ASTM D653-22

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.
Designation: D653 − 22
Standard Terminology Relating to
Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D653; 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 (´) 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.
These definitions were prepared jointly by the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Society for Testing and
Materials.
1. Scope* D1557Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
istics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft
1.1 These definitions apply to many terms found in the
(2,700 kN-m/m ))
Terminology section of standards of ASTM Committee D18.
D1586/D1586MTest Method for Standard Penetration Test
1.2 This terminology standard defines terms related to soil,
(SPT) and Split-Barrel Sampling of Soils
rock, and contained fluids found in the various sections of
D1883Test Method for California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of
standards under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18.
Laboratory-Compacted Soils
1.3 Definitions of terms relating to frozen soils are con-
D2166/D2166MTest Method for Unconfined Compressive
tained in Terminology D7099.
Strength of Cohesive Soil
D2419Test Method for Sand Equivalent Value of Soils and
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
Fine Aggregate
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
D2435/D2435MTest Methods for One-Dimensional Con-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
solidation Properties of Soils Using Incremental Loading
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
D2487Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
D2488Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
2. Referenced Documents (Visual-Manual Procedures)
D3282 Practice for Classification of Soils and Soil-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Aggregate Mixtures for Highway Construction Purposes
C143/C143MTest Method for Slump of Hydraulic-Cement
D4043Guide for Selection of Aquifer Test Method in
Concrete
Determining Hydraulic Properties by Well Techniques
C150/C150MSpecification for Portland Cement
D4044/D4044MTest Method for (Field Procedure) for In-
C802Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Test Pro-
stantaneous Change in Head (Slug) Tests for Determining
gram to Determine the Precision of Test Methods for
Hydraulic Properties of Aquifers
Construction Materials
D4050Test Method for (Field Procedure) for Withdrawal
D558/D558M Test Methods for Moisture-Density (Unit
and Injection Well Testing for Determining Hydraulic
Weight) Relations of Soil-Cement Mixtures
Properties of Aquifer Systems
D698Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
D4104/D4104MPractice for (Analytical Procedures) Deter-
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft (600
mining Transmissivity of Nonleaky ConfinedAquifers by
kN-m/m ))
Overdamped Well Response to Instantaneous Change in
D854Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
Head (Slug Tests)
Water Pycnometer
D4105/D4105MPractice for (Analytical Procedure) for De-
termining Transmissivity and Storage Coefficient of Non-
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil leaky ConfinedAquifers by the Modified Theis Nonequi-
and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.93 on Terminology
librium Method
for Soil, Rock and Contained Fluids.
D4106Practice for (Analytical Procedure) for Determining
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2022. Published November 2022. Originally
Transmissivity and Storage Coefficient of Nonleaky Con-
approved in 1942. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as D653–21b. DOI:
10.1520/D0653-22.
fined Aquifers by the Theis Nonequilibrium Method
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
D4186/D4186MTestMethodforOne-DimensionalConsoli-
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
dation Properties of Saturated Cohesive Soils Using
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
theASTM website. Controlled-Strain Loading
*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
D653 − 22
D4253Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit tion Velocities of Free Flowing Powders (Withdrawn
Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table 2021)
D4254Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit D8081Guide for Theory and Principles for Obtaining Reli-
Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density able and Accurate Bulk Solids Flow Data Using a Direct
D4318Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Shear Cell
Plasticity Index of Soils D8198Specification for HydraulicallyApplied 100%Wood
D4429Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of Fiber Mulches
Soils in Place (Withdrawn 2018) D8297/D8297MTest Method for Determination of Erosion
D4750Test Method for Determining Subsurface Liquid Control Products (ECP) Performance in Protecting Slopes
Levels in a Borehole or Monitoring Well (Observation from Sequential Rainfall-Induced Erosion Using a Tilted
Well) (Withdrawn 2010) Bed Slope
D4943Test Method for Shrinkage Factors of Cohesive Soils D8298/D8298MTest Method for Determination of Erosion
by the Water Submersion Method Control Products (ECP) Performance in Protecting Slopes
D5084Test Methods for Measurement of Hydraulic Con- from Continuous Rainfall-Induced Erosion Using a Tilted
ductivity of Saturated Porous Materials Using a Flexible Bed Slope
Wall Permeameter E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
D5088Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Determine the Precision of a Test Method
Used at Waste Sites
3. Significance and Use
D5092/D5092MPractice for Design and Installation of
Groundwater Monitoring Wells
3.1 Definitions in this standard are to be regarded as the
D5269TestMethodforDeterminingTransmissivityofNon-
correct ones for terms found in other ASTM standards of
leaky Confined Aquifers by the Theis Recovery Method
Committee D18. Certain terms may be found in more than one
D5270/D5270MPractice for (Analytical Procedures) Deter-
standard issued under the jurisdiction of this committee and
mining Transmissivity and Storage Coefficient of
many of these terms have been placed in this standard.
