Designation: D4253 – 00 (Reapproved 2006)

Standard Test Methods for

Maximum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils Using a
Vibratory Table1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4253; 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 Department of Defense.

1. Scope* 1.3.1 Method 1A—Using oven-dried soil and an electro-

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the
maximum–index dry density/unit weight of cohesionless, free-
draining soils using a vertically vibrating table. The adjective
“dry before density or unit weight is omitted in the title and
remaining portions of this standard to be consistent with the
applicable definition given in Section 3 on Terminology.
1.2 Systems of Units:
1.2.1 The testing apparatus described in this standard has
been developed and manufactured using values in the gravi-
metric or inch-pound system. Therefore, test apparatus dimen-
sions and mass given in inch-pound units are regarded as the
standard.
1.2.2 It is common practice in the engineering profession to
concurrently use pounds to represent both a unit of mass (lbm)
and a unit of force (lbf). This implicitly combines two separate
systems of units; that is, the absolute system and the gravita-
tional system. It is scientifically undesirable to combine the use
of two separate sets of inch-pound units within a single
standard. This standard has been written using the gravitational
system of units when dealing with the inch-pound system. In
this system, the pound (lbf) represents a unit of force (weight).
However, balances or scales measure mass; and weight must be
calculated. In the inch-pound system, it is common to assume
that 1 lbf is equal to 1 lbm. While reporting density is not
regarded as nonconformance with this standard, unit weights
should be calculated and reported since the results may be used
to determine force or stress.
1.2.3 The terms density and unit weight are often used
interchangeably. Density is mass per unit volume whereas unit
weight is force per unit volume. In this standard density is
given only in SI units. After the density has been determined,
the unit weight is calculated in SI or inch-pound units, or both.
1.3 Four alternative methods are provided to determine the
maximum index density/unit weight, as follows:
1
This standard is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture,
Plasticity and Density Characteristics of Soils.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2006. Published March 2006. Originally
approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2000 as D4253 – 00. DOI:
10.1520/D4253-00R06.
magnetic, vertically vibrating table.
1.3.2 Method 1B—Using wet soil and an electromagnetic,
vertically vibrating table.
1.3.3 Method 2A—Using oven-dried soil and an eccentric or
cam-driven, vertically vibrating table.
1.3.4 Method 2B—Using wet soil and an eccentric or
cam-driven vertically vibrating table.
1.4 The method to be used should be specified by the
individual assigning the test.
1.4.1 The type of table to be used (Method 1 or 2) is likely
to be decided based upon available equipment.
NOTE 1—There is evidence to show that electromagnetic tables yield
slightly higher values of maximum index density/unit weight than the
eccentric or cam-driven tables.
1.4.2 It is recommended that both the dry and wet methods
(Methods 1A and 1B or 2A and 2B) be performed when
beginning a new job or encountering a change in soil types, as
the wet method can yield significantly higher values of
maximum index density/unit weight for some soils. Such a
higher maximum index density, when considered along with
the minimum index density/unit weight, Test Methods D4254,
will be found to significantly affect the value of the relative
density (3.2.8) calculated for a soil encountered in the field.
While the dry method is often preferred because results can
usually be obtained more quickly, as a general rule the wet
method should be used if it is established that it produces
maximum index densities/unit weights that would significantly
affect the use/application of the value of relative density.
1.5 These test methods are applicable to soils that may
contain up to 15 %, by dry mass, of soil particles passing a No.
200 (75-µm) sieve, provided they still have cohesionless,
free-draining characteristics (nominal sieve dimensions are in
accordance with Specification E11). Further, these test methods
are applicable to soils in which 100 %, by dry mass, of soil
particles pass a 3-in. (75-mm) sieve.
1.5.1 Soils, for the purpose of these test methods, shall be
regarded as naturally occurring cohesionless soils, processed
particles, or composites or mixtures of natural soils, or mix-
tures of natural and processed particles, provided they are free
draining.

*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
 D4253 – 00 (2006)
1.6 These test methods will typically produce a higher
maximum dry density/unit weight for cohesionless, free-
draining soils than that obtained by impact compaction in
which a well-defined moisture-density relationship is not
apparent. However, for some soils containing between 5 and
15 % fines, the use of impact compaction (Test Methods D698
or D1557) may be useful in evaluating what is an appropriate
maximum index density/unit weight.
1.7 For many types of free-draining, cohesionless soils,
these test methods cause a moderate amount of degradation
(particle breakdown) of the soil. When degradation occurs,
typically there is an increase in the maximum index density/
unit weight obtained, and comparable test results may not be
obtained when different size molds are used to test a given soil.
1.8 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 appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
C127 Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific
Gravity), and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Fluids
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft3(600
kN-m/m3))
D854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
Water Pycnometer
D1140 Test Methods for Amount of Material in Soils Finer
than No. 200 (75-µm) Sieve
D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Charac-
teristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/
ft3(2,700 kN-m/m3))
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Wa-
ter (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)
D2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
(Visual-Manual Procedure)
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
D4254 Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit
Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying
Balances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
Construction Materials Testing
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
Data
2
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
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
2
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
Sieves
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions: For common definitions in this standard
refer to Terminology D653.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 dry density/unit weight, rd or g d, n—the dry density/
unit weight of a soil deposit or fill at the given void ratio.
3.2.2 given void ratio, e, n—the in situ or stated void ratio
of a soil deposit or fill.
3.2.3 maximum index density/unit weight, rdmax or gdmax,
n—the reference dry density/unit weight of a soil in the densest
state of compactness that can be attained using a standard
laboratory compaction procedure that minimizes particle seg-
regation and breakdown.
3.2.4 maximum index void ratio, emax, n—the reference void
ratio of a soil at the minimum index density/unit weight.
3.2.5 minimum index density/unit weight, rdmin or gdmin,
n—the reference dry density/unit weight of a soil in the loosest
state of compactness at which it can be placed using a standard
laboratory procedure which prevents bulking and minimizes
particle segregation.
3.2.6 minimum index void ratio, emin, n—the reference void
ratio of a soil at the maximum index density/unit weight.
3.2.7 relative density, Dd, n—the ratio, expressed as a
percentage, of the difference between the maximum index void
ratio and any given void ratio of a cohesionless, free-draining
soil; to the difference between its maximum and minimum
index void ratios. The equation is as follows:
e max 2 e
Dd 5 e 3 100 (1)
max 2 emin
or, in terms of corresponding dry densities
rdmax ~r d 2 rdmin!
Dd 5 3 100 (2)
rd ~r dmax 2 rdmin!
in terms of corresponding or dry unit weights
gdmax~g d 2 gdmin!
Dd 5
gd~g dmax 2 gdmin!
(3)
3.2.8 percent compaction or relative compaction, Rc, n—the
ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the dry density/unit weight
of a given soil to its maximum index density/unit weight. The
equation is:
rd
Rc 5 r 3 100 (4)
dmax
or
gd
Rc 5 g 3 100 (5)
dmax
3.2.9 density index, Id—the ratio, expressed as a percentage,
of the difference between any given dry density/unit weight
and the minimum index density/unit weight of a given cohe-
sionless soil to the difference between its maximum and
minimum index densities/unit weights. The equation is:
 D4253 – 00 (2006)
rd 2 r dmin
Id 5 r 2r 3 100
dmax dmin
or
g d 2 gdmin
Id 5 g 2g
dmax dmin
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The maximum index density/unit weight of a given
free-draining soil is determined by placing either oven-dried or
wet soil in a mold, applying a 2-lb/in.2(14-kPa) surcharge
(dead weight) to the surface of the soil, and then vertically
vibrating the mold, soil, and surcharge. Use either an electro-
magnetic, eccentric, or cam-driven vibrating table having a
sinusoid-like time-vertical displacement relationship at a
double amplitude of vertical vibration (peak-to-peak) of about
0.013 in. (0.33 mm) for 8 min at 60 Hz or about 0.019 in. (0.48
mm) for 10 min at 50 Hz. The maximum index density/unit
weight is calculated by dividing the oven-dried mass/weight of
the densified soil by its volume (average height of densified
soil times area of mold).
5. Significance and Use
5.1 For many cohesionless, free-draining soils, the maxi-
mum index density/unit weight is one of the key components in
evaluating the state of compactness of a given soil mass that is
either naturally occurring or placed by man (fill).
5.1.1 Relative density and percent compaction are com-
monly used for evaluating the state of compactness of a given
soil mass. Density/unit weight index is also sometimes used.
See Section 3 for descriptions of terms.
5.2 It is generally recognized that either relative density or
percent compaction is a good indicator of the state of com-
pactness of a given soil mass. However, the engineering
properties, such as strength, compressibility, and permeability
of a given soil, compacted by various methods to a given state
of compactness can vary considerably. Therefore, considerable
engineering judgment must be used in relating the engineering
properties of soil to the state of compactness.
5.3 An absolute maximum density/unit weight is not neces-
sarily obtained by these test methods.
NOTE 2—In addition, there are published data to indicate that these test
methods have a high degree of variability.3 However, the variability can be
greatly reduced by careful calibration of equipment, including the vibrat-
ing table, and careful attention to proper test procedure and technique.
NOTE 3—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, generally, are 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 assure
reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice D3740
provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
5.4 The double amplitude of vertical vibration has been
found to have a significant effect on the density obtained.3 For
a particular vibrating table and mold assembly, the maximum
3
E. T. Selig and R. S. Ladd, eds., Evaluation of Relative Density and its Role in
Geotechnical Projects Involving Cohesionless Soils , ASTM STP 523, ASTM, 1973.
index density/unit weight of a given material may be obtained
(6)
at a double amplitude of vibration other than the double
amplitude of 0.013 6 0.002 in. (0.33 6 0.05 mm) at a
frequency of 60 Hz or 0.019 6 0.003 in. (0.48 6 0.08 mm) at
(7) 50 Hz required in this method; that is, dry density/unit weight
may initially increase with increasing double amplitude of
vibration, reach a peak, and then decrease with further in-
creases in double amplitude of vibration. Furthermore, the
relationship between the peak density/unit weight and optimum
double amplitude of vibration (double amplitude of vibration
where peak density/unit weight occurrs) can vary with various
soil types and gradations. For this reason, these methods allow
the use of double amplitudes of vibration other than that
described above, in special circumstances as provided in
11.1.6.3.
5.5 The use of the standard molds (6.1.1) has been found to
be satisfactory for most soils requiring maximum index-
density/unit weight testing. Special molds (6.1.2) shall only be
used when the test results are to be applied in conjunction with
design or special studies and there is not enough soil to use the
standard molds. Such test results should be applied with
caution as maximum index densities/unit weights obtained
with the special molds may not agree with those that would be
obtained using the standard molds.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Mold Assembly—An example of a typical mold assem-
bly is shown in Fig. 1. Individual components and accessories
shall be as follows:
6.1.1 Standard Molds—Cylindrical metal molds having
nominal volumes of 0.100 ft3(2 830 cm3) and 0.500 ft3(14 200
cm3). The molds shall conform to the requirements shown in
Fig. 2. The actual volume of the molds shall be within 61.5 %
of the specified nominal volume.
6.1.2 Special Molds—Cylindrical metal molds having a
capacity less than 0.100 ft3(2 830 cm3), an inside diameter
equal to or greater than 23⁄4 in. (70 mm), but less than 4 in. (100
mm) and conforming to the design methodology presented in
Fig. 3. Such molds may only be used when the test results are
to be used in conjunction with design or other special studies
or both, and there is not enough soil to use the 0.100 ft3(2 830
cm3) mold.
6.1.3 Guide Sleeves—One guide sleeve with clamp assem-
bly, or other suitable attachment devices [see Fig. 4(a)], for
each size mold. For easy centering of the guide sleeve above
the mold, two of the three setscrews on the clamp assembly
should be provided with lock nuts.
6.1.4 Surcharge Base Plates—One surcharge base plate for
each standard size mold, conforming to the requirements of
Fig. 5.
6.1.5 Surcharge Weights—One surcharge weight for each
size mold. See Fig. 5 for tolerances related to the 0.100 ft3(2
830 cm3) and 0.500 ft3(14 200 cm3) molds. For special molds,
similar tolerances should be maintained. The total mass of the
surcharge base plate and surcharge weight shall be equivalent
to a surcharge stress of 2.00 6 0.02 lb/in.2(13.86 0.1 kPa) for
the mold being used. For special molds, the surcharge weight
can be composed of a single solid mass of metal.
3
 D4253 – 00 (2006)
FIG. 1 Schematic Drawing of a Typical Mold Assembly
6.1.6 Surcharge Base-Plate Handle—A device used to ini-
tially place and then to remove the surcharge base plate upon
completion of densification. An example of such a handle is
given in Fig. 4(b); however, any convenient hooking device
may be used.
6.2 Dial-Indicator Gage Holder and Dial Indicator—A
device used, in conjunction with the guide brackets, to measure
the difference in elevation between the top surfaces of the mold
and surcharge base plate after densification [Fig. 4(c)]. The dial
indicator shall have a 2-in. (50-mm) or greater travel, with
0.001-in. (0.025-mm) graduations and mounted so that the dial
stem is parallel with the vertical axis of the mold. The dial
indicator may be of the clockwise-movement type where the
dial pointer reads zero when the stem is extended, or of the
counterclockwise type where the dial pointer reads zero when
the stem is all the way in.
6.3 Balance(s), of sufficient capacity to determine the total
mass of the specimen and mold, having sufficient accuracy that
the mass of the soil is determined to the nearest 0.1 %.
Examples of balances capable of satisfying these requirements
for most conditions have specifications as follows:
6.3.1 For 0.500-ft3(14 200-cm3) molds, use a balance hav-
ing a minimum capacity of 40-kg and meeting the requirements
of Specification D4753 for Class GP 10 (readability of 5 g).
6.3.2 For 0.100-ft3(2 830-cm3) molds, use a balance of at
least 15-kg capacity and meeting the requirements of Specifi-
cation D4753 for Class GP 5 (readability of 1 g).
6.3.3 For special molds that are less than 0.1-ft3(2 830-cm3),
use a balance having a minimum capacity of at least 2-kg and
meeting the requirements of Specification D4753 for a Class
GP 2 (readability of 0.1 g).
6.4 Hoist—A rope, chain, or cable hoist of at least 140-kg
capacity when either the 0.100-ft3(2 830-cm3) or 0.500-
ft3(14 200 cm3) size molds are being used.
4
6.5 Drying Oven, thermostatically controlled, preferably of
the forced-draft type, capable of maintaining a uniform tem-
perature of 110 6 5°C throughout the drying chamber.
6.6 Sieves, 3-in. (75-mm), 11⁄2-in. (37.5-mm), 3⁄4-in. (19-
mm), 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm), No. 4 (4.75-mm), and No. 200 (75-µm)
sieves conforming to the requirements of Specifications E11.
6.7 Calibration Bar, metal, about 3 by 12 by 1⁄4 in. (75 by
300 by 6 mm), optional (see 10.4).
6.8 Other equipment such as mixing pans, a large metal
scoop, a hair-bristled dusting brush, a timing device indicating
minutes and seconds, a micrometer with at least a 1-in.
(25-mm) travel and with 0.001-in. (0.025-mm) graduations,
and a metal straight edge (for trimming excess soil after it has
been placed in the mold, if the minimum index density/unit
weight by Test Methods D4254 is being determined).
6.9 Vibrating Table, shall be mounted to a concrete floor or
mass of sufficient size and configuration that excess vibrations
are not transmitted to other testing areas. The vertically
vibrating deck of the table shall be of sufficient size and rigidity
that the mold assembly being used can be attached and rigidly
supported during the test. The table shall be capable of
vertically vibrating the mold assembly with a sinusoid-like
time-vertical displacement relationship at an average double
amplitude (peak-to-peak displacement) of 0.013 6 0.002 in.
(0.33 6 0.05 mm) at a frequency of 60 Hz or 0.019 6 0.003
in. (0.48 6 0.08 mm) at 50 Hz under test conditions. The table
shall have the capability for adjustment of the frequency of
vibration (between 0 to 60 Hz) or double amplitude of
vibration, or both, between about 0.005 in. (0.15 mm) and
0.013 in. (0.33 mm) at 60 Hz or about 0.007 in. (0.20 mm) and
0.019 in. (0.48 mm) at 50 Hz for use with Methods 1A, 1B, 2A,
or 2B (11.2.3). The table shall have the capability for adjust-
ment of the double amplitude of vibration between about 0.008
in. (0.20 mm) and 0.025 in. (0.64 mm) at 60 Hz or about 0.012
 D4253 – 00 (2006)

NOTE 1—Tolerances are 61⁄64 in. (60.4 mm) unless otherwise noted.
Dimensions, in. (mm)
Size Mold
+ 0.005 in. + 0.005 in.
ft3(cm3) A ( ) B ( ) C D E F
−0.000 −0.000
0.100 (2830) 6.000 (152.4) 6.112 (155.2) 71⁄8 (181.0) 61⁄2 (105.1) ⁄ (12.7)
12 11⁄8 (28.6)

0.500 (14 200) 11.000 (279.4) 9.092 (230.9) 121⁄8 (308.0) 91⁄2 (241.3) ⁄ (15.9)
58 2 (50.8)

FIG. 2 Details of Molds

in. (0.30 mm) and 0.036 in. (0.91 mm) at 50 Hz for use in
conjunction with design or other special studies (11.1.6.3).
6.9.1 Use one of the following table types:
6.9.1.1 Electromagnetic Vibrating Table—A steel table con-
forming to the requirements of 6.9 with a vertically vibrating,
cushioned steel deck generally about 30 by 30 in. (760 by 760
mm), actuated by an electromagnetic vibrator of the solid-
impact type with a net mass over 45 kg. The table shall be
mounted to a concrete floor or slab having a mass of about 450
kg.
6.9.1.2 Eccentric or Cam-Driven Vibrating Table, conform-
ing to the requirements of 6.9. The mass required to support
cam-driven tables and eliminate vibrations in other areas may
be as large as 4500 kg.
NOTE 4—See Footnote 6 (not Note 6) for examples of electromagnetic
and cam-driven vibratory tables.
7. Precautions
7.1 Safety Precautions—Use of vibratory tables in certain
acoustic environments may produce noise levels above those
considered acceptable. Suitable hearing-protection devices
shall be used in areas where such conditions are known to exist
or where acoustic monitoring surveys have not been con-
ducted. In addition, testing personnel should also adhere to any

