´1
Designation: D1557  −  12

Standard Test Methods for

Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using
Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3 (2,700 kN-m/m3))1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1557; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of 
original adoption or, in the case of revis
original revision,
ion, the year of last revision.
revision. A number in paren
parenthese
thesess indicates the year of last reappr
reapproval.
oval. 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
ε NOTE—Editorially corrected variable for Eq
for  Eq A1.2 in
A1.2  in July 2015.

1. Sco
Scope*
pe* 1.3.1.3   Layers— Five.
Five.
1.1 These test methods cover laboratory
laboratory compaction
compaction meth- 1.3.1.4   Blows per layer— 25. 25.
ods used to determine the relationship between molding water 1.3.1.5   Usage— MayMay be used if 25 % or less by mass of the
cont
co nten
entt an
and
d dr
dry
y un
unit
it we
weig
ight
ht of sosoils
ils (c
(com
ompa
pacti
ction
on cu
curv
rve)
e) material is retained on the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve. However, if 
compacted in a 4- or 6-in. (101.6- or 152.4-mm) diameter mold 5 to 25 % by mass of the material is retained on the No. 4
with a 10.00-lbf. (44.48-N) rammer dropped from a height of  (4.75-mm) sieve, Method A can be used but oversize correc-
18.00 in. (457.2 mm) producing a compactive effort of 56 000 tions will be required (See 1.4
(See  1.4)) and there are no advantages to
ft-lbf/ft3 (2700 kN-m/m3). using Method A in this case.
1.3.1.6   Other Use— If If this gradation requirement cannot be
NOTE  1—The equipment and procedures are the same as proposed by met, then Methods B or C may be used.
the U.S. Corps of Engineers in 1945. The modified effort test (see  3.1.3
 3.1.3))
is sometimes referred to as the Modified Proctor Compaction Test.
1.3.2   Method B:
1.3.2.1   Mold— 4-in.
4-in. (101.6-mm) diameter.
1.1.1 Soils and soil-aggregate mixtures are to be regarded as
1.3.2.2   Material— Passing
Passing   3 ⁄ 8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve.
natural occurring fine- or coarse-grained soils, or composites or
1.3.2.3   Layers— Five.
Five.
mixtures of natural soils, or mixtures of natural and processed
1.3.2.4   Blows per layer— 25. 25.
soils or aggregates such as gravel or crushed rock. Hereafter
1.3.2.5   Usage— MayMay be used if 25 % or less by mass of the
referred to as either soil or material.
material is retained on the   3 ⁄ 8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve. However, if 
1.2 These test methods apply apply only to soils (materials)
(materials) that 5 to 25 % of the material is retained on the   3 ⁄ 8-in. (9.5-mm)
have 30 % or less by mass of their particles retained on the sieve, Method B can be used but oversize corrections will be
3 ⁄ 4-in
-in.. (19
(19.0-
.0-mm)
mm) siev sievee and havhavee not bee
been
n pre
previo
viousl
usly
y comcom-- required (See 
(See   1.4
1.4).
). In this case, the only advantages to using
pacted in the laboratory; that is, do not reuse compacted soil. Method B rather than Method C are that a smaller amount of 
1.2.1 For relationships
relationships between unit weigh weights
ts and moldin
molding g sample is needed and the smaller mold is easier to use.
water contents of soils with 30 % or less by weight of material 1.3.2.6   Other Usage— If If this gradation requirement cannot
retaine
reta inedd on the   3 ⁄ 4-in
-in.. (19
(19.0-
.0-mm)
mm) sieve to uni unitt wei
weight
ghtss and be met, then Method C may be used.
mold
mo ldin
ing
g wa
wate
terr co
cont nten
entsts of ththee fr
frac
actio
tion
n pa
pass
ssin
ingg th
thee   3 ⁄ 4-in. 1.3.3   Method C:
(19.0-mm) sieve, see Practice  D4718  D4718.. 1.3.3.1   Mold— 6-in.
6-in. (152.4-mm) diameter.
1.3 Thr
Three ee alte
alterna
rnativ
tivee met
method
hodss are pro
provid
vided.
ed. The meth
method
od 1.3.3.2   Material— Passing
Passing   3 ⁄ 4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve.
used shall be as indicated in the specification for the material 1.3.3.3   Layers— Five.
Five.
being tested. If no method is specified, the choice should be 1.3.3.4   Blows per layer— 56. 56.
based on the material gradation. 1.3.3.5   Usage— MayM ay be used if 30 % or less (see   1.4 1.4)) by
1.3.1   Method A: mass of the material is retained on the  ⁄ 4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve.
  3

1.3.1.1   Mold— 4-in.
4-in. (101.6-mm) diameter. 1.3.4 The 6-in. (152.4-mm)
(152.4-mm) diameter
diameter mold shall not be used
1.3.1.2   Material— Passing
Passing No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve. with Method A or B.
NOTE  2—Results have been found to vary slightly when a material is
1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18
Committee D18 on
 on Soil tested
tested at the sam
samee com
compac
pactiv
tivee ef
effor
fortt in dif
differ
ferent
ent siz
sizee mol
molds,
ds, wit
with
h the
and Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee   D18.03   on Texture,
Plasticity and Density Characteristics of Soils.
Curren
Cur rentt edi
editio
tion
n app
approv
roved
ed May 1, 201 2012.
2. Pub
Publis
lished
hed Jun
Junee 201
2012.
2. Ori
Origin
ginall
ally
y
approved in 1958. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D1557 – 09. DOI:
10.1520/D1557-12.

*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

1
 

  D1557 − 12 ´1

smaller
smaller mold sizsizee typ
typica
ically
lly yie
yieldi
lding
ng lar
larger
ger val
values
ues of uni
unitt wei
weight
ght and central nervous system, kidney, and liver damage. Mercury, or
density  (
 (11).2 itss va
it vapo
porr, ma
may
y be hahaza
zard
rdou
ouss to he
heal
alth
th an
and
d co
corr
rros
osiv
ivee to
1.4 If the test specimen contains
contains more than 5 % by mass of  materials. Caution should be taken when handling mercury and
oversize fraction (coarse fraction) and the material will not be mercury containing products. See the applicable product Ma-
inclu
include
ded
d in th
thee tes
test,
t, co
corr
rrec
ectio
tions
ns mu
must
st be ma
made
de to th
thee un
unit
it terial Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for details and EPA’s website
weight and molding water content of the test specimen or to the (http://www.epa.gov/mercury/faq.htm) for additional informa-
appropriate field in-place unit weight (or density) test specimen tion. Users should be aware that selling mercury or mercury
using Practic
Practicee  D4718
 D4718.. containing products or both into your state may be prohibited
1.5 This test method will generally produce
produce a well-d
well-defined
efined by state law.

maximum dry unit weight for non-free draining soils. If this 2. Referenc
Referenced
ed Documents
test method is used for free-draining soils the maximum unit
weight may not be well defined, and can be less than obtained 2.1   ASTM Standards:3
using Test Methods D4253
Methods  D4253.. C127   Test Method for Relative Density (Specific Gravity)
C127
and Absorption
Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
Aggregate
1.6 All observed
observed and calculated values
values shall conform
conform to the C136 Test
C136  Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
guidelines
guidel ines for signifi
significant
cant digits and rounding established
established in Aggregates
Practice  D6026
 D6026,,  unless superseded by these test methods. C670 Practice
C670  Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
1.6.1
1.6.1 For pur
purpos
poses
es of com
comparparing
ing mea
measur
sured
ed or calc
calcula
ulated
ted for Test Methods for Construction Materials
value(s
valu e(s)) wit
with
h spe
specifi
cified
ed limi
limits,
ts, the meas
measure
ured
d or calc
calcula
ulated
ted D653   Termino
D653 erminology
logy Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contain
Contained
ed
value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant Fluids
digits in the specified limits. D698 Test
D698  Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
1.6.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/  istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft 3 (600
recorde
reco rdedd or calc
calculat
ulated
ed in thi
thiss stan
standar
dard
d are reg
regard
arded
ed as the kN-m/m3))
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the D854   Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
D854
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce- Water Pycnometer
dures use
dures used d do not con
consid
sider
er mate
materia
riall var
variati
iation,
on, pur
purpos
posee for D2168 Practices
D2168  Practices for Calibration of Laboratory Mechanical-
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider- Rammer Soil Compactors
ation
ationss fo
forr th
thee us
user’
er’ss ob
obje
jecti
ctive
ves;
s; it is cocomm
mmonon prpract
actice
ice to D2216 Test
D2216  Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
increase
incr ease or red
reduce
uce sig
signifi
nifican
cantt dig
digits
its of rep
report
orted
ed data to be (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope D2487   Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering
D2487
of the
these
se test methods
methods to conconsid
sider
er sig
signifi
nifican
cantt dig
digits
its use
usedd in Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
analytical methods for engineering design. D2488  Practic
D2488 Practicee for Descri
Description
ption and Ident
Identification
ification of Soils
1.7 The values in inch-pou
inch-poundnd units are to be regarded
regarded as the (Visual-Manual Procedure)
stand
standar
ard.
d. ThThee va
valu
lues
es ststate
atedd in SI un units
its ar
aree pr
prov
ovid
ided
ed fo
forr D3740  Practic
D3740 Practicee for Minimu
Minimum m Requir
Requirements
ements for Agencies
information only, except for units of mass. The units for mass Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
are given in SI units only, g or kg. Used in Engineering Design and Construction
1.7.1 It is common practice
practice in the engin
engineering
eering professio
profession
n to D4220   Pra
D4220 Practic
ctices
es for Pre
Preser
servin
ving
g and Tr Trans
anspor
porting
ting Soi
Soill
concurrently
concur rently use pounds to repres
represent
ent both a unit of mass (lbm) Samples
and
an d a foforc
rcee (l
(lbf
bf).
). ThThis
is im
implplici
icitly
tly co
comb
mbin ines
es twtwoo se
sepa
para
rate
te D4253 Test
D4253  Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit
systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravita- Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
tional system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use D4718  Pra
D4718 Practic
cticee for Cor
Correct
rection
ion of Uni
Unitt Weig
eight
ht and Water
of tw
twoo sep
separarate
ate se
sets
ts of ininch
ch-p
-pou
ound
nd ununits
its wi
with
thin
in a sin
singl
glee Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles
standar
stan dard.
d. The
These
se tes
testt meth
methods
ods have bee beenn wri
written
tten usi
using
ng the D4753 Guide
D4753  Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
gravitational system of units when dealing with the inch-pound ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
system. In this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force Construction Materials Testing
(weigh
(we ight).
t). How
Howeveever,
r, the use of bal balanc
ances
es or scal
scaleses rec
record
ording
ing D4914 Test
D4914  Test Methods for Density and Unit Weight of Soil
pounds of mass (lbm) or the recording of density in lbm/ft3 and Rock in Place by the Sand Replacement Method in a
shall not be regarded as a nonconformance with this standard. Test Pit
1.8   This standar
standard d doe
doess not purport
purport to add
addre
ress
ss all of the D5030 Test
D5030  Test Method for Density of Soil and Rock in Place by
safet
safetyy co
conc
ncer
erns
ns,, if an
anyy, as
asso
socia
ciate
ted
d wit
with
h its us
use.
e. It is th
thee the Water Replacement Method in a Test Pit
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- D6026 Practice
D6026  Practice for Using Significant
Significant Digits in Geotechnical
 priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- Data
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. D6913 Test
D6913  Test Methods for Particle-Size Distribution (Grada-
1.9   Warning—Mercu
Warning—Mercury ry has been design
designated
ated by EP
EPAA and tion) of Soils Using Sieve Analysis
many state agencies as a hazardous material that can cause
3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For  Annual Book of ASTM 
2
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of  Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
this standard. the ASTM website.

