ASTM_D_2217_-_85_1998.pdf

Designation:D 2217 85(Reapproved 1998)Standard Practice forWet Preparation of Soil Samples for Particle-Size Analysisand Determination of Soil Constants1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 2217;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(e)indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.1.Scope1.1 This practice covers the wet preparation of soil samplesas received from the field for particle-size analysis anddetermination of soil constants.1.2 Procedure A provides for drying the field sample at atemperature not exceeding 140F(60C),making a wet sepa-ration on the No.10(2.00-mm)sieve,or No.40(425-m)sieve,or both,as needed,and finally drying at a temperaturenot exceeding 140F.Procedure B provides that the sampleshall be kept at a moisture content equal to or greater than thenatural water content.The procedure to be used should beindicated in the specification for the material being tested.If noprocedure is specified,the provisions of Procedure B shallgovern.1.3 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:D 421 Practice for Dry Preparation of Soil Samples forParticle-Size Analysis and Determination of Soil Con-stants2D 422 Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils2E 11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur-poses33.Significance and Use3.1 ProcedureAis used to prepare soil samples for plasticitytests and particle-size analysis when the coarse-grained par-ticles of a sample are soft and pulverize readily,as in PracticeD 421,or when the fine particles are very cohesive and tend toresist removal from the coarse particles.3.2 Some soils never dry out in nature and may change theircharacteristics greatly when dried.If the true natural gradationand plasticity characteristics of such soils are desired,thesesoils should be shipped to the laboratory in sealed containersand processed in accordance with Procedure B of this practice.3.3 Liquid limit and plasticity index values derived fromsamples containing their natural moisture are usually,but notalways,equal to or higher than values derived from similarsamples of the dried soil.In the case of fine-grained organicsoil,there is a radical drop in plasticity due to oven drying.4.Apparatus4.1 Balance,sensitive to 0.1 g.4.2 Mortar and Rubber-Covered Pestle,suitable for break-ing up the aggregations of soil particles.4.3 Sieves,No.10(2.00-mm)and No.40(425-m),ofsquare mesh woven-wire cloth,conforming to SpecificationE 11.4.4 SamplerA riffle sampler or sample splitter for quar-tering the samples.4.5 Drying ApparatusThermostatically controlled dryingoven for use at 140F(60C)or below and at 230F(110C),infrared lamps;air drier;or other suitable device for dryingsamples.4.6 Filter Funnels or CandlesBchner funnels 10 in.(254mm)in diameter and filter paper or filter candles.4.7 Miscellaneous EquipmentPans 12 in.(304.8 mm)indiameter and 3 in.(76.2 mm)in depth;a suitable container thatwill prevent loss of moisture during storage of the moist testsample prepared in Procedure B.PROCEDURE A5.Sampling5.1 Dry the soil sample as received from the field,using oneof the following methods:(1)in air at room temperature,(2)ina drying oven at a temperature not exceeding 140F(60C),or(3)using any warming device that will not raise the tempera-ture of the sample above 140F.Break up thoroughly anyaggregations of particles using the mortar and rubber-coveredpestle or other suitable device(Note 1).Select a representativeportion by the method of quartering or by use of the sampler.This portion must be sufficient to provide samples for particle-size analyses of material retained on and passing the No.101This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on Soil andRock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture,Plasticity,and Density Characteristics of Soils.Current edition approved July 26,1985.Published September 1985.Originallypublished as D 2217 63 T.Last previous edition D 2217 66(1978)e1.2Annual Book of ASTM Standards,Vol 04.08.3Annual Book of ASTM Standards,Vol 14.02.1AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS100 Barr Harbor Dr.,West Conshohocken,PA 19428Reprinted from the Annual Book of ASTM Standards.Copyright ASTM(2.00-mm)sieve,and to provide an adequate amount ofmaterial passing the No.40(425-m)sieve for the tests todetermine soil constants.The amounts of material required toperform the individual tests are as follows:Particle-Size Analysis of Material Retained onNo.10(2.00-mm)Sieve:G