logo

Standards Manage Your Business

We Manage Your Standards

ASTM

ASTM D4914/D4914M : 24

Standard Test Method for Density of In-place Soil and Rock Materials by the Sand Replacement Method in a Test Pit

Standard Details

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the in-place density of soil and rock materials using a sand pouring device and calibrated sand to determine the volume of a test pit. The use of the word “rock” in this test method is used to imply that the material removed from the test pit will typically only contain particles less than 3 in. [75 mm].

1.2 This test method is best suited for test pits with a volume between 1 and 6 ft3 [0.03 and 0.2 m3]. In general, the materials removed from the test pit would have a maximum particle size of 3 to 5 in. [75 to 125 mm].

1.2.1 For larger sized excavations and for soil and rock materials containing larger particles, Test Method D5030 is preferred.

1.2.2 Test Method D1556 or D2167 are usually used to determine the volume of test holes smaller than 1 ft3 [0.03 m3]. While the equipment illustrated in this test method is used for volumes less than 1 ft3 [0.03 m3], the test methods allow larger versions of the equipment to be used when necessary.

1.3 Two procedures are provided as follows:

1.3.1 Procedure A—In-Place Density of Total Material (Section 11).

1.3.2 Procedure B—In-Place Density of Control Fraction (Section 12).

1.4 Selection of Procedures: 

1.4.1 Procedure A is used when the in-place density of the total material is to be determined. Procedure A can also be used to determine percent compaction or percent relative density when the maximum particle size present in the in-place material being tested does not exceed the maximum particle size allowed in the laboratory compaction test (refer to Test Methods D698, D1557, D4253, D4254, and D7382). For Test Methods D698 and D1557 only, the density determined in the laboratory compaction test may be corrected for larger particle sizes in accordance with, and subject to the limitations of Practice D4718.

1.4.2 Procedure B is used when percent compaction or percent relative density is to be determined and the in-place material contains particles larger than the maximum particle size allowed in the laboratory compaction test methods previously described or when Practice D4718 is not applicable for the laboratory compaction test method. Then, the material is considered to consist of two fractions, or portions. The material obtained from the in-place density test is physically divided into a control fraction and an oversize fraction based on a designated sieve size (see Section 3). The density of the control fraction is calculated and compared with the density(ies) established by the laboratory compaction test method(s).

1.4.3 Often, the control fraction is the minus No. 4 [4.75-mm] sieve size material for cohesive or non-free-draining materials and the minus 3-in. [75-mm] sieve size material for cohesionless, free draining materials. While other sizes may be used for the control fraction, 3/8 , and 3/4-in. [9.5, 19-mm], this test method has been prepared using only the No. 4 [4.75-mm] and the 3-in. [75-mm] sieve sizes for clarity.

1.5 Any soil and rock material that can be excavated with hand tools can be tested provided that the void or pore openings in the mass are small enough (or a liner is used) to prevent the calibrated sand used in the test from entering the natural voids. The material being tested should have sufficient cohesion or particle interlocking to maintain stable side walls during excavation of the test pit and through completion of this test. It should also be firm enough not to deform or slough due to the minor pressures exerted while digging the hole and pouring the sand.

1.6 This test method is generally limited to material in an unsaturated or partially-saturated condition above the ground water table and are not recommended for materials that are soft or friable (crumble easily) or in a moisture condition such that water seeps into the excavated hole. The accuracy of the test method may be affected for materials that deform easily or that may undergo volume change in the excavated hole from standing or walking near the hole while performing the test.

1.7 Units—The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units [presented in brackets] are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.7.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used when dealing with inch-pound units. In the system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit force (weight), while the unit for mass is slugs. The slug unit is not given, unless dynamic (F = ma) calculations are involved.

1.7.2 It is common practice in the engineering/construction profession to concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm) and of force (lbf). This practice implicitly combines two separate systems of units; the absolute and the gravitational systems. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of separate sets of inch-pound units within a single standard. As stated, this standard includes the gravitational system of inch-pound units and does not use/present the slug unit of mass. However, the use of balances and scales recording pounds of mass (lbm) or recording density in lbm/ft3 shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.

1.8 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026, unless superseded by this test method.

1.8.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected, recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the industry standard. In addition they are representative of the significant digits that generally should be retained. The procedures used do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope of this standard to consider significant digits used in analysis methods for engineering design.

1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazards statements, see Section 8.

1.10 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

Status : ACTIVE
Standard Type: Main
Document No: ASTM D4914/D4914M : 24
Document Year: 2024
Pages: 16
  • Section Volume:
  • 04.08 Volume 04.08 Soil and Rock (I): D421 – D5876
  • ICS:
  • 93.020 Earthworks. Excavations. Foundation construction. Underground works

Life Cycle

Currently Viewing

ACTIVE
ASTM D4914/D4914M : 24
Knowledge Corner

Expand Your Knowledge and Unlock Your Learning Potential - Your One-Stop Source for Information!

© Copyright 2024 BSB Edge Private Limited.

Enquire now +