2
 

  D1557 − 12 ´1

E11 Specification
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test Laboratory compaction tests provide the basis for determining
Sieves the percent compaction and molding water content needed to
E319 Practice
E319  Practice for the Evaluation of Single-Pan Mechanical achieve the required engineering properties, and for controlling
Balances construction to assure that the required compaction and water
IEEE/A
IEEE/ASTM
STM SI 10 10  Stan
Standar
dard
d for Use of the Int
Intern
ernatio
ational
nal contents are achieved.
System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
NOTE 3—The degree of soil compaction required to achieve the desired
engineering properties is often specified as a percentage of the modified
3. Terminology maximum dry unit weight as determined using this test method. If the
3.1   Definitions: required
requir ed degre
degreee of compaction is substsubstantiall
antially
y less than the modified
maximum dry unit weight using this test method, it may be practicable for
3.1.1
3.1.2   See Term
Terminolo
moldi
molding inology
ng watergy D653
 D653 for
t, for
content,
conten n— general definitions.
the water
the content of the
content
testing to be performed using Test Method D698
Method  D698 and
 and to specify the degree
of compaction
compaction as a percenpercentage
tage of the standard maximum
maximum dry unit weight.
soil (material) specimen in the mold after it has been reconsti- Since more energy is applied for compaction using this test method, the
tuted and compacted. soill par
soi partic
ticles
les are mo more
re clo
closel
sely
y pac
packed
ked tha
than
n whe
when n   D698   is use
used.
d. The
genera
gen erall ove
overal
ralll res
result
ult is a hig
higher
her max
maximu
imum m dry unit wei weight
ght,, low
lower
er
3.1.3   modified effort— in
in com
compac
pactio
tion
n tes
testing
ting,, the ter
term
m for optimum moisture content, greater shear strength, greater stiffness, lower
3 3
the 56 000 ft-lbf/ft (2700 kN-m/m ) compactive effort applied compressibility, lower air voids, and decreased permeability. However, for
by the equipment and methods of this test. highly compacted fine-grained soils, absorption of water may result in
swelling,
swell ing, with reduc
reduced
ed shear stren
strength
gth and increa
increased
sed comp
compressi
ressibility
bility,,
3.1.4   mod
modifie
ified
d max
maximu
imumm dry uniunitt weight,   γd,max    (lbf/ft 3
weight,
3 reducing the benefits of the increased effort used for compaction  (  (2
2). Use
(kN/m ))— inin compaction testing, the maximum value defined of    D698,
of  D698,   on the othother
er han
hand,
d, allo
allows
ws com
compac
pactio
tionn usi
using
ng les
lesss ef
effor
fortt and
by the compaction curve for a compaction test using modified generally at a higher optimum moisture content. The compacted soil may
effort. be less brittle, more flexible, more permeable, and less subject to effects
of swelling and shrinking. In many applications, building or construction
3.1.5   modified optimum water content, wopt   (%)— in in com- codes may direct which test method,   D698  D698   or this one, should be used
paction testing,
paction testing, the wate
waterr con
conten
tentt at whi
which
ch the soi
soill can be when specifying the comparison of laboratory test results to the degree of 
compacted to the maximum dry unit weight using modified compaction of the in-place soil in the field.
compactive effort.
3.2  Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: 5.2 Durin
determineDuringg design
shear, of an engineered
consolidation, fill, testing
permeability, performed
performed
or other to
proper-
3.2.1   oversize fraction (coarse fraction), PC   (%)— the the por- ties requires test specimens to be prepared by compacting the
tion of total specimen not used in performing the compaction soil at a prescribed molding water content to obtain a prede-
test; it may be the portion of total specimen retained
retained on the No. termined unit weight. It is common practice to first determine
4 (4.
(4.75-
75-mm)
mm) siesieve
ve in Met
Method
hod A,   3 ⁄ 8-in
-in.. (9.
(9.5-m
5-mm)
m) sie
sieve
ve in thee op
th optim
timum
um wawate
terr co
cont
nten
entt (wopt) an
and
d mamaxi
ximu
mum m drdry
y un
unit
it
Method B, or  ⁄ 4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve in Method C.
  3 weight (γdmax) by means of a compaction test. Test specimens
3.2.2   test fraction (finer fraction), PF    (%)— the
the portion of  are compacted at a selected molding water content ( w), either
the total specimen used in performing the compaction test; it wet or dry of optimum ( wopt) or at optimum ( wopt), and at a
may be fraction passing the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve in Method selected dry unit weight related to a percentage of maximum
A, passing the   3 ⁄ 8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve in Method B, or passing dry unit weight (γdmax). The selection of molding water content
the   3 ⁄ 4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve in Method C. (w), either wet or dry of optimum ( wopt) or at optimum ( wopt)
and
an d ththee dr
dry
y uni
nitt weieig
ght (γdmax) may be based on past
4. Summ
Summary
ary of Test
Test Method expe
ex peri
rien
ence,
ce, or a rarang
ngee of vavalu
lues
es may be in inve
vesti
stiga
gate
ted
d to
determine the necessary percent of compaction.
4.1 A soil at a sel
selecte
ected
d mol
moldin
ding
g wate
waterr con
content
tent is pla
placed
ced in
five layers into a mold of given dimensions, with each layer 5.3 Exper
Experience
ience indicates
indicates that the methods outlined
outlined in 5.2
in  5.2  or
compacted by 25 or 56 blows of a 10.00-lbf (44.48-N) rammer the const
constructio
ructionn contro
controll aspects discussed
discussed in
in 5.1
 5.1  are extremely
dropped from a distance of 18.00 in. (457.2 mm), subjecting difficult to implement or yield erroneous results when dealing
the soil to a total compactive effort of about 56 000 ft-lbf/ft3 with some soils. The following subsections
subsections describe typical
(2700 kN-m/m3). The resulting dry unit weight is determined. problem soils, the problems encountered when dealing with
The procedure is repeated for a sufficient number of molding such soils and possible solutions for these problems.
water contents to establish a relationship between the dry unit 5.3.1  Oversize Fraction— SoilsSoils containing more than 30 %
weight and the molding water content for the soil. This data, oversi
ove rsize
ze fra
fractio
ction
n (ma
(mater
terial
ial ret
retain
ained
ed on the   3 ⁄ 4-in. (19-
(19-mm)mm)
when plotted, represent a curvilinear relationship known as the sieve) are a problem. For such soils, there is no ASTM test
compaction curve. The values of optimum water content and method to control their compaction and very few laboratories
modified maximum dry unit weight are determined from the are equipped to determine the laboratory maximum unit weight
compaction curve. (density) of such soils (USDI Bureau of Reclamation, Denver,
CO and U.S U.S.. Arm
Army y Cor
Corpsps of Eng
Enginee
ineers,
rs, Vick
icksbu
sburgrg,, MS)
MS)..
5. Sign
Significan
ificance
ce and Use Although
Althou gh Test Method
Methodss   D4914   and   D5030   determin
determinee the
5.1 Soil placed as engine
engineering
ering fill (embankments,
(embankments, founda- “field”
“fie ld” dry unit weiweight
ght of suc
suchh soi
soils,
ls, they are difdiffficu
icultlt and
tion pads, road bases) is compacted to a dense state to obtain expensive to perfo
expensive perform.
rm.
satisfa
satisfactor
ctory
y eng
engine
ineeri
ering
ng pro
proper
perties
ties suc
such
h as she
shear
ar str
streng
ength,
th, 5.3.1.1
5.3.1.1 One method to design
design and control the compaction
compaction of 
compressibility, or permeability. In addition, foundation soils such soils is to use a test fill to determine the required degree
are often compacted to improve their engineering properties. of compaction and the method to obtain that compaction.
compaction. Then

3
 

  D1557 − 12 ´1

use a method specification to control the compaction. Compo- criteria of Pract

criteria Practice
ice D3740
 D3740   are generally considered capable of competent
nents of a method specification typically contain the type and and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of this standard are
cautioned that compliance with Practice  D3740
 D3740 does
 does not in itself assure
size of compaction equipment to be used, the lift thickness,
reliable
reliab le resul
results.
ts. Reliable results depen
dependd on many factors; Practice D3740
Practice D3740
acceptab
acce ptable
le ran
range
ge of mol
moldin
dingg wate
waterr con
conten
tent,
t, and number
number of  provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
passes.
6. Appar
Apparatus
atus
NOTE  4—Success in executing the compaction control of an earthwork 
projec
project,
t, esp
especi
ecially
ally whe
whenn a met
method
hod spe
specifi
cificati
cation
on is use
used,
d, is hig
highly
hly 6.1   Mold
Mold Assemb ly— The
Assembly—  T he momold ldss sh
shal alll be cy
cylin
lindr
drica
icall in
dependent upon the quality and experience of the contractor and inspector. shape,
shape, made of rig
rigid
id metal and be with within in the cap
capacit
acity y and
5.3.
5.3.1.
1.2
2 Anothe
Anotherr me
meth
thod
od is to ap
appl
ply
y th
thee us
usee of de
dens
nsity
ity dimensions indicated in   6.1.1   or
or   6.1.2   and   Fig. 1 
1   and
and   Fig. 2.
2.