5
 D4253 – 00 (2006)
FIG. 3 Special Cylindrical Metal Molds
additional personal safety requirements in accordance with
individual laboratory policies.
8. Sampling and Test Specimen
8.1 Prior to testing, the sample should be stored in a manner
to prevent freezing, contamination with other matter, loss of
soil, or loss of identification.
8.2 The required size (mass) of the test specimen and mold
is a function of the maximum particle size contained in the
sample and the particle-size distribution (gradation) of the
sample (see Table 1).
8.2.1 Using a visual method or Test Method D422 (depend-
ing upon the complexity of the gradation of the sample and
operator experience), determine the percentage of particles
retained on the 3-in. (75-mm), 11⁄2-in. (37.5-mm), 3⁄4-in. (19.0
mm), 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm), No. 4 (4.75-mm), and No. 200 (75-µm)
sieves.
8.2.2 The determination of the maximum index density/unit
weight should not be performed in accordance with these test
methods unless the requirements of 1.5 are met. If these
conditions are met, then the mold size and specimen mass
6
required can be determined according to the maximum particle
size as prescribed in Table 1.
8.2.3 When it is applicable to use special molds, 100 % of
the sample shall pass the 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve and have less
than 10 % retained on the 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve.
8.2.3.1 The selected test specimen shall have a mass not less
than that determined using the following equation:
Mr 5 0.0024 · Vm (8)
where:
Mr = mass required in kg, and
Vm = volume of mold in cm3.
8.3 Select a representative specimen of soil that meets the
requirements of 8.2, using a splitter, riffle, or other method
such as quartering.
8.4 If Methods 1A or 2A are being performed, dry the
specimen in the drying oven, maintained at 110 6 5°C to a
constant mass. It is often desirable to obtain the water content
of the field sample. If this is the case, determine the water
content in accordance with Test Method D2216.
 D4253 – 00 (2006)

NOTE 1—This piece shall be a steel bar, 11⁄2 by 1⁄2 in. (38.1 by 12.7 mm) of a length necessary to produce the indicated dimension from the inside of
the guide sleeve. Weld three clamp assemblies to the guide sleeve at equal spacing.
NOTE 2—These dimensions must be changed to fit the dial gage indicator used.
NOTE 3—Tolerances are 61⁄64 in. (60.4 mm) unless otherwise noted.
Size Mold, ft3(cm3) A, in. (mm) B, in. (mm) Guide Sleeve
0.100 (2830cm3) ⁄ (12.7)
12 13⁄8 (34.9) Steel tubing, 6 in. (150 mm) ID 1⁄4 in. (6.4 mm) wall, 12 in. long (305 mm)

0.500(14 200cm3) ⁄ (15.9)

58 11⁄2 (38.1) Steel pipe, 11 in. (280 mm) ID 3⁄8 in. (9.5 mm) wall, 8 in. (200 mm) long

FIG. 4 Details of Apparatus Components

8.4.1 After drying, thoroughly break up the weakly ce- TABLE 1 Required Mass of SpecimenA
mented aggregations; avoiding the reduction of the natural size Maximum Particle Size Mass of Specimen Size of Mold to be
of the particles. (100 % Passing) in. (mm) Required, (kg) Used, ft3 (cm3)
3 (75) 34 0.500(14 200)
9. Preparation of Apparatus 11⁄2 (38.1) 34 0.500(14 200)
3⁄4 (19.0) 11 0.100 (2830)
9.1 For a mold assembly in which the alignment of the 3⁄8 (9.5) 11 0.100 (2830)
guide sleeve on top of the mold is controlled by the position of No. 4 (4.75) or less 11 0.100 (2830)
the setscrews, assemble the guide sleeve on top of the mold and A
The mass of the sample should be at least two (preferably four) times these
tighten the clamp assemblies so that the inner wall of the sleeve values, since normally the wet and dry method is performed and more than one
is in line with the inner wall of the mold. Tighten the lock nuts trial is done in the dry method preferably using non-tested soil (see 11.1.11).

on the two setscrews so equipped. Loosen the set screw having

no lock nut and remove the guide sleeve. 9.3 Check that the vibrating table is in good working
9.2 Determine and record the mass of the empty mold, using condition and that parts are not loose or worn. Make any
the appropriate balance specified in 6.3. necessary adjustments or repairs.

7
 D4253 – 00 (2006)

NOTE 1—All plates shall be 1⁄2-in. (12.7-mm) thick steel.

NOTE 2—Top plates for weights may be torch-cut, but edges must be ground as smooth as practicable. Surcharge base plates must be machined to the
specified diameter.
NOTE 3—Hoisting handles shall have the same shape as the surcharge base plate handle (see Fig. 4 (b)).
Size Mold, ft3(cm3) D, in. (mm) H, in. (mm) Standard Pipe, in. (mm) Total Weight Required, lb (kg)
0.100 (2830) 515⁄16 (151) 6.0 (150) 4.0 (100) 56.5 6 0.5 (25.66 0.2)

0.500(14 200) 107⁄8 (276) 9.0 (230) 10 (250) 190 6 2 (86.2 6 0.9)

FIG. 5 Circular Surcharge Weight and Base Plate

9.4 Check that one set of initial dial readings is within6
0.005 in. (0.15 mm) of the value obtained in 10.4, that is, the
dial-gage zero has not been changed. As required, adjust the
dial gage or reperform the calibration (10.4). Alternatively, a
reference bracket [similar to that shown in Fig. 6] may be used
and, if required, adjust the dial gage to the reference bracket
reading.
10. Calibration
10.1 The following calibrations of test apparatus should be
performed before initial use and at intervals not exceeding each
1000 tests, or annually, whichever occurs first.
10.2 Molds—Determine the volume of each mold by either
the direct-measurement method or the water-filling method as
provided in 10.2.1 and 10.2.2. The volume obtained by either
method should be within 61.5 % of the nominal value. It is
recommended that both the direct-measurement and water-
filling methods be used. If the difference between the volumes
calculated from the two methods exceeds 0.5 % of the nominal
value of the mold being calibrated, then the calibration should
be repeated. Failure to obtain agreement between the two
calibration methods within the stated tolerances, even after
several trials, is an indication that the mold is badly deformed
and should be replaced. If both calibration methods are
performed, the volume obtained by the water-filling method
should be assigned to the mold (as this method more accurately
reflects the conditions over the entire mold).
10.2.1 Direct Measurement Method—The volume of the
mold is calculated from the average of at least three internal
diameter and three height measurements, evenly spaced
throughout the mold, made to the nearest 0.001 in. (0.025 mm).
Calculate and record the height, in m or cm to four significant

8
 D4253 – 00 (2006)

FIG. 6 Dial Gauge Calibration Standard (Reference Bracket)

digits (in accordance with Practice D6026). Calculate and
record the cross-sectional area, Am, (m2 or cm2) and volume,
Vm, (m3 or cm3) to four significant digits (in accordance with
Practice D6026).
10.2.2 Water-Filling Method—Completely fill the mold
with water. Slide a glass plate carefully over the top surface
(rim) of the mold to ensure that the mold is completely filled
with water. A thin film of grease or silicone lubricant on the rim
of the mold will make a watertight joint between the glass plate
and rim of the mold. Determine the mass of the water required
to fill the mold using the appropriate balance specified in 6.3.3.
Determine the temperature of this water to the nearest degree
Celsius. From Table 2, obtain the unit volume of water in
milliliters per gram at the observed temperature. Calculate and
record the volume of the mold (m3 or cm3) to four significant
digits as follows:
10.2.2.1 For mass measurements in grams, the calculated
volume in cubic centimeters (cm3) is obtained by multiplying
the mass of water, in grams, used to fill the mold by the volume
of water per gram (mL/g), from Table 2. To determine the
volume in cubic meters (m3), multiply the volume in cm3 by 1
3 10−6.

9
 D4253 – 00 (2006)
TABLE 2 Volume of Water per Gram Based on TemperatureA 10.5 Vibrating Table—The calibration shall consist of de-
Temperature Volume of Water per termining, under simulated test conditions and for each mold
Gram size being used, the required rheostat, eccentric, or cam setting
°C °F mL/g for the electro-magnetic, eccentric, or cam-driven table, re-
15 59.0 1.00090 spectively, such that the mold has a double amplitude of
16 60.8 1.00106 vertical vibration of 0.013 6 0.002 in. (0.33 6 0.05 mm) at 60
17 62.6 1.00122
18 64.4 1.00140 Hz or 0.019 6 0.003 in. (0.48 6 0.08 mm) at 50 Hz. The
19 66.2 1.00129 double amplitude of vibration should be measured on the mold
20 68.0 1.00180 to the nearest 0.0005 in. (0.015 mm). It is recommended that
21 69.8 1.00201
22 71.6 1.00223 during each calibration a relationship between the double
23 73.4 1.00246 amplitude of vertical vibration versus the rheostat, eccentric, or
24 75.2 1.00271 cam setting be established.
25 77.0 1.00296
26 78.8 1.00322 10.5.1 While there are many different equipment configu-
27 80.6 1.00350 rations that can be used to measure this double amplitude of
28 82.4 1.00378 vibration, it is not easily measured unless one has considerable
29 84.2 1.00407
30 86.0 1.00437 experience. Typical calibration procedure and equipment re-
A
Values other than shown may be obtained by referring to the CRC Handbook
quirements have been given in the Geotechnical Testing
of Chemistry and Physics. David R. Lide, Editor-in-Chief, 74th Edition, 1993–1994 Journal.4
10.5.2 In addition to the calibration frequency recom-
10.2.2.2 If only the water-filling method is used to deter- mended in 10.1, the vibrating table should also be calibrated
mine the volume of the mold, then the cross-sectional area of before reuse after any event (including repairs) which might
the mold must be calculated by dividing its measured volume affect its operation and whenever the test results are question-
(10.2.2) by its measured height (10.2.1). able.
10.3 Surcharge Base Plate—Calculate and record the aver-
age thickness of the surcharge base plate (Tp) to the nearest 11. Procedure
0.001 in. (0.025 mm) from at least four measurements using a 11.1 Dry Method—Methods 1A or 2A:
vernier or micrometer caliper. Calculate and record this thick- 11.1.1 Mix the oven-dried specimen to provide an even
ness, Tp in same units that dial gage is recorded. distribution of particle sizes; that is, having as little segregation
10.4 Initial Dial Reading—This value may be obtained as possible.
using the calibration bar, as provided in 10.4.1 or without the 11.1.2 Fill the mold with soil and level the surface of the
bar, as provided in 10.4.2, if the contact area between the mold soil using methods that minimize segregation (see Note 5). A
guide bracket and the collar of the dial gage holder (Fig. 2 and scoop or pouring device (funnel) should be used to place the
Fig. 4) has been machined level or made level by the use of soil in the mold. The sides of the mold may be struck a few
brass inserts. times using a metal bar, rubber hammer, or similar item to
10.4.1 Initial Dial Reading with Calibration Bar— settle the soil so that the surcharge base plate can be easily
Determine the thickness of the calibration bar to 0.001 in. placed into position and there is no surge of air from the mold
(0.025 mm) using a micrometer. Place the calibration bar when vibration is initiated.
across the diameter of the mold and between the vertical axis
of the guide brackets. Insert the dial-indicator gage holder in NOTE 5—If the minimum index density/unit weight is also being
performed, the soil shall be placed in accordance with the appropriate
each of the guide brackets on the mold with the dial gage stem method specified in Test Methods D4254. The mass of the mold plus soil
on top of the calibration bar and its vertical axis in line with the shall also be determined and recorded.
vertical axis of the opposite guide bracket. The dial gage holder
should be placed in the same position in the guide brackets 11.1.3 Place the appropriate surcharge base plate on the
each time by means of matchmarks on the guide brackets and surface of the soil and twist it slightly several times so that it
the holder. Obtain six dial indicator readings, three on each the is firmly and uniformly in contact with the surface of the soil.
left and the right sides, and average these six readings. To Remove the surcharge base-plate handle.
compute the initial dial reading, Ri, for clockwise-reading dial 11.1.4 Attach the mold to the vibrating table.
indicators, subtract the thickness of the calibration bar from the 11.1.5 Firmly attach the guide sleeve to the mold and lower
average of the six dial indicator readings. To compute the appropriate surcharge weight onto the surcharge base plate.
counterclockwise-reading dial indicators, Ri, add the thickness 11.1.6 Setting for double amplitude of vibration.
of the calibration bar to the average of the six dial indicator 11.1.6.1 Method 1A—Set the vibrator control (rheostat) at
readings. Record Ri to the nearest 0.001 in. (0.025 mm). the setting determined in 10.5 for the mold assembly being
10.4.2 Initial Dial Reading Without Calibration Bar—Insert used to obtain a double amplitude of vertical vibration of 0.013
the dial indicator gage holder in each of the guide brackets with 6 0.002 in. (0.33 6 0.05 mm) at 60 Hz or 0.019 6 0.003 in.
the dial gage stem in contact with the rim of the mold (at its (0.486 0.08 mm) at 50 Hz.
center) on both sides of the guide brackets. Obtain six sets of
dial indicator readings, three on each side of each guide 4
Kaufman, L. P., Strickland, E. A., and Benavidez, A. A.,“ Suggested Method for
bracket. The average of these twelve readings is the initial dial the Calibration of Vibrating Tables for Maximum Index Density Testing,” Geotech-
gage reading, Ri. Record Ri to the nearest 0.001 in. (0.025 mm). nical Testing Journal, GTJODJ, Vol 2, No. 3, Sept. 1979, pp. 152–157.

10
 D4253 – 00 (2006)
11.1.6.2 Method 2A—Set the eccentric or cam at the setting
determined in 10.5 for the mold assembly being used to obtain
a double amplitude of vertical vibration of 0.013 6 0.002 in.
(0.33 6 0.05 mm) at 60 Hz or 0.019 6 0.003 in. (0.486 0.08
mm) at 50 Hz.
11.1.6.3 As stated in 5.4, there is a relationship between
density/unit weight and double amplitude of vibration, and the
peak density/unit weight occurs at an optimum double ampli-
tude of vibration which may not be the same as the maximum
index density/unit weight obtained at the double amplitude of
vibration prescribed in 11.1.6.1 and 11.1.6.2. Therefore, this
method allows the use of a double amplitude of vertical
vibration other than those prescribed in 11.1.6.1 or 11.1.6.2 if
the following conditions are met:
(a) (a) Test results are to be used in conjunction with
design or special studies or both, and
(b) (b) The double amplitude of vertical vibration used
should be: (a) the optimum double amplitude of vertical
vibration (see the Appendix X1 for a recommended method to
obtain the optimum double amplitude of vibration), (b) less
than 0.025 in. (0.64 mm) at 60 Hz or 0.037 in. (0.94 mm) at 50
Hz, and (c) greater than 0.008 in. (0.20 mm) at 60 Hz or 0.012
in. (0.30 mm) at 50 Hz (except when filling the mold for the
wet method, 11.2.3). In terms of nominal peak acceleration,
these values are greater than about 1.5 g (14 m/s2) and less than
about 4.8 g (45 m/s2).
NOTE 6—The nominal peak acceleration can be calculated using the
following equation:
Ar 5 0.0511 · ~2Yr! · f2
(9)
where:
Ar = nominal peak acceleration in g,
2Yr = double amplitude of vertical vibration in inches, and
f = frequency in cycles per second, Hz.
11.1.7 Vibrate the mold assembly and specimen for 8 6 1⁄4
min at 60 6 2 Hz or for 12 6 1⁄4 min at 50 6 2 Hz. Remove
the surcharge weight and guide sleeve from the mold. Check
that the surcharge base plate is firmly and uniformly in contact
with the surface of the soil; that is, does not wobble when
pressed at the edges. If it wobbles, this should be noted on the
report form (data sheet).
11.1.8 To obtain and record dial indicator gage readings on
opposite sides of the surcharge base plate, place the indicator
gage holder in each of the guide brackets. Brush aside any fines
that might have collected on the surcharge base plate where
these readings will be taken.
11.1.9 Remove the surcharge base plate from the mold and
detach the mold from the vibratory table. During this step,
prevent (as much as possible) any fines that have collected on
the surfaces of the surcharge base plate and the rim of the mold
from entering the mold. If the mass of these fines is greater
than about 0.2 % of the total mass of the specimen, determine
the mass and note it on the report form (data sheet).
11.1.10 Determine and record the mass of the mold and soil
using a balance meeting the requirements of 6.3. To calculate
and record the mass of the soil filling the mold, subtract the
mass of the empty mold from the mass of the mold and soil.
11
Alternately, the contents of the mold may be emptied into a pan
and weighed. Calculate the maximum-index density/unit
weight, rdmax,n, in accordance with Section 12.
11.1.11 Steps 11.1.1-11.1.10 should be repeated until con-
sistent values of maximum index density/unit weight (prefer-
ably within 2 %) are obtained. If excessive degradation (par-
ticle breakdown) of the soil is suspected, a sufficient quantity
of representative soil sample should be provided (if possible),
so that a single test specimen is not repeatedly subjected to step
11.1.7.
11.2 Wet Method—Methods 1B or 2B:
11.2.1 The wet method may be conducted on either oven-
dried soil to which sufficient water is added or, if preferred, on
wet soil from the field. Mix the sample to provide an even
distribution of particle sizes and water content with as little
segregation as possible. If water is added to dry soil, allow a
minimum soaking period of about 1⁄2 h. The amount of water
added should be sufficient enough that free water does not
accumulate in the mixing pan, and the specimen will become
basically saturated during the densification process.
NOTE 7—The following equation can be used to estimate the amount of
water required to be added to an oven-dried soil or, initially, try about
1000 mL for every 4.5 kg of dry soil.
S
rw 2 1
MW 5 M s · r 2 G
d s
D (10)
where:
Mw = mass of water in grams,
rd = estimated dry density after initial placement in mold
in Mg/m3. This typically ranges between 1.6 and 1.9
Mg/m3.
Ms = mass of test specimen in grams,
rw = density of water, 1 Mg/m3, and
Gs = specific gravity of soil solids.
11.2.2 Attach the mold to the vibrating table.
11.2.3 With the vibrating table turned on, slowly fill the
mold with wet soil using a scoop or shovel. After each
increment of soil is added, inspect to see if a small amount of
free water has accumulated on the soil surface. If not, add a
sufficient amount of water by squeezing from a sponge,
pouring from a small container, or by other means. During this
process, which is to take 5 to 6 minutes, the double amplitude
or the frequency or both, of vibration must be adjusted to
prevent excessive boiling and fluffing of the soil. During and
just after the final minute of vibration, any water appearing
above the surface of the soil should be removed using means
which prevent, as much as possible, the removal of soil.
11.2.4 Assemble the surcharge base plate, surcharge weight,
and guide sleeve as specified in 11.1.3 and 11.1.5.
11.2.5 Vibrate the mold assembly and specimen as specified
in 11.1.6-11.1.7. After the vibration period, remove the sur-
charge weight and guide sleeve from the mold. Remove any
free water appearing above, on, and around the surcharge base
plate.
11.2.6 Obtain and record dial indicator-gage readings in
accordance with 11.1.8.
11.2.7 Remove the surcharge base plate and detach the mold
from the vibratory table in accordance with 11.1.9. If a
 D4253 – 00 (2006)
determination of the specimen water content is desired, deter- gdmax 5 9.807 · rdmax, kN/m3 , or (14)
mine and record the mass of the mold and soil. Carefully 3
gdmax 5 62.428 · rdmax, lbf/ft
remove the entire wet specimen from the mold, placing it in a
pan of known mass for oven drying. Wash all particles clinging where:
to the inside of the mold and bottom of the base plate into the gdmax = maximum-index unit weight, kN/m3 or lbf/ft3
pan. Dry the specimen in a drying oven, maintained at 110 6 9.807 = conversion factor, Mg/m3 or g/cm3 to kN/m3,
5°C to a constant mass (Test Method D2216). Determine and and
record its oven-dried mass, using a balance meeting the 62.428 = conversion factor, Mg/m3 or g/cm3 to lbf/ft3.
requirements of 6.3.
NOTE 8— rdmax is the average value if Method 1A or 2A is used, see
12.1.1.
12. Calculation
12.1 Calculate the maximum index density for each trial 12.2 If requested, calculate the minimum-index void ratio,
(see 11.1.11) as follows: emin, as follows:
Ms rw · Gavg
rdmax,n5 V (11) emin 5 r 21 (15)
dmax

