This test method audits the volume of material in a stockpile and is used with a density value to calculate a tonnage calculation value used to compare the book value to the physical inventory results. This test method is used to determine the volume of coal or other materials in a stockpile.

1.1 This test method covers procedures concerning site preparation, technical procedures, quality control, and equipment to direct the efforts for determining volumes of bulk material. These procedures include practical and accepted methods of volumetric determination.

1.2 This test method allows for only two volume computation methods.

1.2.1 Contour Test Method—See 8.1.1 and 9.1.

1.2.2 Cross-Section Test Method—See 8.1.2 and 9.2

1.2.3 This test method requires direct operator compilation for both contours and cross-section development.

1.2.4 The use of Digital Terrain Model software and procedures to create contours or cross sections for volume calculation is NOT encompassed in this test method.

Note 1—A task group has been established to develop a test method for Digital Terrain Modeling (DTM) procedures. It will address all known data collection procedures such as conventional ground survey, photogrammetry, geodetic positioning satellite (GPS), and so forth.

1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in parentheses. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system is used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems can result in nonconformance with the specification.

1.4 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.