimens
Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Density (Unit Weight) of Soil Specimens
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 Dry density, as defined as “density of soil or rock” in Terminology D653 and “bulk density” by soil scientists, can be used to convert the water fraction of soil from a mass basis to a volume basis and vise-versa. When particle density, that is, specific gravity (Test Methods D854) is also known, dry density can be used to calculate porosity and void ratio (see Appendix X1). Dry density measurements are also useful for determining degree of soil compaction. Since moisture content is variable, moist soil density provides little useful information except to estimate the weight of soil per unit volume, for example, pounds per cubic yard, at the time of sampling. Since soil volume shrinks with drying of swelling soils, bulk density will vary with moisture content. Hence, the water content of the soil should be determined at the time of sampling.
4.2 Densities (unit weights) of remolded/reconstituted specimens are commonly used to evaluate the degree of compaction of earthen fills, embankments, etc. Dry density values are usually used in conjunction with compaction curve values (Test Methods D698 and D1557).
4.3 Density (unit weight) is one of the key components in determining the mass composition/phase relations of soil, see Appendix X1.
Note 1: 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 D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on several factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of these factors.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods describe two ways of determining the total/moist and dry densities (unit weights) of intact, disturbed, remolded, and reconstituted (compacted) soil specimens. Density (unit weight) as used in this standard means the same as “bulk density” of soil as defined by the Soil Science Society of America. Intact specimens may be obtained from thin-walled sampling tubes, block samples, or clods. Specimens that are remolded by dynamic or static compaction procedures may also be measured by these methods. These methods apply to soils that will retain their shape during the measurement process and may also apply to other materials such as soil-cement, soil-lime, soil-bentonite or solidified soil-bentonite-cement slurries. It is common for the density (unit weight) of specimens after removal from sampling tubes and compaction molds to be less than the value based on tube or mold volumes, or of in situ conditions. This is due to the specimen swelling after removal of lateral pressures.
1.1.1 Method A covers the procedure for measuring the volume of wax coated specimens by determining the quantity of water displaced.
1.1.1.1 This method only applies to specimens in which the wax will not penetrate the outer surface of the specimen.
1.1.2 Method B covers the procedure by means of the direct measurement of the dimensions and mass of a specimen, usually one of cylindrical shape. Intact and reconstituted/remolded specimens may be tested by this method in conjunction with strength, permeability (air/water) and compressibility determinations.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are approximate.
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.
1.3.1 The method used to specify how data are collected, calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to the accuracy with which the data can be applied in design or other uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using this standard is beyond its scope.
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Designation: D7263 − 09 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Methods for
Laboratory Determination of Density (Unit Weight) of Soil
Specimens
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7263; 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 1.3.1 The method used to specify how data are collected,
calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to
1.1 These test methods describe two ways of determining
the accuracy with which the data can be applied in design or
the total/moist and dry densities (unit weights) of intact,
other uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using
disturbed, remolded, and reconstituted (compacted) soil speci-
this standard is beyond its scope.
mens. Density (unit weight) as used in this standard means the
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
same as “bulk density” of soil as defined by the Soil Science
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Society of America. Intact specimens may be obtained from
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
thin-walled sampling tubes, block samples, or clods. Speci-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mens that are remolded by dynamic or static compaction
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
procedures may also be measured by these methods. These
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
methods apply to soils that will retain their shape during the
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
measurement process and may also apply to other materials
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
such as soil-cement, soil-lime, soil-bentonite or solidified
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
soil-bentonite-cement slurries. It is common for the density
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
(unit weight) of specimens after removal from sampling tubes
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
and compaction molds to be less than the value based on tube
or mold volumes, or of in situ conditions. This is due to the
2. Referenced Documents
specimen swelling after removal of lateral pressures.
1.1.1 Method A covers the procedure for measuring the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
volume of wax coated specimens by determining the quantity
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
of water displaced.
