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ASTM D6938-06e1

(Test Method)

Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)

Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)

SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes the procedures for measuring in-place density and moisture of soil and soil-aggregate by use of nuclear equipment. The density of the material may be measured by direct transmission, backscatter, or backscatter/air-gap ratio methods. Measurements for water (moisture) content are taken at the surface in backscatter mode regardless of the mode being used for density. It is the intent of this subcommittee that this standard replaces D2922 and D3017.
1.1.1 For limitations see Section on Interferences.
1.2 The total or wet density of soil and soil-aggregate is measured by the attenuation of gamma radiation where, in direct transmission, the source is placed at a known depth up to 300 mm (12 in.) and the detector (s) remains on the surface ( some gauges may reverse this orientation ); or in backscatter or backscatter/air-gap the source and detector (s) both remain on the surface.
1.2.1 The density of the test sample in mass per unit volume is calculated by comparing the detected rate of gamma radiation with previously established calibration data.
1.2.2 The dry density of the test sample is obtained by subtracting the water mass per unit volume from the test sample wet density ( Section 11 ). Most gauges display this value directly.
1.3 The gauge is calibrated to read the water mass per unit volume of soil or soil-aggregate. When divided by the density of water, and then multiplied by 100, the water mass per unit volume is equivalent to the volumetric water content. The water mass per unit volume is determined by the thermalizing or slowing of fast neutrons by hydrogen, a component of water. The neutron source and the thermal neutron detector are both located at the surface of the material being tested. The water content most prevalent in engineering and construction activities is known as the gravimetric water content, w, and is the ratio of the mass of the water in pore spaces to the total mass of solids, expressed as a percentage.
1.4 Two alternative procedures are provided.
1.4.1 Procedure A describes the direct transmission method in which the gamma source rod extends through the base of the gauge into a pre-formed hole to a desired depth. The direct transmission is the preferred method.
1.4.2 Procedure B involves the use of a dedicated backscatter gauge or the source rod in the backscatter position. This places the gamma and neutron sources and the detectors in the same plane.
1.5 SI Units The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in inch-pound units (ft - lb units) are provided for information only.
1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guide for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D 6026.
1.6.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected, recorded, and calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that should generally be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the users objectives; and it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.
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.

General Information

Status
Historical
Publication Date
19-Nov-2006
ICS
13.080.20 - Physical properties of soils
Technical Committee
D18 - Soil and Rock
Drafting Committee
D18.08 - Special and Construction Control Tests
Current Stage
Ref Project

Relations

Replaced By
ASTM D6938-07 - Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)
Effective Date
01-May-2007
Referred By
ASTM D5080-20 - Standard Test Method for Rapid Determination of Percent Compaction
Effective Date
20-Nov-2006
Referred By
ASTM D8297/D8297M-22 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Erosion Control Products (ECP) Performance in Protecting Slopes from Sequential Rainfall-Induced Erosion Using a Tilted Bed Slope
Effective Date
20-Nov-2006
Referred By
ASTM D4718/D4718M-15(2023) - Standard Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles
Effective Date
20-Nov-2006
Referred By
ASTM B788/B788M-09(2020) - Standard Practice for Installing Factory-Made Corrugated Aluminum Culverts and Storm Sewer Pipe
Effective Date
20-Nov-2006
Referred By
ASTM D5874-16 - Standard Test Methods for Determination of the Impact Value (IV) of a Soil
Effective Date
20-Nov-2006
Referred By
ASTM B789/B789M-16(2021) - Standard Practice for Installing Corrugated Aluminum Structural Plate Pipe for Culverts and Sewers
Effective Date
20-Nov-2006
Referred By
ASTM D7759/D7759M-21 - Standard Guide for Nuclear Surface Moisture and Density Gauge Calibration
Effective Date
20-Nov-2006
Referred By
ASTM F1668-16(2022) - Standard Guide for Construction Procedures for Buried Plastic Pipe
Effective Date
20-Nov-2006
Referred By
ASTM D7380/D7380M-21 - Standard Test Method for Soil Compaction Determination at Shallow Depths Using 2.3-kg [5-lbm] Dynamic Cone Penetrometer
Effective Date
20-Nov-2006
Referred By
ASTM D8153-22 - Standard Test Method for Determination of Soil Water Contents Using a Dielectric Permittivity Probe
Effective Date
20-Nov-2006
Referred By
ASTM D3839-14(2019) - Standard Guide for Underground Installation of “Fiberglass” (Glass-Fiber Reinforced Thermosetting-Resin) Pipe
Effective Date
20-Nov-2006
Referred By
ASTM F2656/F2656M-20 - Standard Test Method for Crash Testing of Vehicle Security Barriers
Effective Date
20-Nov-2006
Referred By
ASTM D8167/D8167M-23e1 - Standard Test Method for In-Place Bulk Density of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by a Low-Activity Nuclear Method (Shallow Depth)
Effective Date
20-Nov-2006
Referred By
ASTM D7765-18a - Standard Practice for Use of Foundry Sand in Structural Fill and Embankments
Effective Date
20-Nov-2006

