ASTM D2216-19

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D2216 − 10 D2216 − 19
Standard Test Methods for
Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of
Soil and Rock by Mass
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D2216; 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 These test methods cover the laboratory determination of the water (moisture) content by mass of soil, rock, and similar
materials where the reduction in mass by drying is due to loss of water except as noted in 1.4, 1.5, and 1.71.8. For simplicity, the
word “material” shall refer to soil, rock or aggregate whichever is most applicable.
1.2 Some disciplines, such as soil science, need to determine water content on the basis of volume. Such determinations are
beyond the scope of this test method.
1.3 The water content of a material is defined the ratio of the mass of water contained in 3.2.1.the pore spaces of soil or rock
material, to the solid mass of particles, expressed as a percentage.
1.4 The term “solid material” as used in geotechnical engineering is typically assumed to mean naturally occurring mineral
particles of soil and rock that are not readily soluble in water. Therefore, the water content of materials containing extraneous
matter (such as cement etc.) may require special treatment or a qualified definition of water content. In addition, some organic
materials may be decomposed by oven drying at the standard drying temperature for this method (110°C).(110 6 5°C). Materials
containing gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate) or other compounds having significant amounts of hydrated water, may present a
special problem as this material slowly dehydrates at the standard drying temperature (110°C)(110 6 5°C) and at very low relative
humidity, forming a compound (such as calcium sulfate hemihydrate) that is not normally present in natural materials except in
some desert soils. In order to reduce the degree of dehydration of gypsum in those materials containing gypsum or to reduce
decomposition in highly/fibrous organic soils, it may be desirable to dry the materials at 60°C or in a desiccator at room
temperature. Thus, when When a drying temperature is used which is different from the standard drying temperature as defined
by this test method, the resulting water content may be different from the standard water content determined at the standard drying
temperature of 110°C.110 6 5°C.
NOTE 1—Test Method D2974 provides an alternate procedure for determining water content of peat materials.
1.5 Materials containing water with substantial amounts of soluble solids (such as salt in the case of marine sediments) when
tested by this method will give a mass of solids that includes the previously soluble dissolved solids. These materials require
special treatment to remove or account for the presence of precipitated solids in the dry mass of the specimen, or a qualified
definition of water content must be used. For example, see Test Method D4542 regarding information on marine sediments.
1.6 This test standard requires several hours for proper drying of the water content specimen. Test Methods D4643, D4944 and
D4959 provide less time-consuming processes for determining water content. See Gilbert for details on the background of Test
Method D4643.
1.7 Two test methods are provided in this standard. The methods differ in the significant digits reported and the size of the
specimen (mass) required. The method to be used may be specified by the requesting authority; otherwise Method A shall be
performed.
1.7.1 Method A—The water content by mass is recorded to the nearest 1 %. For cases of dispute, Method A is the referee
method.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture, Plasticity
and Density Characteristics of Soils.
Current edition approved July 1, 2010March 1, 2019. Published August 2010March 2019. Originally approved in 1963. Last previous edition approved in 20052010 as
D2216–05.–10. DOI: 10.1520/D2216-10.10.1520/D2216-19.
Gilbert, P.A., ““ComputerComputer Controlled Microwave Oven System for Rapid Water Content Determination,”Determination,” Tech. Report GL-88–21, Department
of the Army, Waterways Experiment Station, Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, MS, November 1988.
*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
D2216 − 19
1.7.2 Method B—The water content by mass is recorded to the nearest 0.1 %.
1.8 This standard requires the drying of material in an oven. If the material being dried is contaminated with certain chemicals,
chemicals that may react violently or emit hazardous gases when heated, health and safety hazards canmay exist. Therefore, this
standard should not be used in determining the water content of contaminated soils unless adequate health and safety precautions
are taken.exercised.
1.9 Units—The values stated in SI units shall be regarded as standard excludingexcept the Alternative Sieve Sizes listed in Table
1. are used. No other units of measurement are included in this test method.
1.10 Refer to All observed and calculated values shall conform to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established
in Practice D6026 for guidance concerning the use of significant figures that shall determine whether Method, A or B is required.