Bounded, Nonleaky, Confined Aquifers
3.2 Terms that are defined in some textbooks may differ
D5878Guides for Using Rock-Mass Classification Systems
slightly from those in this terminology standard. Definitions in
for Engineering Purposes
this terminology standard are to be regarded as correct for
D6026Practice for Using Significant Digits and Data Re-
ASTM usage.
cords in Geotechnical Data
D6028/D6028MPractice for (Analytical Procedure) Deter- 3.3 See Appendix X1 for References.
miningHydraulicPropertiesofaConfinedAquiferTaking
3.4 Definitions marked with (ISRM) are included for the
into Consideration Storage of Water in Leaky Confining
convenience of the user and were taken directly from the
Beds by Modified Hantush Method
International Society for Rock Mechanics (see X1.3).
D6029/D6029MPractice for (Analytical Procedures) Deter-
3.5 A number of the definitions include symbols. The
mining Hydraulic Properties of a Confined Aquifer and a
symbols appear in italics immediately after the name of the
Leaky Confining Bed with Negligible Storage by the
term.
Hantush-Jacob Method
3.5.1 Nosignificanceshouldbeplacedontheorderinwhich
D6128Test Method for Shear Testing of Bulk Solids Using
the symbols are presented where two or more are given for an
the Jenike Shear Tester
individual term.
D6312Guide for Developing Appropriate Statistical Ap-
3.5.2 The symbols presented are examples; therefore, other
proaches for Groundwater Detection Monitoring Pro-
symbols are acceptable.
grams at Waste Disposal Facilities
3.5.3 See Appendix X2 for ISRM Symbols.
D6429Guide for Selecting Surface Geophysical Methods
D6910/D6910MTest Method for Marsh FunnelViscosity of 3.6 A number of definitions indicate the units of measure-
Construction Slurries mentsinbracketsandwhichfollowthesymbol(s)ifgiven.The
D6913/D6913MTest Methods for Particle-Size Distribution applicable units are indicated by italic capital letters, as
(Gradation) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis follows:
D6940/D6940MPractice for Measuring Sifting Segregation D—Dimensionless
Tendencies of Bulk Solids F—Force, such as pound-force, ton-force, newton
D6941PracticeforMeasuringFluidizationSegregationTen- L—Length, such as inch, foot, millimeter, and meter
dencies of Powders M—Mass, such as kilogram, gram
D7099Terminology Relating to Frozen Soil and Rock T—Time, such as second, minute
D7382Test Methods for Determination of Maximum Dry 3.6.1 Positive exponents designate multiples in the numera-
Unit Weight of Granular Soils Using a Vibrating Hammer
tor. Negative exponents designate multiples in the denomina-
D7743Test Method for Measuring the Minimum Fluidiza- tor. Degrees of angle are indicated as “degrees.”
3 4
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on In accordance with IEEE/ASTM SI 10, the alternate spelling for meter, liter,
www.astm.org. and deka, may be metre, litre, and deca.
D653 − 22
3.6.2 Expressing the units either in SI or the inch-pound abrasion—the mechanical wearing, grinding, scraping or rub-
system has been purposely omitted in order to leave the choice bing away (or down) of rock surfaces by friction or impact,
of the system and specific unit to the engineer and the or both.
particular application, for example:
abrasive—anyrock,mineral,orothersubstancethat,owingto
−2
FL —may be expressed in pounds-force per square inch,
its superior hardness, toughness, consistency, or other
kilopascals, tons per square foot, etc.
properties, is suitable for grinding, cutting, polishing,
−1
LT —may be expressed in feet per minute, meters per
scouring, or similar use.
second, etc.
abrasiveness—the property of a material to remove matter
3.7 Where synonymous terms are cross-referenced, the
when scratching and grinding another material. (ISRM)
definition is usually included with the earlier term alphabeti-
cally. Where this is not the case, the later term is the more
absorbed water—in soil and rock, water held mechanically in
significant.
a soil or rock mass and having physical properties not
substantially different from ordinary water at the same
3.8 Grouping of Definitions and Listing of Related
temperature and pressure.
Terms—To aide users in finding terms, this terminology stan-
DISCUSSION—See adsorbed water.
dard provides grouping of definitions and listing of related
terms.
absolute solids density—see same in Density Grouping.
3.8.1 Groupings—These groupings are presented in Table
absolute solids specific gravity—see same in Specific Gravity
1A.
Grouping.
TABLE 1A Listing of Groupings* absorption—the assimilation of fluids into interstices.
Aquifer
Coefficients: Earth absorption loss—that part of transmitted energy (mechanical)
Consolidation
lost due to dissipation or conversion into other forms (heat,
D18.24
etc.).
Density
Head
accelerator—in grouting, a material that increases the rate at
Measurement
Principal Plane
which chemical reactions would otherwise occur.
Specific Gravity
Stress
accuracy—see same in Measurement Grouping.
Unit Weight
Wave
activator—in grouting, a material that causes a catalyst to
*Groupings can be editorially added or removed by the subcommittee chair as
begin its function.
they are changed within D653.
active earth stress/pressure—see same in Coefficients: Earth
3.8.1.1 Sub-Term Groupings—These groupings are pre-
sented in Table 1B. Grouping.
active state of plastic equilibrium—see plastic equilibrium.
