ASTM D5080-00

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:D5080–00
Standard Test Method for
Rapid Determination of Percent Compaction
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5080; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope * 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method describes the procedure for rapidly 2.1 ASTM Standards:
determining the percent compaction and the variation from D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
optimum moisture content of an in-place soil for use in Fluids
controlling construction of compacted earth. These values are D698 Test Methods for Moisture-Density Relations of
obtained by developing a three-point compaction curve at the Soils and Soil-Aggregate Mixtures Using 5.5-lb (2.49-kg)
samemoisturecontentasthein-placesoilwithoutknowingthe Rammer and 12-in. (305-mm) Drop
valueofthemoisturecontent.Thesoilusedforthecompaction D1556 Test Method for Density of Soil In-Place by the
curve is normally the same soil removed from the in-place Sand-Cone Method
density test. For the remainder of this designation, this test D1557 Test Methods for Moisture-Density Relations of
method will be referred to as the rapid method. Soils and Soil Aggregate Mixtures Using 10-lb (4.54-kg)
1.2 This test method is normally performed for soils con- Rammer and 18-in. (457-mm) Drop
taining more than 15% fines (minus No. 200 sieve size). D2167 Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil
1.3 When gravel-size particles are present in the soil being In-Place by the Rubber Balloon Method
tested, this test method is limited to a comparison of the minus D2216 Method for Laboratory Determination of Water
No. 4 sieve-size fraction of the in-place density material to a (Moisture) Content of Soil, Rock, and Soil-Aggregate
laboratory compaction test of minus No. 4 sieve-size material Mixtures
(Method A of Test Methods D698). Subject to the limitations D2922 TestMethodforDensityofSoilandSoil-Aggregate
of Practice D4718, this test method is also applicable to In-Place by Nuclear Methods (Shallow Depth)
comparisonsofothersieve-sizefractions(forexample,Method D2937 Test Method for Density of Soil In Place By the
C of Test Methods D698) or other compactive efforts (for Drive-Cylinder Method
example, Test Methods D1557) if new moisture adjustment D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
values are determined (see 6.1 and Appendix X2). Engaged in theTesting and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
standard. D4718 Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water
1.4.1 The use of balances or scales recording pounds of Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles
mass (lbm), or the recording of density in pounds of mass per E11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur-
3 3
cubicfoot(lbm/ft )shouldnotberegardedasnonconformance poses
with this test method.
3. Terminology
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety problems, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.1 Definitions—Exceptasfollowsin3.2,alldefinitionsare
in accordance with Terminology D653.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 added water, z—amount of water, expressed as a
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
statements, see Section 9. percentage, which is added to wet soil before compacting a
specimen in the rapid method. If the moisture content of the
wet soil is decreased, the amount of “added water” is a
negative number (for example,−2.0%).
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-18 on Soil
and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 on Special and
Construction Control Tests.
Current edition approved March 10, 2000. Published April 2000. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
published as D5080–90. Last previous edition D5080–93. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.01.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D5080
3.2.2 C value—ratio, expressed as a percentage, of in-place 5.1.3 The value of the difference between field moisture
wet density at field moisture content to the wet density of a content and optimum moisture content will be approximate,
laboratory compacted specimen prepared at field moisture but will be within6 0.1 to 0.2 percentage point of the
content. The C value is a comparison of compactive effort of difference calculated once the field moisture content is known.
field compaction equipment to standard laboratory compactive 5.2 Test results may be used to determine if the compacted
effort. material meets density and moisture control values that are
3.2.3 compaction curve at field moisture content— plot specified as a percentage of a standard maximum density and
showing the relationship between wet density at field moisture optimum moisture content such as determined in MethodAof
content (converted wet density) and the percent of “added TestMethodsD698.Athree-pointcompactioncurveisusedin
water.” place of the four- or five-point curve required in Test Methods
3.2.4 converted wet density, rwet —wet density of a com- D698.
c
pacted specimen after being converted (by correcting for the 5.3 This test method is based on the assumption that a
amount of “added water”) to the wet density at field moisture three-pointcompactioncurveisaparabolaatthesectionofthe
content. curveclosetooptimummoisturecontentsothatthepeakpoint
of the curve can be determined mathematically. This assump-
3.2.5 D value—ratio, expressed as a percentage, of in-place
tion results in the major difference between this test method
wet density at field moisture content to laboratory maximum
and obtaining the maximum density and optimum moisture
wet density as determined from a compaction curve developed
content from a full five-point compaction curve.
at field moisture content as determined by the rapid method.
The D value is the rapid method equivalent of percent 5.4 Once the field ovendry moisture content has been
determined, the values of dry density, dry unit weight, and
compaction.
optimum moisture content can be calculated (see Note 1).
3.2.6 field moisture content, w—moisture content of the
f
5.5 This test method can also be used for foundation or
minus No. 4 fraction of in-place soil.
borrow area material to compare in-place dry density and unit
3.2.7 field wet density, rwet —wet density as determined
f
weight and moisture content to laboratory maximum dry
from an in-place density test.
density and unit weight and optimum moisture content.
3.2.8 maximum wet density at field moisture content, r
5.6 This test method has the advantage that the maximum
m—wet density defined by the peak of the laboratory compac-
density value can be obtained on the same soil excavated
tion curve at field moisture content.
during the in-place density test.
