ASTM D854-23

Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by the Water Displacement Method

ABSTRACT
These test methods cover the determination of the specific gravity of soil solids passing a sieve by means of a water pycnometer. Soil solids for these test methods do not include solids which can be altered by these methods, contaminated with a substance that prohibits the use of these methods, or are highly organic soil solids, such as fibrous matter which floats in water. Procedures for moist specimens such as organic soils, highly plastic fine grained soils, tropical soils, and soils containing halloysite and oven-dry specimens are provided. The apparatus is comprised of water pycnometer which shall be a stoppered flask, stoppered iodine flask, or volumetric flask; balance; drying oven; thermometer; dessicator; a system for entrapped air removal which shall be a hot plate or Bunsen burner or a vacuum pump or water aspirator; insulated container; non-corrosive smooth surface funnel; pycnometer filling tube with lateral vents; sieve; and blender with mixing blades. The specific gravity of the soil solids at the test temperature shall be calculated from the density of the soil solids and the density of water at the test temperature or from the mass of the oven dry soil solids; mass of pycnometer, water, and soil solids at the test temperature; and mass of the pycnometer and water at the test temperature. Precision and bias shall be determined to judge for the acceptability of the test results.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The specific gravity of soil solids is used in calculating the phase relationships of soils, such as void ratio and degree of saturation.  
5.1.1 The specific gravity of soil solids is used to calculate the density of the soil solids. This is done by multiplying the specific gravity by the density of water at 20°C. The soil solids density is nearly independent of temperature.  
5.2 The term soil solids is typically assumed to mean naturally occurring mineral particles or soil like particles that are not readily soluble in water. Therefore, the specific gravity of soil solids containing extraneous matter, such as cement, lime, and the like, water-soluble matter, such as sodium chloride, and soils containing matter with a specific gravity less than one, typically require special treatment (see Note 2) or a qualified definition of their specific gravity.
Note 2: For some soils containing a significant fraction of organic matter, kerosene is a better wetting agent than water and may be used in place of test water for oven-dried specimens. Kerosene is a flammable liquid that must be used with extreme caution. This standard should not be used when using kerosene as the test fluid.  
5.3 The balances, pycnometer sizes, and specimen masses are specified to obtain test results reportable to four significant digits.
Note 3: The quality of the result produced by these test methods 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 these test methods 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 evaluating some of those factors.
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the specific gravity of soil solids that pass the 3/8-in. (9.5-mm) or smaller sieve by means of the water displacement method. When the total sample contains larger particles, it is separated into a coarser and finer portion using a 3/8-in. (9.5-mm) or No. 4 (4.75-mm) or finer sieve. Separation on the No. 4 sieve is the referee method. Test Method C127 shall be used to obtain the specific gravity of the coarser portion. The D854 test methods shall be used to obtain the specific gravity of the finer portion. The total sample specific gravity is computed from the two porti...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2023
• Technical Committee: D18 - Soil and Rock
• Drafting Committee: D18.03 - Texture, Plasticity and Density Characteristics of Soils

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D854-14 - Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Water Pycnometer (Withdrawn 2023)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D4753-24 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM D3740-23 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM D3740-19 - Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4753-15 - Standard Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• Effective Date: 01-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM C127-15 - Standard Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Referred By: ASTM D6528-17 - Standard Test Method for Consolidated Undrained Direct Simple Shear Testing of Fine Grain Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D4546-21 - Standard Test Methods for One-Dimensional Swell or Collapse of Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D7608-18e1 - Standard Test Method for Torsional Ring Shear Test to Measure Drained Fully Softened Shear Strength and Stress Dependent Strength Envelope of Fine-Grained Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D6766-20a - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Hydraulic Properties of Geosynthetic Clay Liners Permeated with Potentially Incompatible Aqueous Solutions
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM E2277-14(2019) - Standard Guide for Design and Construction of Coal Ash Structural Fills
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D4767-11(2020) - Standard Test Method for Consolidated Undrained Triaxial Compression Test for Cohesive Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C128-22 - Standard Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Fine Aggregate
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D2850-23 - Standard Test Method for Unconsolidated-Undrained Triaxial Compression Test on Cohesive Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Referred By: ASTM D6467-21e1 - Standard Test Method for Torsional Ring Shear Test to Determine Drained Residual Shear Strength of Fine-Grained Soils
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023

Overview

ASTM D854-23: Standard Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by the Water Displacement Method provides comprehensive procedures for determining the specific gravity of soil solids. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is widely adopted in geotechnical engineering, construction, and soil science. It outlines methods for laboratory measurement of the specific gravity of mineral soil particles passing a 3/8-in. (9.5-mm) or smaller sieve, using water displacement through a pycnometer setup. The standard specifically excludes highly organic or readily water-soluble soils and provides clarity on sample preparation and test conditions to ensure accuracy and repeatability.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application: The standard is applicable to soil solids passing a 3/8-in. sieve. When larger particles are present, ASTM D854-23 directs users to separate samples and test the finer and coarser fractions separately, referencing ASTM C127 for coarser samples.
