This test method is used to determine the in-place unit weight of compacted materials in construction of earth embankments, road fills, and structure backfill. For construction control, it can be used as the basis for acceptance of material compacted to a specified unit weight or to a percentage of a maximum unit weight determined by a standard laboratory test method such as determined from Test Methods D 698 or D 1557, subject to the limitations discussed in 1.4.

This test method can be used to determine in-place unit weight of natural soil deposits, aggregates, soil mixtures, or other similar material.

1.1 This test method covers the determination of the in-place density and unit weight 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 this test method is used to imply that the material being tested will typically contain particles larger than 3 in. (75 mm).

1.2 This test method is best suited for test pits with a volume between approximately 3 and 100 ft³ (0.08 and 2.83 m ³). In general, the materials tested would have maximum particle sizes over 5 in. (125 mm). This test method may be used for larger sized excavations if desirable.

1.2.1 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 this test method and the guidelines given in for the minimum volume of the test pit.

1.2.2 Test Method D 4914 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 ft ³ (0.03 and 0.17 m³).

1.2.3 Test Method D 1556 or Test Method D 2167 is usually used to determine the volume of test holes smaller than 1 ft³ (0.03 m³).

1.3 The two procedures are described as follows:

1.3.1 Procedure AIn-Place Density and Unit Weight of Total Material (Section ).

1.3.2 Procedure BIn-Place Density and Unit Weight of Control Fraction (Section 10).

1.4 Selection of Procedure

1.4.1 Procedure A is used when the in-place unit weight of total material is to be determined. Procedure A can also be used to determine percent compaction or percent relative density when the maximum particle size present in the in-place material being tested does not exceed the maximum particle size allowed in the laboratory compaction test (Test Methods D 698, D 1557, D 4253, D 4254, D 4564). For Test Methods D 698 and D 1557 only, the unit weight determined in the laboratory compaction test may be corrected for larger particle sizes in accordance with, and subject to the limitations of, Practice D 4718.

1.4.2 Procedure B is used when percent compaction or percent relative density is to be determined and the in-place material contains particles larger than the maximum particle size allowed in the laboratory compaction test or when Practice D 4718 is not applicable for the laboratory compaction test. Then the material is considered to consist of two fractions, or portions. The material from the in-place unit weight test is physically divided into a control fraction and an oversize fraction based on a designated sieve size. The unit weight of the control fraction is calculated and compared with the unit weight(s) established by the laboratory compaction test(s).

Because of possible lower densities created when there is particle interference (see Practice D 4718), the percent compaction of the control fraction should not be assumed to represent the percent compaction of the total material in the field.

1.4.3 Normally, the control fraction is the minus No. 4 sieve size material for cohesive or nonfree-draining materials and the minus 3-in. sieve size material for cohesionless, free-draining materials. While other sizes are used for the control fraction (3/ 8, 3/4-in.), this test method has been prepared using only the No. 4 and the 3-in. sieve sizes for clarity.

1.5 Any material can be tested, provided the material being tested has sufficient cohesion or particle attraction to maintain stable sides during excavation of the test pit and through completion of this test. It should also be firm enough not to deform or slough due to the minor pressures exerted in digging the hole and filling with water.

1.5.1 A very careful assessment must be made as to whether or not the volume determined is representative of the in-place condition when this test method is used for clean, relatively uniform-sized particles 3 in. (75 mm) and larger. The disturbance during excavation, due to lack of cohesion, and the void spaces between particles spanned by the liner may affect the measurement of the volume of the test pit.

1.6 This test method is generally limited to material in an unsaturated condition and is not recommended for materials that are soft or friable (crumble easily) or in a moisture condition such that water seeps into the excavated hole. The accuracy of the test may be affected for materials that deform easily or that may undergo volume change in the excavated hole from standing or walking near the hole during the test.

1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.7.1 In the engineering profession, it is customary practice to use, interchangeably, units representing both mass and force, unless dynamic calculations (F = Ma) are involved. This implicitly combines two separate systems of units, that is, the absolute system and the gravimetric system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use of two separate systems within a single standard. This test method has been written using inch-pound units (gravimetric system) where the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight); however, conversions are given in the SI system. The use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm), or the recording of density in lbm/ft³ should not be regarded as nonconformance with this standard.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specific hazard statement, see Section 7.