ASTM D854-23

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: D854 − 23
Standard Test Methods for
Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by the Water Displacement
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Method
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D854; 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* the “standard” designation of 75-mm and 75-μm, respectively.
Reporting of test results in units other than SI shall not be
1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the
regarded as non-conformance with this test method. The use of
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specific gravity of soil solids that pass the ⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) or
balances or scales recording pounds of mass (lbm) shall not be
smaller sieve by means of the water displacement method.
regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
When the total sample contains larger particles, it is separated
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into a coarser and finer portion using a ⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) or No. 1.4 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
4 (4.75-mm) or finer sieve. Separation on the No. 4 sieve is the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
referee method. Test Method C127 shall be used to obtain the Practice D6026, unless superseded by this test method.
specific gravity of the coarser portion. The D854 test methods 1.4.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/
shall be used to obtain the specific gravity of the finer portion. recorded and calculated in this standard are regarded as the
The total sample specific gravity is computed from the two industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
portions as described in 12.5. significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
1.1.1 These test methods do not apply to solids which can be dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
altered by these methods, contaminated with a substance that obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
prohibits the use of these methods, or are highly organic, such ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
as fibrous matter which floats in water (see Note 1). increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope
NOTE 1—Test Method D5550 may be used to determine the specific
of these test methods to consider significant digits used in
gravity of soil solids having solids, which readily dissolve in water or float
analysis methods for engineering design.
in water, or where it is impracticable to use water.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.2 This standard provides two methods for performing the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
specific gravity test. The method to be used shall be specified
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
by the requesting authority, except when testing the types of
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
soils listed in 1.2.1.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.2.1 Method A—Procedure for Moist Specimens, described
Glassware under vacuum has the potential for implosion.
in 11.1. This procedure is the preferred method. Method A shall
Proper personal protective equipment shall be used at all
be used for organic soils; highly plastic, fine-grained soils;
times. See Section 8.
tropical soils; and soils containing halloysite.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
1.2.2 Method B—Procedure for Oven-Dry Specimens, de-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
scribed in 11.2. This procedure requires less time and may be
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
used for clean sands.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
as standard, except the sieve designations. The sieve designa-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
tions are identified using the “alternative” system in accor-
dance with Practice E11, such as 3-in. and No. 200, instead of
2. Referenced Documents
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2.1 ASTM Standards:
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This standard is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture, Plasticity
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and Density Characteristics of Soils. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.o
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