• Test Methods: Two main approaches are defined:
  • Method A: For moist specimens, recommended for organic, highly plastic, fine-grained, or tropical soils, and those containing halloysite.
  • Method B: For oven-dried specimens, generally applicable to clean sands and reduces testing time.
• Apparatus and Equipment:
  • Water pycnometers (stoppered or volumetric flask)
  • Precision balances (readability of 0.01 g)
  • Drying oven (capable of 110 ± 5°C)
  • Thermometric device (accuracy of 0.5°C)
  • Degassing system (vacuum pump, hot plate, or water bath)
• Procedural Accuracy: The standard emphasizes reporting results to four significant digits, with requirements for calibration, repeatability, and equipment verification.
• Exclusions: The test methods are not suitable for soils that are highly organic (e.g., fibrous matter that floats), contain certain contaminants, or are altered by water.
• Result Significance: The specific gravity value supports calculations for critical soil properties such as void ratio, degree of saturation, and phase relationships.

Applications

• Geotechnical Engineering: Determining the specific gravity of soil solids is essential for characterizing soils, computing properties like unit weight, void ratio, and degree of saturation, all of which inform construction decisions, foundation design, and site assessment.
• Soil Classification: Specific gravity is a key parameter in soil classification systems like the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS).
• Quality Control and Research: Use of ASTM D854-23 helps maintain consistency and traceability in laboratory testing, supporting quality control in construction projects and research studies.
• Environmental Assessment: Accurate measurement of specific gravity aids in evaluating soil behavior for environmental site assessments and remediation planning.

Related Standards

• ASTM C127: Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate - for coarser soil fractions.
• ASTM D653: Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids – standardizes key terms.
• ASTM D2216: Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass.
• ASTM D2487: Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (USCS).
• ASTM D3740: Practice for Requirements for Agencies Performing Soil and Rock Testing.
• ASTM D5550: Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Gas Pycnometer - for highly organic or soluble soils.
• ASTM D7928: Particle-Size Distribution for Fine-Grained Soils using Hydrometer Analysis.
• ASTM E11: Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves.

By following ASTM D854-23, professionals ensure reliable and standardized determination of soil specific gravity, paving the way for effective soil analysis and successful engineering or environmental applications. For finalized procedures, always consult the latest standard revision and related references.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: D854 − 23
Standard Test Methods for
Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by the Water Displacement
Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D854; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* the “standard” designation of 75-mm and 75-μm, respectively.
Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the
regarded as non-conformance with this test method. The use of
specific gravity of soil solids that pass the ⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) or
balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm) shall not be
smaller sieve by means of the water displacement method.
regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
When the total sample contains larger particles, it is separated
into a coarser and finer portion using a ⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) or No. 1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
4 (4.75-mm) or finer sieve. Separation on the No. 4 sieve is the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
referee method. Test Method C127 shall be used to obtain the Practice D6026, unless superseded by this test method.
specific gravity of the coarser portion. The D854 test methods 1.4.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/
shall be used to obtain the specific gravity of the finer portion. recorded and calculated in this standard are regarded as the
The total sample specific gravity is computed from the two industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
portions as described in 12.5. significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
1.1.1 These test methods do not apply to solids which can be dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
altered by these methods, contaminated with a substance that obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
prohibits the use of these methods, or are highly organic, such ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
as fibrous matter which floats in water (see Note 1). increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope
NOTE 1—Test Method D5550 may be used to determine the specific
of these test methods to consider significant digits used in
gravity of soil solids having solids, which readily dissolve in water or float
analysis methods for engineering design.
in water, or where it is impracticable to use water.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.2 This standard provides two methods for performing the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
specific gravity test. The method to be used shall be specified
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
by the requesting authority, except when testing the types of
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
soils listed in 1.2.1.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.2.1 Method A—Procedure for Moist Specimens, described
Glassware under vacuum has the potential for implosion.
