ASTM_D_6780_-_D_6780M_-_19.pdf

Designation:D6780/D6780M19Standard Test Methods forWater Content and Density of Soil In situ by Time DomainReflectometry(TDR)1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6780/D6780M;the number immediately following the designation indicates theyear of original adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of lastreapproval.A superscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope*1.1 This test method may be used to determine the watercontent of soils and the density of soils in place using TimeDomain Reflectometry.1.2 This test method applies to soils that have 30%or lessby weight of their particles retained on the 19.0-mm 34-in.sieve.1.3 This test method is suitable for use as a means ofacceptance for compacted fill or embankments.1.4 This test method is not appropriate for frozen soils orsoils at temperatures over 40C 100F and may not besuitable for organic soils,highly plastic soils,or extremelydense soils.1.5 All observed and calculated values shall conform to theguidelines for significant digits and rounding established inPractice D6026.1.5.1 The method used to specify how data are collected,calculated,or recorded in this standard is not directly related tothe accuracy to which the data can be applied in design or otheruses,or both.How one applies the results obtained using thisstandard is beyond its scope.21.6 Two alternative procedures are provided to determinethe water content and the density of soil in situ:1.6.1 Procedure A involves two tests in the field,an in situtest and a test in a mold containing material excavated from thein situ test location.The apparent dielectric constant is deter-mined in both tests.1.6.2 Procedure B involves only an in situ test by incorpo-rating the first voltage drop and long term voltage(V1and Vf)in addition to the apparent dielectric constant.While the bulkelectrical conductivity can be determined from thesemeasurements,it is not needed for the determination of watercontent and density.1.7 UnitsThe values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard.Thevalues 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 non-conformance with the standard.For additional informationconsult SI10.1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety,health,and environmental practices and deter-mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-ization established in the Decision on Principles for theDevelopment of International Standards,Guides and Recom-mendations issued by the World Trade Organization TechnicalBarriers to Trade(TBT)Committee.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:3D653 Terminology Relating to Soil,Rock,and ContainedFluidsD698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-istics of Soil Using Standard Effort(12,400 ft-lbf/ft3(600kN-m/m3)D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-istics 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 MassD2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for EngineeringPurposes(Unified Soil Classification System)D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies1This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soil andRock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 on Special andConstruction Control Tests.Current edition approved Aug.1,2019.Published September 2019.Originallyapproved in 2002.Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D6780/D6780M 12.DOI:10.1520/D6780_D6780M-19.2“The Water Content and Density of Soil In situ by Time Domain Reflectometryapparatus and procedures are covered by a patent.If you are aware of analternative(s)to the patented item,please attach to your ballot return a descriptionof the alternatives.All suggestions will be considered by the committee.”3For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standardCopyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United StatesThis international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for theDevelopment of International Standards,Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Tra