Fluids
1.1.1.1 This method only applies to specimens in which the
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
wax will not penetrate the outer surface of the specimen.
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft (600
1.1.2 Method B covers the procedure by means of the direct
kN-m/m ))
measurement of the dimensions and mass of a specimen,
D854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
usually one of cylindrical shape. Intact and reconstituted/
Water Pycnometer
remolded specimens may be tested by this method in conjunc-
D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
tion with strength, permeability (air/water) and compressibility
istics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft
determinations.
(2,700 kN-m/m ))
D1587/D1587M Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
Fine-Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are approxi-
D2166/D2166M Test Method for Unconfined Compressive
mate.
Strength of Cohesive Soil
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
Practice D6026.
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
These test methods are under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil
and Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture,
Plasticity and Density Characteristics of Soils. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2018. Published March 2018. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2009 as D7263–09. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
D7263–09. DOI: 10.1520/D7263-09R18. the ASTM website.
Copyright ©ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA19428-2959. United States
D7263 − 09 (2018)
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils 5. Apparatus
(Visual-Manual Procedures)
5.1 For Method A the following apparatus are required:
D3550/D3550M Practice for Thick Wall, Ring-Lined, Split
5.1.1 Balance—All balances must meet the requirements of
Barrel, Drive Sampling of Soils
Specification D4753 and this section. A Class GP1 balance of
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
0.01 g readability is required for specimens having a mass up
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
to 200 grams and a Class GP2 balance of 0.1 g readability is
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
required for specimens having a mass over 200 grams. For
D4220/D4220M Practices for Preserving and Transporting
methodA, the balance must be capable of measuring the mass
Soil Samples
of the specimen suspended in water. This is usually accom-
D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and
plished by a weighing hook built into the balance for that
Plasticity Index of Soils
purpose, or a yoke assemblage is placed upon the pan which
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
suspends a thin, non-absorbent string or wire, that is, a nylon
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
line, etc., below the balance into the water reservoir.
Construction Materials Testing
5.1.2 Drying Oven—A thermostatically controlled, prefer-
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
ably of the forced-draft type, capable of maintaining a uniform
Data
temperature of 110 6 5°C throughout the drying chamber.
E2251 Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermom-
5.1.3 Wax—Non-shrinking, paraffin and/or microcrystalline
eters with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
wax that has a known and constant density, ρ , to four
ρ
2.2 Other Reference:
significant figures and that does not change after repeated
Soil Science Society of America Glossary of Soil Science
melting and cooling cycles.
Terms
NOTE 2—The waxes generally used are commercially available and
3 3
3. Terminology
have density values in the range of 0.87 to 0.91 g/cm or Mg/m .
3.1 Refer to Terminology D653 for standard definitions of 5.1.4 Wax-Melting Container—Used to melt the wax, but
terms.
shouldnotallowthewaxtooverheat.Acontainerheatedbyhot
water, preferably thermostatically controlled, is satisfactory.
4. Significance and Use
The wax should be heated to only slightly above the melting
4.1 Dry density, as defined as “density of soil or rock” in point to avoid flashing of the wax vapors and to permit quickly
TerminologyD653and“bulkdensity”bysoilscientists,canbe forming a uniform surface coating of wax. Warning—Vapors
used to convert the water fraction of soil from a mass basis to given off by molten wax ignite spontaneously above 205°C
(400°F) and should not be allowed to come in contact with the
a volume basis and vise-versa. When particle density, that is,
specific gravity (Test Methods D854) is also known, dry heating element or open flame.
density can be used to calculate porosity and void ratio (see 5.1.5 Wire Basket—Awire basket of 3.35 mm or finer mesh
Appendix X1). Dry density measurements are also useful for of approximately equal width and height of sufficient size to
determining degree of soil compaction. Since moisture content
contain the specimen. The basket shall be constructed to
is variable, moist soil density provides little useful information prevent trapping air when it is submerged. The basket is
except to estimate the weight of soil per unit volume, for
suspendedfromthebalancebyafinethreadorstring.Ahairnet
example, pounds per cubic yard, at the time of sampling. Since may also be used in lieu of the basket for smaller soil
soil volume shrinks with drying of swelling soils, bulk density
specimens.
will vary with moisture content. Hence, the water content of
5.1.6 Container—A container or tank of sufficient size to
the soil should be determined at the time of sampling.
contain the submerged basket and specimen.