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ASTM D6938-06e1 - Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)ASTM D6938-06e1 - Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)
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ASTM D6938-06e1 - Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)
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Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
e1
Designation:D6938–06
Standard Test Methods for
In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-
1
Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6938; 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.
1
e NOTE—Editorial changes were made in November 2006.
1. Scope 1.4 Two alternative procedures are provided.
1.4.1 Procedure A describes the direct transmission method
1.1 Thistestmethoddescribestheproceduresformeasuring
inwhichthegammasourcerodextendsthroughthebaseofthe
in-place density and moisture of soil and soil-aggregate by use
gauge into a pre-formed hole to a desired depth. The direct
of nuclear equipment. The density of the material may be
transmission is the preferred method.
measured by direct transmission, backscatter, or backscatter/
1.4.2 Procedure B involves the use of a dedicated backscat-
air-gap ratio methods. Measurements for water (moisture)
ter gauge or the source rod in the backscatter position. This
content are taken at the surface in backscatter mode regardless
places the gamma and neutron sources and the detectors in the
of the mode being used for density. It is the intent of this
same plane.
subcommittee that this standard replaces D2922 and D3017.
1.5 SI Units—The values stated in SI units are to be
1.1.1 For limitations see Section 5 on Interferences.
regarded as the standard. The values in inch-pound units (ft –
1.2 The total or wet density of soil and soil-aggregate is
lb units) are provided for information only.
measured by the attenuation of gamma radiation where, in
1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
directtransmission,thesourceisplacedataknowndepthupto
guideforsignificantdigitsandroundingestablishedinPractice
300 mm (12 in.) and the detector (s) remains on the surface (
D6026.
somegaugesmayreversethisorientation);orinbackscatteror
1.6.1 Theproceduresusedtospecifyhowdataarecollected,
backscatter/air-gap the source and detector (s) both remain on
recorded, and calculated in this standard are regarded as the
the surface.
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
1.2.1 Thedensityofthetestsampleinmassperunitvolume
significant digits that should generally be retained. The proce-
is calculated by comparing the detected rate of gamma radia-
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
tion with previously established calibration data.
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
1.2.2 The dry density of the test sample is obtained by
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
subtracting the water mass per unit volume from the test
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
sample wet density ( Section 11 ). Most gauges display this
commensuratewiththeseconsiderations.Itisbeyondthescope
value directly.
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis
1.3 The gauge is calibrated to read the water mass per unit
methods for engineering design.
volume of soil or soil-aggregate. When divided by the density
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
of water, and then multiplied by 100, the water mass per unit
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
volume is equivalent to the volumetric water content. The
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
water mass per unit volume is determined by the thermalizing
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
orslowingoffastneutronsbyhydrogen,acomponentofwater.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
The neutron source and the thermal neutron detector are both
located at the surface of the material being tested. The water
2. Referenced Documents
content most prevalent in engineering and construction activi-
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ties is known as the gravimetric water content, w, and is the
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
ratio of the mass of the water in pore spaces to the total mass
Fluids
of solids, expressed as a percentage.
1 2
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeD18onSoiland For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 Special and contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Construction Control Tests. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Nov. 20, 2006. Published October 2006. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700,
...