where: where:
rdmax,n = maximum index density for given trial, Mg/m3 emin = minimum-index void ratio,
or g/cm3 rw = density of water at 20°C (0.99821) or equal
Ms = mass of the tested-dry soil, Mg or g, and to 1 Mg/m3 or g/cm3,
V = volume of the tested-dry soil, m3 or cm3, being rdmax = maximum-index density, Mg/m3 or g/cm3,
equal to: and
Gavg@20°C = weighted average specific gravity of soil
V 5 Vc2 ~Ac · H · Conversion Factor! (12) solids composed of particles larger and
with: Conversion Factor given in Table 3; and smaller than the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve
Vc = calibrated volume of mold, m3 or cm3, being equal to:
Ac = calibrated cross sectional area of mold, m2 or cm3, 1
Gavg @20°C 5 (16)
and R P
H = positive difference in elevation between top surfaces 100G1 @20°C 1 100G2 @20°C
of mold and tested soil (botto surface of surcharge
base plate), m or cm, being equal to:, with:
G1@20°C = apparent specific gravity of the soil solids
retained on the No. 4 sieve as determined by
H 5 Rf 2 Ri 1 Tp for clockwise2reading dial indicator, or (13) Test Method C127 and corrected to 20°C (see
H 5 Ri 2 Rf 1 Tp for counterclockwise2reading dial indicator. Test Methods D854),
G2@20°C = specific gravity of the soil solids passing the
with: No. 4 sieve as determined by Test Methods
Ri = initial dial reading (see 10.4), mm or in., D854,
Rf = average of final dial gage readings on opposite sides R = percentage of soil particles retained on the No.
of the surcharge base plate after completion of the 4 sieve, and
vibration period, mm or in., and P = percentage of soil particles passing the No. 4
Tp = thickness of surcharge base plate, mm or in. sieve.
12.1.1 Calculate the average maximum-index denisty/unit
12.3 If the minimum index density/unit weight, rdmin or
weight from the trials of the dry method that agree within 2 %,
gdmin, has been determined in accordance with Test Methods
see 11.1.11. This average value is to recorded/reported as the
D4254; and the soil deposit or fill dry density/unit weight, rd or
maximum-index density, rdmax.
gd, or void ratio, e, is known, the relative density, Dd, can be
12.1.1.1 If it is established that the wet method produces a
calculated by any of the equations given in 3.2.7, i.e., Equa-
maximum–index density/unit weight higher than the dry
tions 1, 2, or 3.
method and this higher value would significantly affect its
application, then the result of the wet method should be used.
13. Report
12.1.2 If requested, calculate the maximum-index unit
weight of the specimen as follows: 13.1 The report shall include the following information:
13.1.1 Origin of material used in test.
13.1.2 Description of appearance of test specimen, based on
TABLE 3 Dial Reading Conversion Factors for Volume
Calculations Practice D2488 (Practice D2487 may be used as an alterna-
tive).
Factor
Dial Reading Units 13.1.3 The Methods (1A, 1B, 2A, or 2B) and size of mold
Volume Requirements
mm in. used.
m3 0.001 0.0254
cm3 0.1 0.2540 13.1.4 Double amplitude of vertical vibration used if differ-
ent from that specified in 11.1.6.1 or 11.1.6.2.

12
 D4253 – 00 (2006)
13.1.5 The maximum index density, rdmax, Mg/m3 or g/cm3 TABLE 5 Summary of Single Test Result from Each Laboratory
or maximum-index unit weight, gdmax in lbf/ft3(kN/m3), or (Maximum Index Unit Weight)A
both, to four significant digits (in accordance with Practice (1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Acceptable
D6026). Standard Range of Two
13.1.6 Any abnormalities such as loss of material, segrega- Number of Test Average Value Deviation Results
tion, or excessive tilt of base plate. Soil Type Labs (lbf/ft3) (lbf/ft3) (lbf/ft3)
Multilaboratory Results—Reproducibility (Single Test Performed by Each
14. Precision and Bias Laboratory):
SP 12 116.9 1.8 5.1
14.1 Precision—Criteria for judging the acceptability of test A
See footnotes in Table 4.
results obtained by these test methods, using Method 1A and
testing a poorly graded sand (SP), is given in Tables 4 and 5.
These estimates of precision are based on the results of the Practice E691, which recommends each testing laboratory
interlaboratory program conducted by the ASTM Reference perform a minimum of three replicate tests. Results of two
Soils and Testing Program.5 In this program, some laboratories properly conducted tests performed by the same operator on
performed three replicate tests per soil type (triplicate test the same material, using the same equipment, and in the
laboratory), while other laboratories performed a single test per shortest practical period of time should not differ by more than
soil type (single-test laboratory). A description of the soil tested the single-operator d2s limits shown in Table 4, Column 5. For
is given in 14.1.4. The precision estimates may vary with soil definition of d2s see Footnote C in Table 4. Results of two
type and method used (Method 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B). Judgement is properly conducted tests performed by different operators and
required when applying these estimates to another soil or on different days should not differ by more than the multilabo-
method. ratory d2s limits shown in Table 4, Column 5.
14.1.1 The data in Table 4 are based on three replicate tests 14.1.2 In the ASTM Reference Soils and Testing Program,
performed by each triplicate test laboratory on the SP sand. The many of the laboratories performed only a single test. This is
single operator and multilaboratory standard deviation shown common practice in the design and construction industry. The
in Table 4, Column 4 were obtained in accordance with data in Table 5 are based upon the first test results from the
triplicate test laboratories and the single test results from the
other laboratories. Results of two properly conducted tests
5
Supporting data are available from ASTM Headquarters. Request RR:D18- performed by two different laboratories with different operators
1011.
using different equipment and on different days should not vary
by more than the d2slimits shown in Table 5, Column 5. The
TABLE 4 Summary of Test Results from Triplicate Test
results in Tables 4 and 5 are dissimilar because the data sets are
Laboratories (Maximum Index Unit Weight)
different.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Number of Average Standard Acceptable
14.1.3 Table 4 presents a rigorous interpretation of triplicate
Triplicate Test ValueA DeviationB Range of Two test data in accordance with Practice E691 from pre-qualified
Soil Type Labs (lbf/ft3) (lbf/ft3) ResultsC (lbf/ft3) laboratories. Table 5 is derived from test data that represents
Single-Operator Results (Within-Laboratory Repeatability): common practice.
SP 8 117.3 0.6 1.5
Multilaboratory Results (Between-Laboratory Reproducibility):
14.1.4 Soil Type—Based on the multilaboratory test results,
SP 8 117.3 1.0 2.7 the soil used in the program is described below in accordance
A
The number of significant digits and decimal places presented are represen- with Practice D2487. In addition, the local name of the soil is
tative of the input data. In accordance with Practice D6026, the standard deviation given.
and acceptable range of results can not have more decimal places than the input
SP—Poorly graded sand, SP, 20 % coarse sand, 48 % medium sand, 30 %
data.
B fine sand, 2 % fines, yellowish brown. Local name—Frederick sand.
Standard deviation is calculated in accordance with Practice E691 and is
referred to as the 1s limit. 14.2 Bias—There is no accepted reference value for these
C
Acceptable range of two results is referred to as the d2s limit. It is calculated as
1.960 =2 · 1s, as defined by Practice E177. The difference between two properly test methods, therefore, bias cannot be determined.
conducted tests should not exceed this limit. The number of significant digits/
decimal places presented is equal to that prescribed by these test methods or 15. Keywords
Practice D6026. In addition, the value presented can have the same number of
decimal places as the standard deviation, even if that result has more significant 15.1 maximum index density; maximum index unit weight;
digits than the standard deviation. relative density; vibrating table

13
 D4253 – 00 (2006)
APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. RECOMMENDED METHOD TO OBTAIN THE OPTIMUM DOUBLE AMPLITUDE OF VIBRATION

X1.1 To reduce testing problems, the dry method (Test
Method A) should be used. The size of mold used should be in
accordance with 8.2.
X1.2 For the mold size and vibrating table being used,
establish the relationship between the double amplitude of
vertical vibration of the mold assembly, and the rheostat,
eccentric, or cam setting under simulated test conditions.
X1.3 Select between four and six test specimens from the
sample using a splitter, riffle, or other method, such as
quartering, and dry each specimen. An unused portion of
material shall be used for each trial to eliminate any cumulative
degradation effects of the soil.
X1.4 Using the procedure outlined in Section 11 (except for
11.1.6) perform about four trials with the double amplitude of
vibration varying between about 0.008 in. (0.2 mm) and 0.025
in. (0.64 mm) for 60 Hz. See Table X1.1 for a typical set of
then additional trials using other values as indicated in Table
X1.1 or between those already tried shall be used.
X1.5 From the data obtained in X1.4, plot the dry density/
unit weight values as ordinates with corresponding double
amplitude of vibration values as abscissas. Draw a smooth
curve connecting the plotted points. The double amplitude of
vibration corresponding to the peak of this curve is termed the
optimum double amplitude of vibration, while the peak dry
density/unit weight is termed the optimum maximum-index
density/unit weight.
X1.6 For soils susceptible to degradation, the optimum
maximum-index density/unit weight may not be clearly de-
fined, that is, dry density/unit weight may continue to increase
with increasing double amplitude of vibration beyond a rea-
sonable value of 0.025 in. (0.64 mm) at 60 Hz or 0.037 in.
(0.93 mm) at 50 Hz. For this case, a selected optimum double

TABLE X1.1 Typical Set of Double Amplitude of Vibration Values

Frequency of
Double Amplitude of Vibration, in. (mm)
Vibration
50 Hz 0.012 (0.30) 0.017 (0.43) 0.022 (0.56) 0.026A (0.66) 0.030A (0.76) 0.036A (0.91)
60 Hz 0.008 (0.20) 0.012 (0.30) 0.015 (0.38) 0.018 (0.46) 0.021 (0.53) 0.025A (0.64)
A
For some electromagnetic tables, double amplitudes of vibration of 0.025 in. (0.64 mm) and above may be harmful to the electromagnets. This can be checked by
inserting a strip of paper between the electromagnets in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

double amplitude of vibration values which may be used. If a amplitude value of 0.015 in. (0.38 mm) at 60 Hz or 0.022 in.
peak dry density/unit weight is not clearly defined (see X1.5) (0.56 mm) at 50 Hz shall be used.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

In accordance with Committee D18 policy, this section identifies the location of changes to this standard since
the last edition (93(Reapproved 1996)) that may impact its use.

(1) The Summary of Changes section was added
(2) “Test Methods” was changed to “Methods” where appli-
cable.
(3) Reworded sentences in 1.1 and 1.2.3.
(4) Note 1 was reworded.
(5) Under Terminology, changed order in which some terms are
presented and corrected some equations so the resultant is in
percent.
(6) References to Practice E380 were replaced with references
to Practice D6026. Also, references to Practices D3740,
D6026, E177, E691, and Test Method D1140 were made where
applicable.
(7) Note 3 was added (and all subsequent notes were renum-
bered) in accordance with D18 policy.
(8) In 6.3.1-6.3.3 under balances gave the required readability
for the specified balance.
(9) Under Calibration in 10.2.2, reworded how the mass of
water is to be determined (use appropriate balance specified in
Apparatus Section). In 10.2.2.1, reworded and added sentence
covering how to determine the volume in m3.
(10) The mL/g constants in Table 2 were updated to agree with
the density of water given in Test Methods D854. Also, values
at one °C intervals were included and the reference was
changed to agree with Test Methods D854.
(11) In 10.4.1, the determination of the “initial dial reading”
was reworded.
(12) In 12.1, reworded to indicate the density being calculated
was for each trial, not the final result. In addition, the definition
for “H” was added and the equation for “H” using clockwise-
reading dial indicator was corrected.

14
 D4253 – 00 (2006)
(13) In 12.1.1-12.2 the sequence of calculations were modified, (16) In 13.1.5, the reporting requirement for density or unit
and many of the definitions for terms used in equations were weight was changed from “three” to “four” significant digits.
reworded to maintain consistency and agreement with Test (17) In Table 1, the title for maximum particle size was
Methods D854. modified to agree with that given in Test Methods D1140,
(14) In 12.3, the second equations was corrected so the result D854.
is in percent.
(18) Section 14 on Precision and Bias was revised completely.
(15) The constants in Table 3 were corrected.

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15
 Designation: D 854 – 02

Standard Test Methods for

Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by Water Pycnometer1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 854; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope * 1.4 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the as standard. No other units of measurement are included in
specific gravity of soil solids that pass the 4.75-mm (No. 4) these test methods.
sieve, by means of a water pycnometer. When the soil contains 1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
particles larger than the 4.75-mm sieve, Test Method C 127 safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
shall be used for the soil solids retained on the 4.75-mm sieve responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
and these test methods shall be used for the soil solids passing priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
the 4.75-mm sieve. bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.1.1 Soil solids for these test methods do not include solids 2. Referenced Documents
which can be altered by these methods, contaminated with a
substance that prohibits the use of these methods, or are highly 2.1 ASTM Standards:
organic soil solids, such as fibrous matter which floats in water. C 127 Test Method for Specific Gravity and Absorption of
Coarse Aggregate2
NOTE 1—The use of Test Method D 5550 may be used to determine the D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
specific gravity of soil solids having solids which readily dissolve in water
Fluids3
or float in water, or where it is impracticable to use water.
D 1140 Test Method for Amount of Material in Soils Finer
1.2 Two methods for performing the specific gravity are Than the No. 200 (75-µm) Sieve3
provided. The method to be used shall be specified by the D 2216 Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water
requesting authority, except when testing the types of soils (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass3
listed in 1.2.1 D 2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering
1.2.1 Method A—Procedure for Moist Specimens, described Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)3
in 9.2. This procedure is the preferred method. For organic D 3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
soils; highly plastic, fine grained soils; tropical soils; and soils Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock
containing halloysite, Method A shall be used. as Used in Engineering Design and Construction3
1.2.2 Method B—Procedure for Oven-Dry Specimens, de- D 4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying
scribed in 9.3. Balances and Scales for Use in Soil, Rock, and Related
1.3 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the Construction Materials Testing3
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in D 5550 Test Method for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by
Practice D 6026. Gas Pycnometer3
1.3.1 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/ D 6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechni-
recorded and calculated in this standard are regarded as the cal Data4
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the E 11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur-
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce- poses5
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for E 177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider- ASTM Test Methods5
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
increase or reduce significant digits of reported data to be Determine the Precision of a Test Method5
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope
of these test methods to consider significant digits used in 3. Terminology
analysis methods for engineering design. 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in these test
1
This standard is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
2
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.03 on Texture, Plasticity, Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02.
3
and Density Characteristics of Soils. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08.
4
Current edition approved July 10, 2002. Published September 2002. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.09.
5
published as D 854 – 45. Last previous edition D 854 – 00e1. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.