in 11.1. This procedure is the preferred method. Method A shall
Proper personal protective equipment shall be used at all
be used for organic soils; highly plastic, fine-grained soils;
times. See Section 8.
tropical soils; and soils containing halloysite.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
1.2.2 Method B—Procedure for Oven-Dry Specimens, de-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
scribed in 11.2. This procedure requires less time and may be
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
used for clean sands.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
as standard, except the sieve designations. The sieve designa-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
tions are identified using the “alternative” system in accor-
dance with Practice E11, such as 3-in. and No. 200, instead of
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
This standard is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture, Plasticity
and Density Characteristics of Soils. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1945. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D854 – 14, which was Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
withdrawn in May 2023 and reinstated November 2023. DOI: 10.1520/D0854-23. 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
D854 − 23
C127 Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity) in the pycnometer. Test water is added to immerse the
and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate specimen. One of three techniques are used to deair the
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained specimen: boiling, vacuuming, or a combination of both.
Fluids Equilibrated test water is added to fill the pycnometer. The
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water pycnometer, thermometric device, and additional test water are
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass placed into an insulating container to achieve thermal equilib-
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering rium. The mass and temperature are recorded after adjusting
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System) the water volume. The calibrated mass of the pycnometer with
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils water, mass of the dry specimen, and mass of the specimen and
(Visual-Manual Procedures) pycnometer filled with water are used for calculation of
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies specific gravity. The final specific gravity is reported relative to
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as water density at 20°C.
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
5. Significance and Use
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
5.1 The specific gravity of soil solids is used in calculating
Construction Materials Testing
the phase relationships of soils, such as void ratio and degree
D5550 Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
of saturation.
Gas Pycnometer
5.1.1 The specific gravity of soil solids is used to calculate
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Re-
the density of the soil solids. This is done by multiplying the
cords in Geotechnical Data
specific gravity by the density of water at 20°C. The soil solids
D7928 Test Method for Particle-Size Distribution (Grada-
density is nearly independent of temperature.
tion) of Fine-Grained Soils Using the Sedimentation
5.2 The term soil solids is typically assumed to mean
(Hydrometer) Analysis
naturally occurring mineral particles or soil like particles that
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
are not readily soluble in water. Therefore, the specific gravity
Sieves
of soil solids containing extraneous matter, such as cement,
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
lime, and the like, water-soluble matter, such as sodium
ASTM Test Methods
chloride, and soils containing matter with a specific gravity less
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
than one, typically require special treatment (see Note 2) or a
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
qualified definition of their specific gravity.
E1406 Specification for Laboratory Glass Filter Flasks
NOTE 2—For some soils containing a significant fraction of organic
3. Terminology
matter, kerosene is a better wetting agent than water and may be used in
place of test water for oven-dried specimens. Kerosene is a flammable
3.1 Definitions:
liquid that must be used with extreme caution. This standard should not be
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this
used when using kerosene as the test fluid.
standard, refer to Terminology D653.
5.3 The balances, pycnometer sizes, and specimen masses
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
are specified to obtain test results reportable to four significant
3.2.1 specific gravity of soil solids, G , n—the ratio of the
s
digits.
mass of a unit volume of a soil solids to the mass of the same
NOTE 3—The quality of the result produced by these test methods is
volume of gas-free pure water at 20 °C.
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
3.2.2 equilibrated test water, n—test water that is in air
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
equilibrium at room temperature and pressure. criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of these test methods
3.2.2.1 Discussion—Exposing test water to the atmosphere
are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself
for several hours allows dissolved air to escape and prevents
assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice
formation of air bubbles during the test.
D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
3.2.3 reduced sample, n—the minus ⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve,
6. Apparatus
No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve, or finer material that has been
separated from the sample and then split to reduce the mass
6.1 Pycnometer—The pycnometer (see Note 4) shall be
while still having sufficient quantity to meet the minimum dry
either a stoppered flask, stoppered iodine flask, or volumetric
mass requirements of Table 1.
flask with a minimum capacity of 250 mL (see Note 5). The
stopper and flask shall remain a matched pair and labeled
4. Summary of Test Method
accordingly. The volume of the pycnometer shall be 2 to 3
4.1 A representative reduced sample is prepared in either a
times greater than the volume of the soil-water mixture used
moist (Method A) or dry (Method B) state. For moist
during the deairing portion of the test.