TABLE 1B Listing of Sub-Term Groupings*
ASTM cement types
activity number, A—in cohesive soils, the ratio of (1) the
horizon or soil horizon
plasticity index of a soil to (2) the percent by mass of
moisture equivalent
particles having an equivalent diameter smaller than 2 µm.
plastic equilibrium
shear failure or failure by rupture D4318
site investigation
soil structure
additive—in grouting, any material other than the basic
*Groupings can be editorially added or removed by the subcommittee chair as
components of a grout system.
they are changed within D653.
adhesion—in soils, shearing resistance between soil and an-
3.8.2 Listings (see Appendix X3)—The listing of related
other material under zero externally applied pressure.
terms is given in Table 1C. This listing may include all of the
terms defined within standards under the jurisdiction of a
Symbol Unit
−2
Unit Adhesion c FL
a
specific technical subcommittee, such as D18.14, D18.24,
−1
Total Adhesion C ForFL
a
D18.25, and D18.26.
adhesion—shearing resistance between two unlike materials
TABLE 1C Listing of Related Terms*
compaction
under zero externally applied pressure.
density
effective
admixture—amaterialotherthanwater,aggregates,orcemen-
specific gravity
titious material, used as a grout ingredient for cement-based
unit weight
grouts.
*Listings of related terms can be editorially added or removed by the
subcommittee chair as they are changed within D653.
adsorbed water—insoilandrock,waterinasoilorrockmass
attracted to the particle surfaces by physiochemical forces,
4. Terminology
having properties that may differ from those of pore water at
AASHTO compaction—see compaction test in compaction
the same temperature and pressure due to altered molecular
(grouping).
ar-rangement; adsorbed water does not include water that is
“A” Horizon—see horizon.
chemically combined within the clay minerals.
abrasion—a rubbing and wearing away. (ISRM) DISCUSSION—See absorbed water.
D653 − 22
adsorption—in soils, the attachment of water molecules or angle of obliquity, α, β, φ, Ψ(degrees)—theanglebetweenthe
ions to the surfaces of soil particles. direction of the resultant stress or force acting on a given
plane and the normal to that plane.
advancing slope grouting—in grouting, a method of grouting
angle of repose, α (degrees)—angle between the horizontal
by which the front of a mass of grout is caused to move
and the maximum slope that a soil assumes through natural
horizontally by use of a suitable grout injection sequence.
processes.
aeolian deposits—wind-depositedmaterialsuchasdunesands
DISCUSSION—Fordrygranularsoilstheeffectoftheheightofslopeis
and loess deposits.
negligible;forcohesivesoilstheeffectofheightofslopeissogreatthat
the angle of repose is meaningless.
aggregate—as a grouting material, relatively inert granular
angle of wall friction, φ (degrees)—see same in D18.24
mineral material, such as sand, gravel, slag, crushed stone,
Grouping.
etc. “Fine aggregate” is material that will pass a No. 4
[4.75-mm] screen, “Coarse aggregate” is material that will
angular aggregate—aggregate, the particles of which possess
not pass a No. 4 [4.75-mm] screen.Aggregate is mixed with
well-defined edges formed at the intersection of roughly
a cementing agent (such as Portland cement and water) to
planar faces.
form a grout material.
anisotropic mass—a mass having different properties in dif-
agitator tank—in grouting/slurries, a tank, usually vertical
ferent directions at any given point.
and with open top, with rotation paddles used to prevent
anisotropy—havingdifferentpropertiesindifferentdirections.
segregation of grout after mixing.
(ISRM)
air-space ratio,G [D]—ratioof:(1)volumeofwaterthatcan
a
annual space; annulus—in borings, the space between two
be drained from a saturated soil or rock under the action of
concentric tubes or casings, or between the casing and the
force of gravity, to (2) total volume of voids.
borehole wall.
DISCUSSION—This would include the space(s) between multiple
air-void ratio, G [D]—the ratio of: (1) the volume of air
v
strings of tubing/casings in a borehole installed either concentrically or
space, to (2) the total volume of voids in a soil or rock mass.
multi-cased adjacent to each other. D5092/D5092M
alkali aggregate reaction—in grouting, a chemical reaction
apparent bulk (surface dry) density—see same in Density
between Na O and K O in the cement and certain silicate
2 2
Grouping.
minerals in the cement and certain silicate minerals in the
aggregate, which causes expansion resulting in weakening
apparent bulk (surface dry) specific gravity—see same in
and cracking of Portland cement grout.
Specific Gravity Grouping.
DISCUSSION—See reactive aggregate.
apparent dry bulk specific gravity—see same in Specific
Gravity Grouping.
allowable bearing value or allowable soil pressure, q ,
a
−2 apparent saturated (surface dry) specific gravity—see same in
p [FL ]—in foundations, the maximum pressure that can
a
Specific Gravity Grouping.
be permitted on foundation soil, giving consideration to all
apparent cohesion—see cohesion, apparent.
pertinent factors, with adequate safety against rupture of the
apparent dry bulk density—see same in Density Grouping.
soil mass or movement of the foundation of such magnitude
apparentsaturated(surfacedry)density—seesamein Density
that the structure is impaired.