5.1.7 Specimen Container—A corrosion-resistant container
4.2 Densities (unit weights) of remolded/reconstituted
of sufficient size to contain the specimen for water content
specimens are commonly used to evaluate the degree of
determination.
compaction of earthen fills, embankments, etc. Dry density
5.1.8 Thermometer—Capable of measuring the temperature
values are usually used in conjunction with compaction curve
range within which the test is being performed graduated in a
values (Test Methods D698 and D1557).
0.1 degree C division scale and meeting the requirements of
4.3 Density (unit weight) is one of the key components in
Specification E2251.
determining the mass composition/phase relations of soil, see
5.1.9 Container Handling Apparatus—Gloves or suitable
Appendix X1.
holder for moving and handling hot containers.
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard is
5.1.10 Miscellaneous—Paintbrush, trimming tools, speci-
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and the
men containers, and data sheets provided as required.
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
5.2 For Method B the following apparatus are needed:
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
5.2.1 Balance—See 5.1.1.
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure
reliable results. Reliable results depend on several factors; Practice D3740
5.2.2 Drying Oven—See 5.1.2.
provides a means of evaluating some of these factors.
5.2.3 Specimen-Size Measurement Devices—Devices used
to determine the height and width or diameter of the specimen
Available online: www.soils.org/sssagloss/index.php. shall measure the respective dimensions to four significant
D7263 − 09 (2018)
digits and shall be constructed so that their use will not indent 7.2.4 Determine and record the moist mass of the soil
or penetrate into the specimen. specimen (M) to four significant figures in g or kg.
t
7.2.5 Cover the specimen with a thin coat of melted wax,
NOTE 3—Circumferential measuring tapes are recommended over
either with a paintbrush or by dipping the specimen in a
calipers for measuring the diameter of cylindrical specimens.
container of melted wax.Apply a second coat of wax after the
5.2.4 Apparatus for Preparing Reconstituted or Remolded
first coat has hardened.The wax should be sufficiently warm to
Specimens(Optional)—Suchapparatusisonlyrequiredifthese
flow when brushed on the specimen, yet it should not be so hot
types of specimens are being tested.
that it dries the soil.
5.2.5 Miscellaneous Apparatus—Specimen trimming and
carving tools including a wire saw, steel straightedge, miter
NOTE 4—If overheated wax comes in contact with the soil specimen, it
may cause the moisture to vaporize and form air bubbles under the wax.
box and vertical trimming lathe, specimen containers, and data
Bubbles may be trimmed out and filled with wax.
sheets shall be provided as required.
7.2.6 Determine and record the mass of the wax-coated
6. Samples and Test Specimens
specimen in air (M ) to four significant figures in g or kg.
C
6.1 Samples—Intact samples shall be preserved and trans-
7.2.7 Determine and record the submerged mass of the
ported in accordance with Practice D4220/D4220M Groups C
wax-coated specimen (M ) to four significant digits in g or
sub
and D soil. Compacted or remolded specimens shall be
kg. This is done by placing the specimen in a wire basket
preserved in accordance with Practice D4220/D4220M Group
hooked onto a balance and immersing the basket and specimen
B soil. Maintain the samples that are stored prior to testing in
in a container of water. In order to directly measure the
non-corrodible airtight containers at a temperature between
submergedmassofthewetsoilandwax,thebalancemusthave
approximately 3° and 30°C and in an area that prevents direct
been previously balanced (tared to zero) with the wire basket
contact with sunlight.