correction factors developed by the USDI Bureau of Reclama-

correction See
taper
tap also
also Table
ed..  Table
ered Thee “s
Th 1.plit”
1.
“spl The
it” walls
pe of
type
ty may
ma the mold
y co
cons istmay
nsis t of betwsolid,
twoo ha
halfsplit,
lf-r
-rou
oundor
nd
tion   (3,4)   and U.S. Corps of Engineers   (5). These correction
factors may be applied for soils containing up to about 50 to sections, or a section of pipe split along one element, which can
70 % oversize fraction. Both agencies use a different term for be sec
secure
urelyly loc
locked
ked together
together to for
formm a cylicylinde
nderr meet
meeting
ing the
these density correction factors. The USDI Bureau of Recla- requirements of this section. The “tapered” type shall have an
mation uses  D  ratio (or  D  – VALUE), while the U.S. Corps of  internal
intern al diameter taper that is uniform and not more than 0.200
Engineers uses Density Interference Coefficient ( I c). in./ft (16.7 mm/m) of mold height. Each mold shall have a base
5.3.1.3
5.3.1 .3 The use of the replacement
replacement technique (Test
(Test Method plate
pla te and an exteextensi
nsion
on col
collar
lar ass
assemb
embly ly,, bot
bothh mad
madee of rig rigid
id
D155
D1 557–7–78
78,, Me
Meth
thod
od D)
D),, in whwhich
ich th
thee ov
over
ersi
size
ze fr
frac
actio
tion
n is metal and constructed so they can be securely attached and
replaced
replace d with a finer fraction,
fraction, is inappropriate
inappropriate to determ
determine
ine the easily detached from the mold. The extension collar assembly
maximum dry unit weight,   γdmax, of soils containing oversize shall have a height extending above the top of the mold of at
fractions   (5).
fractions least 2.0 in. (51 mm) which may include an upper section that
5.3.2   Degradation— Soils
Soils containing particles that degrade flares out to form a funnel, provided there is at least a 0.75-in.
duri
du ring
ng co compmpact
actio
ion
n ar
aree a pr
prob
oblem
lem,, esp
especi
eciall
ally
y wh
whenen mo
more
re (19-mm) straight cylindrical section beneath it. The extension
degradation
degrad ation occurs durin
duringg labor
laboratory
atory compaction than field collar shall align with the inside of the mold. The bottom of the
base
ba se plplat
atee an
andd bo
botto
ttom
m of ththee ce
cent
ntra
rally
lly re
reces
cesse
sedd ar
area
ea ththat
at
compaction
compac tion,, the typ
typical
ical case
case.. Deg
Degrad
radatio
ationn typ
typical
ically
ly occ
occurs
urs accepts the cylindrical mold shall be planar within 60.005 in.
during the compaction of a granular-residual soil or aggregate.
When degradation occurs, the maximum dry-unit weight in- (60.1 mm).
creases   (1)  so that the resulting laboratory maximum value is
creases 6.1.1   Mold
Mold,, 4 in .— A mo
in.—  mold ld ha
havi
ving
ng a 4. 4.00
0000   6   0.016-in.
not representative of field conditions. Often, in these cases, the (101.6 6 0.4-mm) average inside diameter, a height of 4.584 6
maximum dry unit weight is impossible to achieve in the field. 0.018 in. (116.4 6 0.5 mm) and a volume of 0.0333 6 0.0005
5.3.2.1
5.3.2 .1 Again for soils subject
subject to degradation,
degradation, the use of test ft3 (943.0 6 14.0 cm3). A mold assembly having the minimum
fills and method specifications may help. Use of replacement required features is shown in Fig.in  Fig. 1.
1.
techniques is not correct. 6.1.2   Mold
Mold,, 6 in .— A mo
in.—  mold ld ha
havi
ving
ng a 6. 6.00
0000   6   0.026-in.
5.3.3   Gap
Gap Grad ed— Gap-gr
Graded—  G ap-grade
aded
d soi
soils
ls (so
(soils
ils con
contai
tainin
ning
g (152.4 6 0.7-mm) average inside diameter, a height of 4.584 6
many large particles with limited small particles) are a problem 0.018 in. (116.4 6 0.5 mm), and a volume of 0.0750 6 0.0009
because the compacted soil will have larger voids than usual. ft3 (2124   6   25 cm3). A mold assembly having the minimum
To handl
handlee these large voids
voids,, standa
standard
rd test methods (labo
(laboratory
ratory required features is shown in Fig.in  Fig. 2.
2.
or fie
field
ld)) ty
typi
pica
cally
lly ha
have
ve to be mo modi
difie
fiedd us
usin
ingg en
engi
gine
neer
erin
ingg 6.2   Rammer— A ram rammer
mer,, eith
either
er man
manual
ually
ly ope
operat
rated
ed as de-
 judgement. scribed further in 6.2.1
in  6.2.1 or
 or mechanically operated as described
NOTE   5—The
5—The qu qual
alit
ity
y of ththee re
resu
sult
lt pr
prod
oduc
uced
ed by ththis
is st
stan
anda
dard
rd is in   6.2.2.
6.2.2.   The rammer shall fall freely through a distance of 
dependent
depend ent on the com
compet
petenc
encee of the per
person
sonnel
nel per
perfor
formin
ming g it, and the 18.00   6   0.05 in. (457.2   6   1.3 mm) from the surface of the
suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the specimen. The weight of the rammer shall be 10.00 6 0.02 lbf 

NOTE  1—See
 1—See Table
 Table 1 for
1  for SI equivalents.
FIG. 1 Cylind
Cylindrical
rical Mold, 4.0-in.
4.0-in.

4
 

  D1557 − 12 ´1

NOTE  1—See
 1—See Table
 Table 1 for
1  for SI equivalents.
FIG. 2 Cylind
Cylindrical
rical Mold, 6.0-in.
6.0-in.

TABLE 1 SI Equivalents for Figs. 1 and 2 shall be   3 ⁄ 8   in. (9.5 mm)
mm).. Additiona
Additionall hol
holes
es or slo
slots
ts may be
in. mm incorporated in the guide sleeve.
0.016 0.41 6.2.2   Mechanic
Mechanical al Ramm
Rammer-er-Circularr Face— The ram
Circula rammer
mer
0.026 0.66 shall
shall ope
operat
ratee mechmechanic
anically
ally in suc
suchh a man
manner
ner as to pro
provid
videe
0.032 0.81
0.028 0.71 uniform and complete coverage of the specimen surface. There
1
 ⁄ 2   12.70 shall be 0.10 6 0.03-in. (2.5 6 0.8-mm) clearance between the
23 ⁄ 8   60.33
21 ⁄ 2   63.50 ra
ramm
immer
d iam
ameterer.an
eter and
. dThthe
th
The ee in
insi
side
de
mech
me chansurf
su
anicrface
ace rof
ical
al theeermo
th
ammer
amm moldldall
shal
sh at
l its
meet
me small
sm
et alles
estet
the
th
25 ⁄ 8   66.70
4 101.60 standardizat
standa rdization/cal
ion/calibratio
ibrationn requi
requirement
rementss of Practic
Practiceses   D2168.
D2168.
41 ⁄ 2   114.30 The mechanical
mechanical rammer shall be equ equipp
ipped
ed wit
withh a pospositiv
itivee
4.584 116.43
43 ⁄ 4   120.60 mechanical means to support the rammer when not in opera-
6 152.40 tion.
61 ⁄ 2   165.10
6.2.2.1   Mechanical Rammer-Sector Face— The The sector face
65 ⁄ 8   168.30
63 ⁄ 4   171.40 can be used with the 6.0-in. (152.4-mm) mold, as an alternative
81 ⁄ 4   208.60 to the circul
circular
ar face mechan
mechanical
ical rammer described in 6.2.2in  6.2.2..  The
ft3 cm3
striking face shall have the shape of a sector of a circle of 
1
 ⁄ 30
30   (0.0333) 943
0.0005 14 radius equal to 2.90   6  0.02 in. (73.7   6  0.5 mm) and an area
1
 ⁄ 13.333
13.333   (0.0750) 2,124 about the same as the circular face (see 6.2(see  6.2).). The rammer shall
0.0011 31
oper
op erate
ate in su such
ch a ma mann
nner
er ththat
at th
thee ve
vert
rtex
ex of th thee se
secto
ctorr is
posi
po sitio
tione
ned d at ththee cen
center
ter of th thee sp
spec
ecime
imen n an
andd fofollo
lloww th thee
compaction pattern given in Fig. in  Fig. 3(b).
3(b).

6.3   Sample
Sample Extrud
Extruder
er (optio nal)— A ja
(optional)—  jack
ck,, wi
with
th fr
fram
amee or
(44.48 6 0.09 N, or mass of 4.5364 6 0.009 kg), except that other device adapted for the purpose of extruding compacted
the weight
weight of the mechanic
mechanical
al ram
rammer
merss may be adjadjust
usted
ed as specimens from the mold.
described in Practices D2168
Practices  D2168 (see
 (see Note
 Note 6).
6). The striking face of  6.4   Balance— A Clas
Classs GP5 bal
balanc
ancee mee
meetin
ting
g the req
requir
uire-
e-
the rammer shall be planar and circular, except as noted in ments of Specific
Specification
ation D4753
 D4753 for
 for a balance of 1-g readability.
6.2.2.1,,  with a diameter when new of 2.000 6 0.005 in. (50.80
6.2.2.1 If the water content of the compacted specimens is determined
6 0.13 mm). The rammer shall be replaced if the striking face using a representative portion of the specimen, rather than the
becomes worn or bellied to the extent that the diameter exceeds whole specimen, and if the representative portion is less than
2.000 6 0.01 in. (50.80 6 0.25 mm). 1000
100 0 g, a Clas
Classs GP2 balance
balance hav
having
ing a 0.1
0.1-g
-g rea
readab
dabilit
ility
y is
needed in order to comply with Test Methods  D2216 D2216 require-
 require-
NOTE   6—It is a com
commo
mon n and acceptabl
acceptablee pra
practic
cticee to det
determ
ermine
ine the
weight of the rammer
weight rammer usi
using
ng eith
either
er a kil
kilogr
ogram
am or poupound
nd bal
balanc
ancee and ments for determining water content to 0.1 %.
assume 1 lbf is equivalent to 0.4536 kg, 1 lbf is equivalent to 1 lbm, or 1 NOTE   7—Use
7—Use of a ba bala
lanc
ncee ha
havi
ving
ng an eqequi
uiva
valen
lentt cap
capaci
acity
ty an
and
d a
N is equivalent to 0.2248 lbf or 0.1020 kg. readability of 0.002 lbm as an alternative to a class GP5 balance should
6.2.1   Manual Rammer— The
The rammer shall be equipped with not be regarded as nonconformance to this standard.
a guide sleeve that has sufficient clearance that the free fall of  6.5   Drying
Drying Oven— Thermostaticall
Thermostatically
Oven—  y contr
controlled
olled oven, ca-
the rammer shaft and head is not restricted. The guide sleeve pable of maintaining a uniform temperature of 230 6 9°F (110
shall have at least four vent holes at each end (eight holes total) 6   5°C) throu
throughou
ghoutt the dryin
drying g chamb
chamber
er.. These requirements
requirements
located with centers   3 ⁄ 4 6 1 ⁄ 16
16  in. (19 6 2 mm) from each end typically require the use of a forced-draft type oven. Preferably
and spaced 90° apart. The minimu
minimum m diameter of the vent holes the oven should be vented outside the building.