preparation, a subspecimen of the reduced sample is dispersed
NOTE 4—Heavy duty pycnometers are commonly used to perform this
and blended into a slurry using one of four options. The dry
test using the vacuum method. However, there are no products on the
mass of the test specimen is determined at the end of the test.
market that are certified for vacuum applications. See the Hazards section
For dry preparation, the material is oven dried prior to testing
(Section 8) for more information.
and the specimen mass is measured once the material is placed NOTE 5—The stoppered flask mechanically sets the volume. The
D854 − 23
stoppered iodine flask has a flared collar that allows the stopper to be Vacuum gages often indicate the vacuum as a positive number with zero
placed at an angle during thermal equilibration and prevents water from being atmospheric pressure.
spilling down the sides of the flask when the stopper is installed. The
6.7.4 Vacuum Gauge—A gauge having a readability of at
wetting of the outside of the flask is undesirable because it creates changes
in the thermal equilibrium and requires careful drying. least 5 kPa and capable of measuring either gauge pressure to
–95 kPa or absolute pressure as low as 5 kPa.
6.2 Balance—A balance meeting the requirements of Guide
D4753 for 0.01 g readability and sufficient capacity (see Note
6.8 Insulated Container—A styrofoam cooler with cover or
6). One balance shall be used for all of the mass measurements.
container with equivalent insulation effectiveness. The con-
tainer shall have capacity to hold between three and six
NOTE 6—Depending on the dry mass of the specimen, the balance
pycnometers plus a beaker (or bottle) of test water, and the
should handle between 500 and 1000 g when using a 250 mL pycnometer
and between 1000 g and 1500 g when using 500 mL pycnometers.
sensor of the thermometric device. The container is required to
maintain a stable temperature environment to allow the
6.3 Drying Oven—Vented, thermostatically controlled oven,
pycnometers to come to thermal equilibrium.
capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of 110 6 5°C
throughout the drying chamber. These requirements usually
6.9 Insulated Block—A styrofoam block or similar material
require the use of a forced-draft oven.
with equivalent insulation effectiveness to that of the insulated
container and large enough to support one pycnometer.
6.4 Thermometric Device—A thermometric device capable
of measuring the temperature range within which the test is
6.10 Funnel—A non-corrosive smooth surface funnel with a
being performed, having a readability of 0.1°C and an accuracy
stem that extends past the stoppered seal on the stoppered
of 0.5°C.
flasks. The diameter of the stem must be large enough that soil
6.4.1 The thermometric device must be capable of being
solids will easily pass through.
immersed in the specimen and calibration solutions to a depth
6.11 Pycnometer Filling Device—To assist in adding equili-
ranging between 25 mm below the water surface and 25 mm
brated test water to the pycnometer without disturbing the
from the bottom of the pycnometer. A partial immersion
soil-water mixture use one of the following:
thermometric device shall have an immersion line at least 25
mm from the bottom of the sensor tip. Total or full immersion 6.11.1 Pycnometer Filling Tube with Lateral Vents—A de-
thermometric devices shall not be used.
vice may be fabricated as follows. Plug a 6 mm to 10 mm
diameter plastic tube at one end and cut two small vents
6.5 Oven Drying Containers—To obtain oven dried speci-
(notches) just above the plug. The vents should be perpendicu-
men mass depending on the option:
lar to the axis of the tube and diametrically opposed. Connect
6.5.1 Method A—Containers of sufficient size to hold the
a valve to the other end of the tube and run a line to the valve
volume of the pycnometer plus any wash water.
from a supply of test water.
6.5.2 Method B—Container of sufficient size to hold the test
6.11.2 Small Diameter Flexible Tube—A piece of flexible
specimen.
tubing having a diameter of 6 mm to 10 mm and long enough
6.6 Specimen Cooling Device—To prevent water absorption
to connect from a container of equilibrated test water to the
while cooling oven dried specimens use one or both of the
bottom of the pycnometer. The tubing shall be soft enough to
following:
pinch off the flow with finger pressure.
6.6.1 Desiccator—A desiccator cabinet or large desiccator
jar of suitable size containing desiccant. 6.12 Water Dispenser—A pipet, eyedropper, or squeeze
bottle of sufficient length for the tip to extend past the
6.6.2 Desiccant—Silica gel or anhydrous calcium sulfate
calibration mark on the volumetric flask or stoppered seal on
with a color indicator placed in the desiccator. Desiccant in use
the stoppered flasks.
must be effectively dry according to manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
6.13 Spoon—Spoon or similar instrument of sufficient size
6.6.3 Covers for Oven Drying Containers—Tight fitting lids
to transfer material directly into the funnel and prevent loss of
or aluminum foil to cover containers.
material.
