ASTM_D_4253_-_14.pdf

Designation:D425314Standard Test Methods forMaximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using aVibratory Table1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4253;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.This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S.Department of Defense.1.Scope*1.1 These test methods cover the determination of themaximum-index dry density/unit weight of cohesionless,free-draining soils using a vertically vibrating table.The adjective“dry before density or unit weight is omitted in the title andremaining portions of this standard to be consistent with theapplicable definition given in Section 3 on Terminology.1.2 Systems of Units:1.2.1 The testing apparatus described in this standard hasbeen developed and manufactured using values in the gravi-metric or inch-pound system.Therefore,test apparatus dimen-sions and mass given in inch-pound units are regarded as thestandard.1.2.2 It is common practice in the engineering profession toconcurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass(lbm)and a unit of force(lbf).This implicitly combines two separatesystems of units;that is,the absolute system and the gravita-tional system.It is scientifically undesirable to combine the useof two separate sets of inch-pound units within a singlestandard.This standard has been written using the gravitationalsystem of units when dealing with the inch-pound system.Inthis system,the pound(lbf)represents a unit of force(weight).However,balances or scales measure mass;and weight must becalculated.In the inch-pound system,it is common to assumethat 1 lbf is equal to 1 lbm.While reporting density is notregarded as nonconformance with this standard,unit weightsshould be calculated and reported since the results may be usedto determine force or stress.1.2.3 The terms density and unit weight are often usedinterchangeably.Density is mass per unit volume whereas unitweight is force per unit volume.In this standard density isgiven only in SI units.After the density has been determined,the unit weight is calculated in SI or inch-pound units,or both.1.3 Four alternative methods are provided to determine themaximum index density/unit weight,as follows:1.3.1 Method1AUsingoven-driedsoilandanelectromagnetic,vertically vibrating table.1.3.2 Method 1BUsing wet soil and an electromagnetic,vertically vibrating table.1.3.3 Method 2AUsing oven-dried soil and an eccentric orcam-driven,vertically vibrating table.1.3.4 Method 2BUsing wet soil and an eccentric orcam-driven vertically vibrating table.1.4 The method to be used should be specified by theindividual assigning the test.1.4.1 The type of table to be used(Method 1 or 2)is likelyto be decided based upon available equipment.NOTE1There is evidence to show that electromagnetic tables yieldslightly higher values of maximum index density/unit weight than theeccentric or cam-driven tables.1.4.2 It is recommended that both the dry and wet methods(Methods 1A and 1B or 2A and 2B)be performed whenbeginning a new job or encountering a change in soil types,asthe wet method can yield significantly higher values ofmaximum index density/unit weight for some soils.Such ahigher maximum index density,when considered along withthe minimum index density/unit weight,Test Methods D4254,will be found to significantly affect the value of the relativedensity(3.2.8)calculated for a soil encountered in the field.While the dry method is often preferred because results canusually be obtained more quickly,as a general rule the wetmethod should be used if it is established that it producesmaximum index densities/unit weights that would significantlyaffect the use/application of the value of relative density.1.5 These test methods are applicable to soils that maycontain up to 15%,by dry mass,of soil particles passing a No.200(75-m)sieve,provided they still have cohesionless,free-draining characteristics(nominal sieve dimensions are inaccordance with Specification E11).Further,these test methodsare applicable to soils in which 100%,by dry mass,of soilparticles pass a 3-in.(75-mm)sieve.1.5.1 Soils,for the purpose of these test methods,shall beregarded as naturally occurring cohesionless soils,processed1This standard is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil andRock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture,Plasticity and Density Characteristics of Soils.Current edition approved Dec.15,2014.Published January 2015.Originallyapproved in 1983.Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D4253 00(2006).DOI:10.1520/D4253-14.*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 particles,or c