5
 

  D1557 − 12 ´1

FIG. 3 Rammer Pattern for Compaction in 4-in. (101.6-mm) Mold

6.6   Straightedge— A stiff metal straightedge of any conve- respectively.. Greate

respectively Greaterr masses would be requirrequired
ed if the oversize
nient length but not less than 10 in. (250 mm). The total length fraction is large (see   10.2   or   10.3)
10.3) or an additional molding
of the straightedge shall be machined straight to a tolerance of  water content is taken during compaction of each point (see
60.005 in. (60.1 mm). The scraping edge shall be beveled if  10.4.1)).
10.4.1
it is thicker than   1 ⁄ 8  in. (3 mm).
6.7   Sieves— 3 ⁄ 4   in. (19.0 mm),   3 ⁄ 8   in. (9.5 mm), and No. 4 8.2 If gradation
gradation data is not available,
available, estimate the percent-
age of material (by mass) retained on the No. 4 (4.75-mm),
(4.75 mm), conforming
conforming to the requir
requirements ements of Specifi
Specification
cation 3 ⁄ 8-in. (9.5-mm), or   3 ⁄ 4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve as appropriate for
E11..
E11 selecting Method A, B, or C, respectively. If it appears the
6.8   Mixing Tools— Miscellaneou
Miscellaneouss tools such as mixing pan, percentage retained of interest is close to the allowable value
spoon,, trowe
spoon trowel,l, spatu
spatula,
la, spray device (to add water evenly),
evenly), and for a given Method (A, B, or C), then either:
(prefe
(preferab
rably
ly,, but opt
option
ional)
al) a sui
suitab
table
le mech
mechanic
anical
al dev
device
ice for 8.2.
8. 2.1
1 Se
Selec
lectt a Me
Meth
thod
od th
that
at all
allow
owss a hi
high
gher
er pe
perc
rcen
entag
tagee
thoroughly
thoroughly mixing the subspsubspecimen
ecimen of soil with increm
increments
ents of  retained (B or C).
water.
8.2.2 Usi
8.2.2 Using
ng the sieve size designat
designated
ed for the MetMethod
hod of 
7. Standardizatio
Standardization/Calibration
n/Calibration interest,
interes t, proce
process
ss the specim
specimenen in accordance with 10.2
with  10.2 or
 or  10.3
herein.. This determ
herein determines
ines the percen
percentage
tage of materia
materiall retain
retained
ed for
7.1 Perfo
Perform
rm standardization
standardizationss before initial use, after repairs
repairs
that method. If the percentage retained is acceptable, proceed.
or ot
othe
herr oc
occu
curr
rren
ence
cess th
that
at mig
might
ht af
affe
fect
ct th
thee tes
testt re
resu
sults
lts,, at
If the percentage retained is not acceptable, go to Method B or
interva
intervals
ls not exc
exceed
eeding
ing 100
1000
0 test spe
specime
cimens,
ns, or ann
annual
uallyly,,
C using the next larger sieve size.
whichever occurs first, for the following apparatus:
7.1.1   Balance— Evaluate
Evaluate in accord
accordance
ance with Specifi
Specification
cation 8.2.3 Determ
Determine
ine percentage
percentage retain
retained
ed values using a repre
repre--
D4753  or Practice E319
D4753 or Practice  E319.. sentative
sentative por
portio
tion
n fro
from
m the tota
totall sam
sample,
ple, and per perfor
formin
mingg a
7.1.2   Molds— Determine
Determine the volume as described in Annex
in  Annex simplified or complete gradation analysis using the sieve(s) of 
A1..
A1 interestt and Test Method D6913
interes Method  D6913 or or  C136
 C136..  It is only necessary
7.1.3   Manual Rammer— Verify
Verify the free fall distance, ram- to calculate the retained percentage(s) for the sieve or sieves
mer weight, and rammer face are in accordance with 6.2
with 6.2.. Verify for which information is desired.
the guide sleeve requirements in accordance with  6.2.1
 6.2.1..
7.1.4   Mechanical Rammer— Verify
Verify and adjust if necessary 9. Preparat
Preparation
ion of Apparatus
Apparatus
that the mec
mechan
hanical
ical ram
rammer
mer in acc
accord
ordanc
ancee with PraPractic
ctices
es
9.1 Select the proper compaction
compaction mold(s),
mold(s), collar, and base
D2168..  In addition, the clearance between the rammer and the
D2168
plate in accordance with the Method (A, B, or C) being used.
inside surface of the mold shall be verified in accordance with
Check that the volume of the mold is known and whether the
6.2.2..
6.2.2
volume was determined with or without the base plate. Also,
8. Test Specimen check that the mold is free of nicks or dents, and that the mold
will fit together properly with the collar and base plate.
8.1 The min
minimu
imum
m tes
testt spe
specime
cimen
n (te
(test
st fra
fractio
ction)
n) mas
masss for
Methods A and B is about 16 kg, and for
Methods for Method C is about
about 29 9.2 Check that the manual or mechanical
mechanical rammer assembly
assembly
kg of dry soil. Therefore, the field sample (see Practices D4220
Practices  D4220 is in good working condition and that parts are not loose or
for pra
practic
ctices
es of pre
preser
servin
ving
g and tra
transp
nsport
orting
ing soi
soill samp
samples)
les) worn. Make any necessary adjustments or repairs. If adjust-
shou
should
ld ha
have
ve a momois
istt ma
mass
ss of at leleas
astt 23 kg anandd 45 kg, ments or repairs are made, the rammer must be restandardized.

6
 

  D1557 − 12 ´1

10. Procedur
Proceduree point). Select about 2.3 kg when
point). when using Method
Method A or B, or about
10.1   Soils: 5.9 kg for Method C. Test Method  D6913
 D6913 section
 section on Specimen
10.1.1
10.1. 1 Do not reuse soil that has been previously compacted
compacted and Annex A2 give additio
additional
nal details on obtain
obtaining
ing representa-
representa-
in the laboratory. The reuse of previously compacted soil yields tive soil using this procedure and the reason it is the preferred
a significantly greater maximum dry unit weight 
weight   (1). method. To obtain the subspecimen’s molding water contents
10.1.2
10.1.2 When usi using
ng this test meth
method
od for soils con
contain
taining
ing selected in   10.2.1,
10.2.1, ad
add
d or re
remo
move
ve ththee re
requ
quir
ired
ed am
amou
ount
ntss of 
hydrated halloysite, or in which past experience indicates that water as follows: To add water, spray it into the soil during
results will be altered by air-drying, use the moist preparation mixing; to remove water, allow the soil to dry in air at ambient
method (see Section 10.2
Section  10.2).
). In referee testing, each laboratory temperature or in a drying apparatus such that the temperature

has to us
has usee th
thee sa
same
me met
metho
hodd of prprep
epar
arati
ation
on,, ei
eith
ther
er mo
moist
ist of the ntly
freque
frequentlsample
sam pleing
y dur does
during not
ingexceed
drying
dry excee d ilitate
to fac 140°F
140
facilit ate°Fan(60°C).
(60°Cn). wat
even
eve Mixer the
water soillt
soi
conten
con tent
(preferred) or air-dried.
10.1.3
10.1. 3 Prepa
Preparere the soil specim
specimens
ens for testing in accordance
accordance distribution
distribution.. Thoro
Thoroughly
ughly mix each subspecimen to facilita facilitate
te
with 10.2
with  10.2 (preferred)
 (preferred) or with  10.3
 10.3.. even
eve n dis
distrib
tributio
ution
n of wat
water
er thr
throug
oughouhoutt and then placplacee in a
separate covered container to stand (cure) in accordance with
10.2   Moist Pre
Preparat
paration
ion Method (pr (preferr ed)— Without
eferred)—  Without pre- Table 2 prior
2  prior to compaction. For selecting a standing time, the
viously drying the sample/specimen, process it over a No. 4 soil may be classifi
classified
ed using Practice D2487
Practice D2487,,  Practice
 Practice D2488
 D2488 or
 or
(4.75-mm),   3 ⁄ 8-in
-in.. (9.
(9.5-m
5-mm),
m), or   3 ⁄ 4-in
-in.. (19
(19.0-
.0-mm)
mm) sie sieve,
ve, de- dataa on oth
dat other
er sam
sample
pless fro
from
m the same mate material
rial source.
source. For
pending on the Method (A, B, or C) being used or required as referee testing, classification shall be by Practice  D2487  D2487..
covere
cov ered
d in   8.2
8.2..   For add
additio
itional
nal pro
process
cessinging det
details
ails,, see Test
Method   D6913.
D6913.   Determine and record the mass of both the 10.3   Dry Pre
Preparat
paration
ion Method
Method— — If
If the sample/
sample/specime
specimenn is
retai
retaine
nedd an
and
d pa pass
ssin
ingg po
port
rtio
ions
ns (o
(ove vers
rsiz
izee fr
fract
actio
ionn an and
d tes
testt too damp to be friable, reduce the water content by air drying
fraction, respectively) to the nearest g. Oven dry the oversize until the material is friable. Drying may be in air or by the use
fraction
fraction and determ
determine ine and record its dry mass to the nearest g. of drying apparatus such that the temperature of the sample
If it appears more than 0.5 % of the total dry mass of the does
does nonott ex
exce
ceed
ed 14
140°0°F
F (6
(60°
0°C)
C).. Th
Thor
orou
ough
ghly
ly br
break
eak up ththee
spec
sp ecime
imen n is adadhe
heriring
ng to th thee ov
overersiz
sizee frfrac
actio
tion,
n, wawashsh th
that
at aggregations in such a manner as to avoid breaking individual
fraction. Then determine and record its oven dry mass to the particles. Process the material over the appropriate sieve: No.
near
ne ares
estt g. De
Deter
termi
mine
ne anand d re
reco
cord
rd th
thee wa
water
ter co
cont
nten
entt of ththee 4 (4.75 mm),   3 ⁄ 8   in. (9.5 mm), or   3 ⁄ 4   in. (19(19.0
.0 mm)mm).. Whe
When n
processed soil (test fraction). Using that water content, deter- prepar
pre paring
ing the mate
material
rial by pas passin
sing
g ove
overr the   3 ⁄ 4-in
-in.. sie
sieve
ve for
mine and record the oven dry mass of the test fraction to the compac
com pactio
tion
n in the 6-i6-in.
n. mol
mold, d, bre
break
ak up aggaggreg
regatio
ations
ns suf
sufffi-
nearest g. Based on these oven dry masses, the percent oversize ciently to at least pass the  ⁄ 8 in. sieve in order to facilitate the
  3

