ASTM International

Standard Test Methods for Determination of Maximum Dry Unit Weight and Water Content Range for Effective Compaction of Granular Soils Using a Vibrating Hammer
 N D7382

Annotation

These test methods cover the determination of the maximum dry unit weight and water content range for effective compaction of granular soils. A vibrating hammer is used to impart a surcharge and compactive effort to the soil specimen.

These test methods apply to soils with up to 35 %, by dry mass, passing a No. 200 (75-?m) sieve if the portion passing the No. 40 (425-?m) sieve is nonplastic.

These test methods apply to soils with up to 15 %, by dry mass, passing a No. 200 (75-?m) sieve if the portion passing the No. 40 (425-?m) sieve exhibits plastic behavior.

These test methods apply to soils in which 100 %, by dry mass, passes the 2-in. (50-mm) sieve.

These test methods apply only to soils (materials) that have 30 % or less, by dry mass of their particles retained on the ?-in. (19.0-mm) sieve.

NOTE 1—For relationships between unit weights and water contents of soils with 30 % or less, by dry mass, of material retained on the ?-in. (19.0-mm) sieve to unit weights and water contents of the fraction passing the ?-in. (19.0-mm) sieve, see Practice D 4718.

These test methods will typically produce a higher maximum dry density/unit weight for the soils specified in 1.2 and 1.3 than that obtained by impact compaction in which a well-defined moisture-density relationship is not apparent. However, for some soils containing more than 15 % fines, the use of impact compaction (Test Methods D 698 or D 1557) may be useful in evaluating what is an appropriate maximum index density/unit weight.

Two alternative test methods are provided, with the variation being in mold size. The method used shall be as indicated in the specification for the material being tested. If no method is specified, the choice should be based on the maximum particle size of the material.