Grouping.
allowable pile bearing load, Q , P [F]—in foundations, the saturated—see percent saturation.
a a
maximumloadthatcanbepermittedonapilewithadequate
AQUIFER GROUPING
safety against movement of such magnitude that the struc-
aquifer, n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, a geologic
ture is endangered.
DISCUSSION—See bearing capacity (of a pile). formation,groupofformations,orpartofaformationthatis
saturatedandiscapableofprovidingasignificantquantityof
alluvium—soil, the constituents of which have been trans-
groundwater. D5092/D5092M
ported in suspension by flowing water and subsequently
aquiclude, n—in groundwater, a relatively impervious forma-
deposited by sedimentation.
tion capable of absorbing water slowly but will not transmit
amplification factor—ratioofdynamictostaticdisplacement.
it fast enough to furnish an appreciable supply for a well or
spring.
amorphous peat—see sapric peat.
angle of friction or angle of friction between solid bodies, φ
aquitard, n—in groundwater, a confining bed that retards but
s (degrees)—angle whose tangent is the ratio between the
does not prevent the flow of groundwater to or from an
maximum value of shear stress that resists slippage between
adjacent aquifer; a leaky confining bed.
two solid bodies at rest with respect to each other, and the
area of influence of a well, α [L ]—in aquifers, area sur-
normal stress across the contact surfaces.
rounding a well within which the piezometric surface has
angle of internal friction, δ (degrees)—see same in D18.24 been lowered when pumping has produced the maximum
Grouping. steady rate of flow.
D653 − 22
confined aquifer, n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, an aqui- perched groundwater, n—see perched water table.
fer bounded above and below by confining beds and in
specific storage, n—in aquifers, the volume of water released
which the static head is above the top of the aquifer. D4050,
from or taken into storage per unit volume of the porous
D4104/D4104M, D4105/D4105M, D4106, D5269
medium per unit change in head. D4043, D4050, D4104/
D4104M, D4105/D4105M, D5269
confining bed, n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, a hydrogeo-
logic unit of less permeable material bounding one or more
transmissivity, n—in aquifers, the volume of water at the
aquifers. D4043, D4050, D4104/D4104M, D4105/D4105M,
existing kinematic viscosity that will move in a unit time
D4106, D5269
under a unit hydraulic gradient through a unit width of the
aquifer.
effective drainage porosity, n—see effective drainage poros-
DISCUSSION—It is equal to an integration of the hydraulic conduc-
ity.
tivitiesacrossthesaturatedpartoftheaquiferperpendiculartotheflow
groundwater—see groundwater (in alphabetized listing).
paths. D4043, D4050, D4104/D4104M, D4105/D4105M,
D4106
groundwater, free water, gravitational water, or phreatic
water—water that is free to move through a soil or rock
unconfined aquifer, n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology,an
mass under the influence of gravity.
aquifer that has a water table. D4043, D4105/D4105M,
D4106
groundwater barrier, n—in aquifers, soil, rock, or artificial
material which has a relatively low permeability and which
End of Grouping
occurs below the land surface where it impedes the move-
ment of groundwater and consequently causes a pronounced
aquitard, n—see same in Aquifer Grouping.
differenceinthepotentiometriclevelonoppositesidesofthe
barrier. arching—the transfer of stress from a yielding part of a soil or
rockmasstoadjoiningless-yieldingorrestrainedpartsofthe
groundwater basin, n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology,a
mass.
groundwater system that has defined boundaries and may
includemorethanoneaquiferofpermeablematerials,which area grouting—grouting a shallow zone in a particular area
utilizing holes arranged in a pattern or grid.
are capable of furnishing a significant water supply.
DISCUSSION—This type of grouting is sometimes referred to as
DISCUSSION—A basin is normally considered to include the surface
blanket or consolidation grouting.
area and the permeable materials beneath it. The surface-water divide
need not coincide with groundwater divide.
area of influence of a well, n—see same in Aquifer Grouping.
groundwater discharge, n—see groundwater discharge.
area ratio of a sampling spoon, sampler, or sampling tube,
A [D]—the area ratio is an indication of the volume of soil
groundwater elevation or free water elevation,
r
displaced by the sampling spoon (tube), calculated as fol-
n—elevation(s) at which the pressure in the water is zero
lows:
with respect to the atmospheric pressure.
DISCUSSION—Also see groundwater table, water table,or piezo- 2 2
D 2 D
e i
metric surface. A 5 3100
F G
r 2
D
i
groundwater flow, n—see groundwater flow.
where:
D = maximum external diameter of the sampling spoon,
groundwater recharge, n—see groundwater recharge.
e
and
groundwater table, water table, or piezometric surface,
D = minimum internal diameter of the sampling spoon at
i
n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, the surface of a ground-
the cutting edge.
water body at which the water pressure equals atmospheric
armor—in erosion control, the artificial surfacing of bed,
pressure.
banks, shore, or embankment to resist erosion or scour.