*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
 D 854 – 02
methods, refer to Terminology D 653.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 specific gravity of soil solids, Gs, n—the ratio of the
mass of a unit volume of a soil solids to the mass of the same
volume of gas-free distilled water at 20°C.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The specific gravity of a soil solids is used in calculating
the phase relationships of soils, such as void ratio and degree
of saturation.
4.1.1 The specific gravity of soil solids is used to calculate
the density of the soil solids. This is done by multiplying its
specific gravity by the density of water (at proper temperature).
4.2 The term soil solids is typically assumed to mean
naturally occurring mineral particles or soil like particles that
are not readily soluble in water. Therefore, the specific gravity
of soil solids containing extraneous matter, such as cement,
lime, and the like, water-soluble matter, such as sodium
chloride, and soils containing matter with a specific gravity less
than one, typically require special treatment (see Note 1) or a
qualified definition of their specific gravity.
4.3 The balances, pycnometer sizes, and specimen masses
are established to obtain test results with three significant
digits.
NOTE 2—The quality of the result produced by these test methods 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 D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent
and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of these test methods
are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in itself
assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors; Practice
D 3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
5. Apparatus
5.1 Pycnometer—The water pycnometer shall be either a
stoppered flask, stoppered iodine flask, or volumetric flask with
a minimum capacity of 250 mL. The volume of the pycnometer
must be 2 to 3 times greater than the volume of the soil-water
mixture used during the deairing portion of the test.
5.1.1 The stoppered flask mechanically sets the volume. The
stoppered iodine flask has a flared collar that allows the stopper
to be placed at an angle during thermal equilibration and
prevents water from spilling down the sides of the flask when
the stopper is installed. The wetting the outside of the flask is
undesirable because it creates changes in the thermal equilib-
rium. When using a stopper flask, make sure that the stopper is
properly labeled to correspond to the flask.
5.2 Balance—A balance meeting the requirements of Guide
D 4753 for a balance of 0.01 g readability. When using the
250–mL pycnometers, the balance capacity shall be at least 500
g and when using the 500–mL pycnometers, the balance
capacity shall be at least 1000 g.
5.3 Drying Oven—Thermostatically controlled oven, ca-
pable of maintaining a uniform temperature of 110 6 5°C
throughout the drying chamber. These requirements usually
require the use of a forced-draft oven.
5.4 Thermometer—Thermometer capable of measuring the
temperature range within which the test is being performed,
readable to the nearest 0.1°C and an immersion depth ranging
between 25 to 80 mm. Full immersion thermometers shall not
2
be used. Either a general-purpose precision mercury thermom-
eter or a digital thermometer with a –1 to 57°C range will meet
this requirement.
5.5 Desiccator—A desiccator cabinet or large desiccator jar
of suitable size containing silica gel or anhydrous calcium
sulfate.
NOTE 3—It is preferable to use a desiccant that changes color to
indicate when it needs reconstitution.
5.6 Entrapped Air Removal Apparatus—To remove en-
trapped air (deairing process), use one of the following:
5.6.1 Hot Plate or Bunsen Burner, capable of maintaining a
temperature adequate to boil water.
5.6.2 Vacuum System, a vacuum pump or water aspirator,
capable of producing a partial vacuum of 100 mm of mercury
(Hg) or less absolute pressure.
NOTE 4—A partial vacuum of 100 mm Hg absolute pressure is
approximately equivalent to a 660 mm (26 in.) Hg reading on vacuum
gauge at sea level.
5.7 Insulated Container—A Styrofoam cooler and cover or
equivalent container that can hold between three and six
pycnometers plus a beaker, a water bottle, and a thermometer.
This is required to maintain a controlled temperature environ-
ment where changes will be uniform and gradual.
5.8 Funnel—A non-corrosive smooth surface funnel with a
stem that extends past the calibration mark on the volumetric
flask or stoppered seal on the stoppered flasks. The diameter of
the stem of the funnel must be large enough that soil solids will
easily pass through.
5.9 Pycnometer Filling Tube with Lateral Vents
(optional)—A device to assist in adding deaired water to the
pycnometer without disturbing the soil-water mixture. The
device may be fabricated as follows. Plug a 1⁄4to 3⁄8 in. diameter
plastic tube at one end and cut two small vents (notches) just
above the plug. The vents should be perpendicular to the axis
of the tube and diametrically opposed. Connect a valve to the
other end of the tube and run a line to the valve from a supply
of deaired water.
5.10 Sieve—No. 4 (4.75 mm) conforming to the require-
ments of Specification E 11.
5.11 Blender (optional)—A blender with mixing blades
built into the base of the mixing container.6
5.12 Miscellaneous Equipment, such as a computer or
calculator (optional), specimen dishes, and insulated gloves.
6. Reagents
6.1 Purity of Water—Distilled water is used in this test
method. This water may be purchased and is readily available
at most grocery stores; hereafter, distilled water will be referred
to as water.
7. Test Specimen
7.1 The test specimen may be moist or oven-dry soil and
shall be representative of the soil solids that passes the U. S.
Standard No. 4 sieve in the total sample. Table 1 gives
guidelines on recommended dry soil mass versus soil type and
pycnometer size.
6
Manufacturers of such blenders include, but are not limited to, Waring or
Osterizer.
 D 854 – 02
TABLE 1 Recommended Mass for Test Specimen
Soil Type Specimen Dry Mass (g) Specimen Dry Mass (g)
When Using 250 mL When Using 500 mL
Pycnometer Pycnometer
SP, SP-SM 60 6 10 1006 10
SP-SC, SM, SC 45 6 10 756 10
Silt or Clay 35 6 5 506 10
7.1.1 Two important factors concerning the amount of soil
solids being tested are as follows. First, the mass of the soil
solids divided by its specific gravity will yield four-significant
digits. Secondly, the mixture of soil solids and water is a slurry
not a highly viscous fluid (thick paint) during the deairing
process.
8. Calibration of Pycnometer
8.1 Determine the mass of the clean and dry pycnometer to
the nearest 0.01 g (typically five significant digits). Repeat this
determination five times. One balance should be used for all of
the mass measurements. Determine and record the average and
standard deviation. The standard deviation shall be less than or
equal to 0.02 g. If it is greater, attempt additional measure-
ments or use a more stable or precise balance.
8.2 Fill the pycnometer with deaired water to above or
below the calibration mark depending on the type of pycnom-
eter and laboratory preference to add or remove water.
8.2.1 It is recommended that water be removed to bring the
water level to the calibration mark. The removal method
reduces the chances of altering the thermal equilibrium by
reducing the number of times the insulated container is opened.
8.2.2 The water must be deaired to ensure that there are no
air bubbles in the water. The water may be deaired using either
boiling, vacuum, combination of vacuum and heat, or a
deairing device. This deaired water should not be used until it
has equilibrated to room temperature. Also, this water shall be
added to the pycnometer following the guidance given in 9.6.
8.3 Up to six pycnometers can be calibrated concurrently in
each insulated container. Put the pycnometer(s) into a covered
insulated container along with the thermometer, a beaker of
water, stopper(s) (if a stoppered pycnometer is being used), and
deaired water in a bottle along with either an eyedropper or
pipette. Let the pycnometer(s) come to thermal equilibrium
(for at least 3 h). The equilibrium temperature should be within
4°C of room temperature and between 15 and 30°C.
8.4 Move the insulated container near the balance or vice
versa. Open the container and remove one pycnometer. Only
the rim of the pycnometer shall be touched as to prevent the
heat from handling changing the thermal equilibrium. Either
work in the container or place the pycnometer on an insulated
block (Styrofoam) while making water level adjustments.
8.4.1 If using a volumetric flask as a pycnometer, adjust the
water to the calibration mark, with the bottom of the meniscus
level with the mark. If water has to be added, use the thermally
equilibrated water from the insulated container. If water has to
be removed, use a small suction tube or paper towel. Check for
and remove any water beads on the pycnometer stem or on the
exterior of the flask. Measure and record the mass of pycnom-
eter and water to the nearest 0.01 g.
8.4.2 If a stoppered flask is used, place the stopper in the
3
bottle, then remove the excess water using an eyedropper. Dry
the rim using a paper towel. Be sure the entire exterior of the
flask is dry. Measure and record the mass of pycnometer and
water to the nearest 0.01 g.
8.5 Measure and record the temperature of the water to the
nearest 0.1°C using the thermometer that has been thermally
equilibrated in the insulated container. Insert the thermometer
to the appropriate depth of immersion (see 5.4). Return the
pycnometer to the insulated container. Repeat the measure-
ments for all pycnometers in the container.
8.6 Readjust the water level in each pycnometer to prepare
for the next calibration and allow the pycnometers to thermally
equilibrate (for at least 3 h). Repeat the procedure to obtain five
independent measurements on each pycnometer. The tempera-
tures do not need to bracket any particular temperature range.
8.7 Using each of these five data points, compute the
calibrated volume of each pycnometer, Vp, using the following
equation:
~Mpw,c – Mp!
Vp 5 rw,c (1)
where:
Mpw,c = the mass of the pycnometer and water at the
calibration temperature, g,
Mp = the average mass of the dry pycnometer at
calibration, g, and
rw,c = the mass density of water at the calibration
temperature g/mL, (Table 2).
8.8 Calculate the average and the standard deviation of the
five volume determinations. The standard deviation shall be
less than or equal to 0.05 mL (rounded to two decimal places).
If the standard deviation is greater than 0.05 mL, the calibra-
tion procedure has too much variability and will not yield
accurate specific gravity determinations. Evaluate areas of
possible refinement (adjusting the volume to the calibration
mark, achieving temperature equilibrium, measuring tempera-
ture, deairing method or changing to the stoppered flasks) and
revise the procedure until the standard deviation is less than or
equal to 0.05 mL.
9. Procedure
9.1 Pycnometer Mass—Using the same balance used to
calibrate the pycnometer, verify that the mass of the pycnom-
eter is within 0.06 g of the average calibrated mass. If it is not,
re-calibrate the dry mass of the pycnometer.
9.2 Method A—Procedure for Moist Specimens:
9.2.1 Determine the water content of a portion of the sample
in accordance with Test Method D 2216. Using this water
content, calculate the range of wet masses for the specific
gravity specimen in accordance with 7.1. From the sample,
obtain a specimen within this range. Do not sample to obtain an
exact predetermined mass.
9.2.2 To disperse the soil put about 100 mL of water into the
mixing container of a blender or equivalnet device. Add the
soil and blend. The minimum volume of slurry that can be
prepared by this equipment will typically require using a
500-mL pycnometer.
9.2.3 Using the funnel, pour the slurry into the pycnometer.
Rinse any soil particles remaining on the funnel into the
 D 854 – 02
TABLE 2 Density of Water and Temperature Coefficient (K) for Various TemperaturesA
Temperature Temperature Temperature
Temperature Density Temperature Temperature Density Temperature Density Temperature Density
Coefficient Coefficient Coefficient
(°C) (g/mL)B Coefficient (K) (°C) (g/mL)B (°C) (g/mL)B (°C) (g/mL)B
( K) (K) ( K)
15.0 0.99910 1.00090 16.0 0.99895 1.00074 17.0 0.99878 1.00057 18.0 0.99860 1.00039
.1 0.99909 1.00088 .1 0.99893 1.00072 .1 0.99876 1.00055 .1 0.99858 1.00037
.2 0.99907 1.00087 .2 0.99891 1.00071 .2 0.99874 1.00054 .2 0.99856 1.00035
.3 0.99906 1.00085 .3 0.99890 1.00069 .3 0.99872 1.00052 .3 0.99854 1.00034
.4 0.99904 1.00084 .4 0.99888 1.00067 .4 0.99871 1.00050 .4 0.99852 1.00032
.5 0.99902 1.00082 .5 0.99886 1.00066 .5 0.99869 1.00048 .5 0.99850 1.00030
.6 0.99901 1.00080 .6 0.99885 1.00064 .6 0.99867 1.00047 .6 0.99848 1.00028
.7 0.99899 1.00079 .7 0.99883 1.00062 .7 0.99865 1.00045 .7 0.99847 1.00026
.8 0.99898 1.00077 .8 0.99881 1.00061 .8 0.99863 1.00043 .8 0.99845 1.00024
.9 0.99896 1.00076 .9 0.99879 1.00059 .9 0.99862 1.00041 .9 0.99843 1.00022
19.0 0.99841 1.00020 20.0 0.99821 1.00000 21.0 0.99799 0.99979 22.0 0.99777 0.99957
.1 0.99839 1.00018 .1 0.99819 0.99998 .1 0.99797 0.99977 .1 0.99775 0.99954
.2 0.99837 1.00016 .2 0.99816 0.99996 .2 0.99795 0.99974 .2 0.99773 0.99952
.3 0.99835 1.00014 .3 0.99814 0.99994 .3 0.99793 0.99972 .3 0.99770 0.99950
.4 0.99833 1.00012 .4 0.99812 0.99992 .4 0.99791 0.99970 .4 0.99768 0.99947
.5 0.99831 1.00010 .5 0.99810 0.99990 .5 0.99789 0.99968 .5 0.99766 0.99945
.6 0.99829 1.00008 .6 0.99808 0.99987 .6 0.99786 0.99966 .6 0.99764 0.99943
.7 0.99827 1.00006 .7 0.99806 0.99985 .7 0.99784 0.99963 .7 0.99761 0.99940
.8 0.99825 1.00004 .8 0.99804 0.99983 .8 0.99782 0.99961 .8 0.99759 0.99938
.9 0.99823 1.00002 .9 0.99802 0.99981 .9 0.99780 0.99959 .9 0.99756 0.99936
23.0 0.99754 0.99933 24.0 0.99730 0.99909 25.0 0.99705 0.99884 26.0 0.99679 0.99858
.1 0.99752 0.99931 .1 0.99727 0.99907 .1 0.99702 0.99881 .1 0.99676 0.99855
.2 0.99749 0.99929 .2 0.99725 0.99904 .2 0.99700 0.99879 .2 0.99673 0.99852
.3 0.99747 0.99926 .3 0.99723 0.99902 .3 0.99697 0.99876 .3 0.99671 0.99850
.4 0.99745 0.99924 .4 0.99720 0.99899 .4 0.99694 0.99874 .4 0.99668 0.99847
.5 0.99742 0.99921 .5 0.99717 0.99897 .5 0.99692 0.99871 .5 0.99665 0.99844
.6 0.99740 0.99919 .6 0.99715 0.99894 .6 0.99689 0.99868 .6 0.99663 0.99842
.7 0.99737 0.99917 .7 0.99712 0.99892 .7 0.99687 0.99866 .7 0.99660 0.99839
.8 0.99735 0.99914 .8 0.99710 0.99889 .8 0.99684 0.99863 .8 0.99657 0.99836
.9 0.99732 0.99912 .9 0.99707 0.99887 .9 0.99681 0.99860 .9 0.99654 0.99833
27.0 0.99652 0.99831 28.0 0.99624 0.99803 29.0 0.99595 0.99774 30.0 0.99565 0.99744
.1 0.99649 0.99828 .1 0.99621 0.99800 .1 0.99592 0.99771 .1 0.99562 0.99741
.2 0.99646 0.99825 .2 0.99618 0.99797 .2 0.99589 0.99768 .2 0.99559 0.99738
.3 0.99643 0.99822 .3 0.99615 0.99794 .3 0.99586 0.99765 .3 0.99556 0.99735
.4 0.99641 0.99820 .4 0.99612 0.99791 .4 0.99583 0.99762 .4 0.99553 0.99732
.5 0.99638 0.99817 .5 0.99609 0.99788 .5 0.99580 0.99759 .5 0.99550 0.99729
.6 0.99635 0.99814 .6 0.99607 0.99785 .6 0.99577 0.99756 .6 0.99547 0.99726
.7 0.99632 0.99811 .7 0.99604 0.99783 .7 0.99574 0.99753 .7 0.99544 0.99723
.8 0.99629 0.99808 .8 0.99601 0.99780 .8 0.99571 0.99750 .8 0.99541 0.99720
.9 0.99627 0.99806 .9 0.99598 0.99777 .9 0.99568 0.99747 .9 0.99538 0.99716
A
Reference: CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, David R. Lide, Editor-in-Chief, 74th Edition, 1993–1994.
B
mL = cm3.

pycnometer using a wash/spray squirt bottle.
9.2.4 Proceed as described in 9.4.
9.3 Method B—Procedure for Oven-Dried Specimens:
9.3.1 Dry the specimen to a constant mass in an oven
maintained at 110 6 5°C. Break up any clods of soil using a
mortar and pestle. If the soil will not easily disperse after
drying or has changed composition, use Test Method A. Refer
to 1.2.1 for soils that require use of Test Method A.
9.3.2 Place the funnel into the pycnometer. The stem of the
funnel must extend past the calibration mark or stopper seal.
Spoon the soil solids directly into the funnel. Rinse any soil
particles remaining on the funnel into the pycnometer using a
wash/spray squirt bottle.
9.4 Preparing the Soil Slurry—Add water until the water
level is between 1⁄3 and 1⁄2 of the depth of the main body of the
pycnometer. Agitate the water until slurry is formed. Rinse any
soil adhering to the pycnometer into the slurry.
9.4.1 If slurry is not formed, but a viscous paste, use a
pycnometer having a larger volume. See 7.1.1.
NOTE 5—For some soils containing a significant fraction of organic
matter, kerosene is a better wetting agent than water and may be used in
place of distilled water for oven-dried specimens. If kerosene is used, the
entrapped air should only be removed by use of an aspirator. Kerosene is
a flammable liquid that must be used with extreme caution.
9.5 Deairing the Soil Slurry—Entrapped air in the soil
slurry can be removed using either heat (boiling), vacuum or
combining heat and vacuum.
9.5.1 When using the heat-only method (boiling), use a
duration of at least 2 h after the soil-water mixture comes to a
full boil. Use only enough heat to keep the slurry boiling.
Agitate the slurry as necessary to prevent any soil from sticking
to or drying onto the glass above the slurry surface.
9.5.2 If only a vacuum is used, the pycnometer must be
continually agitated under vacuum for at least 2 h. Continually
agitated means the silt/clay soil solids will remain in suspen-
sion, and the slurry is in constant motion. The vacuum must
remain relatively constant and be sufficient to cause bubbling at
the beginning of the deairing process.
9.5.3 If a combination of heat and vacuum are used, the
pycnometers can be placed in a warm water bath (not more
than 40°C) while applying the vacuum. The water level in the
bath should be slightly below the water level in the pycnom-
eter, if the pycnometer glass becomes hot, the soil will
typically stick to or dry onto the glass. The duration of vacuum