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ASTM D7012-23(Test Method)
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1.1 These four test methods cover the determination of the strength of intact rock core specimens in uniaxial and triaxial compression. Methods A and B determine the triaxial compressive strength at different pressures and Methods C and D determine the unconfined, uniaxial strength.  
1.2 Methods A and B can be used to determine the angle of internal friction, angle of shearing resistance, and cohesion intercept.  
1.3 Methods B and D specify the apparatus, instrumentation, and procedures for determining the stress-axial strain and the stress-lateral strain curves, as well as Young's modulus, E, and Poisson's ratio, υ. These methods do not make provisions for pore pressure measurements and specimens are undrained (platens are not vented). Thus, the strength values determined are in terms of total stress and are not corrected for pore pressures. These test methods do not include the procedures necessary to obtain a stress-strain curve beyond the ultimate strength.  
1.4 Option A allows for testing at different temperatures and can be applied to any of the test methods, if requested.  
1.5 This standard replaces and combines the following Standard Test Methods: D2664 Triaxial Compressive Strength of Undrained Rock Core Specimens Without Pore Pressure Measurements; D5407 Elastic Moduli of Undrained Rock Core Specimens in Triaxial Compression Without Pore Pressure Measurements; D2938 Unconfined Compressive Strength of Intact Rock Core Specimens; and D3148 Elastic Moduli of Intact Rock Core Specimens in Uniaxial Compression. The original four standards are now referred to as Methods in this standard.  
1.5.1 Method A—Triaxial Compressive Strength of Undrained Rock Core Specimens Without Pore Pressure Measurements.
1.5.1.1 Method A requires strength determination only. Strain measurements and a stress-strain curve are not required.  
1.5.2 Method B—Elastic Moduli of Undrained Rock Core Specimens in Triaxial Compression Without Pore Pressure Measurements.  
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1.5.4 Method D—Elastic Moduli of Intact Rock Core Specimens in Uniax...

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ASTM D6938-23(Test Method)
Standard Test Methods for In-Place Density and Water Content of Soil and Soil-Aggregate by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The test method described is useful as a rapid, nondestructive technique for in-place measurements of wet density and water content of soil and soil-aggregate and the determination of dry density.  
4.2 The test method is used for quality control and acceptance testing of compacted soil and soil-aggregate mixtures as used in construction and also for research and development. The nondestructive nature allows repetitive measurements at a single test location and statistical analysis of the results.  
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Note 1: The quality of the result produced by this standard test method 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, and the like. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
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1.1 This test method describes the procedures for measuring in-place density and moisture of soil and soil-aggregate by use of nuclear equipment (hereafter referred to as “gauge”). The density of the material may be measured by direct transmission, backscatter, or backscatter/air-gap ratio methods. Measurements for water (moisture) content are taken at the surface in backscatter mode regardless of the mode being used for density.  
1.1.1 For limitations see Section 5 on Interferences.  
1.2 The total or wet density of soil and soil-aggregate is measured by the attenuation of gamma radiation where, in direct transmission, the source is placed at a known depth up to 300 mm (12 in.) and the detector(s) remains on the surface (some gauges may reverse this orientation); or in backscatter or backscatter/air-gap the source and detector(s) both remain on the surface.  
1.2.1 The density of the test sample in mass per unit volume is calculated by comparing the detected rate of gamma radiation with previously established calibration data.  
1.2.2 The dry density of the test sample is obtained by subtracting the water mass per unit volume from the test sample wet density (Section 11). Most gauges display this value directly.  
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SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
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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 are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined. Within the text of this standard, SI units appear first followed by the inch-pound [or other non-SI] units in brackets. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.  
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Standard Test Method for Torsional Ring Shear Test to Determine Drained Residual Shear Strength of Fine-Grained Soils

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The ring shear test is suited to the relatively rapid determination of drained residual shear strength because of the short drainage path through the thin specimen, the constant cross-sectional area of the shear surface during shear, unlimited rotational displacement in one direction, and the capability of testing one specimen under different effective normal stresses to obtain clay particles that are oriented parallel to the direction of shear to obtain residual shear strength envelope.  
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1.1 Fine-grained soils in this Test Method are restricted to soils containing no more than 15 % fine sand (100 % passing the 425 μm (No. 40) sieve and no more than 15 % retained on the 75 μm (No. 200) sieve).A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.  
1.2 This test method provides a procedure for performing a torsional ring shear test under a drained condition to determine the residual shear strength of fine-grained soils. This test method is performed by shearing a reconstituted, overconsolidated, presheared specimen at a controlled displacement rate until the constant drained shear resistance is established on a single shear surface determined by the configuration of the apparatus.  
1.3 In this test, the specimen rotates in one direction until the constant or residual shear resistance is established. The amount of rotation is converted to displacement using the average radius of the specimen and multiplying it by numbers of degrees traveled and 0.0174.  
1.4 An intact specimen or a specimen with a natural shear surface can be used for testing. However, obtaining a natural slip surface specimen, determining the direction of field shearing, and trimming and aligning the usually non-horizontal shear surface in the ring shear apparatus is difficult. As a result, this test method focuses on the use of a reconstituted specimen to determine the residual strength. An unlimited amount of continuous shear displacement can be achieved to obtain a residual strength condition in a ring shear device.  
1.5 A shear stress-displacement relationship may be obtained from this test method. However, a shear stress-strain relationship or any associated quantity, such as modulus, cannot be determined from this test method because the height of the shear zone unknown, so an accurate or representative shear strain cannot be determined.  
1.6 The selection of effective normal stresses and determination of the shear strength parameters for design analyses are the responsibility of the professional or office requesting the test. Generally, three or more effective normal s...