DISCUSSION—Earth material below the groundwater table is saturated
with water. It is common practice to determine the water table using a
armor stone—in erosion control, (generally one ton to three
monitoring or observation well or piezometer, or both.
tons in weight) stone resulting from blasting, cutting, or by
hydrologic unit, n—in geohydrology/hydrogeology, geologic
other methods to obtain rock heavy enough to require
strata that can be distinguished on the basis of capacity to
handling two individual pieces by mechanical means.
yield and transmit fluids. Aquifers and confining units are
articulating concrete block (ACB) revetment system, n—in
types of hydrologic units. Boundaries of a hydrologic unit
erosion control, a matrix of interconnected concrete block
may not necessarily correspond either laterally or vertically
units for erosion protection that are typically connected by
to lithostratigraphic formations. D5092/D5092M
geometric interlock, cables, ropes, geotextile, geogrids or
leaky aquifer, n—in aquifers, whether artesian or unconfined, combination thereof, and typically including a geotextile
thatloseorgainwaterthroughadjacentlesspermeablebeds. underlayment.
DISCUSSION—See aquitard and aquiclude in this grouping.
artifactual turbidity—in monitoring wells, particulate matter
perched groundwater, n—see perched groundwater. that is not naturally mobile in the groundwater system and
D653 − 22
that is produced in some way by the groundwater sampling average interstitial velocity—see velocity, average intersti-
process. May consist of particles introduced to the subsur- tial.
face during drilling or well construction, sheared from the
backpack grouting—the filling with grout of the annular
target monitoring zone during pumping or bailing the well,
space between a permanent tunnel lining and the surround-
or produced by exposure of groundwater to atmospheric
ing formation.
conditions. D5092/D5092M
DISCUSSION—Same as crown grouting and backfill grouting.
ash content—thepercentagebydryweightofmaterialremain-
back-packing—any material (usually granular) that is used to
ing after an oven dry organic soil or peat is burned by a
fill the empty space between the lagging and the rock
prescribed method.
surface. (ISRM)
assessment monitoring—in groundwater, an investigative
baffle—apier,weir,sill,fence,wall,ormoundbuiltonthebed
monitoring program that is initiated after the presence of a
of a stream to parry, deflect, check, or regulate the flow or to
contaminant in groundwater has been detected. The objec-
float on the surface to dampen the wave action.
tive of this program is to determine the concentration of
constituents that have contaminated the groundwater and to
bailer or borehole—in wells, a hollow tubular receptacle used
quantify the rate and extent of migration of these
to facilitate withdrawal of fluid from a well or borehole.
constituents. D5092/D5092M
D5092/D5092M
SUB-TERM GROUPING
ballast—in drilling, materials used to provide stability to a
buoyant object (such as casing within a borehole filled with
ASTM cement types—Portland cements meeting the require-
water). D5092/D5092M
ments of Specifications C150/C150M. Cement types have
slightly different formulations that result in various charac-
barometric efficiency—in wells, the ratio of the change in
teristics which address different construction conditions and
depth of water in a well to the inverse of water-level change
different physical and chemical environments. They are as
in barometric pressure, expressed in length of water. D4043
follows:
base—in grouting, main component in a grout system.
DISCUSSION—See cement, API.
base course (base)—alayerofspecifiedorselectedmaterialof
Type I (Portland)—a general-purpose construction cement
plannedthicknessconstructedonthesubgradeorsubbasefor
with no special properties. D5092/D5092M
the purpose of serving one or more functions such as
Type II (Portland)—a construction cement that is moderately
distributing load, providing drainage, minimizing frost
resistant to sulfates and generates a lower head of hydration
action, etc.
at a slower rate than Type I D5092/D5092M
base exchange—the physicochemical process whereby one
Type III (Portland: high early strength)—a construction ce-
species of ions adsorbed on soil particles is replaced by
ment that produces a high early strength. This cement
another species.
reduces the curing time required when used in cold
environments, and produces a higher head of hydration than
batch—in grouting, quantity of grout mixed at one time.
Type I. D5092/D5092M
batch method—in grouting, a quantity of grout materials are
TypeIV(Portland)—aconstructioncementthatproducesalow
mixed or catalyzed at one time prior to injection.
head of hydration (lower than Types I and II) and develops
batch mixer—in grouting, a machine that mixes batches of
strength at a slower rate. D5092/D5092M
grout, in contrast to a continuous mixer.
