ASTM International

Standard Test Methods for Density of Soil and Rock in Place by the Water Replacement Method in a Test Pit
 N D5030/D5030M REV A

Annotation

These test methods cover the determination of the in-place density of soil and rock using water to fill a lined test pit to determine the volume of the test pit. The use of the word "rock" in these test methods is used to imply that the material being tested will typically contain particles larger than 3 in. [75 mm].

These test methods are best suited for test pits with a volume between approximately 3 and 100 ft3 [0.08 and 2.83 m3]. In general, the materials tested would have maximum particle sizes over 5 in. [125 mm]. These test methods may be used for larger sized excavations if desirable.

This procedure is usually performed using circular metal templates with inside diameters of 3 ft [0.9 m] or more. Other shapes or materials may be used providing they meet the requirements of these test methods and the guidelines given in Annex A1 for the minimum volume of the test pit.

Test Method D4914 may be used as an alternative method. Its use, however, is usually only practical for volume determination of test pits between approximately 1 and 6 ft3 [0.03 and 0.17 m3].

Test Method D1556 or Test Method D2167 is usually used to determine the volume of test holes smaller than 1 ft3 [0.03 m3].

Test Method D1556 or Test Method D2167 is usually used to determine the volume of test holes smaller than 1 ft3 [0.03 m3].

The two procedures are described as follows:

Procedure A—In-Place Density and Density of Total Material (Section 12).