ASTM D4427-23

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Designation: D4427 − 18 D4427 − 23
Standard Classification of
Peat Samples by Laboratory Testing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4427; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope*
1.1 This classification is a system for subdividing and assigning nomenclature to peat samples through laboratory tests.
1.2 Peat is considered to be a naturally occurring organic soil primarily derived from decomposing plant material that has
sedentarily accumulated in water-saturated, anaerobic environments. It is found in peatlands, bogs, mangroves, mires, moors, and
muskegs and is generally composed of mosses, grasses, leaves, sedges, and shrubs. Changes in depositional environment can create
subsurface peat deposits underlying inorganic soils. Typically, peat has a low density, high water content, and is quite compressible
when compared to other types of soil
1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D1997 Test Method for Laboratory Determination of the Fiber Content of Peat and Organic Soils by Dry Mass
D2974 Test Methods for Determining the Water (Moisture) Content, Ash Content, and Organic Material of Peat and Other
Organic Soils
D2976 Test Method for pH of Peat Materials
D2980 Test Method for Saturated Density, Moisture-Holding Capacity, and Porosity of Saturated Peat Materials
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D5715 Practice for Estimating the Degree of Humification of Peat and Other Organic Soils (Visual/Manual Method)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
This classification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.07 on Identification and
Classification of Soils.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2018April 1, 2023. Published February 2018April 2023. Originally approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 20172018 as
D4427 – 13D4427 – 18.(2017). DOI: 10.1520/D4427-13R17.10.1520/D4427-23.
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volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
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D4427 − 23
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 absorbency—the amount of water by mass that can be held by the peat. This amount is expressed in terms of the
water-holding capacity as measured using Test Method D2980.
3.2.2 acidity—expressed as the pH of the peat in water as measured using Test Method D2976.
3.2.3 ash content—the percentage by dry mass of material remaining after the oven dry peat is burned, using the methods
described in Test Methods D2974.
3.2.4 botanical composition—the dominant plant genus, genera, or informal plant group identified by visual observation as
comprising a portion of the fiber in the peat.
3.2.5 fiber content—the dry mass of fibers remaining after wet sieving over a No. 100 (150-μm) sieve. Fiber content is expressed
as a percentage of the original dry mass, using the method described in Test Method D1997.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The purpose of this classification is to standardize the naming of peat materials so that the peat-producer can better identify
the product and the peat-consumer can better select peat materials to meet requirements. This system may also be used for peat
resource evaluations, environmental impact reports, and preliminary engineering studies. The parameters selected for use in this
classification are ones which have been determined to relate to the agricultural/horticultural, geotechnical, and energy uses of peats.
NOTE 1—The quality of the result produced by this standard 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 D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing. Users
of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors;
Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
5. Sampling
5.1 Representative Obtain representative samples of the peat should be used. peat. The size and type of sample needed is
dependent on the tests to be performed and the coarseness a
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