This is especially important if the water content will be used to calculate other relationships such as moist mass to dry mass or
vice versa, wet unit weight to dry unit weight or vice versa, and total density to dry density or vice versa. For example, if four
significant digits are required in any of the above calculations, then the water content must be recorded to the nearest 0.1 %. This
occurs since 1 plus the water content (not in percent) will have four significant digits regardless of what the value of the water
content is; that is, 1 plus 0.1/100 = 1.001, a value with four significant digits. While, if three significant digits are acceptable, then
the water content can be recorded to the nearest 1 %., unless superseded by this test method.
1.10.1 This is especially important if the water content will be used to calculate other relationships such as moist mass to dry
mass or vice versa, wet unit weight to dry unit weight or vice versa, and total density to dry density or vice versa. For example,
if four significant digits are required in any of the above calculations, then the water content must be recorded to the nearest 0.1 %.
This occurs since 1 plus the water content (not in percent) will have four significant digits regardless of what the value of the water
content is; that is, 1 plus 0.1/100 = 1.001, a value with four significant digits. While, if three significant digits are acceptable, then
the water content can be recorded to the nearest 1 %.
1.10.2 If water content data is to be used to calculate other relationships, such as moist or dry mass, wet or dry unit weight or
total or dry density, then the specimen mass up to 200 g must be determined using a balance accurate to 0.01 g.
1.11 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.12 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.
A
TABLE 1 Minimum Requirements for Mass of Test Specimen, and Balance Readability
Method A Method B
Maximum Particle Size (100 % Passing)
Water Content Recorded to ±1 % Water Content Recorded to ±0.1 %
SI Unit Alternative Sieve Specimen Balance Specimen Balance
Sieve Size Size Mass Readability (g) Mass (g) Readability (g)
75.0 mm 3 in 5 kg 10 50 kg 10
37.5 mm 1- ⁄2 in. 1 kg 10 10 kg 10
19.0 mm ⁄4 in. 250 g 1 2.5 kg 1
9.5 mm ⁄8 in. 50 g 0.1 500 g 0.1
4.75 mm No. 4 20 g 0.1 100 g 0.1
2.00 mm No. 10 20 g 0.1 20 g 0.01
A
TABLE 1 Minimum Requirements for Mass of Test Specimens, and Balance Readability
Method A Method B
Maximum Particle Size (100 % Passing)
Water Content Recorded to ±1 % Water Content Recorded to ±0.1 %
Minimum Minimum
Alternative Sieve Balance Balance
Sieve Size Specimen Specimen
Size Readability (g) Readability (g)
Mass Mass (g)
75.0 mm 3 in. 5 kg 10 50 kg 10
37.5 mm 1- ⁄2 in. 1 kg 10 10 kg 10
19.0 mm ⁄4 in. 250 g 0.1 2.5 kg 0.1
9.5 mm ⁄8 in. 50 g 0.1 500 g 0.1
4.75 mm No. 4 100 g 0.01
2.00 mm No. 10 20 g 0.01
A
IfSee 1.10.2water content data is to be used to calculate other relationships, such as moist or dry mass, wet or dry unit weight or total or dry density, then specimen mass
up to 200 g must be determined using a balance accurate to 0.01 g.
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2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D2974 Test Methods for Moisture, Ash, and Organic Matter of Peat and Other Organic Soils
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in
Engineering Design and Construction
D4220 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil Samples
D4318 Test Methods for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit, and Plasticity Index of Soils
D4542 Test Methods for Pore Water Extraction and Determination of the Soluble Salt Content of Soils by Refractometer
D4643 Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil and Rock by Microwave Oven Heating
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction
Materials Testing
D4944 Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester
D4959 Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil By Direct Heating
D5079 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Rock Core Samples (Withdrawn 2017)
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
D7263 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Density (Unit Weight) of Soil Specimens
E145 Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens
3. Terminology
3.1 Refer to Terminology D653 for standard definitions of terms.Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of common technical terms used in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
3.2 Definitions:
3.2.1 water content by mass (of a material)—the ratio of the mass of water contained in the pore spaces of soil or rock material,
to the solid mass of particles in that material, expressed as a percentage. A standard temperature of 110 6 5°C is used to determine
these masses.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 constant dry mass (of a solid material)—the state that a water content specimen has attained when further heating causes,
or would cause, results in less than 1 % or 0.1 % additional loss in mass for Method A or B respectively. The time
requirednecessary to obtain constant dry mass will vary depending on numerous factors. factors such as the type of material being
tested, the size of the specimen and type of oven being used (forced draft or gravity type). The influence of these factors generally
can be established by good judgement,judgment, and experience with the materials being tested and the apparatus being used.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A The mass of a moist test specimen is determined. The specimen is then dried in an oven at a temperature of 110 6 5°C
tountil a constant mass. mass is achieved. The loss of mass, due to drying, is considered to be water. The water content is calculated
using the mass of water andto the mass of the dry specimen.specimen expressed in percent.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 For many materials, the water content is one of the most significant index properties used in establishing a correlation
between soil behavior and its index properties.