completely submerged in the container of water. Make sure
that the specimen and basket is fully submerged, and that the
6.2 Specimens—Specimens for testing shall be sufficiently
cohesive and firm to maintain shape during the measuring basket is not touching the sides or bottom of the container.
procedure if Method A is used, see 1.1.1.1. Specimens shall 7.2.8 Record the temperature of the water to 0.1 degrees C.
have a minimum dimension of 30 mm (1.3 in.) and the largest
NOTE 5—Maintain water bath temperature and submerged basket depth
particle contained within the test specimen shall be smaller
the same as when calibrated or zeroed.
than one-tenth of the specimen’s smallest dimension. For
7.2.9 Remove the wax from the specimen. It can be peeled
specimens having a dimension of 72 mm (2.8 in.) or larger, the
off after a break is made in the wax surface.
largest particle size shall be smaller than one-sixth of the
7.2.10 Determine the water content to the nearest 0.1
specimen’ssmallestdimension.If,aftercompletionofateston
percent in accordance with Method D2216.
an intact specimen, visual observations indicate that larger
particlesthanpermittedarepresent,indicatethisinformationin
NOTE 6—The water content may be determined from an adjacent piece
the remarks section of the report of test data. of soil or from trimmings if appropriate, for example, if the wax becomes
difficult to remove from the specimen. Note in the report if water content
7. Procedure
is not from the specimen itself.
7.1 Record all identifying information for the specimen,
7.3 Method B—Direct Measurement:
such as project, boring number, depth, sample type (that is,
7.3.1 Intact Specimens—Prepare intact specimens from
tube,trimmed,etc.),visualsoilclassification(PracticeD2488),
large block samples or from samples secured in accordance
or other pertin
...
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.
Designation: D7263 − 09 D7263 − 09 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Test Methods for
Laboratory Determination of Density (Unit Weight) of Soil
Specimens
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7263; 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
1.1 These test methods describe two ways of determining the total/moist and dry densities (unit weights) of intact, disturbed,
remolded, and reconstituted (compacted) soil specimens. Density (unit weight) as used in this standard means the same as “bulk
density” of soil as defined by the Soil Science Society of America. Intact specimens may be obtained from thin-walled sampling
tubes, block samples, or clods. Specimens that are remolded by dynamic or static compaction procedures may also be measured
by these methods. These methods apply to soils that will retain their shape during the measurement process and may also apply
to other materials such as soil-cement, soil-lime, soil-bentonite or solidified soil-bentonite-cement slurries. It is common for the
density (unit weight) of specimens after removal from sampling tubes and compaction molds to be less than the value based on
tube or mold volumes, or of in-situ in situ conditions. This is due to the specimen swelling after removal of lateral pressures.
1.1.1 Method A covers the procedure for measuring the volume of wax coated specimens by determining the quantity of water
displaced.
1.1.1.1 This method only applies to specimens in which the wax will not penetrate the outer surface of the specimen.
1.1.2 Method B covers the procedure by means of the direct measurement of the dimensions and mass of a specimen, usually
one of cylindrical shape. Intact and reconstituted/remolded specimens may be tested by this method in conjunction with strength,
permeability (air/water) and compressibility determinations.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values stated in inch-pound units are approximate.
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice
D6026.
1.3.1 The method used to specify how data are collected, calculated, or recorded in this standard is not directly related to the
accuracy with which the data can be applied in design or other uses, or both. How one applies the results obtained using this
standard is beyond its scope.
1.4 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
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 ))
D854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Water Pycnometer
D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft (2,700
kN-m/m ))
D1587D1587/D1587M Practice for Thin-Walled Tube Sampling of Fine-Grained Soils for Geotechnical Purposes
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture, Plasticity
and Density Characteristics of Soils.