4
 D 854 – 02
and heat must be at least 1 h after the initiation of boiling. soil solids plus tare to the nearest 0.01 g using the designated
During the process, the slurry should be agitated as necessary balance. Calculate and record the mass of dry soil solids to the
to maintain boiling and prevent soil from drying onto the nearest 0.01 g.
pycnometer.
NOTE 6—This method has been proven to provide more consistent,
9.6 Filling the Pycnometer with Water—Fill the pycnometer repeatable results than determining the dry mass prior to testing. This is
with deaired water (see 8.2.2) by introducing the water through most probably due to the loss of soil solids during the de-airing phase of
a piece of small-diameter flexible tubing with its outlet end testing.
kept just below the surface of the slurry in the pycnometer or
by using the pycnometer filling tube. If the pycnometer filling 10. Calculation
tube is used, fill the tube with water, and close the valve. Place 10.1 Calculate the mass of the pycnometer and water at the
the tube such that the drainage holes are just at the surface of test temperature as follows:
the slurry. Open the valve slightly to allow the water to flow Mpw,t 5 Mp 1 ~Vp · rw,t! (2)
over the top of the slurry. As the clear water layer develops,
raise the tube and increase the flow rate. If the added water where:
becomes cloudy, do not add water above the calibration mark Mrw,t = mass of the pycnometer and water at the test
or into the stopper seal area. Add the remaining water the next temperature (Tt), g,
day. Mp = the average calibrated mass of the dry
9.6.1 If using the stoppered iodine flask, fill the flask, such pycnometer, g,
that the base of the stopper will be submerged in water. Then Vp = the average calibrated volume of the pycnometer,
rest the stopper at an angle on the flared neck to prevent air mL, and
entrapment under the stopper. If using a volumetric or stop- rw,t = the density of water at the test temperature (Tt),
pered flask, fill the flask to above or below the calibration mark g/mL from Table 2.
depending on preference. 10.2 Calculate the specific gravity at soil solids the test
9.7 If heat has been used, allow the specimen to cool to temperature, Gt as follows:
approximately room temperature. rs Ms
Gt 5 r 5 (3)
9.8 Thermal Equilibrium—Put the pycnometer(s) into the w,t ~Mrw,t 2 ~Mrws,t – Ms!!
insulated container. The thermometer, a beaker of water, and
some deaired water in a bottle along with either an eyedropper where:
or pipette should also be placed in the insulated container. rs = the density of the soil solids Mg/m3 or g/cm3,
Keep these items in the closed container overnight to achieve rw,t = the density of water at the test temperature (Tt),
thermal equilibrium. from Table 2, g/mL or g/cm3.
Ms = the mass of the oven dry soil solids (g), and
9.9 Pycnometer Mass Determination—If the insulated con- Mrws,t = the mass of pycnometer, water, and soil solids at
tainer is not positioned near a balance, move the insulated the test temperature, (Tt), g.
container near the balance or vice versa. Open the container
10.3 Calculate the specific gravity of soil solids at 20°C as
and remove the pycnometer. Only touch the rim of the
follows:
pycnometer because the heat from hands can change the
thermal equilibrium. Place the pycnometer on an insulated G20°C 5 K · Gt (4)
block (Styrofoam or equivalent). where:
9.9.1 If using a volumetric flask, adjust the water to the K = the temperature coefficient given in Table 2.
calibration mark following the procedure in 8.4.1. 10.4 For soil solids containing particles greater than the
9.9.2 If a stoppered flask is used, place the stopper in the 4.75-mm (No. 4) sieve for which Test Method C 127 was used
bottle while removing the excess water using an eyedropper. to determine the specific gravity of these particles, calculate an
Dry the rim using a paper towel. Be sure the entire exterior of average specific gravity. Test Method C 127 requires the test be
the flask is dry. performed at 23 6 1.7°C and does not require the specific
9.10 Measure and record the mass of pycnometer, soil, and gravity data to be corrected to 20°C. Use 10.3 to correct this
water to the nearest 0.01 g using the same balance used for measurement to 20°C. Use the following equation to calculate
pycnometer calibration. the average specific gravity:
9.11 Pycnometer Temperature Determination—Measure 1
and record the temperature of the slurry/soil-water mixture to Gavg@20°C 5 R P (5)
the nearest 0.1°C using the thermometer and method used 100 · G 1@20°C 1 100 · G2@20°C
during calibration in 8.5. This is the test temperature, Tt.
9.12 Mass of Dry Soil—Determine the mass of a tare or pan where:
to the nearest 0.01 g. Transfer the soil slurry to the tare or pan. R = the percent of soil retained on the 4.75-mm
It is imperative that all of the soil be transferred. Water can be sieve,
added. Dry the specimen to a constant mass in an oven P = the percent of soil passing the 4.75-mm sieve,
maintained at 110 6 5°C and cool it in a desiccator. If the tare G1@20°C = the apparent specific gravity of soils retained
can be sealed so that the soil can not absorb moisture during on the 4.75-mm sieve as determined by Test
cooling, a desiccator is not required. Measure the dry mass of Method C 127, corrected to 20°C

5
 D 854 – 02

G2@20°C = the specific gravity of soil solids passing the TABLE 3 Summary of Test Results from Triplicate Test
Laboratories (Specific Gravity)
4.75-mm sieve as determined by these test
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
methods (Equation 4). Number of Acceptable
Triplicate Test Average Standard Range of Two
11. Report: Test Data Sheets(s)/Form(s) Soil Type Labs ValueA DeviationB ResultsC
11.1 The method used to specify how data are recorded on Single-Operator Results (Within- Laboratory Repeatability):
the test data sheets or forms, as given below, is the industry CH 14 2.717 0.009 0.03
CL 13 2.670 0.006 0.02
standard, and are representative of the significant digits that ML 14 2.725 0.006 0.02
should be retained. These requirements do not consider in situ SP 14 2.658 0.006 0.02
material variation, use of the data, special purpose studies, or Multilaboratory Results (Between- Laboratory Reproducibility):
CH 14 2.717 0.028 0.08
any considerations for the user’s objectives. It is common CL 13 2.670 0.022 0.06
practice to increase or reduce significant digits of reported data ML 14 2.725 0.022 0.06
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope SP 14 2.658 0.008 0.02
A
of the standard to consider significant digits used in analysis The number of significant digits and decimal places presented are represen-
tative of the input data. In accordance with Practice D 6026, the standard deviation
methods for engineering design. and acceptable range of results cannot have more decimal places than the input
11.2 Record as a minimum the following information (data): data.
B
11.2.1 Identification of the soil (material) being tested, such Standard deviation is calculated in accordance with Practice E 691 and is
referred to as the 1s limit.
as boring number, sample number, depth, and test number. C
Acceptable range of two results is referred to as the d2s limit. It is calculated as
11.2.2 Visual classification of the soil being tested (group 1.960=2· 1s, as defined by Practice E 177. The difference between two properly
name and symbol in accordance with Practice D 2487). conducted tests should not exceed this limit. The number of significant digits/
decimal places presented is equal to that prescribed by these test methods or
11.2.3 Percent of soil particles passing the No. 4 (4.75-mm) Practice D 6026. In addition, the value presented can have the same number of
sieve. decimal places as the standard deviation, even if that result has more significant
digits than the standard deviation.
11.2.4 If any soil or material was excluded from the test
specimen, describe the excluded material.
11.2.5 Method used (Method A or Method B). TABLE 4 Summary of Single Test Result from Each Laboratory
(Specific Gravity)A
11.2.6 All mass measurements (to the nearest 0.01 g).
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
11.2.7 Test temperature (to the nearest 0.1°C). Acceptable
11.2.8 Specific gravity at 20°C (G, Gs, G20°C) to the nearest Number of Test Average Standard Range of Two
0.01. If desired, values to the nearest 0.001 may be recorded. Soil Type Laboratories Value Deviation Results
11.2.9 Average specific gravity at 20°C (Gave or Gavg@20°C) Multilaboratory Results (Single-Test Performed by Each Laboratory):
to the nearest 0.01, if applicable. CH 18 2.715 0.027 0.08
CL 18 2.673 0.018 0.05
ML 18 2.726 0.022 0.06
12. Precision and Bias SP 18 2.660 0.007 0.02
12.1 Precision—Criteria for judging the acceptability of test A
See footnotes in Table 3.
results obtained by these test methods on a range of soil types
using Method A (except the soil was air dried) is given in the single-operator d2s limits shown in Table 3, Column 5. For
Tables 3 and 4. These estimates of precision are based on the definition of d2s see Footnote C in Table 3. Results of two
results of the interlaboratory program conducted by the ASTM properly conducted tests performed by different operators and
Reference Soils and Testing Program.7 In this program, some on different days should not differ by more than the multilabo-
laboratories performed three replicate tests per soil type ratory d2s limits shown in Table 3, Column 5.
(triplicate test laboratory), while other laboratories performed a 12.1.2 In the ASTM Reference Soils and Testing Program,
single test per soil type (single test laboratory). A description of many of the laboratories performed only a single test. This is
the soils tested is given in 12.1.4. The precision estimates may common practice in the design and construction industry. The
vary with soil type and method used (Method A or B). data in Table 4 are based upon the first test result from the
Judgement is required when applying these estimates to triplicate test laboratories and the single test results from the
another soil or method. other laboratories. Results of two properly conducted tests
12.1.1 The data in Table 3 are based on three replicate tests performed by two different laboratories with different operators
performed by each triplicate test laboratory on each soil type. using different equipment and on different days should not vary
The single operator and multilaboratory standard deviation by more than the d2s limits shown in Table 4, Column 5. The
shown in Table 3, Column 4 were obtained in accordance with results in Tables 3 and 4 are dissimilar because the data sets are
Practice E 691, which recommends each testing laboratory different.
perform a minimum of three replicate tests. Results of two 12.1.3 Table 3 presents a rigorous interpretation of triplicate
properly conducted tests performed by the same operator on test data in accordance with Practice E 691 from prequalified
the same material, using the same equipment, and in the laboratories. Table 4 is derived from test data that represents
shortest practical period of time should not differ by more than common practice.
12.1.4 Soil Type—Based on the multilaboratory test results,
the soil used in the program is described below in accordance
7
Supporting data is available from ASTM Headquarters. Request RR: D18- with Practice D 2487. In addition, the local name of the soil is
1009. given.

6
 D 854 – 02
CH—Fat clay, CH, 99 % fines, LL=60, PI=39, grayish brown, soil had been SP—Poorly graded sand; SP, 20 % coarse sand, 48 % medium sand, 30 %
air dried and pulverized. Local name—Vicksburg Buckshot Clay fine sand, 2 % fines, yellowish brown. Local name—Frederick sand
CL—Lean clay, CL, 89 % fines, LL=33, PI=13, gray, soil had been air dried
and pulverized. Local name—Annapolis Clay 12.2 Bias—There is no acceptable reference value for this
ML—Silt, ML, 99 % fines, LL=27, PI=4, light brown, soil had been air dried
and pulverized. Local name—Vicksburg Silt
test method, therefore, bias cannot be determined.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

In accordance with Committee D18 policy, this section identifies the location of changes to this standard since
the last edition (00e1) that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) The balance capacity was reduced from 2000 g to either the beaker during thermal equilibrium.
500 g or 1000 g depending on pycnometer size. (3) 9.2 The dispersion technique is better defined.
(2) 8.3 and 9.8. The thermometer no longer is required to be in

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the
responsible technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should
make your views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
United States. Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above
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(www.astm.org).

7
 Designation: D 698 – 00a
Standard Test Methods for
Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using
Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3(600 kN-m/m3))1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 698; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope *
1.1 These test methods covers laboratory compaction meth-
ods used to determine the relationship between water content
and dry unit weight of soils (compaction curve) compacted in
a 4 or 6-in. (101.6 or 152.4-mm) diameter mold with a 5.5-lbf
(24.4-N) rammer dropped from a height of 12 in. (305 mm)
producing a compactive effort of 12,400 ft-lbf/ft3(600 kN-m/
m3).
NOTE 1—The equipment and procedures are similar as those proposed
by R. R. Proctor (Engineering News Record—September 7, 1933) with
this one major exception: his rammer blows were applied as “12 inch firm
strokes” instead of free fall, producing variable compactive effort depend-
ing on the operator, but probably in the range 15,000 to 25,000 ft-lbf/ft3
(700 to 1,200 kN-m/m3). The standard effort test (see 3.2.2) is sometimes
referred to as the Proctor Test.
NOTE 2—Soils and soil-aggregate mixtures should be regarded as
natural occurring fine- or coarse-grained soils or composites or mixtures
of natural soils, or mixtures of natural and processed soils or aggregates
such as silt, gravel, or crushed rock.
1.2 These test methods apply only to soils (materials) that
have 30 % or less by mass of particles retained on the 3⁄4-inch
(19.0-mm) sieve.
NOTE 3—For relationships between unit weights and water contents of
soils with 30 % or less by mass of material retained on the 3⁄4-in.
(19.0-mm) sieve to unit weights and water contents of the fraction passing
3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve, see Practice D 4718.
1.3 Three alternative methods are provided. The method
used shall be as indicated in the specification for the material
being tested. If no method is specified, the choice should be
based on the material gradation.
1.3.1 Method A:
1.3.1.1 Mold—4-in. (101.6-mm) diameter.
1.3.1.2 Material—Passing No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve.
1.3.1.3 Layers—Three.
1.3.1.4 Blows per layer—25.
1.3.1.5 Use—May be used if 20 % or less by mass of the
material is retained on the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve.
1
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
and Density Characteristics of Soils.
Current edition approved June 10, 2000. Published September 2000. Originally
published as D 698 – 42T. Last previous edition D 698 – 00.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1
1.3.1.6 Other Use—If this method is not specified, materials
that meet these gradation requirements may be tested using
Methods B or C.
1.3.2 Method B:
1.3.2.1 Mold—4-in. (101.6-mm) diameter.
1.3.2.2 Material—Passing 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve.
1.3.2.3 Layers—Three.
1.3.2.4 Blows per layer—25.
1.3.2.5 Use—Shall be used if more than 20 % by mass of
the material is retained on the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve and 20 %
or less by mass of the material is retained on the 3⁄8-in.
(9.5-mm) sieve.
1.3.2.6 Other Use—If this method is not specified, materials
that meet these gradation requirements may be tested using
Method C.
1.3.3 Method C:
1.3.3.1 Mold—6-in. (152.4-mm) diameter.
1.3.3.2 Material—Passing 3⁄4-inch (19.0-mm) sieve.
1.3.3.3 Layers—Three.
1.3.3.4 Blows per layer—56.
1.3.3.5 Use—Shall be used if more than 20 % by mass of
the material is retained on the 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve and less
than 30 % by mass of the material is retained on the 3⁄4-in.
(19.0-mm) sieve.
1.3.4 The 6-in. (152.4-mm) diameter mold shall not be used
with Method A or B.
NOTE 4—Results have been found to vary slightly when a material is
tested at the same compactive effort in different size molds.
1.4 If the test specimen contains more than 5 % by mass of
oversize fraction (coarse fraction) and the material will not be
included in the test, corrections must be made to the unit mass
and water content of the specimen or to the appropriate field in
place density test specimen using Practice D 4718.
1.5 This test method will generally produce a well defined
maximum dry unit weight for non-free draining soils. If this
test method is used for free draining soils the maximum unit
weight may not be well defined, and can be less than obtained
using Test Methods D 4253.
1.6 The values in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values stated in SI units are provided for
information only.
1.6.1 In the engineering profession it is customary practice
 D 698
to use, interchangeably, units representing both mass and force, D 5030 Test Method for Density of Soil and Rock in Place
unless dynamic calculations (F = Ma) are involved. This by the Water Replacement Method in a Test Pit3
implicitly combines two separate systems of units, that is, the D 6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechni-
absolute system and the gravimetric system. It is scientifically cal Data4
undesirable to combine the use of two separate systems within E 1 Specification for ASTM Thermometers5
a single standard. This test method has been written using E 11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur-
inch-pound units (gravimetric system) where the pound (lbf) poses6
represents a unit of force. The use of mass (lbm) is for E 177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
convenience of units and is not intended to convey the use is ASTM Test Metods7
scientifically correct. Conversions are given in the SI system in E 319 Practice for the Evaluation of Single-Pan Mechanical
accordance with IEEE/ASTM SI 10. The use of balances or Balances6
scales recording pounds of mass (lbm), or the recording of E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
density in lbm/ft3 should not be regarded as nonconformance Determine the Precision of a Test Method6
with this standard. IEEE/ASTM SI 10 Standard for Use of the International
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the System of Units (SI): the Modern Metric System8
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 3. Terminology
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 3.1 Definitions: See Terminology D 653 for general defini-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. tions.
2. Referenced Documents 3.2 Description of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 oversize fraction (coarse fraction), Pc in %—the
2.1 ASTM Standards: portion of total sample not used in performing the compaction
C 127 Test Method for Specific Gravity and Absorption of test; it may be the portion of total sample retained on the No.
Coarse Aggregate2 4 (4.75-mm), 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm), or 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve.
C 136 Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse 3.2.2 standard effort—the term for the 12,400 ft-lbf/ft3(600
Aggregate2 kN-m/m3) compactive effort applied by the equipment and
D 422 Test Method for Particle Size Analysis of Soils3 methods of this test.
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained 3.2.3 standard maximum dry unit weight, gdmax in lbf/ft3
Fluids3 (kN/m3)—the maximum value defined by the compaction
D 854 Test Methods for Specific Gravity of Soil Solids by curve for a compaction test using standard effort.
Water Pycnometer3 3.2.4 standard optimum water content, w, in %—the water
D 1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Charac- content at which a soil can be compacted to the maximum dry
teristics of Soil Using Modified Efforts (56,000 ft-lbf/ unit weight using standard compactive effort.
ft3(2,700 kN-m/m3)) Drop3 3.2.5 test fraction (finer fraction), PF in %—the portion of
D 2168 Test Methods for Calibration of Laboratory the total sample used in performing the compaction test; it is
Mechanical-Rammer Soil Compactors3 the fraction passing the No. 4 (4.75-mm) sieve in Method A,
D 2216 Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water minus 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm) sieve in Method B, or minus 3⁄4-in.
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass3 (19.0-mm) sieve in Method C.
D 2487 Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering
Purposes (Unified Soil Classification System)3 4. Summary of Test Method
D 2488 Practice for Description and Identification of Soils
(Visual-Manual Procedure)3 4.1 A soil at a selected water content is placed in three
D 3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies layers into a mold of given dimensions, with each layer
Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock compacted by 25 or 56 blows of a 5.5-lbf (24.4-N) rammer
as Used in Engineering Design and Construction3 dropped from a distance of 12-in. (305-mm), subjecting the soil
D 4220 Practices for Preserving and Transporting Soil to a total compactive effort of about 12,400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600
Samples3 kN-m/m3). The resulting dry unit weight is determined. The
D 4253 Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit procedure is repeated for a sufficient number of water contents
Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table3 to establish a relationship between the dry unit weight and the
D 4718 Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water water content for the soil. This data, when plotted, represents a
Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles3 curvilinear relationship known as the compaction curve. The
D 4753 Specification for Evaluating, Selecting and Speci- values of optimum water content and standard maximum dry
fying Balances and Scales For Use in Soil, Rock, and unit weight are determined from the compaction curve.
Construction Materials Testing3
D 4914 Test Methods for Density of Soil and Rock in Place
by the Sand Replacement Method in a Test Pit3 4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.09.
5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.03.
6
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
2 7
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.02. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.09.
3 8
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.08. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.04.

