This test method is used with Methods A and B of Test Methods D698 or D1557 to develop relationships between moisture content, density, and penetration resistance. These relationships are used with a previously prepared family of moisture-penetration curves as a rapid field test to determine the approximate amount of moisture in the soil.

Note 1—When a penetration-resistance measurement of material in place is compared at a given moisture content with penetration-density curves prepared at a specified compactive effort, an approximate check of compaction (density) may be obtained.

Penetration resistance determinations are not reliable for very dry molded soil specimens or very granular 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 the facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing. Users of this test method are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable testing. Reliable testing depends on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers establishing the moisture-penetration resistance relationships of fine-grained soils as determined by the soil penetrometer.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026.

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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements for Test Methods for Construction Materials

D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids

D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600 kN-m/m3))

D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3 (2,700 kN-m/m3))

D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass

D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction

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

E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

Keywords

backfills; base courses; compaction; compaction control; compaction curves; control; density; field control; field laboratories; field tests; fine grained soils; inspection; laboratory test; maximum dry density; moisture; moisture content; moisture control; penetration resistance; soil tests; Backfill--testing; Compaction measurement--soils; Density--soil/rock/related materials; Embankments; Field testing--soil; Fine-grained soil; Laboratory soil/rock analysis; Maximum dry density; Penetration resistance; Soil-moisture analysis ;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 93.020 (Earth works. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works)

Citing ASTM Standards

[Back to Top]