fraction,   PC , and test fraction,   PF , sha

shall
ll be det
determ
ermine
inedd and dist
distri
ribu
butition
on of wa
waterter ththro
roug ugho
hout
ut ththee so
soil
il in lat later
er mix
mixin
ing.
g.
recorde
reco rded,
d, unl
unless
ess a gra
gradati
dation
on ana
analys
lysis
is has alr
alread
eadyy bee
been n per
per-- Determine
Determ ine and recor
record d the water content of the test fraction and
formed. See Section 
Section   11
11   on Calculations. all mass
masses es cov
covere
ered d in   10.2,
10.2,   as app
applica
licable
ble to det determ
ermine
ine the
10.2.1
10.2. 1 From the test fraction,
fraction, select and prepare
prepare at least four percent oversize fraction,   PC , and test fraction,   PF .
(preferably five) subspecimens having molding water contents 10.3.1
10.3. 1 From the test fraction,
fraction, select and prepare
prepare at least four
such that they bracket the estimated optimum water content. A (preferably five) subspecimens in accordance with  10.2.1  10.2.1   and
subspecimen having a molding water content close to optimum 10.2.2,,   except
10.2.2 except for the fol followlowing
ing:: Use eith
either
er a mec mechan
hanica
icall
should be prepared first by trial additions or removals of water splitting or quartering process to obtain the subspecimens. As
and mixing (see Note
(see  Note 8)8). Select moldin
molding g water conten
contentsts for the stated in Test Method D6913
Method D6913,, both of these processes will yield
rest of the subspecimens to provide at least two subspecimens non-uniform subspecimens compared to the moist procedure.

wet and two subspecimens dry of optimum, and molding water Typically,
be requir only the addition of water to each subspecimen will
required.
ed.
contents varying by about 2 %. At least two molding water
contents are necessary on the wet and dry side of optimum to 10.4   Compaction— After
After standing (curing), if required, each
define the dry-u
dry-unit-we
nit-weight
ight compac
compaction
tion curve (see
(see 10.5
 10.5).
). Some subspecimen
subsp ecimen (compaction
(compaction point) shall be compacted as fol-
soils with very high optimum water content or a relatively flat lows:
compaction curve may require larger molding water content 10.4.1
10.4. 1 Determi
Determine
ne and record the mass of the mold or mold
increments
increme nts to obtain a well-d
well-defined
efined maximum dry unit weight
weight.. and base plate, see 10.4.7
see  10.4.7..
Moldin
Mol ding
g wat
water
er con
content
tent inc
increm
rement
entss sho
should
uld not exc
exceed
eed abo
about
ut 10.4.2
10.4. 2 Assemb
Assemblele and secure the mold and collar to the base
4 %. plate. Check the alignment of the inner wall of the mold and
NOTE  8—With practice it is usually possible to visually judge a point mold extension collar. Adjust if necessary. The mold shall rest
near optimum water contecontent.
nt. Typically
Typically,, cohes
cohesive
ive soils at the optimum without wobbling/rocking on a uniform rigid foundation, such
water content can be squeezed into a lump that barely sticks together when as provided by a cylinder or cube of concrete with a weight or
hand pressure is released, but will break cleanly into two sections when
“bent.” They tend to crumble at molding water contents dry of optimum;
they tend to stick together in a sticky cohesive mass wet of optimum. For TABLE 2 Required Standing Times of Moisturized Specimens
cohesive soils, the optimum water content is typically slightly less than the
plastic limit. For cohesionless soils, the optimum water content is typically Classification Minimum Standing Time, h
close to zero or at the point where bleeding occurs. GW, GP, SW, SP no requirement
GM, SM 3
10.2.2 Thoro
10.2.2 Thoroughly
ughly mix the test fraction, then using a scoop All other soils 16
select representative
representative soil for each subspecimen (compaction
(compaction

7
 

  D1557 − 12 ´1

mass of not less than 200 lb or 91 kg, respectively. Secure the 10.4.5 In operating the manual rammer,
10.4.5 rammer, take care to avoid
base plate to the rigid foundation.
foundation. The method of attachm
attachment
ent to lifting the guide sleeve during the rammer upstroke. Hold the
the rigid foundation
foundation shall allow easy removal of the assembled guide sleeve steady and within 5° of vertical. Apply the blows
mold, collar and base plate after compaction is completed. at a uniform rate of about 25 blows/min and in such a manner
10.4.2
10. 4.2.1
.1 Dur
During
ing the com
compac
pactio
tion
n pro
proced
cedure
ure,, it is adv
advant
anta-
a- as to pro
provid
videe com
comple
plete,
te, uni
unifor
form
m cov
covera
erage
ge of the spe
specime
cimen n
geous but not required to determine the water content of each surfac
sur face.
e. Whe
When n usi
using
ng a 4-i
4-in.
n. (10
(101.6
1.6-mm
-mm)) mol
moldd and man
manualual
subspecimen immediately prior to compaction. This provides a rammer, follow the blow pattern given in   Fig. 3(a) 3(a) and   Fig.
check
check on th thee mo
moldldin
ing
g wa
wate
terr co
cont
nten
entt de
deter
termi
minenedd fo
forr ea
each
ch 3(b) while for a mechanical rammer, follow the pattern in  Fig.
compaction point and the magnitude of bleeding. See  10.4.9  10.4.9.. 3(b)
b).. Wh
When
en ususin
ing
g a 6-6-in
in.. (1
(152
52.4
.4-m
-mm)
m) mo
mold
ld an
and
d ma
manunual
al

However,
cimen thanmore soil
stated will have
in  10.2.2.
in 10.2.2 . to be selected for each subspe- rammer,
blow, then follow the blow pattern
systematically aroundgiven in  Fig.
the mold 4  up
4 up
(Fig.
(Fig. to the
3(b))
3( and9th
in
10.4.3
10. 4.3 Com
Compacpactt the soi
soill in five laylayers
ers.. Aft
After
er com
compacpactio
tion,
n, thee mi
th midd
ddlele.. Wh
Whenen us
usin
ing
g a 6-
6-in
in.. (1
(152
52.4
.4-m
-mm)
m) momoldld an
andd a
each layer should be approximately equal in thickness and the mechanical rammer equipped with a sector face, the mechani-
final
fin al la
laye
yerr sh
shall
all ex
exten
tend
d slslig
ight
htly
ly in
into
to th
thee co
colla
llarr. Pr
Prio
iorr to cal rammer shall be designed to follow the compaction pattern
compaction, place the loose soil into the mold and spread into given in Fig.
in  Fig. 3(b).
3(b). When using a 6-in. (152.4-mm) mold and a
a layer of uniform thickness. Lightly tamp the soil prior to mechan
mec hanical
ical rammer equipped
equipped with a cir circul
cular
ar fac
face,
e, the me-
compaction until it is not in a fluffy or loose state, using either chanic
cha nical
al ram
rammer
mer sha
shall
ll be des
design
igneded to dis
distrib
tribute
ute the blo
blows
ws
the manual rammer or a cylinder approximately 2 in. (50 mm) uniformly over the surface of the specimen. If the surface of 
in dia
diamete
meterr. Fol
Follow
lowing
ing compactio
compaction n of each of the firs firstt fou
fourr the compacted soil becomes highly uneven (see  Note 9) 9) then
layers, any soil that has not been compacted, such as adjacent adjust the pattern to follow the logic given in  Fig. 3(a) 3(a) or Fig.
or  Fig.
to the mold walls, or extends above the compacted surface (up 4.  This will most likely void the use of a mechanical rammer
the mold walls) shall be trimmed. The trimmed soil shall be for such compaction points.
discarded. A knife or other suitable device may be used. The NOTE   9—When
9—When compa
compacting
cting specimens wetter than optim
optimum
um water
total amount of soil used shall be such that the fifth compacted content, uneven compacted surfaces can occur and operator judgment is
layer slightly extends into the collar, but does not extend more required as to the average height of the specimen and rammer pattern
than approximately   1 ⁄ 4 in. (6 mm) above the top of the mold. If  during compaction.
the fifth layer does extend above this limit, then the compaction 10.4.6 Follow
10.4.6 Following
ing compaction
compaction of the last layer
layer,, remove the
point shall be discarded. In addition, the compaction point shall collar and base plate (except as noted in 10.4.7
in  10.4.7)) from the mold.
be discarded when the last blow on the rammer for the fifth A knife may be used to trim the soil adjacent to the collar to
layer results in the bottom of the rammer extending below the loos
loosen
en ththee so
soil
il fr
from
om th
thee co
colla
llarr be
befo
fore
re re
remo
mova vall to av
avoi
oid
d
top of the compaction mold, unless the soil is pliable enough disrupting the soil below the top of the mold. In addition, to
that this surface can easily be forced above the top of the prevent/reduce soil sticking to the collar or base plate, rotate
compaction mold during trimming. See  Note 9. 9. them before removal.
10.4
10 .4.4
.4 Compact
Compact ea each
ch lay
layerer wi
with
th 25 blblowowss fo
forr th
thee 4-
4-in
in.. 10.4.7 Carefully trim the compacted specimen even with the
(101.6-mm) mold or with 56 blows for the 6-in. (152.4-mm) top of the mold by means of the straightedge scraped across the
mold. The manual rammer shall be used for referee testing. top of the mold to form a plane surface even with the top of the