2
 D 698
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Soil placed as engineering fill (embankments, founda-
tion pads, road bases) is compacted to a dense state to obtain
satisfactory engineering properties such as, shear strength,
compressibility, or permeability. Also, foundation soils are
often compacted to improve their engineering properties.
Laboratory compaction tests provide the basis for determining
the percent compaction and water content needed to achieve
the required engineering properties, and for controlling con-
struction to assure that the required compaction and water
contents are achieved.
5.2 During design of an engineered fill, shear, consolidation,
permeability, or other tests require preparation of test speci-
mens by compacting at some water content to some unit
weight. It is common practice to first determine the optimum
water content (wo) and maximum dry unit weight (gdmax) by
means of a compaction test. Test specimens are compacted at
a selected water content (w), either wet or dry of optimum (wo)
or at optimum (wo), and at a selected dry unit weight related to
a percentage of maximum dry unit weight (gdmax). The
selection of water content (w), either wet or dry of optimum
(wo) or at optimum (wo) and the dry unit weight (gdmax) may be
based on past experience, or a range of values may be
investigated to determine the necessary percent of compaction.
5.3 Experience indicates that the methods outlined in 5.2 or
the construction control aspects discussed in 5.1 are extremely
difficult to implement or yield erroneous results when dealing
with certain soils. 5.3.1-5.3.3 describe typical problem soils,
the problems encountered when dealing with such soils and
possible solutions for these problems.
5.3.1 Oversize Fraction—Soils containing more than 30 %
oversize fraction (material retained on the 3⁄4-in. (19-mm)
sieve) are a problem. For such soils, there is no ASTM test
method to control their compaction and very few laboratories
are equipped to determine the laboratory maximum unit weight
(density) of such soils (USDI Bureau of Reclamation, Denver,
CO and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Vicksburg, MS).
Although Test Methods D 4914 and D 5030 determine the
“field” dry unit weight of such soils, they are difficult and
expensive to perform.
5.3.1.1 One method to design and control the compaction of
such soils is to use a test fill to determine the required degree
of compaction and the method to obtain that compaction,
followed by use of a method specification to control the
compaction. Components of a method specification typically
contain the type and size of compaction equipment to be used,
the lift thickness, and the number of passes.
NOTE 5—Success in executing the compaction control of an earthwork
project, especially when a method specification is used, is highly
dependent upon the quality and experience of the “contractor” and
“inspector.”
5.3.1.2 Another method is to apply the use of density
correction factors developed by the USDI Bureau of Reclama-
tion (1,2)9 and U.S. Corps of Engineers (3). These correction
factors may be applied for soils containing up to about 50 to
9
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
this standard.
3
70 % oversize fraction. Each agency uses a different term for
these density correction factors. The USDI Bureau of Recla-
mation uses D ratio (or D – VALUE), while the U.S. Corps of
Engineers uses Density Interference Coefficient (Ic).
5.3.1.3 The use of the replacement technique (Test Method
D 698–78, Method D), in which the oversize fraction is
replaced with a finer fraction, is inappropriate to determine the
maximum dry unit weight, gdmax, of soils containing oversize
fractions (3).
5.3.2 Degradation—Soils containing particles that degrade
during compaction are a problem, especially when more
degradation occurs during laboratory compaction than field
compaction, as is typical. Degradation typically occurs during
the compaction of a granular-residual soil or aggregate. When
degradation occurs, the maximum dry-unit weight increases (4)
so that the laboratory maximum value is not representative of
field conditions. Often, in these cases, the maximum dry unit
weight is impossible to achieve in the field.
5.3.2.1 Again, for soils subject to degradation, the use of
test fills and method specifications may help. Use of replace-
ment techniques is not correct.
5.3.3 Gap Graded—Gap-graded soils (soils containing
many large particles with limited small particles) are a problem
because the compacted soil will have larger voids than usual.
To handle these large voids, standard test methods (laboratory
or field) typically have to be modified using engineering
judgement.
NOTE 6—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 D 3740 are generally considered capable of competent
and objective testing/sampling/inspection, and the like. Users of this
standard are cautioned that compliance with Practice D 3740 does not in
itself assure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors;
Practice D 3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Mold Assembly —The molds shall be cylindrical in
shape, made of rigid metal and be within the capacity and
dimensions indicated in 6.1.1 or 6.1.2 and Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.
See also Table 1. The walls of the mold may be solid, split, or
tapered. The “split” type may consist of two half-round
sections, or a section of pipe split along one element, which can
be securely locked together to form a cylinder meeting the
requirements of this section. The “tapered” type shall an
FIG. 1 4.0-in. Cylindrical Mold
 D 698
6.2 Rammer—A rammer, either manually operated as de-
scribed further in 6.2.1 or mechanically operated as described
in 6.2.2. The rammer shall fall freely through a distance of 12
6 0.05 in. (304.8 6 1.3 mm) from the surface of the specimen.
The mass of the rammer shall be 5.5 6 0.02 lbm (2.5 6 0.01
kg), except that the mass of the mechanical rammers may be
adjusted as described in Test Methods D 2168; see Note 7. The
striking face of the rammer shall be planar and circular, except
as noted in 6.2.2.1, with a diameter when new of 2.000 6 0.005
in. (50.80 6 0.13 mm). The rammer shall be replaced if the
striking face becomes worn or bellied to the extent that the
diameter exceeds 2.000 6 0.01 in. (50.80 6 0.25 mm).
NOTE 7—It is a common and acceptable practice in the inch-pound
system to assume that the mass of the rammer is equal to its mass
FIG. 2 6.0-in. Cylindrical Mold determined using either a kilogram or pound balance and 1 lbf is equal to
1 lbm or 0.4536 kg. or 1 N is equal to 0.2248 lbm or 0.1020 kg.
TABLE 1 Metric Equivalents for Figs. 1 and 2 6.2.1 Manual Rammer—The rammer shall be equipped
in. mm with a guide sleeve that has sufficient clearance that the free
0.016 0.41 fall of the rammer shaft and head is not restricted. The guide
0.026 0.66 sleeve shall have at least four vent holes at each end (eight
0.032 0.81
0.028 0.71 holes total) located with centers 3⁄4 6 1⁄16-in. (19.0 6 1.6-mm)
1⁄2 12.70 from each end and spaced 90 degrees apart. The minimum
21⁄2 63.50 diameter of the vent holes shall be 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm). Additional
25⁄8 66.70
4 101.60 holes or slots may be incorporated in the guide sleeve.
41⁄2 114.30 6.2.2 Mechanical Rammer-Circular Face —The rammer
4.584 116.43
43⁄4 120.60
shall operate mechanically in such a manner as to provide
6 152.40 uniform and complete coverage of the specimen surface. There
61⁄2 165.10 shall be 0.10 6 0.03-in. (2.5 6 0.8-mm) clearance between the
65⁄8 168.30
63⁄4 171.40
rammer and the inside surface of the mold at its smallest
81⁄4 209.60 diameter. The mechanical rammer shall meet the calibration
ft3 cm3 requirements of Test Methods D 2168. The mechanical rammer
1⁄30 (0.0333) 943
shall be equipped with a positive mechanical means to support
0.0005 14 the rammer when not in operation.
(0.0750) 2,124 6.2.2.1 Mechanical Rammer-Sector Face—When used with
0.0011 31
the 6-in. (152.4-mm) mold, a sector face rammer may be used
in place of the circular face rammer. The specimen contact face
internal diameter taper that is uniform and not more than 0.200 shall have the shape of a sector of a circle of radius equal to
in./ft (16.7- mm/m) of mold height. Each mold shall have a 2.90 6 0.02-in. (73.7 6 0.5-mm). The rammer shall operate in
base plate and an extension collar assembly, both made of rigid such a manner that the vertex of the sector is positioned at the
metal and constructed so they can be securely attached and center of the specimen.
easily detached from the mold. The extension collar assembly 6.3 Sample Extruder (optional) —A jack, frame or other
shall have a height extending above the top of the mold of at device adapted for the purpose of extruding compacted speci-
least 2.0 in. (50.8-mm) which may include an upper section mens from the mold.
that flares out to form a funnel provided there is at least a 0.75 6.4 Balance —A class GP5 balance meeting the require-
in. (19.0-mm) straight cylindrical section beneath it. The ments of Specification D 4753 for a balance of 1-g readability.
extension collar shall align with the inside of the mold. The 6.5 Drying Oven —Thermostatically controlled, preferably
bottom of the base plate and bottom of the centrally recessed of a forced-draft type and capable of maintaining a uniform
area that accepts the cylindrical mold shall be planar. temperature of 230 6 9°F (110 6 5°C) throughout the drying
6.1.1 Mold, 4 in.—A mold having a 4.000 6 0.016-in. chamber.
(101.6 6 0.4-mm) average inside diameter, a height of 4.584 6 6.6 Straightedge —A stiff metal straightedge of any conve-
0.018 in. (116.4 6 0.5 mm) and a volume of 0.0333 6 0.0005 nient length but not less than 10 in. (254 mm). The total length
ft3 (944 6 14 cm3). A mold assembly having the minimum of the straightedge shall be machined straight to a tolerance of
required features is shown in Fig. 1. 6 0.005 in. (6 0.1mm). The scraping edge shall be beveled if
6.1.2 Mold, 6 in. —A mold having a 6.000 6 0.026-in. it is thicker than 1⁄8in. (3 mm).
(152.4 6 0.7-mm) average inside diameter, a height of 4.584 6 6.7 Sieves —3⁄4in. (19.0 mm), 3⁄8in. (9.5 mm), and No. 4
0.018 in. (116.4 6 0.5 mm), and a volume of 0.075 6 0.0009 (4.75 mm), conforming to the requirements of Specification
ft3 (2124 6 25 cm3). A mold assembly having the minimum E 11.
required features is shown in Fig. 2. 6.8 Mixing Tools —Miscellaneous tools such as mixing pan,

4
 D 698
spoon, trowel, spatula, etc., or a suitable mechanical device for
thoroughly mixing the sample of soil with increments of water.
7. Calibration
7.1 Perform calibrations before initial use, after repairs or
other occurrences that might affect the test results, at intervals
not exceeding 1,000 test specimens, or annually, whichever
occurs first, for the following apparatus:
7.1.1 Balance—Evaluate in accordance with Specification
D 4753.
7.1.2 Molds—Determine the volume as described in Annex
A1.
7.1.3 Manual Rammer—Verify the free fall distance, ram-
mer mass, and rammer face in accordance with 6.2. Verify the
guide sleeve requirements in accordance with 6.2.1.
7.1.4 Mechanical Rammer—Calibrate and adjust the me-
chanical rammer in accordance with Test Methods D 2168. In
addition, the clearance between the rammer and the inside
surface of the mold shall be verified in accordance with 6.2.2.
8. Test Sample
8.1 The required sample mass for Methods A and B is
approximately 35 lbm (16 kg), and for Method C is approxi-
mately 65-lbm (29-kg) of dry soil. Therefore, the field sample
should have a moist mass of at least 50 lbm (23 kg) and 100
lbm (45 kg), respectively.
8.2 Determine the percentage of material (by mass) retained
on the No. 4 (4.75-mm), 3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm), or 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm)
sieve as appropriate for choosing Method A, B, or C. Make this
determination by separating out a representative portion from
the total sample and determining the percentages passing the
sieves of interest by Test Methods D 422 or Method C 136. It
is only necessary to calculate percentages for the sieve or
sieves for which information is desired.
9. Preparation of Apparatus
9.1 Select the proper compaction mold in accordance with
the Method (A, B, or C) being used. Determine and record its
mass to the nearest gram. Assemble the mold, base and
extension collar. Check the alignment of the inner wall of the
mold and mold extension collar. Adjust if necessary.
9.2 Check that the rammer assembly is in good working
condition and that parts are not loose or worn. Make any
necessary adjustments or repairs. If adjustments or repairs are
made, the rammer must be recalibrated.
10. Procedure
10.1 Soils:
10.1.1 Do not reuse soil that has been previously compacted
in the laboratory.
10.1.2 When using this test method for soils containing
hydrated halloysite, or where past experience with a particular
soil indicates that results will be altered by air drying, use the
moist preparation method (see 10.2).
10.1.3 Prepare the soil specimens for testing in accordance
with 10.2 (preferred) or with 10.3.
10.2 Moist Preparation Method (preferred)—Without pre-
viously drying the sample, pass it through a No. 4 (4.75-mm),
3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm), or 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm) sieve, depending on the
5
Method (A, B, or C) being used. Determine the water content
of the processed soil.
10.2.1 Prepare at least four (preferably five) specimens
having water contents such that they bracket the estimated
optimum water content. A specimen having a water content
close to optimum should be prepared first by trial additions of
water and mixing (see Note 8). Select water contents for the
rest of the specimens to provide at least two specimens wet and
two specimens dry of optimum, and water contents varying by
about 2 %. At least two water contents are necessary on the wet
and dry side of optimum to accurately define the dry unit
weight compaction curve (see 10.5). Some soils with very high
optimum water content or a relatively flat compaction curve
may require larger water content increments to obtain a well
defined maximum dry unit weight. Water content increments
should not exceed 4 %.
NOTE 8—With practice it is usually possible to visually judge a point
near optimum water content. Typically, soil at optimum water content can
be squeezed into a lump that sticks together when hand pressure is
released, but will break cleanly into two sections when “bent”. At water
contents dry of optimum soils tend to crumble; wet of optimum soils tend
to stick together in a sticky cohesive mass. Optimum water content is
typically slightly less than the plastic limit.
10.2.2 Use approximately 5-lbm (2.3-kg) of the sieved soil
for each specimen to be compacted using Method A or B, or
13-lbm (5.9-kg) using Method C. To obtain the specimen water
contents selected in 10.2.1, add or remove the required
amounts of water as follows: to add water, spray it into the soil
during mixing; to remove water, allow the soil to dry in air at
ambient temperature or in a drying apparatus such that the
temperature of the sample does not exceed 140°F (60°C). Mix
the soil frequently during drying to maintain an even water
content distribution. Thoroughly mix each specimen to ensure
even distribution of water throughout and then place in a
separate covered container and allow to stand in accordance
with Table 2 prior to compaction. For the purpose of selecting
a standing time, the soil may be classified using Test Method
D 2487, Practice D 2488 or data on other samples from the
same material source. For referee testing, classification shall be
by Test Method D 2487.
10.3 Dry Preparation Method—If the sample is too damp to
be friable, reduce the water content by air drying until the
material is friable. Drying may be in air or by the use of drying
apparatus such that the temperature of the sample does not
exceed 140°F (60°C). Thoroughly break up the aggregations in
such a manner as to avoid breaking individual particles. Pass
the material through the appropriate sieve: No. 4 (4.75-mm),
3⁄8-in. (9.5-mm), or 3⁄4-in. (19.0-mm). When preparing the
material by passing over the 3⁄4-in. sieve for compaction in the
6-in. mold, break up aggregations sufficiently to at least pass
the 3⁄8-in. sieve in order to facilitate the distribution of water
throughout the soil in later mixing.
TABLE 2 Required Standing Times of Moisturized Specimens
Classification Minimum Standing Time, h
GW, GP, SW, SP No Requirement
GM, SM 3
All other soils 16
 D 698
10.3.1 Prepare at least four (preferably five) specimens in
accordance with 10.2.1.
10.3.2 Use approximately 5-lbm (2.3-kg) of the sieved soil
for each specimen to be compacted using Method A or B, or
13-lbm (5.9-kg) using Method C. Add the required amounts of
water to bring the water contents of the specimens to the values
selected in 10.3.1. Follow the specimen preparation method
specified in 10.2.2 for drying the soil or adding water into the
soil and curing each test specimen.
10.4 Compaction—After curing, if required, each specimen
shall be compacted as follows:
10.4.1 Determine and record the mass of the mold or mold
and base plate.
10.4.2 Assemble and secure the mold and collar to the base
plate. The mold shall rest on a uniform rigid foundation, such
as provided by a cylinder or cube of concrete with a mass of
not less than 200-lbm (91-kg). Secure the base plate to the rigid
foundation. The method of attachment to the rigid foundation
shall allow easy removal of the assembled mold, collar and
base plate after compaction is completed.
10.4.3 Compact the specimen in three layers. After compac-
tion, each layer should be approximately equal in thickness.
Prior to compaction, place the loose soil into the mold and
spread into a layer of uniform thickness. Lightly tamp the soil
prior to compaction until it is not in a fluffy or loose state, using
either the manual compaction rammer or a 2-in. (5-mm)
diameter cylinder. Following compaction of each of the first
two layers, any soil adjacent to the mold walls that has not been
compacted or extends above the compacted surface shall be
trimmed. The trimmed soil may be included with the additional
soil for the next layer. A knife or other suitable device may be
used. The total amount of soil used shall be such that the third
compacted layer slightly extends into the collar, but does not
exceed 1⁄4-in. (6-mm) above the top of the mold. If the third
layer does extend above the top of the mold by more than 1⁄4-in.
(6-mm), the specimen shall be discarded. The specimen shall
be discarded when the last blow on the rammer for the third
layer results in the bottom of the rammer extending below the
top of the compaction mold.
10.4.4 Compact each layer with 25 blows for the 4-in.
(101.6-mm) mold or with 56 blows for the 6-in. (152.4-mm)
mold.
NOTE 9—When compacting specimens wetter than optimum water
content, uneven compacted surfaces can occur and operator judgement is
required as to the average height of the specimen.
10.4.5 In operating the manual rammer, take care to avoid
lifting the guide sleeve during the rammer upstroke. Hold the
guide sleeve steady and within 5° of vertical. Apply the blows
at a uniform rate of approximately 25 blows/min and in such a
manner as to provide complete, uniform coverage of the
specimen surface.
10.4.6 Following compaction of the last layer, remove the
collar and base plate from the mold, except as noted in 10.4.7.
A knife may be used to trim the soil adjacent to the collar to
loosen the soil from the collar before removal to avoid
disrupting the soil below the top of the mold.
10.4.7 Carefully trim the compacted specimen even with the
top of the mold by means of the straightedge scraped across the
6
top of the mold to form a plane surface even with the top of the
mold. Initial trimming of the specimen above the top of the
mold with a knife may prevent the soil from tearing below the
top of the mold. Fill any holes in the top surface with unused
or trimmed soil from the specimen, press in with the fingers,
and again scrape the straightedge across the top of the mold.
Repeat the appropriate preceding operations on the bottom of
the specimen when the mold volume was determined without
the base plate. For very wet or dry soils, soil or water may be
lost if the base plate is removed. For these situations, leave the
base plate attached to the mold. When the base plate 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
plate as noted in Annex A1, A1.4.
10.4.8 Determine and record the mass of the specimen and
mold to the nearest gram. When the base plate is left attached,
determine and record the mass of the specimen, mold and base
plate to the nearest gram.
10.4.9 Remove the material from the mold. Obtain a speci-
men for water content by using either the whole specimen
(preferred method) or a representative portion. When the entire
specimen is used, break it up to facilitate drying. Otherwise,
obtain a portion by slicing the compacted specimen axially
through the center and removing about 500-g of material from
the cut faces. Obtain the water content in accordance with Test
Method D 2216.
10.5 Following compaction of the last specimen, compare
the wet unit weights to ensure that a desired pattern of
obtaining data on each side of the optimum water content will
be attained for the dry unit weight compaction curve. Plotting
the wet unit weight and water content of each compacted
specimen can be an aid in making the above evaluation. If the
desired pattern is not obtained, additional compacted speci-
mens will be required. Generally, one water content value wet
of the water content defining the maximum wet unit weight is
sufficient to ensure data on the wet side of optimum water
content for the maximum dry unit weight.
11. Calculation
11.1 Calculate the dry unit weight and water content of each
compacted specimen as explained in 11.3 and 11.4. Plot the
values and draw the compaction curve as a smooth curve
through the points (see example, Fig. 3). Plot dry unit weight
to the nearest 0.1 lbf/ft3 (0.2 kN/m3) and water content to the
nearest 0.1 %. From the compaction curve, determine the
optimum water content and maximum dry unit weight. If more
than 5 % by mass of oversize material was removed from the
sample, calculate the corrected optimum water content and
maximum dry unit weight of the total material using Practice
D 4718. This correction may be made to the appropriate field in
place density test specimen rather than to the laboratory test
specimen.
11.2 Plot the 100 % saturation curve. Values of water
content for the condition of 100 % saturation can be calculated
as explained in 11.5 (see example, Fig. 3).
NOTE 10—The 100 % saturation curve is an aid in drawing the
compaction curve. For soils containing more than approximately 10 %
fines at water contents well above optimum, the two curves generally
become roughly parallel with the wet side of the compaction curve
 D 698