TypeV(Portland)—aconstructioncementthatisahighsulfate
bearing capacity—see ultimate bearing capacity.
resistant formulation. Used when there is severe sulfate
bearing capacity (of a pile), Q , P [F]—the load per pile
action from soils and groundwater. D5092/D5092M p p
required to produce a condition of failure.
attapulgite clay—a chain-lattice clay mineral. The term also
DISCUSSION—See allowable pile bearing load.
applies to a group of clay materials that are lightweight,
bed—see specimen.
tough, matted, and fibrous.
bedding—applies to rocks resulting from consolidation of
attenuation—reduction of amplitude with time or distance.
sediments and exhibiting surfaces of separation (bedding
Atterberg Limits—in cohesive soils, originally, six “limits of
planes) between layers of the same or different materials,
consistency” of fine-grained soils were defined by Albert
that is, shale, siltstone, sandstone, limestone, etc. (ISRM)
Atterberg: the upper limit of viscous flow, the liquid limit,
bedding—collective term signifying the existence of layers of
the sticky limit, the cohesion limit, the plastic limit, and the
beds. Planes or other surfaces dividing sedimentary rocks of
shrinkage limit. In current engineering usage, the term
the same or different lithology.
usually refers only to the liquid limit, plastic limit, and in
some references, the shrinkage limit. D4318
bedrock—the more or less continuous body of rock which
“B” horizon—see horizon. underlies the overburden soils. (ISRM)
D653 − 22
bedrock (ledge)—rock of relatively great thickness and extent greater hydraulic head outside of a borehole/casing than
in its native location. inside. D5092/D5092M
bench—(1) the unexcavated rock having a nearly horizontal
body force—aforcesuchasgravitywhoseeffectisdistributed
surface which remains after a top heading has been throughout a material body by direct action on each elemen-
excavated, or (2) step in a slope; formed by a horizontal
tary part of the body independent of the others. (ISRM)
surface and a surface inclined at a steeper angle than that of
bond strength—in grouting, resistance to separation of set
the entire slope. (ISRM)
grout from other materials with which it is in contact; a
bending—process of deformation normal to the axis of an collectiveexpressionforallforcessuchasadhesion,friction,
elongated structural member when a moment is applied and longitudinal shear.
normal to its long axis. (ISRM)
borehole—in drilling, a hole of circular cross-section made in
bentonitic clay—a clay with a high content of the mineral soil or rock.
montmorillonite, usually characterized by high swelling on DISCUSSION—Normally, a borehole is advanced using an auger, a
drill, or casing with or without drilling fluid. D4750
wetting.
berm—a shelf that breaks the continuity of a slope. borehole—an open or uncased subsurface hole, generally
circular in plan view, created by drilling. D5092/D5092M
bias—see same in Measurement Grouping.
borehole log—in drilling, the record of geologic units
biaxial compression—compression caused by the application
penetrated, drilling progress, depth, water level, sample
of normal stresses in two perpendicular directions. (ISRM)
recovery, volumes and types of materials used, and other
significant facts regarding the drilling of an exploratory
biaxial state of stress—stateofstressinwhichoneofthethree
borehole or well. D5092/D5092M
principal stresses is zero. (ISRM)
borehole television log—a borehole or well video record
bin—see same in D18.24 Grouping.
produced by lowering a television camera into the borehole
binder (soil binder)—portionofsoilpassingNo.40[425-µm]
orwell.Thisrecordisusefulinvisuallyobservingdownhole
U.S. standard sieve,
conditions such as collapsed casing or a blocked screen.
binder—anything that causes cohesion in loosely assembled
bottom charge—concentrated explosive charge at the bottom
substances, such as clay or cement.
of a blast hole. (ISRM)
bit—any device that may be attached to or is an integral part
boulder clay—ageologicaltermusedtodesignateglacialdrift
of a drill string and is used as a cutting tool to bore into or
thathasnotbeensubjectedtothesortingactionofwaterand
penetrate rock or other materials.
therefore contains particles from boulders to clay sizes.
blaine fineness—the fineness of powdered materials, such as
boulders—a rock fragment, usually rounded by weathering or
cement and pozzolans, expressed as surface area usually in
abrasion, with an average dimension of 12 in. [305 mm] or
square centimetres per gram.
more.
blanket grouting—a method in which relatively closely
breakwater stone—stone, generally three tons to twenty tons
spaced shallow holes are drilled and grouted on a grid
in weight, resulting from blasting, cutting, or other means to
pattern over an area, for the purpose of making the upper
obtain rock heavy enough to require handling individual
portions of the bedrock stronger and less pervious.
pieces by mechanical means.
blastibility—index value of the resistance of a rock formation
bridge—in drilling, an obstruction within the annulus which
to blasting. (ISRM)
may prevent circulation or proper emplacement of annular
blasting cap (detonator, initiator)—a small tube containing a
materials. D5092/D5092M
flashing mixture for firing explosives. (ISRM)
buckling—a bulge, bend, bow, kink, or wavy condition
bleeding—in grouting, the autogeneous flow of mixing water
produced in sheets, plates, columns, or beams by compres-
within,oritsemergencefrom,newlyplacedgroutcausedby
sive stresses.
the settlement of the solid materials within the mass.
bulb of pressure—see pressure bulb.
bleeding rate—in grouting, the rate at which water is released –3
bulk density, ρ [ML ]—see same in Density Grouping.
from grout by bleeding. –3
bulk density, ρt [ML ]—see same in Density Grouping.
bulk solid—see same in D18.24 Grouping.
blocking—in tunneling, wood blocks placed between the
bulk unit weight—see same in Unit Weight Grouping.