FIG. 4 Rammer Pattern for Compaction in 6-in. (152.4-mm) Mold

8
 

  D1557 − 12 ´1

mold. Initial trimming of the specimen above the top of the  M m,tf    = moist
moist mass of test fractio
fraction,
n, nearest
nearest g or 0.001
0.001 kg,
mold with a knife may prevent tearing out soil below the top of  and
thee mo
th mold
ld.. Fi
Fill
ll an
any
y hohole
less in ei
eith
ther
er su
surf
rface
ace wi
with
th un
unus
used
ed or wtf    = water conten
contentt of
of test
test fraction
fraction,, nearest
nearest 0.1 %.
trimmed soil from the specimen, press in with the fingers, and
11.1.2   Oversize Fraction Percentage— Determine
Determine the over-
again scrape the straightedge across the top of the mold. If 
size (coarse) fraction percentage as follows:
gravel
gra vel siz
sizee par
particl
ticles
es are encencoun
ounter
tered,
ed, trim around
around the
them
m or
remove them, whichever is the easiest and reduces the distur-  M d , of 
P C  5 (2 )
bance of the compacted soil. The estimated volume of particles  M d , of 1 M d , tf 
abov
ab ovee th
thee su
surf
rface
ace of ththee co
comp
mpact
acted
ed so
soil
il an
and
d ho
holes
les in th
that
at where:
surface
above.
abo shallatbethe
ve. Repe
Repeat equal. Fillriate
approp
app interemaining
ropria preced
pre ingholes
ceding asions
operat
ope mentioned
rations on the PC    = percen
percentage
tage of overs
oversize
ize (coars
(coarse)
e) fractio
fraction,
n, nearest
nearest %,
 M d,of    = dry mass
mass of oversize
oversize fraction
fraction,, nearest
nearest g or 0.001
0.001 kg.
bottom of the specimen when the mold volume was determined
without the base plate. For very wet or dry soils, soil or water 11.1.3   Test Fraction Percentage— Determine
Determine the test (finer)
may be lost if the base plate is removed. For these situations, fraction percentage as follows:
leave the base plate attached to the mold. When the base plate P F  5 100 2 P C    (3 )
is left attached, the volume of the mold must be calibrated with
the base plate attached to the mold rather than a plastic or glass where:
plate as noted in  Annex A1  A1   (A1.4.1
A1.4.1)). PF    = percen
percentage
tage of test
test (finer)
(finer) fraction,
fraction, nearest
nearest %
10.4.8
10.4. 8 Determ
Determineine and record the mass of the specimen and 11.2  Density and Unit Weight— Calculate
Calculate the molding water
mold to the nearest g. When the base plate is left attached, content, moist density, dry density, and dry unit weight of each
determine and record the mass of the specimen, mold and base compacted specimen as explained below.
plate to the nearest g. 11.2.1   Molding Water Content, w— Calculate
Calculate in accord
accordance
ance
10.4.9
10.4. 9 Remove the material
material from the mold. Obtain a speci- with Test Method D2216
Method  D2216 to
 to nearest 0.1 %.
men fo forr mo
moldldin
ing
g wa
water
ter co
cont
nten
entt by us
usin
ing
g ei
eith
ther
er th
thee wh
whol
olee 11.2.2   Density and Unit Weights— Calculate
Calculate the moist (to-

specimen (preferred method) or a representative portion. When tal) density (

density  (Eq
Eq 4)
4 ), the dry density (Eq
(Eq 5)
5 ), and then the dry unit
the entire specimen is used, break it up to facilitate drying. weight (Eq
(Eq 6) as follows:
Otherwise, obtain a representative portion of the five layers, 11.2.2.1  Moist Density:
removi
rem oving
ng eno
enough
ugh material
material fro
from
m the spe
specime
cimen
n to rep
report
ort the ~ M t  2  M md !
water content to 0.1 %. The mass of the representative portion ρm 5 K  3   (4 )
V 
of soil shall conform to the requirements of Table 1, Method B,
of Test Methods D2216
Methods  D2216..  Determine the molding water content where:
in accordance with Test Method  D2216
 D2216.. ρm   = moist density
density of compacted
compacted subsp
subspecimen
ecimen (comp
(compac-
ac-
tion point), four significant digits, g/cm or kg/m3,
3
10.5 Follow
Following
ing compaction
compaction of the last specim
specimen,en, compare
 M t    = mass of moist
moist soil
soil in mol
mold
d and mol
mold,
d, neare
nearest
st g,
thee we
th wett ununit
it we
weig
ight
htss to en
ensu
surere th
that
at a de
desi
sire
redd pa
patt
tter
ern
n of 
 M md    = mass ofof compacti
compaction
on mold,
mold, neare
nearest
st g,
obtaining data on each side of the optimum water content will V    = volum
volumee of compa ction mold, cm3 or m3 (see
compaction (see Annex
 Annex
be attaine
attainedd for the dry-
dry-unit-w
unit-weight
eight compaction
compaction curve
curve.. Plottin
Plotting
g A1),
A1 ), and
thee we
th wett un
unit
it we
weig
ight
ht anandd mo
moldldin
ing
g wa
wate
terr co
cont
nten
entt of ea each
ch K    = conver
conversion
sion consta
constant,
nt, depen
depending
ding on density units and
comp
co mpacacted
ted sp
spec
ecim
imen
en ca can
n be an aid in mak makin
ingg th
thee ab
abov
ovee volume units. Use 1 for g/cm3 and volume in cm3.
evaluat
eva luation
ion.. If the des
desire
ired
d pat
patter
ternn is not obt
obtain
ained,
ed, add
additio
itional
nal Use 1000 for g/cm3 and volume in m3. Use 0.001 for
compacted specimens will be required. Generally, for experi- kg/cm3 and volume in m3. Use 1000 for kg/m 3 and
enced plotters of compaction curves, one compaction point wet volume in cm3.
of th
thee op
opti
timu
mumm wawate
terr co
cont
nten
entt is adadeq
equa
uate
te to de
defin
finee th
thee
maximum wet unit weight. See 11.2
See  11.2.. 11.2.2.2   Dry Density:
ρm
ρ d  5 (5 )
11. Calculation and Plotting (Compaction
(Compaction Curve) w
11
100
11.1   Fraction Perc
Percentag es— If
entages—  I f gr
grad
adati
ation
on dadatata fr
from
om Tes
estt
Method D6913
Method  D6913   is not available, calculate the dry mass of the where:
test fraction, percentage of oversize fraction, and test fraction ρd   = dry density
density of compactio
compaction n point,
point, four significan
significantt digits,
as covered below and using the data from  10.2  10.2   or
or 10.3
 10.3:: 3 3
g/cm or kg/m , and
11.1.1   Test
Test Fraction— Determine
D etermine the dry mass of the test w   = mol
moldin
ding
g wat
water
er con
conten
tentt of compactio
compaction n poi
point,
nt, nearest
nearest
fraction as follows: 0.1 %.
 M m , tf  11.2.2.3   Dry Unit Weight:
 M d , tf  5 (1 )
w tf  γ d  5 K 1 3 ρ d    (6 )
1
1 100 in lbf/ft3, or,
where: γ d  5 K 2 3 ρ d    (7 )
 M d,tf    = dry mass
mass of test
test fractio
fraction,
n, neares
nearestt g or 0.001
0.001 kg,
in kN/m3,

9
 

  D1557 − 12 ´1

where: molding water content’s (2 lbf/ft3 to 1 % w  per major division).

γd    = dry unit
unit weight
weight of comcompac
pacted
ted specime
specimen,
n, four signifi
signifi-- Therefore, any change in the shape of the compaction curve is
3
cant digits, in lbf/ft or kN/m , 3 a res
result
ult of test
testing
ing dif
differ
ferent
ent mat
materia
erial,
l, not the plo
plottin
tting
g scal
scale.
e.
K 1   = conve
conversion
rsion constant,
constant, depending
depending on density
density units. Use However, a one to one ratio should be used for soils have a
3
62.4
62.428
28 foforr de
dens
nsity
ity in g/
g/cm
cm , or ususee 0.
0.06
0624
2428
28 fo
forr relatively flat compaction curve (see   10.2.1)
10.2.1), such as highly
3
density in kg/m , plastic soils or relatively free draining ones up to the point of 
K 2   = conve
conversion
rsion constant,
constant, depending
depending on density
density units. Use bleeding.
3
9.8066
9.8066 for dendensity
sity in g/c
g/cm
m , or ususee 0.
0.00
0098
9806
0666 fo
forr 11.3.1.1
11 .3.1.1 The shape of the compaction curvecurve on the wet side
3
density in kg/m . on opt
optimu
imumm sho
should
uld typ
typical
ically
ly fol
follow
low tha
thatt of the satu
saturat
ration
ion

11.3   Compacti
Compactionon Curve— PlotP lot th
thee dr
dry
y un
unit
it we
weig
ightht an
andd curve.
optimum Themayshape of the compaction
be relatively flat or upcurve on the
and down dry side
when of 
testing
molding water content values, the saturation curve (see  11.3.2
 11.3.2),
),
and draw the compaction curve as a smooth curve through the some soils, such as relativ
relatively
ely free draining ones or plastic soils
prepared
prepa red using the moist procedure
procedure and having molding water
points (see example, Fig.
example,  Fig. 5)
5). For each point on the compaction
curve, calculate, record, and plot dry unit weight to the nearest contents close to or less than the shrinkage limit.
0.1 lbf /ft3 (0.02 kN/m3) an
lbf/ft andd mo
mold
ldin
ingg wa
water
ter co
cont
nten
entt to th
thee 11.3.2
11 .3.2 Plot the 100 % saturation
saturation curve, based on either an
neares
nea restt 0.1 %. Fro
From
m the comcompacpactio
tionn cur
curve,
ve, det
determ
ermine
ine the estimate
estimatedd or a mea measur
sured
ed spe
specifi
cificc gra
gravity
vity.. Valu
alues
es of wat
water
er
compaction results: optimum water content, to nearest 0.1 % contentt for the condition of 100 % saturation can be calculat
conten calculated
ed
and maximum dry unit weight, to the nearest 0.1 lbf/ft 3 (0.02 as explained in 11.4
in  11.4 (see
 (see example, Fig.
example,  Fig. 5).
5).
kN/m3). If more than 5 % by mass of oversize material was NOTE   10—Th
10—Thee 10 100
0 % sa satu
tura
rati
tion
on cu
curv
rvee is an ai aid
d in dr
draw
awining
g th
thee
removed
remov ed from the sample/
sample/specim
specimen,
en, calcula
calculate
te the corre
corrected
cted compaction curve. For soils containing more than about 10 % fines and
optimum water content and maximum dry unit weight of the molding water contents well above optimum, the two curves generally
become
become roughly
roughly par
paralle
allell wit
withh the wet side of the com compac
pactio
tion
n cur
curve
ve
total material using Practice   D4718.
D4718.  This correction may be
between
betwe en 92 % to 95 % satura
saturation.
tion. Theoretically
Theoretically,, the compa
compaction
ction curve
made to the appropriate field in-place density test specimen cannot plot to the right of the 100 % saturation curve. If it does, there is
rather than to the laboratory compaction results. an error in specific gravity, in measurements, in calculations, in testing, or

