ASTM International

Standard Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Drive-Cylinder Method
 N D2937

Annotation

This test method covers the determination of in-place density of soil by the drive-cylinder method. The test method involves obtaining an intact soil sample by driving a thinwalled cylinder into the soil and conducting specific measurements and calculations for the determination of in-place density. When sampling or in-place density is required at depth, Test Method D1587 should be used.

This test method is not recommended for sampling organic or friable soils which may compress during sampling. This test method may not be applicable for soft, organic, highly plastic, noncohesive, saturated or other soils which are easily deformed, compress during sampling, or which may not be retained in the drive cylinder sampler. This test may not be applicable with very hard natural soils or heavily compacted soils that may not be easily penetrated with the drive cylinder sampler. The use of this test method in soils containing an appreciable amount of particles larger than 4.75 mm (3?16 in.) may result in damage to the drive cylinder equipment. Soils containing particles larger than 4.75 mm (3?16 in.) may not yield valid results if voids are created along the wall of the cylinder during driving, or if particles are dislodged from the sample ends during trimming.

This test method is limited to the procedures necessary for obtaining specimens suitable for determining the in-place density and water content of certain soils. The procedures, precautions, and requirements necessary for selecting locations for obtaining intact samples, suitable for laboratory testing or otherwise determining engineering properties, is beyond the scope of this test method.

The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are mathematical conversions, which are provided for information purposes only and are not considered standard.