5.2 The water content of a material is used in expressing the phase relationships of air, water, and solids in a given volume of
material.
5.3 In fine-grained (cohesive) soils, the consistency of a given soil type depends on its water content. The water content of a
soil, along with its liquid and plastic limits as determined by Test Method D4318, is used to express its relative consistency or
liquidity index.
NOTE 2—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/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in itself ensureassure reliable results.
Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Drying Oven—Vented, thermostatically-controlled, preferably of the forced-draft type, meeting the requirements of
Specification type E145and capable of maintaining a uniform temperature of 110 6 5°C throughout the drying chamber. The oven
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volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
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shall have a means of indicating the oven drying chamber temperature when in operation. This can be accomplished by such means
as an electronic display, an analog thermometer, remote temperature recording device or any other means to determine the current
drying chamber temperature while in operation.
6.1.1 Ovens in excess of 30 cubic feet shall have the temperature verified for adherence to the temperature requirements in the
four quadrants and the center of the oven. Smaller ovens shall have the temperature verified in a single center location. Oven
temperature verification shall follow the schedule as outlined in D3740 or following such things as repairs or questionable
operation.
6.2 Balances—All balances must meet the requirements of Specification D4753 and this section. A Class GP1 balance of 0.01
g readability is required for specimens having a mass of up to 200 g (excluding mass of specimen container) and a Class GP2
balance of 0.1 g readability is required for specimens having a mass over 200 g. If desired, a Class GP1 balance may be used for
specimens exceeding 200 g providing the specimen size is within the capacity of the balance. However, the balance used may be
controlled by the number of significant digits needed (see 1.10).
6.3 Specimen Containers—Suitable containers made of material resistant to corrosion and change in mass upon repeated
heating, cooling, exposure to materials of varying pH, and cleaning. Unless a dessicatordesiccator is used, containers with
close-fitting lids shall be used for testing specimens having a mass of less than about 200 g; 200 g or less; while for specimens
having a mass greater than about 200 g, containers without lids may be used (see Note 3). One uniquely numbered (identified)
container or number-matched container and lid combination as required is needed for each water content determination.
NOTE 3—The purpose of close-fitting lids is to prevent loss of moisture from specimens before initial mass determination, and to prevent absorption
of moisture from the atmosphere following drying and before final mass determination.
6.4 Desiccator (Optional)—A desiccator cabinet or large desiccator jar of suitable size containing silica gel or anhydrous
calcium sulfate. It is preferable to use a desiccant that changes color when it needs to be reconstituted.recharged.
NOTE 4—Anhydrous calcium sulfate is sold under the trade name Drierite.
6.5 Container Handling Apparatus, heat resistant gloves, tongs, or suitable holder for moving and handling hot containers after
drying.
6.6 Miscellaneous, knives, spatulas, scoops, quartering cloth, wire saws, etc., as required.
7. Samples
7.1 Soil samples shall be preserved and transported in accordance with Practice D4220 Section 8 Groups B, C, or D soils. Rock
samples shall be preserved and transported in accordance with Practice D5079 section 7.5.2,7.5.2.1, Special Care Rock. Keep the
samples that are stored prior to testing in non-corrodible airtight containers at a temperature between approximately 3 and 30°C
and in an area that prevents direct contact with is without direct sunlight. Disturbed samples in jars or other containers shall be
stored in such a way as to minimize moisture condensation on the insides of the containers.
7.2 The water content determination should be done as soon as practicablepractical after sampling, especially if potentially
corrodible containers (such as thin-walled steel tubes, paint cans, etc.) or plastic sample bags are used.
8. Test Specimen
8.1 For water contents being determined in con
...