FIG. 3 Example Compaction Curve Plotting

between 92 % to 95 % saturation. Theoretically, the compaction curve 11.5 To calculate points for plotting the 100 % saturation
cannot plot to the right of the 100 % saturation curve. If it does, there is curve or zero air voids curve select values of dry unit weight,
an error in specific gravity, in measurements, in calculations, in testing, or calculate corresponding values of water content corresponding
in plotting.
to the condition of 100 % saturation as follows:
NOTE 11—The 100 % saturation curve is sometimes referred to as the
~gw!~Gs! 2 gd
zero air voids curve or the complete saturation curve. wsat 3 100 (5)
~gd!~Gs!
11.3 Water Content, w—Calculate in accordance with Test
Method D 2216. where:
11.4 Dry Unit Weights—Calculate the moist density (Eq 1), wsat = water content for complete saturation, %,
the dry density (Eq 2), and then the dry unit weight (Eq 3) as gw = unit weight of water, 62.32 lbf/ft3 (9.789 kN/m3) at
follows: 20°C,
gd = dry unit weight of soil, lbf/ft (kN/m3), and
~Mt 2 Mmd! Gs = specific gravity of soil.
rm 5 1000 V (1)
NOTE 12—Specific gravity may be estimated for the test specimen on
where: the basis of test data from other samples of the same soil classification and
rm = moist density of compacted specimen, Mg/m3, source. Otherwise, a specific gravity test (Test Method C 127, Test Method
Mt = mass of moist specimen and mold, kg, D 854, or both) is necessary.
Mmd = mass of compaction mold, kg, and
V = volume of compaction mold, m3(see Annex A1) 12. Report: Data Sheet(s)/Form(s)
rm 12.1 The data sheet(s)/form(s) shall contain the following
rd 5 w (2) information:
1 1 100 12.1.1 Method used (A, B, or C).
12.1.2 Preparation method used (moist or dry).
where: 12.1.3 As received water content if determined.
rd = dry density of compacted specimen, Mg/m3, and 12.1.4 Standard optimum water content, to the nearest
w = water content, % .
0.1 %.
gd 5 62.43 rd in lbf/ft3 (3) 12.1.5 Standard maximum dry unit weight, to the nearest
0.1 lbf/ft3.
or 12.1.6 Description of rammer (manual or mechanical).
gd 5 9.807 rd in kN/m3 (4) 12.1.7 Soil sieve data when applicable for determination of
Method (A, B, or C) used.
where: 12.1.8 Description of material used in test, by Practice
gd = dry unit weight of compacted specimen.
D 2488, or classification by Test Method D 2487.

7
 D 698
12.1.9 Specific gravity and method of determination.
12.1.10 Origin of material used in test, for example, project,
location, depth, and the like.
12.1.11 Compaction curve plot showing compaction points
used to establish compaction curve, and 100 % saturation
curve, point of maximum dry unit weight and optimum water
content.
12.1.12 Oversize correction data if used, including the
oversize fraction (coarse fraction), Pc in %.
13. Precision and Bias
13.1 Precision—Criteria for judging the acceptability of test
results obtained by these test methods on a range of soil types
are given in Table 3 and Table 4. These estimates of precision
are based on the results of the interlaboratory program con-
ducted by the ASTM Reference Soils and Testing Program10.
In this program, Method A and the Dry Preparation Method
were used. In addition, some laboratories performed three
replicate tests per soil type (triplicate test laboratory), while
other laboratories performed a single test per soil type (single
test laboratory). A description of the soils tested is given in
13.1.4. The precision estimates vary with soil type, and may
vary with methods used (Method A, B, or C, or wet/dry
preparation method). Judgement is required when applying
these estimates to another soil, method, or preparation method.
10
Research Report RR:D18–1008 contains the data and statistical analysis used
to establish these precision statements and it is available from ASTM Headquarters.
13.1.1 The data in Table 3 are based on three replicate test
performed by each triplicate test laboratory on each soil type.
The single operator and multilaboratory standard deviation
show in Table 3, Column 4 were obtained in accordance with
Practice E 691, which recommends each testing laboratory
perform a minimum of three replicate test. Results of two
properly conducted test performed by the same operator on the
same material, using the same equipment, and in the shortest
practical period of time should not differ by more than the
single-operator d2s shown in Table 3, Column 5. For definition
of d2s, see Footnote D in Table 1. Results of two properly
conducted test performed by different operators and on differ-
ent days should not differ by more than the multilaboratory d2s
limits shown in Table 3, Column 5.
13.1.2 In the ASTM Reference Soils and Testing Program,
many of the laboratories performed only a single test on each
soil type. This is common practice in the design and construc-
tion industry. The data for each soil type in Table 4 are based
upon the first test result from the triplicate test laboratories and
the single test results from the other laboratories. Results of
two properly conducted test performed by two different labo-
ratories with different operators using different equipment and
on different days should not vary by more than the d2s limits
shown in Table 4, Column 5. The results in Table 3 and Table
4 are dissimilar because the data sets are different.
13.1.3 Table 3 presents a rigorous interpretation of triplicate
test data in accordance with Practice E 691 form pre-qualified

TABLE 3 Summary of Test Results from Triplicate Test

Laboratories (Standard Effort Compaction)
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Number of Acceptable
Triplicate Test Test ValueA Standard Range of Two
Labs (Units) Average ValueB DeviationC ResultsD,E
Soil Type:
CH CL ML CH CL ML CH CL ML CH CL ML
Single-Operator Results (Within-Laboratory Repeatability):
11 12 11 gd,max (pcf) 97.2 109.2 106.3 0.5 0.4 0.5 1.3 1.2 1.3
11 12 11 wopt (%) 22.8 16.6 17.1 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.7 0.9 0.9
Multilaboratory Results (Between-Laboratory Reproducibility):
11 12 11 gd, max (pcf) 97.2 109.2 106.3 1.4 0.8 0.6 3.9 2.3 1.6
11 12 11 wopt (%) 22.8 16.6 17.1 0.7 0.5 0.5 1.8 1.5 1.3
A
gd,max (pcf) = standard maximum dry unit weight in lbf/ft3 and wopt (%) =
standard optimum water in percent.
B
The number of significant digits and decimal places presented are represen-
tative of the input data. In accordance with Practice D 6026, the standard deviation
and acceptable range of results can not have more decimal places than the input
data.
C
Standard deviation is calculated in accordance with Practice E 691 and is
referred to as the 1 s limit.
D
Acceptable range of two results is referred to as the d2s limit. It is calculated
as 1.960 =2 · 1s, as defined by Practice E 177. The difference between two
properly conducted tests should not exceed this limit. The number of significant
digits/decimal places presented is equal to that prescribed by this standard or
Practice D 6026. In addition, the value presented can have the same number of
decimal places as the standard deviation, even if that result has more significant
digits than the standard deviation.
E
Both values of gd,max and wopt have to fall within values given for the selected
soil type.

8
 D 698
TABLE 4 Summary of Single Test Results from Each
Laboratories (Standard Effort Compaction)A
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
Number of Acceptable
Test Test Value Standard Range of Two
Laboratories (Units) Average Value Deviation Results
Soil Type:
CH CL ML CH CL ML CH CL ML CH CL ML
Multilaboratory Results (Between-Laboratory Reproducibility):
26 26 25 gd,max (pcf) 97.3 109.2 106.2 1.6 1.1 1.0 4.5 3.0 2.9
wopt (%) 22.6 16.4 16.7 0.9 0.7 1.0 2.4 1.8 2.9

A
See footnotes in Table 3.

laboratories. Table 4 is derived from test data that represents ML—Silt, ML, 99 % fines, LL=27, PI=4, light brown, soil had been air dried
common practice. and pulverized. Local name—Vicksburg Silt

13.1.4 Soil Types- Based on the multilaboratory test results
the soils used in the program are described below in accor-
dance with Practice D 2487. In addition, the local names of the
soils are given.
CH—Fat clay, CH, 99 % fines, LL=60, PI=39, grayish brown, soil had been
air dried and pulverized. Local name—Vicksburg Buckshot Clay
CL—Lean clay, CL, 89 % fines, LL=33, PI=13, gray, soil had been air dried
and pulverized. Local name—Annapolis Clay
13.2 Bias—There is no accepted reference values for this
test method, therefore, bias cannot be determined.
14. Keywords
14.1 impact compaction using standard effort; density;
moisture-density curves; proctor test; compaction characteris-
tics; soil compaction; laboratory tests

ANNEX

(Mandatory Information)

A1. VOLUME OF COMPACTION MOLD

A1.1 Scope or extreme temperature fluctuations.

A1.1.1 This annex describes the procedure for determining
the volume of a compaction mold.
A1.1.2 The volume is determined by a water-filled method
and checked by a linear-measurement method.
A1.2 Apparatus
A1.2.1 In addition to the apparatus listed in Section 6 the
following items are required:
A1.2.1.1 Vernier or Dial Caliper—having a measuring
range of at least 0 to 6 in. (0 to 150 mm) and readable to at least
0.001 in. (0.02 mm).
A1.2.1.2 Inside Micrometer—having a measuring range of
at least 2 to 12 in. (50 to 300 mm) and readable to at least 0.001
in. (0.02 mm).
A1.2.1.3 Plastic or Glass Plates—Two plastic or glass
plates approximately 8 in. square by 1⁄4 in. thick (200 by 200
mm by 6 mm).
A1.2.1.4 Thermometer—0 to 50°C range, 0.5°C gradua-
tions, conforming to the requirements of Specification E 1.
A1.2.1.5 Stopcock grease or similar sealant.
A1.2.1.6 Miscellaneous equipment—Bulb syringe, towels,
etc.
A1.3 Precautions
A1.3.1 Perform this method in an area isolated from drafts
A1.4 Procedure
A1.4.1 Water-Filling Method:
A1.4.1.1 Lightly grease the bottom of the compaction mold
and place it on one of the plastic or glass plates. Lightly grease
the top of the mold. Be careful not to get grease on the inside
of the mold. If it is necessary to use the base plate, as noted in
10.4.7, place the greased mold onto the base plate and secure
with the locking studs.
A1.4.1.2 Determine the mass of the greased mold and both
plastic or glass plates to the nearest 0.01-lbm (1-g) and record.
When the base plate is being used in lieu of the bottom plastic
or glass plate determine the mass of the mold, base plate and a
single plastic or glass plate to be used on top of the mold to the
nearest 0.01-lbm (1-g) and record.
A1.4.1.3 Place the mold and the bottom plastic or glass
plate on a firm, level surface and fill the mold with water to
slightly above its rim.
A1.4.1.4 Slide the second plate over the top surface of the
mold so that the mold remains completely filled with water and
air bubbles are not entrapped. Add or remove water as
necessary with a bulb syringe.
A1.4.1.5 Completely dry any excess water from the outside
of the mold and plates.
A1.4.1.6 Determine the mass of the mold, plates and water

9
 D 698
and record to the nearest 0.01-lbm (1-g). spaced around the circumference of the mold. Record values to
A1.4.1.7 Determine the temperature of the water in the the nearest 0.001-in. (0.02-mm).
mold to the nearest 1°C and record. Determine and record the A1.4.2.3 Calculate the average top diameter, average bot-
absolute density of water from Table A1.1. tom diameter and average height.
A1.4.1.8 Calculate the mass of water in the mold by A1.4.2.4 Calculate the volume of the mold and record to the
subtracting the mass determined in A1.4.1.2 from the mass nearest 0.0001 ft3 (1 cm3) as follows:
determined in A1.4.1.6.
~p!~h!~dt 1 db!2
A1.4.1.9 Calculate the volume of water by dividing the V5 ~inch2pound! (A1.1)
~16!~1728!
mass of water by the density of water and record to the nearest
0.0001 ft3 (1 cm3). ~p!~h!~dt 1 db!2
V5 ~SI! (A1.2)
A1.4.1.10 When the base plate is used for the calibration of ~16!~1000!
the mold volume repeat A1.4.1.3-A1.4.1.9. where:
A1.4.2 Linear Measurement Method: V = volume of mold, ft3 (cm3),
A1.4.2.1 Using either the vernier caliper or the inside h = average height, in. (mm),
micrometer, measure the diameter of the mold 6 times at the dt = average top diameter, in. (mm),
top of the mold and 6 times at the bottom of the mold, spacing db = average bottom diameter, in. (mm),
each of the six top and bottom measurements equally around 1⁄1728 = constant to convert in3 to ft3, and
the circumference of the mold. Record the values to the nearest 1⁄1000 = constant to convert mm3 to cm3.
0.001-in. (0.02-mm).
A1.5 Comparison of Results
A1.4.2.2 Using the vernier caliper, measure the inside
height of the mold by making three measurements equally A1.5.1 The volume obtained by either method should be
within the volume tolerance requirements of 6.1.1 and 6.1.2.
TABLE A1.1 Density of WaterA A1.5.2 The difference between the two methods should not
Temperature, °C (°F) Density of Water, g/mL or g/cm3 exceed 0.5 % of the nominal volume of the mold.
18 (64.4) 0.99860 A1.5.3 Repeat the determination of volume if these criteria
19 (66.2) 0.99841
20 (68.0) 0.99821
are not met.
21 (69.8) 0.99799 A1.5.4 Failure to obtain satisfactory agreement between the
22 (71.6) 0.99777 two methods, even after several trials, is an indication that the
23 (73.4) 0.99754
24 (75.2) 0.99730
mold is badly deformed and should be replaced.
25 (77.0) 0.99705 A1.5.5 Use the volume of the mold determined using the
26 (78.8) 0.99679 water-filling method as the assigned volume value for calcu-
A
Values other than shown may be obtained (5). lating the moist and dry density (see 11.4).