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ASTM D7830/D7830M-14(2021)e1(Test Method)
Standard Test Method for In-Place Density (Unit Weight) and Water Content of Soil Using an Electromagnetic Soil Density Gauge

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The method described determines wet density and gravimetric water content by correlating complex impedance measurement data to an empirically developed model. The empirical model is generated by comparing the electrical properties of typical soils encountered in civil construction projects to their wet densities and gravimetric water contents determined by other accepted methods.  
5.2 The test method described is useful as a rapid, non-destructive technique for determining the in-place total density and gravimetric water content of soil and soil-aggregate mixtures and the determination of dry density.  
5.3 This method may be used for quality control and acceptance of compacted soil and soil-aggregate mixtures as used in construction and also for research and development. The non-destructive nature allows for repetitive measurements at a single test location and statistical analysis of the results.
Note 2: The quality of the result produced by this standard test method is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the requirements of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective sampling/testing/inspection, and the like. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluation some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the procedures for determining in-place properties of non-frozen, unbound soil and soil aggregate mixtures such as total density, gravimetric water content and relative compaction by measuring the intrinsic impedance of the compacted soil.  
1.1.1 The method and device described in this test method are intended for in-process quality control of earthwork projects. Site or material characterization is not an intended result.  
1.2 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 nonconformance with the standard.  
1.2.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight) while the unit for mass is slugs. The rationalized slug unit is not given in this standard.  
1.2.2 In the engineering profession, it is customary practice to use, interchangeably, units representing both mass and force, unless dynamic calculations are involved. This implicitly combines two separate systems of units, that is, the absolute system and the gravimetric system. It is undesirable to combine the use of two separate systems within a single standard. The use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm), or the recording of density in lbm/ft3 should not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.  
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the Guide for Significant Digits and Rounding established in Practice D6026.  
1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data is collected, recorded, and calculated in this standard are regarded as industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that should generally be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to increase or decrease the number of significant digits of reported data commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in the analysis methods for engineering design.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any,...

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ASTM D7928-21e1(Test Method)
Standard Test Method for Particle-Size Distribution (Gradation) of Fine-Grained Soils Using the Sedimentation (Hydrometer) Analysis

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Particle-size distribution (gradation) is a descriptive term referring to the proportions by dry mass of a soil distributed over specified particle-size ranges. The gradation curve generated using this method yields the distribution of silt and clay size fractions present in the soil based on size definitions, not mineralogy or Atterberg limit classification.  
5.2 Unless the sedimentation sample is representative of the entire sample, the sedimentation results must be combined with a sieve analysis to obtain the complete particle size distribution.  
5.3 The clay size fraction is material finer than 2 µm. The clay size fraction is used in combination with the Plasticity Index (Test Methods D4318) to compute the activity, which provides an indication of the mineralogy of the clay fraction.  
5.4 The gradation of the silt and clay size fractions is an important factor in determining the susceptibility of fine-grained soils to frost action.  
5.5 The gradation of a soil is an indicator of engineering properties such as hydraulic conductivity, compressibility, and shear strength. However, soil behavior for engineering and other purposes is dependent upon many factors, such as effective stress, mineral type, structure, plasticity, and geological origin, and cannot be based solely upon gradation.  
5.6 Some types of soil require special treatment in order to correctly determine the particle sizes. For example, chemical cementing agents can bond clay particles together and should be treated in an effort to remove the cementing agents when possible. Hydrogen peroxide and moderate heat can digest organics. Hydrochloric acid can remove carbonates by washing and Dithionite-Citrate-Bicarbonate extraction can be used to remove iron oxides. Leaching with test water can be used to reduce salt concentration. All of these treatments, however, add significant time and effort when performing the sedimentation test and are allowable but outside the scope of this test method. ...
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the quantitative determination of the distribution of particle sizes of the fine-grained portion of soils. The sedimentation by hydrometer method is used to determine the particle-size distribution (gradation) of the material that is finer than the No. 200 (75-µm) sieve and larger than about 0.2-µm. The test is performed on material passing the No. 10 (2.0-mm) or finer sieve and the results are presented as the mass percent finer of this fraction versus the log of the particle diameter.  
1.2 This method can be used to evaluate the fine-grained fraction of a soil with a wide range of particle sizes by combining the sedimentation results with results from a sieve analysis using D6913 to obtain the complete gradation curve. The method can also be used when there are no coarse-grained particles or when the gradation of the coarse-grained material is not required or not needed.
Note 1: The significant digits recorded in this test method preclude obtaining the grain size distribution of materials that do not contain a significant amount of fines. For example, clean sands will not yield detectable amounts of silt and clay sized particles, and therefore should not be tested with this method. The minimum amount of fines in the sedimentation specimen is 15 g.  
1.3 When combining the results of the sedimentation and sieve tests, the procedure for obtaining the material for the sedimentation analysis and calculations for combining the results will be provided by the more general test method, such as Test Methods D6913 (Note 2).
Note 2: Subcommittee D18.03 is currently developing a new test method “Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils Combining the Sieve and Sedimentation Techniques.”  
1.4 The terms “soil” and “material” are used interchangeably throughout the standard.  
1.5 The sedimentation analysis is based on the concept that larger particles will fall through a fluid faster than...