6.7 Degassing Apparatus—To remove entrapped air (deair-
6.14 Separation Sieve— ⁄8-in. (9.5-mm), No. 4 (4.75-mm)
ing process), one or more of the following as appropriate to the
or finer sieve conforming to the requirements of Specification
method:
E11.
6.7.1 Hot Plate or Bunsen Burner—Capable of maintaining
a temperature adequate to boil water in the pycnometer. The 6.15 Soil Dispersion apparatus (Method A)—One of the
Bunsen Burner shall be equipped with a ceramic shield, baffle following devices used to disperse the soil:
plate, sand bath, or other means to distribute the heat.
6.15.1 Blender—A blender either with mixing blades build
6.7.2 Water Bath—A shallow water container of sufficient
into the base or with mixing blades attached to the shaft and
size to hold the pycnometers while heating.
baffle rods built into the mixing container. This latter device is
6.7.3 Vacuum System—A vacuum pump or water aspirator,
described in detail as the Stirring Apparatus and Dispersion
capable of producing at least a partial vacuum of 660 mm of
Cup in D7928. The blades shall be in good condition.
mercury (Hg) (see Note 7).
6.15.2 Shake Bottle—A hard plastic bottle with tight fitting
cap and several ceramic grinding balls (about 13 mm diam-
NOTE 7—A partial vacuum of 660 mm of mercury is approximately
equivalent to an absolute pressure of 100 mm of Hg (13 kPa) at sea level. eter).
D854 − 23
6.16 Mortar and Rubber-Covered Pestle (Method B)— standard deviation shall be less than or equal to 0.02 g. If it is
Apparatus suitable for breaking up aggregations of air-dried greater, attempt additional measurements or use a more stable
soil particles without breaking individual particles. or precise balance.
6.17 Miscellaneous Equipment—Such as specimen dishes,
10.2 Fill the pycnometer with equilibrated test water to
spatulas, glass plate, and insulated gloves.
above or below the calibration mark depending on the type of
pycnometer and laboratory preference to add or remove water
7. Reagents
(see Note 9). The water shall be added to the pycnometer
following the guidance given in 11.5.
7.1 Test Water—Distilled, demineralized, deionized, or re-
verse osmosis pure water is the only permissible test fluid. The
NOTE 9—It is recommended that water be removed to bring the water
use of tap water is not permitted.
level to the calibration mark. The removal method reduces the chances of
altering the thermal equilibrium by reducing the number of times the
insulated container is opened.
8. Hazards
8.1 Glass pycnometers under vacuum pose an implosion 10.2.1 The water must be equilibrated to standard room
pressure and temperature conditions to make sure that there are
hazard. Annex 1 of Specification E1406 provides a test method
to establish that a glass vessel, that is not abraded, bruised, or no air bubbles in the water. The water may be deaired using
either boiling, vacuum, combination of vacuum and heat, a
otherwise damaged in subsequent service, is expected to
indefinitely withstand a vacuum. This test should be considered deairing device or stored overnight in an open container. This
deaired water shall not be used until it has temperature
in the absence of a manufacturer specification. In all
circumstances, proper personal protective equipment is re- equilibrated to room temperature.
quired to prevent injury from flying glass debris when glass is
10.3 No more than six pycnometers shall be calibrated
exposed to differential pressures.
concurrently in each insulated container. Put the pycnometer(s)
into a covered insulated container along with the thermometric
9. Test Specimen
device, a beaker (or bottle) of test water, stopper(s) (if a
9.1 The test specimen may be moist or oven-dry soil and
stoppered pycnometer is being used), and the water dispenser.
shall be representative of the soil solids that pass the ⁄8-in.
Let the pycnometer(s) come to thermal equilibrium for at least
(9.5-mm) or No. 4 or finer sieve from the total sample.
3 h. The equilibrium temperature shall be within 4°C of room
Separation using the No. 4 sieve is the referee method. The test
temperature and between 15°C and 30°C.
specimen shall meet the minimum dry mass requirements
10.4 Move the insulated container near the balance or vice
provided in Table 1 based on the maximum particle size. The
versa. Open the container and remove one pycnometer. Only
recommended ranges provided in Table 1 provide guidelines
the rim of the pycnometer shall be touched to prevent the heat
based on particle size, and pycnometer size (see Note 8). High
from handling changing the thermal equilibrium. Place the
plasticity soils will expand excessively making it necessary to
pycnometer on the insulated block while making water level
use small test specimens.
adjustments and temperature measurements.
