ASTM D4254-00
Historical Standard: ASTM D4254-00 Standard Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density
SUPERSEDED (see Active link, below)
ASTM D4254
1. Scope
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the minimum index density/unit weight of cohesionless, free-draining soils. The adjective 'dry' before density or unit weight is omitted in the title and remaining portions of this standards to be consistent with the applicable definitions given in Sections 3 on Terminology.
1.2 System of units:
1.2.1 The testing apparatus described in this test method has been developed and manufactured using values in the gravimetric or inch-pound system. Therefore, test apparatus dimensions and mass given in inch-pound units are regarded as the standard.
1.2.2 It is common practice in the engineering profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and a unit of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two separate systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravitational system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single standard. This test method has been written using the gravitational system of units when dealing with the inch-pound system. In this system the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight). However, balances or scales measure mass; and weight must be calculated. In the inch-pound system, it is common to assume that 1 lbf is equal to 1 lbm. While reporting density is not regarded as nonconformance with this test method, unit weights should be calculated and reported since the results may be used to determine force or stress.
1.2.3 The terms density and unit weight are often used interchangeably. Density is mass per unit volume, whereas unit weight is force per unit volume. In this standard, density is given 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 Three alternative procedures are provided to determine the minimum index density/unit weight, as follows:
1.3.1 Method A--Using a funnel pouring device or a hand scoop to place material in mold.
1.3.2 Method B--Depositing material into a mold by extracting a soil filled tube.
1.3.3 Method C--Depositing material by inverting a graduated cylinder.
1.4 The method to be used should be specified by the individual assigning the test. If no test method is specified, the provisions of Method A shall govern. Test Method A is the preferred procedure for determining minimum index density/unit weight as used in conjunction with the procedures of Test Methods D4253. Methods B and C are provided for guidance of testing used in conjunction with special studies, especially where there is not enough material available to use a 0.100 ft 3 (2830 cm 3 ) or 0.500 ft 3 (14200 cm 3 ) mold as required by Test Method A.
1.5 These test methods are applicable to soils that may contain up to 15%, by dry mass, of soil particles passing a No. 200 (75-um) sieve, provided they still have cohesionless, free-draining characteristics (nominal sieve dimensions are in accordance with Specification E11).
1.5.1 Test Method A is applicable to soils which 100%, by dry mass, of soil particles pass a 3-in. (75-mm) sieve and which may contain up to 30%, by dry mass, of soil particles retained on a 1- 1/2-inch (37.5-mm) sieve.
1.5.2 Test Method B is applicable to soils in which 100%, by dry mass, of soil particles pass a 3/4-inch (19.0-mm) sieve.
1.5.3 Test Method C is applicable only to fine and medium sands in which 100%, by dry mass, of soil particles pass a 3/8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve and which may contain up to 10%, by dry mass, of soil particles retained on a No. 10 (2.00-mm) sieve.
1.5.4 Soils, for the purposes of these test methods, shall be regarded as naturally occurring cohesionless soils, processed particles, or composites or mixtures of natural soils, or mixtures of natural and processed particles, provided they are free-draining.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.
ASTM Standards
C127 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Water Pycnometer
D1140 Test Methods for Amount of Material in Soils Finer than No. 200 (75-m) Sieve
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils (Visual-Manual Procedure)
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
D4253 Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Sieves
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
Keywords
minimum index density; minimum index unit weight; relative density; Cohesionless soil; Compaction measurement--soils; Density--soil/rock/related materials;
ICS Code
ICS Number Code 93.020 (Earth works. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works)
DOI: 10.1520/D4254-00
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