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ASTM D6572-21(Test Method)
Standard Test Methods for Determining Dispersive Characteristics of Clayey Soils by the Crumb Test

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The crumb test provides a simple, quick method for field or laboratory identification of a dispersive clayey soil. The internal erosion failures of a number of homogeneous earth dams, erosion along channel or canal banks, and rainfall erosion of earthen structures have been attributed to colloidal erosion along cracks or other flow channels formed in masses of dispersive clay (5).  
5.2 The crumb test, as originally developed by Emerson (6), was called the aggregate coherence test and had seven different categories of soil-water reactions. Sherard (5) later simplified the test by combining some soil-water reactions so that only four categories, or grades, of soil dispersion are observed during the test. The crumb test is a relatively accurate positive indicator of the presence of dispersive properties in a soil. The crumb test, however, is not a completely reliable negative indicator that soils are not dispersive. The crumb test can seldom be relied upon as a sole test method for determining the presence of dispersive clays. The double-hydrometer test (Test Method D4221) and pinhole test (Test Method D4647/D4647M) are test methods that provide valuable additional insight into the probable dispersive behavior of clay soils.
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 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 depends on several factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 Two test methods are provided to give a qualitative indication of the natural dispersive characteristics of clayey soils: Method A and Method B.  
1.1.1 Method A—Procedure for Natural Soil Crumbs described in 10.1.  
1.1.2 Method B—Procedure for Remolded Soil Crumbs described in 10.2.  
1.2 The crumb test, while a good, quick indication of dispersive soil, should usually be run in conjunction with a pinhole test and a double hydrometer test, Test Methods D4647/D4647M and D4221, respectively. Since this test method may not identify all dispersive clay soils, other tests such as, pinhole dispersion (Test Methods D4647/D4647M), double hydrometer (Test Method D4221) and the analysis of pore water extraction (Test Methods D4542) may be performed individually or used together to help verify dispersion.  
1.3 The crumb test has some limitations in its usefulness as an indicator of dispersive soil. A dispersive soil may sometimes give a non-dispersive reaction in the crumb test. Soils containing kaolinite with known field dispersion problems, have shown non-dispersive reactions in the crumb test (1).2 However, if the crumb test indicates dispersion, the soil is probably dispersive.  
1.4 These test methods are applicable only to soils where the position of the plasticity index versus liquid limit plots (Test Methods D4318) falls on or above the “A” line (Practice D2487) and more than 12 % of the soil fraction is finer than 2-μm as determined in accordance with Test Method D7928.  
1.5 Oven-dried soil should not be used to prepare crumb test specimens, as irreversible changes could occur to the soil pore-water physicochemical properties responsible for dispersion (2).
Note 1: In some cases, the results of the pinhole, crumb, and double-hydrometer test methods may disagree. The crumb test is a better indicator of dispersive soils than of non-dispersive soils (3).  
1.6 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.7 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding establish...