11.3.1
11.3.1 In these plots, the scale sensitivities
sensitivities should remain in plotting. The 100 % saturation curve is sometimes referred to as the
zero air voids curve or the complete saturation curve.
the same, that is, the change in molding water content or dry
unit weight per division is constant between plots. Typically, 11.4   Saturation Points— To
To calculate points for plotting the
thee ch
th chan
ange
ge in dr
dry
y un
unit
it we
weig
ight
ht pe
perr di
divi
visi
sion
on is tw
twice
ice th
that
at of  100 % satura
saturation
tion curve or zero air voids curve,
curve, select values of 

NOTE   1—Wet Unit Weights are usually not plotted. They are plotted

here
pointsfor informatio
infor
may notmational
nalexactly
all lie purposes
purpo ses only.
on the Also notice
compaction that the compa
curve. compaction
ction
FIG. 5 Exampl
Example e Compaction
Compaction Curve Plotting
Plotting

10
 

  D1557 − 12 ´1

dry
dry un
unit
it we
weig
ight
ht,, ca
calcu
lculat
latee co
corr
rres
espo
pond
ndin
ing
g va
valu
lues
es of wa
water
ter compaction curve. It has been attempted in this test method to determine
content corresponding to the condition of 100 % saturation as all measurements and calculations to four significant figures. The purpose
is to ensure that precision is not lost due to rounding prior to plotting the
follows:
comp
co mpacacti
tion
on cu
curv
rvee an
andd th
that
at da
data
ta sh
shee
eets
ts an
and
d fo
form
rmss re
reta
tain
ined
ed by th thee
~ γ w !~ G s ! 2 γ d  laboratory contain that same degree of precision.
w sat  5   3 100 (8)
~ γ d !~ G s ! 13. Pre
Precision and Bias4
cision
where: 13.1   Precision— Criteri
Criteriaa for jud
judgin
ging
g the acce
accepta
ptabili
bility
ty of 
wsat    = water content
content for complete
complete saturation,
saturation, nearest
nearest 0.1 %, maximu
max imum m uni
unitt wei
weight
ght and opt
optimu
imumm wat
water
er con
conten
tentt res
result
ultss
γw   = unit
unit weight
weight of water
water,, 62.32 lbf/ftt3 (9.789 kN/m3) at
62.32 lbf/f obtained by this method are given in  Table 3.
3.
20°C,
γd    = dry uni
unitt weigh
weightt of soi
soil,
l, lbf/ft3 (kN/m3), three signifi-
lbf/ft 13.1.1
ures   Single-Operator
in Column 2 of   TablePrecision
3   are the(Repeatability)—  The that
The
standard deviations fig-
cant digits, and have been found to be appropriate for the conditions of test
Gs   = spespecific
cific gravi
gravity
ty of soil (estima
(estimated
ted or measure
measured),
d), to desc
descri
ribe
bed
d in Co Colu
lumn
mn 1. Two re resu
sult
ltss ob
obtai
taine
nedd in th
thee sam
samee
nearest 0.01 value, see 
see   11.4.1.
11.4.1. laboratory
labor atory,, by the same operator using the same equipment,equipment, in
11.4.1 Specific gravity may be estimated forfor the test fraction the shortest practical period of time, should not be considered
base
based
d on testestt da
data
ta fr
from
om ot
othe
herr so
soils
ils ha
havi
ving
ng th
thee sam
samee so
soil
il suspec
suspectt unl
unless
ess the dif
differ
ferenc
encee in the two results
results exc
exceed
eedss the
classification and source or experience. Otherwise, a specific values given in Table
in  Table 3,
3,  Column 3.
gravity test (Test Method C127
Method  C127,,  Test Method D854
Method  D854,, or both) is 13.1.2   Multilaborato
Multilaboratory ry Precision (Repr oducibility)— The
(Reproducibility)—  The
necessary. figures in Column 2 of  Table  Table 3 are
3  are the standard deviations
deviations that
have been found to be appropriate for the conditions of test
12. Report: Data Sheet(s)/Form(
Sheet(s)/Form(s)
s) described in Column 1. Two results submitted by two different
12.1 The methodol
12.1 methodology ogy used to spe specify
cify how data are re- operators
opera tors testing the same materiamateriall in difdifferen
ferentt labor
laboratories
atories
corded on the test data sheet(
sheet(s)/fo
s)/form(s)
rm(s),, as described below,
below, is shall not be considered suspect unless the difference in the two
covered in Section 
Section   1.6
1.6.. results exceeds the values given in Table in  Table 3,
3, Column 3.

12.2 The data sheet(s)/form(s

sheet(s)/form(s)) shall contain as a minimum 13.2   Bias— It
It is not possible to present information on bias
the following information: because there is no other method of determining the values of 
12.2.1
12. 2.1 Met
Method
hod used
used (A, B, or C). modified maximum unit weight and modified optimum water
12.2.2
12.2. 2 Prepa
Preparation
ration method used (moist or dry). content.
12.2.3
12. 2.3 As-
As-rec
receive
eivedd wat
water
er con
conten
tent,
t, if det
determ
ermine
ined,d, nea
neares
restt
14. Keyw
Keywords
ords
1 %.
12.2.4
12.2. 4 Modifi
Modifieded optimum water content, Mod-wopt  to near- 14.1 compaction characteristics;
characteristics; densit
density;
y; impact compac-
est 0.1 %. tion using modified effort; laboratory tests; modified proctor
12.2.5
12. 2.5 Modifi
Modifieded max
maximu
imumm (op
(optimu
timum)m) dry uni unitt weig
weight,
ht, test; moistu
moisture-de
re-density
nsity curve
curves;
s; soil compac
compaction
tion
3 3
Mod-γd,max  nearest 0.1 lbf/ft or 0.02 kN/m . 4
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
12.2.6
12.2. 6 Type of rammer (manual or mechanical). be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D18-1017.
12.2
12 .2.7
.7 So
Soil
il sie
sieve
ve da
data
ta wh
when
en ap
appl
plica
icabl
blee fo
forr se
selec
lectio
tion
n of 
Method (A, B, or C) used. TABLE 3 Precision Estimates
12.2.8
12. 2.8 Des
Descri
criptio
ption
n of sample used in test (as a min minimu
imum,
m,
Conditions of Test Standard Acceptable Range
colorr and group name and symbol),
colo symbol), by PraPractic
cticee   D2488,
D2488, or and Test Property Deviation (1s)A of
classification by Test Metho
classification Method d  D2487
 D2487.. Two Test
(d2s)A
Results
12.2.9
12.2. 9 Specifi
Specificc gravi
gravityty and method of determination,
determination, near-
est 0.01 value. Single Operator Precision:
12.2.10
12.2. 10 Identi
Identification
fication of sample used in test, for example, Maximum Unit Weight (lbf/ft   3) 0.6 1.8
project number/name, location, depth, and the like. Optimum Water Content (percent) 0.4 1.0

12.2.11
12.2. 11 Compa
Compaction
ction curve plot showing compaction
compaction point
pointss Multilaboratory Precision:
used
use d to esta
establis
blish
h com
compacpactio
tion
n cur
curve,
ve, and 100 % satu saturati
ration
on Maximum Unit Weight (lbf/ft   3) 1.6 4.4
Optimum Water Content (percent) 0.7 2.1
curv
curve,
e, va
valu
luee or popoin
intt of mamaxiximu
mum m drdry
y ununit
it we
weig
ight
ht an
andd
A
optimum water content. These numbers represent, respectively, the (1s) and (d2s) limits as described in
Practice  C670 for
Practice C670  for Prepar
Preparing
ing Precision and Bias Statements
Statements for Test
Test Method
Methodss for
12.2.1
12. 2.12
2 Percentag
Percentages es for the fra fractio
ctions
ns ret
retain
ained
ed (PC) an
andd Construction Materials.
passing (PF) the sieve used in Method A, B, or C, nearest 1 %.
In addition, if compaction data (Mod-wopt and Mod-γd,max) are NOTE   1—The precision estimates given in   Table 3   are based on the
corrected for the oversize fraction, include that data. analysis of test results from
from three pairs of AMRL proficiency samples. The
data analyzed consisted of results from 144 to 253 laboratories for each of 
NOTE   11—The Data Sheet(s)/Form requirements in Section  12  are not the three pairs of samples. The analysis included two classifications of fine
intended as requirements for reporting final test results to the requesting grained soil (group symbol CL): lean clay with sand and sandy lean clay.
agency. The requirements apply to testing records for measurements, for Average maximum unit weights ranged from 125.8 lbf/ft 3 to 132.6 lbf/ft3.
interme
intermedia
diate
te cal
calcul
culatio
ations
ns and for com
compac
pactio
tion
n poi
points
nts use
used
d to plo
plott the Average optimum water contents ranged from 8.0 percent to 10.4 percent.

11
 

  D1557 − 12 ´1

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. VOLUME OF COMPACTION

COMPACTION MOLD

A1.1 Scope of the mold. If it is necessary to use the base plate, as noted in
A1.1.1 This annex describes
A1.1.1 describes the method for determining
determining the 10.4.7,,  place the greased mold onto the base plate and secure
10.4.7
volume of a compaction mold. with the locking studs.

