ASTM_D_4914_-_08.pdf

Designation:D491408Standard Test Methods forDensity and Unit Weight of Soil and Rock in Place by theSand Replacement Method in a Test Pit1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4914;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 thein-place density and unit weight of soil and rock using apouring device and calibrated sand to determine the volume ofa test pit.The word“rock in these test methods is used toimply that the material being tested will typically containparticles larger than 3 in.(75 mm).1.2 These test methods are best suited for test pits with avolume from 0.03 to 0.17 m3(1 to 6 ft3).In general,thematerials tested would have a maximum particle size of 75 to125 mm(3 to 5 in.).1.2.1 These test methods may be used for larger sizedexcavations if desirable.However,for larger sized excavations,Test Method D5030 is preferred.1.2.2 Test Method D1556 or D2167 are usually used todetermine the volume of test holes smaller than 0.03 m3(1 ft3).While the equipment illustrated in these test methods is usedfor volumes less than 0.03 m3(1 ft3),the test methods allowlarger versions of the equipment to be used when necessary.1.3 Two test methods are provided as follows:1.3.1 Test Method AIn-Place Density and Unit Weight ofTotal Material(Section 9).1.3.2 Test Method BIn-Place Density and Unit Weight ofControl Fraction(Section 10).1.4 Selection of Test Methods:1.4.1 Test Method A is used when the in-place unit weightof total material is to be determined.Test MethodAcan also beused to determine percent compaction or percent relativedensity when the maximum particle size present in the in-placematerial being tested does not exceed the maximum particlesize allowed in the laboratory compaction test(refer to TestMethods D698,D1557,D4253,and D4254).For Test MethodsD698 and D1557 only,the unit weight determined in thelaboratory compaction test may be corrected for larger particlesizes in accordance with,and subject to the limitations ofPractice D4718.1.4.2 Test Method B is used when percent compaction orpercent relative density is to be determined and the in-placematerial contains particles larger than the maximum particlesize allowed in the laboratory compaction test or when PracticeD4718 is not applicable for the laboratory compaction test.Then the material is considered to consist of two fractions,orportions.The material from the in-place unit weight test isphysically divided into a control fraction and an oversizefraction based on a designated sieve size.The unit weight ofthe control fraction is calculated and compared with the unitweight(s)established by the laboratory compaction test(s).1.4.2.1 Because of possible lower densities created whenthere is particle interference(see Practice D4718),the percentcompaction of the control fraction should not be assumed torepresent the percent compaction of the total material in thefield.1.4.3 Normally,the control fraction is the minus No.4 sievesize material for cohesive or nonfree draining materials and theminus 3-in.sieve size material for cohesionless,free-drainingmaterials.While other sizes are used for the control fraction(38,34-in.),these test methods have been prepared using onlythe No.4 and the 3-in.sieve sizes for clarity.1.5 Any materials that can be excavated with hand tools canbe tested provided that the void or pore openings in the massare small enough(or a liner is used)to prevent the calibratedsand used in the test from entering the natural voids.Thematerial being tested should have sufficient cohesion or particleinterlocking to maintain stable sides during excavation of thetest pit and through completion of this test.It should also befirm enough not to deform or slough due to the minor pressuresexerted in digging the hole and pouring the sand.1.6 These test methods are generally limited to material inan unsaturated condition and are not recommended for mate-rials that are soft or friable(crumble easily)or in a moisturecondition such that water seeps into the hand-excavated hole.The accuracy of the test methods may be affected for materialsthat deform easily or that may undergo volume change in theexcavated hole from standing or walking near the hole duringthe test.1These test methods are under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D18 on Soiland Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 on Special andConstruction Control Tests.Current edition approved March 1,2008.Published March 2008.Originallyapproved in 1989.Last previous edition approved in 1999 as D4914 99.DOI:10.1520/D4914-08.*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standardCopyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-295