Current edition approved March 15, 2009Feb. 15, 2018. Published April 2009March 2018. Originally approved in 2009 as D7263–09. Last previous edition approved in
2009 as D7263–09. DOI: 10.1520/D7263-09.10.1520/D7263-09R18.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7263 − 09 (2018)
D2166D2166/D2166M Test Method for Unconfined Compressive Strength of Cohesive Soil
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 Procedures)
D3550D3550/D3550M Practice for Thick Wall, Ring-Lined, Split Barrel, Drive Sampling of Soils
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D4220D4220/D4220M Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil Samples
D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction
Materials Testing
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
E2251 Specification for Liquid-in-Glass ASTM Thermometers with Low-Hazard Precision Liquids
2.2 Other Reference:
Soil Science Society of America Glossary of Soil Science Terms
3. Terminology
3.1 Refer to Terminology D653 for standard definitions of terms.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Dry density, as defined as “density of soil or rock” in Terminology D653 and “bulk density” by soil scientists, can be used
to convert the water fraction of soil from a mass basis to a volume basis and vise-versa. When particle density, that is, specific
gravity (Test Methods D854) is also known, dry density can be used to calculate porosity and void ratio (see Appendix X1). Dry
density measurements are also useful for determining degree of soil compaction. Since moisture content is variable, moist soil
density provides little useful information except to estimate the weight of soil per unit volume, for example, pounds per cubic yard,
at the time of sampling. Since soil volume shrinks with drying of swelling soils, bulk density will vary with moisture content.
Hence, the water content of the soil should be determined at the time of sampling.
4.2 Densities (unit weights) of remolded/reconstituted specimens are commonly used to evaluate the degree of compaction of
earthen fills, embankments, etc. Dry density values are usually used in conjunction with compaction curve values (Test Methods
D698 and D1557).
4.3 Density (unit weight) is one of the key components in determining the mass composition/phase relations of soil, see
Appendix X1.
NOTE 1—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 D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective
testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable
results depend on several factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of these factors.
5. Apparatus
5.1 For Method A the following apparatus are required:
5.1.1 Balance—All balances must meet the requirements of Specification D4753 and this section. A Class GP1 balance of 0.01
g readability is required for specimens having a mass up to 200 grams and a Class GP2 balance of 0.1 g readability is required
for specimens having a mass over 200 grams. For method A, the balance must be capable of measuring the mass of the specimen
suspended in water. This is usually accomplished by a weighing hook built into the balance for that purpose, or a yoke assemblage
is placed upon the pan which suspends a thin, non-absorbent string or wire, that is, a nylon line, etc., below the balance into the
water reservoir.
5.1.2 Drying Oven—A thermostatically controlled, preferably of the forced-draft type, capable of maintaining a uniform
temperature of 110 6 5°C throughout the drying chamber.
5.1.3 Wax—Non-shrinking, paraffin and/or microcrystalline wax that has a known and constant density, ρ , to four significant
ρ
figures and that does not change after repeated melting and cooling cycles.
3 3
NOTE 2—The waxes generally used are commercially available and have density values in the range of 0.87 to 0.91 g/cm or Mg/m .
5.1.4 Wax-Melting Container—Used to melt the wax, but should not allow the wax to overheat. A container heated by hot water,
preferably thermostatically controlled, is satisfactory. The wax should be heated to only slightly above the melting point to avoid
flashing of the wax vapors and to permit quickly forming a uniform surface coating of wax. Warning—Vapors given off by molten
wax ignite spontaneously above 205°C (400°F) and should not be allowed to come in contact with the heating element or open
flame.
Available online: www.soils.org/sssagloss/index.php.
D7263 − 09 (2018)
5.1.5 Wire Basket—A wire basket of 3.35 mm or finer mesh of approximately equal width and height of sufficient size to contain
the specimen. The basket shall be constructed to prevent trapping air when it is submerged. The basket is suspended from the
balance by a fine thread or string. A hairnet may also be used in lieu of the basket for smaller soil specimens.
5.1.6 Container—A container or tank of sufficient size to contain the submerged basket and specimen.
5.1.7 Specimen Container—A corrosion-resistant container of sufficient size to contain the specimen for water content
determination.