A1.1.2 The volume is determined

A1.1.2 determined by two methods, a water- A1.4.1.2
A1.4.1
plastic or.2 Determine
Determi
glass platesnetothe
themass oft 1the
nearest
neares greased
g and mold
record,
recor and
d, M mp both
. When
filled method and a linear-measurement method. the base plate is being used in lieu of the bottom plastic or glass
A1.1.3 The water filling method for the 4-in. (106.5-mm)
A1.1.3 (106.5-mm) plate determine the mass of the mold, base plate and a single
mold, when using a balance readable to nearest g, does not plastic or glass plate to be used on top of the mold to the
yield four significant figures for its volume, just three. Based nearest 1 g and record.
on Practice D6026
Practice  D6026,,  this limits the density/unit weight determi- A1.4.1
A1.4.1.3
.3 Plac
Placee the mold and the bot bottom
tom plate on a firm
firm,,
nations
nations pre
previo
viousl
usly
y pre
presen
sented
ted fro
from
m fou
fourr to thr
three
ee sig
signifi
nifican
cantt level surface and fill the mold with water to slightly above its
figures. To prevent this limitation, the water filling method has rim.
been adjusted from that presented in early versions of this test A1.4.1.4
A1.4.1.4 Slide the second plate over the top surface
surface of the
method. mold so that the mold remains completely filled with water and
airr bu
ai bubb
bble
less ar
aree no
nott en
entr
trap
appe
ped.
d. Ad
Add d or reremo
move
ve wa
wate
terr as
A1.2 Appar
Apparatus
atus
necessary with a bulb syringe.
A1.2.1 In addition to the apparatus
A1.2.1 apparatus listed in Section 6, the A1.4.1.5
A1.4.1.5 Complet
Completelyely dry any excess water from the outside
following items are required: of the mold and plates.
A1.2.1.1  Vernier or Dial Caliper,  having a measuring range A1.4.1.6
A1.4.1 .6 Determi
Determinene the mass of the mold, plates and water
of at least 0 to 6 in. (0 to 150 mm) and readable to at least 0.001 and record to the nearest 1 g,   M mp,w.
in. (0.02 mm). A1.4.1
A1. 4.1.7
.7 Determine
Determine the temperatur
temperaturee of the wat
water
er in the
A1.2.1.2   Inside Micrometer (optional),  having a measuring mold to the nearest 0.1°C and record. Determine and record the
range of at least 2 to 12 in. (50 to 300 mm) and readable to at density of water from the table given in   D854 or
D854  or as follows:
least 0.001 in. (0.02 mm).
ρ w,c 5 1.00034038 2 ~ 7.77 3 102 6 ! 3 T  2 ~ 4.95 3 102 6 ! 3 T 2
A1.2.1.3   Depth Micrometer (optional),  having a measuring
range of at least 0 to 6 in. (0 to 150 mm) and readable to at least (A1.1)
0.001 in. (0.02 mm). where:
A1.2.1.4   Plas
Plastic
tic or GlGlas
asss Pla
Plates— Two pl
tes—  plas
astic
tic or gl
glass
ass ρw,c  = densit
density
y of water,
water, nearest
nearest 0.00001 g/cm3, and
0.00001
plates about 8 in. by 8 in. by  ⁄ 4  in. thick (200 mm by 200 mm
  1
T    = calibr
calibration
ation test temper
temperature,
ature, neares
nearestt 0.1°C.
by 6 mm).
A1.2.1.5   Thermometer or other Thermometric Device,  hav- A1.4.1
A1.4 .1.8
.8 Calc
Calcul
ulat
atee th
thee ma
mass
ss of wa
wate
terr in ththee mold
mold by
ing a readability of 0.1°C and a maximum permissible error of  subtracting
subtracting the mass determined in   A1.4.1.2   from the mass
0.5°C. determined
determ ined in
in A1.4.1.6
 A1.4.1.6..

A1.2.1.6   Stopcock Grease  or similar sealant. A1.4.1

A1.
mass 4.1.9
of .9 Calc
Calcula
water byulate
thete density
the vol
volume
ume
of of wat
water. water
er bythis
Record dividi
dividing
ng the
volume to
A1.2.1.7   Distilled Water or De-ionized Water— Either
Either type 3
of water may be used to fill the mold when determining the the nearest 0.1 cm for the 4-in.(101.6-mm) mold or nearest 1
mold volume using the water-filling method. Distilled water or cm3 for the 6-in. (152.4-mm) mold. To determine the volume
de-ionized water may be purchased and is available in most of the mold in m3, multiply the volume in cm3 by 1 × 10–6.
grocery stores. In the procedure for the water-filling method, Record this volume, as prescribed.
distilled water, or de-ionized water, is referred to as water. A1.4
A1 .4.1
.1.1
.10
0 If th
thee wawateter-
r-fill
fillin
ing
g me
meth
thod
od is bebein
ingg us
used
ed to
A1.2.1.8   Miscella
Miscellaneous
neous equipm ent— Bulb
equipment—  Bulb syringe, towels
towels,, determine the mold’s volume and checked by linear measure-
etc. mentt meth
men method,
od, rep
repeat
eat thi
thiss vol
volume
ume det
determ
ermina
ination
tion (A1.4.1
A1.4.1.3
.3 –
A1.4.1.9)) and determine and record the average value,   V w, as
A1.4.1.9
A1.3 Precaut
Precautions
ions prescribed.
A1.3.1 Perfo
A1.3.1 Perform
rm this method in an area isolated from drafts
drafts A1.4.2   Linear Measurement Method:
or extrem
extremee temper
temperature
ature fluctua
fluctuations.
tions. A1.4
A1 .4.2
.2.1
.1 Using
Using eit
eithe
herr th
thee ve
vern
rnie
ierr cal
calip
iper
er or th
thee in
insi
side
de
micrometer (preferable), measure the inside diameter (ID) of 
A1.4 Procedur
Proceduree
the mold six times at the top of the mold and six times at the
A1.4.1   Water-Filling Method: bottom of the mold spacing each of the six top and bottom
A1.4.1.1
A1.4. 1.1 Lightl
Lightly
y grease the bottom of the compaction mold measurements equally around the inside circumference of the
and place it on one of the plastic or glass plates. Lightly grease mold. Record the values to the nearest 0.001 in. (0.02 mm).
the top of the mold. Be careful not to get grease on the inside Determine and record the average ID to the nearest 0.001 in.

12
 

  D1557 − 12 ´1

(0.02
(0.02 mm)
mm),,   d avg. Ver
erif
ify
y th
that
at th
this
is ID is wiwiththin
in sp
spec
ecifi
ified
ed havg   = ave
averag
ragee height,
height, in.
in. (mm),
(mm), and
tolerances, 4.000 6 0.016 in. (101.6 6 0.4 mm); if not, discard d avg   = ave
averag
ragee of the top and bottom
bottom diameter
diameters,
s, in. (mm).
(mm).
the mold.
If the volume in m3 is req
requir
uired,
ed, the
then
n mul
multipl
tiply
y the abo
above
ve
A1.4.2
A1.4.2.2
.2 Using the ververnier
nier cal
caliper
iper or dep
depth
th micr
microme
ometer
ter
value by 10–6.
(preferably), measure the inside height of the mold to the base
plate. In these measurements, make three or more measure- A1.5 Comparis
Comparison
on of Resul
Results
ts and Stand
Standardi
ardized
zed Volum
Volumee of 
ments equally spaced around the inside circumference of the Mold
mold, and preferably one in the center of the mold, but not
A1.5.1 The volume
A1.5.1 volume obt
obtaine
ained
d by eith
eitherer meth
method od shoshould
uld be
required (use the straightedge to facilitate the latter measure-
within the volume tolerance requirements of   of   6.1.1   and   6.1.2,
6.1.2,
men
ment t and correct
corre
straightedge). ct thethese
Record measure
meas uremen
ment
values tot the
fornearest
the thi
thickn
ckness
essin.of(0.02
0.001 the using either or cm or ft . To convert cm to ft , divide cm3 by
3 3 3 3

28 317, record to the nearest 0.0001 ft 3.

mm).
mm ). De
Dete
term
rmin
inee an
andd re
reco
cord
rd th
thee avaver
erag
agee of ththes
esee he
heig
ight
ht
measurements to the nearest 0.001 in. (0.02 mm), h avg. Verify A1.5.2
A1.5.2 The differenc
differencee between the two methods should not
that this height is within specified tolerances, 4.584 6 0.018 in. exceed 0.5 % of the nominal volume of the mold, cm 3 or ft3.
(116.4 6 0.5 mm); if not, discard the mold.
A1.5.3
A1.5. 3 Repeat the determination
determination of volume which is most
A1.4.2.3
A1.4. 2.3 Calcula
Calculate
te the volum
volumee of the mold to four signifi-
suspect, or both, if these criteria are not met.
cant digits in cm3 as follows:
A1.5.4
A1.5.4 Failur
Failuree to obtain satisfactory
satisfactory agreement
agreement between the
π 3 h avg 3 ~ d avg! 2
V lm 5 K 3   (A1.2) two methods, even after several trials, is an indication that the
4
mold is badly deformed and should be replaced.
where:
A1.5.5 Use the vol
A1.5.5 volume
ume of the mold determin
determined
ed using the
V lm   = volu
volume
me of momold
ld by linlinea
earr me
meas
asur
ureme
ement
nts,
s, to fo
four
ur water-
water-filli
filling
ng met
method
hod or line
linear
ar met
method
hod,, or ave
averag
ragee of bot
both
h
3
significant digits, cm , methods as the standardized volume for calculating the moist
K 3   = const
constant
ant to conve
convert
rt measureme
measurementsnts made
made in inch
inch (in.)
(in.) density
density (see 11.2.2.1). This value (V ) in cm3 or m3 shall have
(see   11.2.2.1).
or mm. Use 16.387 for measurements in inches. Use 3
10–3 for measurements in mm. four significant digits. The use of a volume in ft , along with
masses in lbm shall not be regarded as a nonconformance with
π   = 3.13.1415
4159,
9,
this standard.

REFERENCES

(1)   Johnson, A.W., and Sallberg, J.R.,   Factors Influencing Compaction (3)   Earth Manual, United States Bureau of Reclamation, Part 1, Third
Test Results, Highway Research Board, Bulletin 318, Publication 967, Edition, 1998, pp. 255-260.
Nation
Nat ional
al Aca
Academ demy
y of Sci
Scienc
ences-
es-Nat
Nation
ionalal Res
Resear
earch
ch Cou
Counci
ncil,
l, (4)   Earth Manual, United States Bureau of Reclamation, Part 2, Third
Washington, DC, 1962, p. 73. Edition, 1990.
(2)   Head,
Head, K. H.H.,,   Manual
Manual of Soi
Soill Lab
Labora
orator
toryy Test
esting
ing:: Volu
olume
me 1 Soi
Soill (5)   Torrey, V.H., and Donaghe, R.T., “Compaction Control of Earth-Rock 
Classification and Compaction Tests, Pentech Press, London, Second Mixtures:
Mixtu res: A New Appro ach,” Geotechnical Testing Journal, GTJODJ,
Approach,”
Edition, 1992, p. 313. Vol 17, No 3, September 1994, pp. 371-386.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to these test methods since the last issue,
D1557–09, that may impact the use of these test methods. (Approved May 1, 2012)

(1)  Revised
 Revised 6.2.2.1
 6.2.2.1   and
and 10.4.5
 10.4.5..   (2)  Added a mercury caveat in the Scope.

13
 

  D1557 − 12 ´1

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mentioned 
ned 
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of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

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14