The specific gravity of a soil solids is used in calculating the phase relationships of soils, such as void ratio and degree of saturation.

4.1.1 The specific gravity of soil solids is used to calculate the density of the soil solids. This is done by multiplying its specific gravity by the density of water (at proper temperature).

The term soil solids is typically assumed to mean naturally occurring mineral particles or soil like particles that are not readily soluble in water. Therefore, the specific gravity of soil solids containing extraneous matter, such as cement, lime, and the like, water-soluble matter, such as sodium chloride, and soils containing matter with a specific gravity less than one, typically require special treatment (see Note 1) or a qualified definition of their specific gravity.

The balances, pycnometer sizes, and specimen masses are established to obtain test results with three significant digits.

Note 2—The quality of the result produced by these test methods is dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of these test methods are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D 3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.

These test methods cover the determination of the specific gravity of soil solids passing a sieve by means of a water pycnometer. Soil solids for these test methods do not include solids which can be altered by these methods, contaminated with a substance that prohibits the use of these methods, or are highly organic soil solids, such as fibrous matter which floats in water. Procedures for moist specimens such as organic soils, highly plastic fine grained soils, tropical soils, and soils containing halloysite and oven-dry specimens are provided. The apparatus is comprised of water pycnometer which shall be a stoppered flask, stoppered iodine flask, or volumetric flask; balance; drying oven; thermometer; dessicator; a system for entrapped air removal which shall be a hot plate or Bunsen burner or a vacuum pump or water aspirator; insulated container; non-corrosive smooth surface funnel; pycnometer filling tube with lateral vents; sieve; and blender with mixing blades. The specific gravity of the soil solids at the test temperature shall be calculated from the density of the soil solids and the density of water at the test temperature or from the mass of the oven dry soil solids; mass of pycnometer, water, and soil solids at the test temperature; and mass of the pycnometer and water at the test temperature. Precision and bias shall be determined to judge for the acceptability of the test results.

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the specificgravity of soil solids that pass the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve, bymeans of a water pycnometer. When the soil contains particleslarger than the 4.75-mm sieve, Test Method C 127 shall be used forthe soil solids retained on the 4.75-mm sieve and these testmethods shall be used for the soil solids passing the 4.75-mmsieve.

1.1.1 Soil solids for these test methods do not include solidswhich can be altered by these methods, contaminated with asubstance that prohibits the use of these methods, or are highlyorganic soil solids, such as fibrous matter which floats inwater.

The use of Test Method D 5550 may be used to determine thespecific gravity of soil solids having solids which readilydissolve in water or float in water, or where it is impracticableto use water.

1.2 Two methods for performing the specific gravity areprovided. The method to be used shall be specified by therequesting authority, except when testing the types of soils listedin

1.2.1 Method A—Procedure for Moist Specimens, described in .This procedure is the preferred method. For organic soils; highlyplastic, fine grained soils; tropical soils; and soils containinghalloysite, Method A shall be used.

1.2.2 Method B—Procedure for Oven-Dry Specimens, described in.

1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to theguidelines for significant digits and rounding established inPractice D 6026.

1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data arecollected/recorded and calculated in this standard are regarded asthe industry standard. In addition, they are representative of thesignificant digits that generally should be retained. Theprocedures used do not consider material variation, purpose forobtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerationsfor the user's objectives; and it is common practice to increase orreduce significant digits of reported data to be commensurate withthese considerations. It is beyond the scope of these test methodsto consider significant digits used in analysis methods forengineering design.

1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded asstandard. The units of measurement in the parentheses are forinformational purposes only.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safetyconcerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibilityof the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety andhealth practices and determine the applicability of regulatorylimitations prior to use.