5.1.8 Thermometer—Capable of measuring the temperature range within which the test is being performed graduated in a 0.1
degree C division scale and meeting the requirements of Specification E2251.
5.1.9 Container Handling Apparatus—Gloves or suitable holder for moving and handling hot containers.
5.1.10 Miscellaneous—Paintbrush, trimming tools, specimen containers, and data sheets provided as required.
5.2 For Method B the following apparatus are needed:
5.2.1 Balance—See 5.1.1.
5.2.2 Drying Oven—See 5.1.2.
5.2.3 Specimen-Size Measurement Devices—Devices used to determine the height and width or diameter of the specimen shall
measure the respective dimensions to four significant digits and shall be constructed so that their use will not indent or penetrate
into the specimen.
NOTE 3—Circumferential measuring tapes are recommended over calipers for measuring the diameter of cylindrical specimens.
5.2.4 Apparatus for Preparing Reconstituted or Remolded Specimens (Optional)—Such apparatus is only required if these types
of specimens are being tested.
5.2.5 Miscellaneous Apparatus—Specimen trimming and carving tools including a wire saw, steel straightedge, miter box and
vertical trimming lathe, specimen containers, and data sheets shall be provided as required.
6. Samples and Test Specimens
6.1 Samples—Intact samples shall be preserved and transported in accordance with Practice D4220D4220/D4220M Groups C
and D soil. Compacted or remolded specimens shall be preserved in accordance with Practice D4220D4220/D4220M Group B soil.
Maintain the samples that are stored prior to testing in non-corrodible airtight containers at a temperature between approximately
3° and 30°C and in an area that prevents direct contact with sunlight.
6.2 Specimens—Specimens for testing shall be sufficiently cohesive and firm to maintain shape during the measuring procedure
if Method A is used, see 1.1.1.1. Specimens shall have a minimum dimension of 30 mm (1.3 in.) and the largest particle contained
within the test specimen shall be smaller than one-tenth of the specimen’s smallest dimension. For specimens having a dimension
of 72 mm (2.8 in.) or larger, the largest particle size shall be smaller than one-sixth of the specimen’s smallest dimension. If, after
completion of a test on an intact specimen, visual observations indicate that larger particles than permitted are present, indicate
this information in the remarks section of the report of test data.
7. Procedure
7.1 Record all identifying information for the specimen, such as project, boring number, depth, sample type (that is, tube,
trimmed, etc.), visual soil classification (Practice D2488), or other pertinent data.
7.2 Method A—Water Displacement:
7.2.1 Determine, if not previously established, the density of the wax to be used to four significant digits (see 5.1.3).
7.2.2 Prepare specimens in an environment that minimizes any changes in water content. For some soils, changes in water
content are minimized by trimming specimens in a controlled environment, such as a controlled high-humidity room/enclosure.
7.2.3 If required, cut a specimen meeting the size requirements given in 6.2 from the sample to be tested. If required, trim the
specimen to a fairly regular shape. Re-entrant angles should be avoided, and any cavities formed by large particles being pulled
out should be patched carefully with material from the trimmings. Handle specimens carefully to minimize disturbance, change
in shape, or change in water content. Typically, for most samples, changes in water content are minimized by trimming specimens,
in a controlled environment, such as a controlled high-humidity room/enclosure.
7.2.4 Determine and record the moist mass of the soil specimen (M ) to four significant figures in g or kg.
t
7.2.5 Cover the specimen with a thin coat of melted wax, either with a paintbrush or by dipping the specimen in a container
of melted wax. Apply a second coat of wax after the first coat has hardened. The wax should be sufficiently warm to flow when
brushed on the specimen, yet it should not be so hot that it dries the soil.
NOTE 4—If overheated wax comes in contact with the soil specimen, it may cause the moisture to vaporize and form air bubbles under the wax. Bubbles
may be trimmed out and filled with wax.
7.2.6 Determine and record the mass of
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