1.1This test method describes the procedure for rapidly determining the percent compaction and the variation from optimum water content of an in-place soil for use in controlling construction of compacted earth. These values are obtained by developing a three-point compaction curve at the same water content as the in-place soil without knowing the value of the water content. The soil used for the compaction curve is normally the same soil removed from the in-place density test. For the remainder of this designation, this test method will be referred to as the rapid method.
1.2This test method is normally performed for soils containing more than 15 % fines (minus 75-µm (No. 200) sieve size).
1.3When gravel-size particles are present in the soil being tested, this test method is limited to a comparison of the minus 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve-size fraction of the in-place density material to a laboratory compaction test of minus 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve-size material (Method A of Test Methods D698). Subject to the limitations of Practice D4718, this test method is also applicable to comparisons of other sieve-size fractions (for example, Method C of Test Methods D698) or other compactive efforts (for example, Test Methods D1557) if new water content adjustment values are determined (see 6.1 and Appendix X2).
1.4Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
1.4.1The use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm), or the recording of density in pounds of mass per cubic foot (lbm/ft3) should not be regarded as nonconformance with this test method.
1.4.2The sieve designations are identified using the “standard” system in accordance with Specification E11, such as 25-mm and 75-μm, followed by the “alternative” system of 1-in. and No. 200, respectively, in parentheses.
1.5All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026 unless superseded by this standard.
1.5.1For purposes of comparing, a measured or calculated value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant digits in the specified limits.
1.5.2The 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 analytical methods for engineering design.
1.6This 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. See Section 9.