Standard Active Last Updated: Apr 17, 2018 Track Document
ASTM D2937-17e2

Standard Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Drive-Cylinder Method

Standard Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Drive-Cylinder Method D2937-17E02 ASTM|D2937-17E02|en-US Standard Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Drive-Cylinder Method Standard new BOS Vol. 04.08 Committee D18
$ 63.00 In stock

Significance and Use

4.1 This test method can be used to determine the in-place density of soils which do not contain significant amounts of particles larger than 4.75 mm (3/16 in.), and which can be readily retained in the drive cylinder. This test method may also be used to determine the in-place density of compacted soils used in construction of structural fill, highway embankments, or earth dams. When the in-place density is to be used as a basis for acceptance, the drive cylinder volumes must be as large as practical and not less than 850 cm3 (0.030 ft3 ).

4.2 The general principles of this test method have been successfully used to obtain samples of various field compacted fine-grained soils having a maximum particle size of 4.75 mm (3/16 in.) for purposes other than density determinations, such as testing for engineering properties.

Note 1: Notwithstanding the statements on precision and bias contained in this standard: The precision of this test method is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies which meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing. Users of this 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.

Scope

1.1 This test method covers the determination of in-place density of soil by the drive-cylinder method. The test method involves obtaining an intact soil sample by driving a thin-walled cylinder into the soil and conducting specific measurements and calculations for the determination of in-place density. When sampling or in-place density is required at depth, Test Method D1587 should be used.

1.2 This test method is not recommended for sampling organic or friable soils which may compress during sampling. This test method may not be applicable for soft, organic, highly plastic, noncohesive, saturated or other soils which are easily deformed, compress during sampling, or which may not be retained in the drive cylinder sampler. This test may not be applicable with very hard natural soils or heavily compacted soils that may not be easily penetrated with the drive cylinder sampler. The use of this test method in soils containing an appreciable amount of particles larger than 4.75 mm (3/16 in.) may result in damage to the drive cylinder equipment. Soils containing particles larger than 4.75 mm (3/16 in.) may not yield valid results if voids are created along the wall of the cylinder during driving, or if particles are dislodged from the sample ends during trimming.

1.3 This test method is limited to the procedures necessary for obtaining specimens suitable for determining the in-place density and water content of certain soils. The procedures, precautions, and requirements necessary for selecting locations for obtaining intact samples, suitable for laboratory testing or otherwise determining engineering properties, is beyond the scope of this test method.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.4.1 It is common practice in the engineering/construction profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and a unit of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two separate systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravitational system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single standard. As stated, this standard includes the gravitational system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the slug unit for mass. However, the use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm) or the recording of density in lbm/ft3 shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.

1.5 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026, unless superseded by this standard.

1.5.1 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 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 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.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 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.

Price:
Contact Sales
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Book of Standards Volume: 04.08
Developed by Subcommittee: D18.08
Pages: 8
DOI: 10.1520/D2937-17E02
ICS Code: 93.020