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ASTM D7698-21(Test Method)
Standard Test Method for In-Place Estimation of Density and Water Content of Soil and Aggregate by Correlation with Complex Impedance Method

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 CIMI measurements as described in this Standard Test Method are applicable to measurements of compacted soils intended for roads and foundations.  
5.2 The test method is used for estimating in-place values of density and water content of soils and soil-aggregates based on electrical measurements.  
5.3 The test method may be used for quality control and acceptance testing of compacted soil and soil aggregate mixtures as used in construction and also for research and development. The minimal disturbance nature of the methodology allows repetitive measurements in a single test location and statistical analysis of the results.  
5.4 Limitations:  
5.4.1 This test method provides an overview of the CIMI measurement procedure using a controlling console connected to a soil sensor unit which applies a 3.0 MHz RF voltage to an in-place soil via metallic probes that are driven into the soil at a prescribed distance apart. This test method does not discuss the details of the CIMI electronics, computer, or software that utilize on-board algorithms for estimating the soil density and water content  
5.4.2 It is difficult to address an infinite variety of soils in this standard. However, data presented in X3.1 provides a list of soil types that are applicable for the CIMI use.  
5.4.3 The procedures used to specify how data are collected, recorded, or calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures prescribed in this standard do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical methods for engineering design.
Note 1: Notwithstanding th...
SCOPE
1.1 Purpose and Application—This test method describes the procedure, equipment, and interpretation methods for estimating in-place soil dry density and water content using a Complex-Impedance Measuring Instrument (CIMI).  
1.1.1 The purpose and application of this test method is for testing porous material such as used in roadway base or building foundations that may be deployed in the field at various test sites. The test apparatus includes electrodes that contact the porous material under test and a sensor unit that supplies electromagnetic signals to the porous material. Response signals reveal electrical parameters such as complex impedance which can be equated to material properties such as density and moisture content.  
1.1.2 CIMI measurements as described in this test method are applicable to measurements of compacted soils intended for roads and foundations.  
1.1.3 This test method describes the procedure for estimating in-place density and water content of soils and soil-aggregates by use of a CIMI. The electrical properties of the soil are measured using a radio frequency (RF) voltage source connected to soil electrical probes driven into the soils and soil-aggregates to be tested, in a prescribed pattern and depth. Certain algorithms of these properties are related to wet density and water content. This correlation between electrical measurements, and density and water content is accomplished using a calibration methodology. In the calibration methodology, density and water content are determined by other ASTM Test Standards that measure soil density and water content, thereafter correlating the corresponding measured electrical properties to the soil physical properties.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are mathematical conversions which are provided for information purposes only and are not considered standard.  
1.2.1...

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ASTM D7263-21(Test Method)
Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Density and Unit Weight of Soil Specimens

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Density is a key element in the phase relations, phase relationships, or mass-volume relationships of soil and rock (Appendix X1). 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 water content is variable, total/moist soil density provides little useful information except to estimate the weight of soil per unit volume, for example, grams per cubic centimeter, at the time of sampling. Since soil volume shrinks with drying of swelling soils, total density will vary with water content. Hence, the water content of the soil should be determined at the time of sampling.  
5.2 Densities and unit weights of remolded/reconstituted specimens are commonly used to evaluate the degree of compaction of earthen fills, embankments, and the like. Dry density values are used to calculate dry unit weight values to create a compaction curve (Test Methods D698 and D1557).
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 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/bulk density, dry density, and dry unit weight of intact, disturbed, remolded, and reconstituted (compacted) soil specimens (Note 1). Intact specimens may be obtained from thin-walled sampling tubes, block samples, or clods. Specimens that are remolded by dynamic or static compaction procedures are also 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 to be less than the value based on tube or mold volumes, or of in situ conditions after removal of the specimen from sampling tubes and compaction molds. This change is due to the specimen swelling after removal of lateral pressures.
Note 1: The adjectives total, moist, wet or bulk are used to represent the density condition. In some professions, such as Soil Science and Geology, the term “bulk density” usually has the same meaning as dry density. In the Geotechnical and Civil Engineering professions, the preferred adjective is total over moist and bulk when referring to the total mass of partially saturated or saturated soil or rock per unit total volume. For more detailed information regarding the term density, refer to Terminology D653.  
1.1.1 Method A (Water Displacement)—A specimen is coated in wax and then placed in water to measure the volume by determining the quantity of water displaced. The density and unit weight are then calculated based on the mass and volume measurements. Do not use this method if the specimen is susceptible to surface wax intrusion.  
1.1.2 Method B (Direct Measurement)—The dimensions and mass of a specimen are measured. The density and unit weight are then calculated using these direct measurements. Usually, the specimen has a cylindrical or cuboid shape. Intact and reconstituted/remolded specimens may be tested by this method in conjunction with strength, permeability/hydraulic conductivity (air/water) and compressibility determinations.  
1.2 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only and are not considered standard. ...

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