ASTM_D_4531_-_15.pdf

Designation:D453115Standard Test Methods forBulk and Dry Density of Peat and Peat Products1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4531;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope*1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the bulkand dry density of both peat in its natural state and peatproducts(Note 1).These test methods consist of defining avolume of peat and determining the mass of that specificvolume.The difference in the respective methods is in theprocedures employed to determine the peat volume.NOTE1Test Method D2978 is used for specifying the volumerepresented by a quantity of loose processed peat or the volume of a peatbale.1.2 Method AThe core method covers the determinationof the bulk density of a core of peat taken with a piston sampleror other suitable core sampler(Sections 6 and 7).1.3 Method BThe paraffin wax method,covers the deter-mination of the bulk density of clods or irregular pieces of wetpeat and compressed peat products(Sections 8 and 9).1.4 UnitsThe values stated in SI units are to be regardedas standard.No other units of measurement are included in thisstandard.1.5 The quality of the result produced by this standard isdependent 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 generallyconsidered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc.Users of this standard are cautionedthat compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assurereliable results.Reliable results depend on many factors;Practice D3740 provides a evaluating some of those factors.1.6 All observed and calculated values shall conform to theguidelines for significant digits and rounding established inPractice D6026.1.6.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/recorded or calculated,in this standard are regarded as theindustry standard.In addition,they are representative of thesignificant digits that generally should be retained.The proce-dures used do not consider material variation,purpose forobtaining the data,special purpose studies,or any consider-ations for the users objectives;and it is common practice toincrease or reduce significant digits of reported data to becommensurate with these considerations.It is beyond the scopeof this standard to consider significant digits used in analysismethods for engineering design.1.7 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 and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D653 Terminology Relating to Soil,Rock,and ContainedFluidsD2978 Test Methods for Volume of Processed Peat MaterialsD3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for AgenciesEngaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock asUsed in Engineering Design and ConstructionD6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in GeotechnicalData3.Terminology3.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in thisstandard,refer to Terminology D653.3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:3.2.1 bulk density,as used for peat products is the totalmass(solids plus water)per unit of total volume of a peat at agiven moisture condition.3.2.2 dry density,dmass of dry organic and mineralmatter per unit of total volume of a peat at a given moisturecondition.NOTE2In many peat science applications and publications,the termdefined here as“dry density”in accordance with common geotechnicalengineering usage is referred to as“bulk density”.Care is necessary to1These test methods are under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soiland Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.22 on Soil as aMedium for Plant Growth.Current edition approved July 15,2015.Published July 2015.Originallyapproved in 1986.Last previous edition approved in 2008 as D4531 86(2008).DOI:10.1520/D4531-15.2For 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 States1 distinguish which definition is being used when such a term is encoun-tered.4.Significance and Use4.1 These test methods provide uniform procedures fordetermining the bulk density of in situ peat and processed peatproducts.The bulk density is of use in the calculation of in situstresses for engin