3.2.9 w −w —expression for the difference between the
f o
in-placemoisturecontentandtheoptimummoisturecontentas
NOTE 1—Since there is no need to immediately determine the moisture
determined by the rapid method.
contents of material from the in-place density test or the laboratory
compaction points, use of rapid moisture content determinations such as
microwave, direct heat, nuclear, etc., is not needed. However, if desired,
4. Summary of Test Method
thepercentcompactionandvariationfromoptimummoisturecontentmay
4.1 A representative sample of soil is obtained in conjunc-
be determined using dry density values based on rapid moisture content
tion with performingTest Method D1556, D2167, D2922, or
test methods. Using three compaction points and determining the maxi-
D2937. Soil specimens are compacted in accordance with mum density mathematically would still apply. However, the rapid
moisture content methods may give results that differ from the accepted
MethodAofTest Methods D698.At least three specimens are
oven-driedmoisturecontentvaluesandwilllengthenthetimeofperform-
compacted, the first at field (in-place) moisture content, and
ing this test method.
each of the remaining at different moisture contents. A para-
NOTE 2—The quality of the result produced by this test method is
bolic curve is assumed as defined by the three compaction
dependent on the competence of the personnel performing it, and the
points, and the peak point of the curve is determined math-
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the
ematically. The ratio of in-place wet density at field moisture
criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent
content to laboratory maximum wet density is determined.An and objective testing/sampling/inspection. Users of this test method are
cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure
approximation of the difference between optimum moisture
reliabletesting.Reliabletestingdependsonmanyfactors;PracticeD3740
content and field moisture content is determined. After the
provides a means for evaluating some of those factors.
actual field moisture content is determined by ovendrying
(usually the next day), the dry densities, unit weights, and
6. Interferences
optimum moisture content are calculated.
6.1 The moisture adjustment values were determined based
on average density and optimum moisture content values of a
5. Significance and Use
large number of soil samples containing only minus No. 4.
5.1 The rapid method is performed to quickly evaluate sieve-size particles. The soil being tested should be compared
percent compaction and variation from optimum moisture
with the information in Appendix X2. For soils having prop-
contentofsoilsusedinconstructionwithoutknowingthevalue erties significantly different, the moisture adjustment values
of field moisture content at the time of the test.
may not be applicable. If this is the case, new adjustment
5.1.1 Test results are usually determined within 1 to 2 h values must be determined for the specific soil (see Appendix
from the start of the test.
X2).
5.1.2 The value of percent compaction obtained using the 6.2 For samples significantly dry or wet of their optimum
rapid method will be the same as the percent compaction moisture content (+6.0%,−4.0%), the values w −w are
f o
calculated using dry density values. less accurate.
D5080
7. Apparatus minimum soil sample of 7 kg of minus No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve
size material is required for this test, a sample size of at least
7.1 Equipment for determining the in-place density as
12 kg is recommended.The actual sample amount will depend
required by this test method used.
on the percent of plus No. 4 sieve-size particles present and if
7.2 Equipment for preparing laboratory compaction speci-
the soil is very wet or dry of optimum moisture content.
mens as required for Method A of Test Methods D698.
11.3.1 If the in-place density is obtained using Test Method
7.3 Graduated Cylinder, 100-mL capacity, graduated to 1
D2922 (nuclear method), a representative sample of the soil
mL.
1 being tested must be obtained.
7.4 Mixer, electric, bench, 3-speed, ⁄3-hp, 60-cycle, 115-V
11.3.2 Ifsufficientmaterialisnotobtainedfromthein-place
motor or other appropriate device for mixing the soil with
density test excavation, obtain additional soil from around the
water.
excavation. The additional material must be representative of
7.5 Electric Fan, or other drying device.
the soil tested for in-place density.
7.6 Sieve, a 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve conforming to the
11.3.2.1 If the in-place density test is to represent the full
requirements of Specification E11.
depth of a compacted lift, obtain any additional material only
7.7 Miscellaneous Equipment—Brushes, knife, mixing
from the compacted lift being tested.
pans, scoop, etc., for mixing or trimming soil specimens;
bucket with lid or other suitable container for retaining the test 11.3.2.2 If the excavation for the in-place density test has
sample. been contaminated with sand or has been wetted (as from the
sand-cone or water replacement methods), the additional ma-
8. Reagents and Materials
terial must be obtained by excavating nonaffected soil as close
8.1 Tapwater that is free of acids, alkalies, and oils and is
as practical to the original excavation.
generally suitable for drinking should be used for wetting the
11.4 Pass the soil obtained from the in-place density test
soil prior to compaction.
through a No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve.
11.5 Thoroughly mix the material passing the No. 4 (4.75-
9. Hazards
mm) sieve to ensure an even distribution of moisture through-
9.1 Safety Hazards—While there are no safety hazards
out the soil. The mixing should be performed as quickly as
specific to this test method, there are safety precautions in the
practical to prevent moisture loss.
referenced test designations that are applicable.
11.6 Determine the moisture content of a representative
9.2 Technical Hazards—The test specimens should be pre-
specimen in accordance with Method D2216.
pared and compacted as quickly as possible to minimize
11.7 Keep the minus No. 4 material in a moisture-proof
moisture loss. If the test is not performed immediately, store
container to prevent moisture loss.
the sample in a moisture-proof container to prevent the loss of
moisture. A determination of the moisture content before and
COMPACT SPECIMENS AND OBTAIN COMPACTION
after storage is recommended.
CURVE
10. Calibration and Standardization
11.8 Compact a specimen of the minus No. 4 material at
10.1 Verify that equipment used in conjunction with this
field moisture content in accordance with Method A of Test
procedure is currently calibrated in accordance with the appli-
Methods D698 and calculate the wet density of the specimen.
cable procedure. If the calibration is not current, perform the
11.8.1 The wet density for the first specimen compacted is
calibration before using the equipment for this procedure.
referred to as the first specimen wet density or rwet .
first
11.9 At this point, calculate the C value. The C value is
11. Procedure
calculated before proceeding because, if it is less than the D
11.1 The procedure for performing this test method is
value (percent compaction) required in the specifications, the
divided into four sections as follows:
in-place density has failed to
...