excavated surface of a tunnel or shaft and the main bracing
system. (ISRM) bulkhead—a steep or vertical structure supporting natural or
artificial embankment.
blow-in—indrilling,theinflowofgroundwaterandunconsoli-
dated material into a borehole or casing caused by differen- bulking—the increase in volume of a material due to manipu-
tial hydraulic heads; that is, caused by the presence of a lation.Rockbulksuponbeingexcavated;dampsandbulksif
D653 − 22
loosely deposited, as by dumping, because the apparent catalyst system—those materials that, in combination, cause
cohesion prevents movement of the soil particles to form a chemical reactions to begin; catalyst systems normally
reduced volume. consist of an initiator (catalyst) and an activator.
cation—an ion that moves, or would move toward a cathode;
bunker—see same in D18.24 Grouping.
thus nearly always synonymous with positive ion.
buoyant density—see same in Density Grouping.
buoyant unit weight or submerged unit weight—see same in
cation exchange—see base exchange.
Unit Weight Grouping.
cation exchange capacity,CEC,n—insoils,isapHdependent
burden—in an explosive blasting, the distance between the
measure of the negative electrical charge present on the
charge and the free face of the material to be blasted.
surfaces of soil minerals, particularly clay minerals, and on
soilorganicmaterials,especiallyhumiccompounds,capable
burden—distancebetweenchargeandfreesurfaceindirection
of dynamically adsorbing positively charged ions (cations)
of throw. (ISRM)
and polar compounds.
DISCUSSION—The units for CEC are typically in milliequivalents per
“C” Horizon—see horizon.
100 grams of oven-dry soil (meq/100 g). The SI units for CEC are
California bearing ratio, CBR [D]—in pavement design, the
centimoles of charge per kilogram of oven-dry soil (cmol /kg). See
c
ratio in percent and at a standard penetration of either 0.1 or
exchange capacity.
0.2 in. (2.54 or 5.08 mm) of: (1) the force per unit area
caving or sloughing—indrilling,theinflowofunconsolidated
(stress) required to penetrate a soil mass, to (2) the stress
material into a borehole which occurs when the borehole
requiredtopenetrateastandardmaterial(crushedaggregate)
walls lose their cohesive strength. D5092/D5092M
using standard equipment and procedures prescribed byTest
Method D1883 or D4429.
cavity—a natural underground opening that may be small or
DISCUSSION—Refer to Test Method D1883 or D4429 for further
large.
information on the standard equipment and procedures, and values of
the “standard material.”
cavity—underground opening created by a fully contained
explosive. (ISRM)
camouflet—the underground cavity created by a fully con-
tained explosive. (ISRM)
cement factor—quantityofcementcontainedinaunitvolume
ofconcreteorgrout,expressedasweight,orvolume(specify
capillary action (capillarity)—the rise or movement of water
which).
in the interstices of a soil or rock due to capillary forces.
cement grout—a grout in which the primary cementing agent
capillary flow—see capillary action.
is Portland cement.
capillary fringe zone—thezoneabovethefreewaterelevation
cement or Portland cement—commonly known as Portland
in which water is held by capillary action.
cement.Amixture that consists of a calcareous argillaceous,
capillary head—see same in Head Grouping.
or other silica-, alumina,- and iron-oxide bearing materials
that is manufactured and formulated to produce various
capillary migration—see capillary action.
types which are defined in Specification C150/C150M.
capillary rise or height of capillary rise, h [L]—the height
c
Portland cement is also considered a hydraulic cement
above a free water elevation to which water will rise by
becauseitmustbemixedwithwatertoformacement-water
capillary action.
pastethathastheabilitytohardenanddevelopstrengtheven
capillary water—water subject to the influence of capillary if cured under water (see ASTM cement types).
action. D5092/D5092M
cementitious factor—quantity of cement and other cementi-
casing—in drilling, pipe, finished in sections with either
tious materials contained in a unit volume of concrete or
threaded connections or bevelled edges to be field welded
grout, expressed as weight or volume (specify which).
which is installed temporarily or permanently to counteract
caving, to advance the borehole, or to isolate the zone being
centralizer—in drilling, a device that assists in the centering
monitored, or combination thereof. D5092/D5092M
of a casing or riser within a borehole or another casing.
D5092/D5092M
casing, protective—in drilling, a section of larger diameter
pipe that is emplaced over the upper end of a smaller
centrifuge moisture equivalent—see moisture equivalent.
diametermonitoringwellriserorcasingtoprovidestructural
chamber—a large room excavated underground, for example,
protection to the well and restrict unauthorized access into
for a powerhouse, pump station, or for storage. (ISRM)
the well. D5092/D5092M
chamber blasting (coyotehole blasting)—a method of quarry
casing, surface—in drilling, pipe used to stabilize a borehole
blasting in which large explosive charges are confined in
nearthesurfaceduringthedrillingofaboreholethatmaybe
small tunnel chambers inside the quarry face. (ISRM)
left in place or removed once drilling is completed.
chemical grout—anygroutingmaterialcharacterizedbybeing
D5092/D5092M
a true solution; no particles in suspension. See also particu-
catalyst—a material that causes chemical reactions to begin. late grout.
