ASTM International

Standard Test Methods for Modulus and Damping of Soils by Fixed-Base Resonant Column Devices
 N D4015

Annotation

These test methods cover the determination of shear modulus and shear damping as a function of shear strain amplitude for solid cylindrical specimens of soil in intact and remolded conditions by vibration using resonant column devices. The vibration of the specimen may be superposed on a controlled static state of stress in the specimen. The vibration apparatus and specimen may be enclosed in a triaxial chamber and subjected to an all-around pressure and axial load. In addition, the specimen may be subjected to other controlled conditions (for example, pore-water pressure, degree of saturation, temperature). These test methods of modulus and damping determination are considered nondestructive when the shear strain amplitudes of vibration are less than 10–2 % (10–4 in. ?in.), and many measurements may be made on the same specimen and with various states of static stress.

Two device configurations are covered by these test methods: Device Type 1 where a known torque is applied to the top of the specimen and the resulting rotational motion is measured at the top of the specimen, and Device Type 2 where an uncalibrated torque is applied to the top of the specimen and the torque transmitted through the specimen is measured by a torque transducer at the base of the specimen. For both devices, the torque is applied to the active end (usually top) of the specimen and the rotational motion also is measured at the active end of the specimen.

These test methods are limited to the determination of the shear modulus and shear damping, the necessary vibration, and specimen preparation procedures related to the vibration, etc., and do not cover the application, measurement, or control of the axial and lateral static normal stresses. The latter procedures may be covered by, but are not limited to, Test Method D2850, D3999/D3999M, D4767, D5311/D5311M, or D7181.