NOTE 8—The recommended limits provided in Table 1 are intended to
10.4.1 If using a volumetric flask as a pycnometer, adjust
increase precision in the test and account for practical details in handling
the water to the calibration mark, with the bottom of the
the materials. The dry mass values are large enough to yield four-
meniscus level with the mark. If water must be added, use the
significant digits in the computed specific gravity. Increasing the dry mass
thermally equilibrated water from the insulated container. If
increases the precision of the results. The mixture of soil solids and water
for the fine-grained soils needs to be dilute during the deairing process.
water must be removed, use a small suction tube, squeeze
bottle, or paper towel. Check for and remove any water beads
10. Calibration of Pycnometer
on the pycnometer stem or on the exterior of the flask. Measure
and record the mass of pycnometer and water, M , to the
10.1 Measure and record the mass of the clean and dry
pw,i
nearest 0.01 g using the balance.
pycnometer, M , to the nearest 0.01 g (typically five significant
p
digits). If using a stoppered flask, include the stopper as part of 10.4.2 If using a stoppered flask, adjust the water to prevent
the pycnometer mass. Repeat this determination five times. entrapment of any air bubbles below the stopper during its
One balance shall be used for all the mass measurements. placement. Place the stopper in the flask. While inserting the
Calculate and record the average and standard deviation. The stopper remove excess water using an eyedropper or squeeze
TABLE 1 Dry Mass Test Specimen Requirements and Recommendations
Test Specimen Dry Mass (g)
Maximum Particle Size of Reduced Sample
Recommended Range for Test Specimen
99 % or more passes Minimum For 250 mL Pycnometer For 500 mL Pycnometer
Alt. Sieve (mm) Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
No. 100 0.150 20 30 50 30 75
No. 40 0.425 40 40 60 40 100
No. 10 2.00 50 50 75 50 125
No. 4 4.75 75 75 125 75 200
⁄8 in. 9.50 165 165 200 165 300
D854 − 23
bottle. Dry the rim using a paper towel. Be sure the entire 10.8 For each pair of data points, compute and record the
exterior of the flask is dry. Measure and record the mass of volume of the pycnometer, V , to the nearest 0.001 mL using
p,i
pycnometer and water, M , to the nearest 0.01 g using the
the following equation:
pw,i
balance.
~M 2 M !
pw,i p
V 5 (1)
p,i
10.5 Return the pycnometer to the insulated block. If using
ρ
w,i
a stopped flask, remove the stopper. Immediately, measure and
where:
record the temperature of the water, T , to the nearest 0.1 °C
i
M = the mass of the pycnometer and water at the calibra-
pw,i
using the thermometric device that has been thermally equili-
tion temperature, g,
brated in the insulated container. Insert the thermometric
M = the average mass of the dry pycnometer at
p
device to the appropriate depth of immersion (6.4).
calibration, g,
10.6 Readjust the water level in the pycnometer to above or
ρ = the mass density of water at the measured calibration
pw,i
below the calibration line (depending on the equipment) using
temperature, T , g/mL, from (Table 2) or Eq 2, and
i
the thermally equilibrated water. Return the pycnometer to the
i = measurement number.
insulated container.
10.9 The following equations provide an adequate fit to the
10.7 Repeat the measurement sequence for all pycnometers
values tabulated in Table 2 and may be used in place of the
in the container. Cover the container and allow the pycnom-
tabulated values.
eters to thermally equilibrate for at least 30 minutes.
26 26 2
ρ 5 1.00034038 2 7.77 × 10 × T 2 4.95 × 10 × T (2)
10.7.1 Repeat the procedure starting from 10.4 to obtain at ~ ! ~ !
w
least five independent measurements of the mass of the filled
where:
pycnometer and temperature readings. The temperatures do not
ρ = density of water at the test temperature in g/mL,
w
need to bracket any specific temperature range.
A
TABLE 2 Density of Water and Temperature Coefficient (K) for Various Temperatures
Temperature Density Temperature Temperature Density Temperature Temperature Density Temperature Temperature Density Temperature
(°C) (g/mL) Coefficient, (°C) (g/mL) Coefficient
...