D653 − 22
chemical grout system—any mixture of materials used for cobble (cobblestone)—a rock fragment, usually rounded or
grouting purposes in which all elements of the system are semirounded, with an average dimension between 3 and 12
true solutions (no particles in suspension). in. [75 and 305 mm].
chip—crushed angular rock fragment of a size smaller than a
coeffıcient of absolute viscosity—see coefficient of viscosity.
few centimetres. (ISRM)
coeffıcient of active earth stress/pressure—see same in Coef-
ficients: Earth Grouping.
chisel—the steel cutting tool used in percussion drilling.
coeffıcientofcompressibilityorcoeffıcientofcompression—see
(ISRM)
same in Consolidation Grouping.
circuit grouting—a grouting method by which grout is circu-
coeffıcient of consolidation—see same in Consolidation
lated through a pipe extending to the bottom of the hole and
Grouping.
backuptheholeviatheannularspaceoutsidethepipe.Then
theexcessgroutisdivertedbackoverascreentotheagitator
coefficient of friction or coefficient of friction between solid
tank by means of a packing gland at the top of the hole.The
bodies, f [D]—the ratio between the maximum value of
method is used where holes tend to cave and sloughing
shear stress that resists slippage between two solid bodies
material might otherwise clog openings to be grouted.
with respect to each other, and the normal stress across the
contact surfaces. The tangent of the angle of friction is ϕ .
circulation—in drilling, applies to the fluid rotary drilling
s
method; drilling fluid movement from the mud pit, through
coefficient of friction, f—a constant proportionality factor
the pump, hose and swivel, drill pipe, annular space in the
relating normal stress and the corresponding critical
hole and returning to the mud pit. D5092/D5092M
shear stress at which sliding starts between two surfaces:
τ
classification, n—in soil or rock, a systematic arrangement or
f5 . (ISRM)
σ
division of materials, products, systems, or services into
groups based on similar characteristics such as origin,
coeffıcient of earth stress/pressure at rest—see same in Coef-
composition, properties, or use (Regulations Governing
ficients: Earth Grouping.
ASTM Technical Committees). D5878
coefficient of internal friction, f,µ[D]—the tangent of the
angle of internal friction (angle of shear resistance) (see
clay, n—minerals consisting of colloidal particles exhibiting
internal friction).
plasticity when moist.
DISCUSSION—For additional information, refer to Practice D2487 or
coeffıcient of passive earth stress/pressure—see same in Coef-
Practice D3282 for classification purposes and Practice D2488 for
ficients: Earth Grouping.
identification of soils containing these minerals.
−1
coefficient of permeability or permeability, k [LT ]—the
clay size—that portion of the soil finer than 0.002 mm (0.005
rate of discharge of water under laminar flow conditions
mm in some cases) (see also clay).
throughaunitcross-sectionalareaofaporousmediumunder
clay soil—see clay.
a unit hydraulic gradient and standard temperature condi-
cleavage—in crystallography, the splitting, or tendency to
tions (usually 20 °C).
split, along planes determined by the crystal structure. In
DISCUSSION—The present protocol for this term is hydraulic
petrology, a tendency to cleave or split along definite,
conductivity, see hydraulic conductivity. Also, “coefficient” is rarely
parallel, closely spaced planes. It is a secondary structure,
used.
commonly confined to bedded rocks.
coeffıcient of shear resistance—see coefficient of internal
cleavage—the tendency to cleave or split along definite
friction.
parallelplanes,whichmaybehighlyinclinedtothebedding.
coefficient of subgrade reaction or modulus of subgrade
It is a secondary structure and is ordinarily accompanied by
−3
reaction, k, k [FL ]—the slope of a plot of: (1) the normal
s
at least some recrystallization of the rock. (ISRM)
stress applied to the surface of a mass of soil, versus (2) the
cleavage planes—the parallel surfaces along which a rock or
corresponding displacement of that surface in the direction
mineral cleaves or separates; the planes of least cohesion,
of the applied stress.
usually parallel to a certain face of the mineral or crystal.
DISCUSSION—The soil’s surface may be inclined to the extent that it
is still practical to apply a normal stress and measure displacements.
cleft water—water that exists in or circulates along the
The slope of the plot of normal stress versus displacement is typically
geological discontinuities in a rock mass.
determined by a linear regression analysis of the data points before the
soil starts to yield; and, in some cases be indeterminate because the
closure—theopeningisreducedindimensiontotheextentthat
soil’s characteristics are very nonlinear (rounded plot). The coefficient
it cannot be used for its intended purpose. (ISRM)
of subgrade reaction will vary depending on the size of the loaded area
and the soil characteristics within the depth of influence of the applied
closure—in grouting, closure refers to achieving the desired
stress.
reduction in grout take by splitting the hole spacing. If
closure is being achieved, there will be a progressive coefficient of transmissibility—the rate of flow of
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