REFERENCES

(1) Earth Manual, Unites States Bureau of Reclamation, Part 1, Third
Edition, 1998, pp. 255-260.
(2) Earth Manual, Unites States Bureau of Reclamation, Part 2, Third
Edition, 1990, USBR 5515
(3) Torrey, V.H., and Donaghe, R.T., “Compaction Control of Earth-Rock
Mixtures: A New Approach,” Geotechnical Testing Journal, GTJODJ,
Vol 17, No. 3, September 1994, pp. 371-386.
(4) Johnson, A.W., and Sallberg, J.R., Factors Influencing Compaction
Test Results, Highway Research Board, Bulletin 318, Publication 967,
National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council, Washing-
ton, DC, 1962, p. 73.
(5) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, , David R. Lide, Editor-in-
Chief, 74th Edition, 1993–1994.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

In accordance with Committee D18 policy, this section identifies the location of changes to this standard since
the last published edition (91(Reapproved 1998)) that may impact the use of this standard.

Changes made in the March 2000 revision.
(1) The Summary of Changes section was added.
(2) Changed “Method” to “Methods in the title to reflect
multiple methods. Replace “Procedure A, B, or C” with
“Method A, B, or C”, and “procedure(s) with “methods(s)”,
where applicable. Replaced the terms “by weight” with “by
mass”, where applicable.
(3) In 1.6.1, replaced E 380 with IEEE/ASTM SI 10.
(4) In Section 2, replaced E 380 with IEEE/ASTM SI 10 and
added D 4914 and D 5030.
(5) In the Significance and Use section, added subsection,
added subsections 5.3—5.3.3 along with two references. These
subsection discuss the problems in applying Test Methods
D 1557 when dealing with soils containing oversize fractions,
in which degradation occurs, and soils which are gap graded.
(6) In Table A1.1, the density values were updated to agree

10
 D 698
with Test Methods D 854 and in 11.5 unit weight of water
values were updated to agree with the density values in Test
Methods D 854 at 20°C.
Changes made in the June 2000 revision.
(1) Under Referenced Documents, added Practices D 3740,
D 6026, E 177, and E 691.
(2) Following the Significance and Use section, a note was
added referencing Practice D 3740 in accordance with the
policy of D18. Renumbered the remaining notes.
(3) In 12, changed title and 12.1 to state that this section covers
what data needs to be recorded on the data sheets(s)/form(s). In
addition, the recording sensitivity for the optimum water
content and maximum dry weight was changed from 0.5 to 0.1
(4) The precision statement in 13.1was completely revised, and
now includes data.
(5) The bias statement was reworded.

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with any item mentioned in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such
patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible
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views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

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11
 Designation: D1556/D1556M − 15´1

Standard Test Method for

Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by Sand-Cone
Method1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1556/D1556M; 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.

ε1 NOTE—Editorially corrected 6.1.5 in January 2016.

1. Scope* equivalents; therefore each system shall be used independently

1.1 This test method may be used to determine the in-place
density and unit weight of soils using a sand cone apparatus.
1.2 This test method is applicable for soils without appre-
ciable amounts of rock or coarse materials in excess of 11⁄2 in.
[38 mm] in diameter.
1.3 This test method may also be used for the determination
of the in-place density and unit weight of intact or in situ soils,
provided the natural void or pore openings in the soil are small
enough to prevent the sand used in the test from entering the
voids. The soil or other material being tested should have
sufficient cohesion or particle attraction to maintain stable sides
on a small hole or excavation, and be firm enough to withstand
the minor pressures exerted in digging the hole and placing the
apparatus over it, without deforming or sloughing.
1.4 This test method is not suitable for organic, saturated, or
highly plastic soils that would deform or compress during the
excavation of the test hole. This test method may not be
suitable for soils consisting of unbound granular materials that
will not maintain stable sides in the test hole, soils containing
appreciable amounts of coarse material larger than 11⁄2 in. [38
mm], and granular soils having high void ratios.
1.5 When materials to be tested contain appreciable
amounts of particles larger than 11⁄2 in. [38 mm], or when test
hole volumes larger than 0.1 ft3 [2830 cm3] are required, Test
Method D4914 or D5030/D5030M is applicable.
1.6 Units—The values stated in either inch-pound units or
SI units [presented in brackets] are to be regarded separately as
standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 on Special and
Construction Control Tests.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2015. Published March 2015. Originally
approved in 1958. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D1556 – 07. DOI:
10.1520/D1556_D1556M-15E01.
of the other. Combining values from the two systems may
result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.6.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used
when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound
(lbf) represents a unit of force (weight).
1.6.2 It is common practice in the engineering profession to
concurrently use units representing both mass and force unless
dynamic calculations (F = Ma) are involved. This implicitly
combines two separate systems within a single standard. These
test methods have been written using inch-pound units (gravi-
tational system); however, conversions are given in the SI
system. The use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass
(lbm), or the recording of density in lbm/ft3 should not be
regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
1.6.3 The sieve designations are identified using the “stan-
dard” system in accordance with Specification E11, such as 25
mm and 75 µm, followed by the “alternative” system of 1 in.
and No. 200, respectively.
1.7 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Practice D6026.
1.7.1 For purposes of comparing, a measured or calculated
value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated
value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant
digits in the specified limits.
1.7.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/
recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
increase or reduce significant digits or reported data to be
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical
methods for engineering design.

*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
 D1556/D1556M − 15´1
1.8 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 appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
C136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
Aggregates
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Fluids
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600
kN-m/m3))
D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
istics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3
(2,700 kN-m/m3))
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
D4253 Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit
Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
D4254 Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit
Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density
D4643 Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture)
Content of Soil by Microwave Oven Heating
D4718 Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water
Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
Construction Materials Testing
D4914 Test Methods for Density of Soil and Rock in Place
by the Sand Replacement Method in a Test Pit
D4944 Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Mois-
ture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure
Tester
D4959 Test Method for Determination of Water Content of
Soil By Direct Heating
D5030/D5030M Test Methods for Density of Soil and Rock
in Place by the Water Replacement Method in a Test Pit
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
Data
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
Sieves
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of common technical terms
in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 compacted lift, n—a layer of compacted soil.
2
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
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
2
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A test hole is hand excavated in the soil to be tested and
all the material from the hole is saved in a container. The hole
is filled with free flowing sand of a known density, and the
volume is determined. The in-place wet density of the soil is
determined by dividing the wet mass of the removed material
by the volume of the hole. The water content of the material
from the hole is determined and the dry mass and the dry
density of the in-place material are calculated using the wet
mass of the soil, the water content, and the volume of the hole.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is used to determine the density and
water content of compacted soils placed during the construc-
tion of earth embankments, road fill, and structural backfill. It
often is used as a basis of acceptance for soils compacted to a
specified density or percentage of a maximum density deter-
mined by a test method, such as Test Methods D698 or D1557.
5.1.1 Test Methods D698 and D1557 require that mass
measurements of laboratory compacted test specimens be
determined to the nearest 1 g, so that computed water contents
and densities can be reported to three and four significant
digits, respectively. This standard is a field procedure requiring
mass measurements to the nearest 0.01 lbm [5 g]. As such,
water content calculations should only be reported to nearest
1 % and density to three significant digits.
5.2 This test method can be used to determine the in-place
density of natural soil deposits, aggregates, soil mixtures, or
other similar material.
5.3 The use of this test method is generally limited to soil in
an unsaturated condition. This test method is not recommended
for soils that are soft or friable (crumble easily) or in moisture
conditions such that water seeps into the hand excavated hole.
The precision of the test may be affected for soils that deform
easily or that may undergo a volume change in the excavated
hole from vibration, or from standing or walking near the hole
during the test (see Note 1).
NOTE 1—When testing in soft conditions or in soils near saturation,
volume changes may occur in the excavated hole as a result of surface
loading, personnel performing the test, and the like. This can sometimes
be avoided by the use of a platform that is supported some distance from
the hole. As it is not always possible to detect when a volume change has
taken place, test results should always be compared to the theoretical
saturation density, or the zero air voids line on the dry density versus water
content plot. Any in-place density test on compacted soils that calculates
to be more than 95 % saturation is suspect and an error has probably
occurred, or the volume of the hole has changed during testing.
NOTE 2—The quality of the test result producted by this test method 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, and the like. Users of this test
method are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in
itself ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors;
Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Sand-Cone Density Apparatus, consisting of sand
container, sand cone, and base plate.
 D1556/D1556M − 15´1
6.1.1 Sand Container, an attachable jar or other sand con-
tainer having a volume capacity in excess of that required to fill
the test hole and sand cone during the test.
6.1.2 Sand Cone, a detachable appliance consisting of a
cylindrical valve with an orifice approximately 1⁄2 in. [13 mm]
in diameter, attached to a metal funnel and sand container on
one end, and a large metal funnel (sand-cone) on the other end.
The valve will have stops to prevent rotating past the com-
pletely open or completely closed positions. The appliance will
be constructed of metal sufficiently rigid to prevent distortion
or volume changes in the cone. The walls of the cone will form
an angle of approximately 60° with the base to allow uniform
filling with sand.
6.1.3 Base Plate, a metal base plate or template with a
flanged center hole cast or machined to receive the large funnel
(cone) of the appliance described in 6.1.2. The base plate may
be round or square and will be a minimum of 3 in. [75 mm]
larger than the funnel (sand-cone). The plate will be flat on the
bottom and have sufficient thickness or stiffness to be rigid.
Plates with raised edges, ridges, ribs, or other stiffeners of
approximately 3⁄8 to 1⁄2 in. [10 to 13 mm] high may be used.
6.1.4 The mass of the sand required to fill the sand cone and
base plate will be determined in accordance with the instruc-
tions in Annex A1 prior to use.
6.1.5 The details for the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 repre-
FIG. 1 Sand-Cone Density Apparatus
3
sents the minimum acceptable dimensions suitable for testing
soils having maximum particle sizes of approximately 11⁄2 in.
[38 mm] and test hole volumes of approximately 0.1 ft3 [2830
cm3]. When the material being tested contains a small amount
of oversize and isolated larger particles are encountered, the
test should be stopped and moved to a new location. Larger
apparatus and test hole volumes are needed when particles
larger than 11⁄2 in. [38 mm] are prevalent. The apparatus
described here represents a design that has proven satisfactory.
Larger apparatus, or other designs of similar proportions may
be used as long as the basic principles of the sand volume
determination are observed. When test hole volumes larger
than 0.1 ft3 [2830 cm3] are required. Test Method D4914
should be utilized.
6.2 Sand—Sand must be clean, dry, uniform in density and
grading, uncemented, durable, and free-flowing. Any gradation
may be used that has a coefficient of uniformity (Cu = D60/D10)
less than 2.0, a maximum particle size smaller than the 2.0 mm
[No. 10] sieve size, and less than 3 % by weight passing the
250 µm [No. 60] sieve size, determined in accordance with Test
Method C136. Uniformly graded sand is needed to prevent
segregation during handling, storage, and use. Sand free of
fines and fine sand particles is required to prevent significant
bulk-density changes with normal daily changes in atmo-
spheric humidity. Sand comprised of durable, natural
subrounded, or rounded particles is desirable. Crushed sand or
sand having angular particles may not be free-flowing, a
condition that can cause bridging resulting in inaccurate
density determinations (see Note 3). In selecting a sand from a
potential source, a gradation and bulk-density determinations
in accordance with the procedure in Annex A2 should be made
on each container or bag of sand. To be an acceptable sand, the
bulk-density variation between any one determination shall not
be greater than 1 % of the average. Before using sand in
density determinations, it shall be dried, then allowed to reach
an air-dried state in the general location where it is to be used
(see Note 4). Sand shall not be re-used without removing any
contaminating soil, checking the gradation, drying and rede-
termining the bulk-density (see Note 5). Bulk-density tests of
the sand will be made at time intervals not exceeding 14 days,
always after any significant changes in atmospheric humidity,
before reusing, and before use of a new batch from a
previously approved supplier (see Note 6).
NOTE 3—Some manufactured (crushed) sands such as blasting sand
have been successfully used with good reproducibility. The reproducibility
of test results using angular sand should be checked under laboratory
controlled testing situations before selecting an angular sand for use.
NOTE 4—Many organizations have found it beneficial to store sands in
moisture resistant containers. Sand should be stored in dry areas protected
from weather. The use of a lighted bulb or other heat source in, or adjacent
to the storage containers has also been found to be beneficial in areas of
high humidity.
NOTE 5—As a general rule, reclaiming sand after testing is not
desirable.
NOTE 6—Most sands have a tendency to absorb moisture from the
atmosphere. A very small amount of absorbed moisture can make a
substantial change in bulk-density. In areas of high humidity, or where the
humidity changes frequently, the bulk-density may need to be determined
more often than the 14 day maximum interval indicated. The need for
more frequent checks can be determined by comparing the results of
different bulk-density tests on the same sand made in the same conditions
 D1556/D1556M − 15´1
of use over a period of time. TABLE 1 Minimum Test Hole Volumes Based on Maximum Size
of Included Particle
6.3 Balances or Scales—Meeting Specification D4753, with
Maximum Particle Size Minimum Test Hole Volumes
0.01 lbm [5.0 g] readability, or better, to determine the mass of in. mm cm3 ft3
sand and excavated soils. A balance or scale having a minimum 1⁄ 2 12.7 1415 0.05
capacity of 44 lbf [20 kg] and 0.01 lbf [5 g] readability is 1 25.4 2125 0.075
1 1 ⁄2 38 2830 0.1
suitable for determining the mass of the sand and the excavated
soil when apparatus with the dimensions shown in Fig. 1 is
used. construction control, the depth of the hole should approximate
6.4 Drying Equipment—Equipment corresponding to the the thickness of one, or more, compacted lift(s). The procedure
method used for determining water content as specified in Test for calibrating the sand must reflect this hole depth. See Annex
Methods D2216, D4643, D4944, or D4959. A2.
7.1.6 Dig the test hole through the center hole in the base
6.5 Miscellaneous Equipment—Knife, small pick, chisel,
plate, being careful to avoid disturbing or deforming the soil
small trowel, screwdriver, or spoons for digging test holes,
that will bound the hole. The sides of the hole should slope
large nails or spikes for securing the base plate; buckets with
slightly inward and the bottom should be reasonably flat or
lids, plastic-lined cloth sacks, or other suitable containers for
concave. The hole should be kept as free as possible of pockets,
retaining the density samples, moisture sample, and density
overhangs, and sharp obtrusions since these affect the accuracy
sand respectively; small paint brush, calculator, notebook or
of the test. Soils that are essentially granular require extreme
test forms, etc.
care and may require digging a conical-shaped test hole. Place
7. Procedure all excavated soil, and any soil loosened during digging, in a
moisture tight container that is marked to identify the test
7.1 Select a location/elevation that is representative of the
number. Take care to avoid losing any materials. Protect this
area to be tested, and determine the density of the soil in-place
material from any loss of moisture until the mass has been
as follows:
determined and a specimen has been obtained for a water
7.1.1 Inspect the cone apparatus for damage, free rotation of
content determination.
the valve, and properly matched baseplate. Fill the cone
7.1.7 Clean the flange of the base plate hole, invert the
container with conditioned sand for which the bulk-density has
sand-cone apparatus and seat the sand-cone funnel into the
been determined in accordance with Annex A2, and determine
flanged hole at the same position as marked during calibration
the total mass.
(see Annex A1). Eliminate or minimize vibrations in the test
7.1.2 Prepare the surface of the location to be tested, so that
area due to personnel or equipment. Open the valve and allow
it is a level plane. The base plate may be used as a tool for
the sand to fill the hole, funnel, and base plate. Take care to
striking off the surface to a smooth level plane.
avoid jarring or vibrating the apparatus while the sand is
7.1.3 Seat the base plate on the plane surface, making sure
running. When the sand stops flowing, close the valve.
there is contact with the ground surface around the edge of the
7.1.8 Determine the mass of the apparatus with the remain-
flanged center hole. Mark the outline of the base plate to check
ing sand, record, and calculate the mass of sand used.
for movement during the test, and if needed, secure the plate
7.1.9 Determine and record the mass of the moist soil
against movement using nails pushed into the soil adjacent to
material that was removed from the test hole. When oversized
the edge of the plate, or by other means, without disturbing the
material corrections are required, determine the mass of the
soil to be tested.
oversized material on the appropriate sieve and record, taking
7.1.4 In soils where leveling is not successful, or surface
care to avoid moisture losses. When required, make appropri-
voids remain, the volume horizontally bounded by the funnel,
ate corrections for the oversized material using Practice
plate and ground surface must be determined by a preliminary
D4718.
test. Fill the space with sand from the apparatus, determine the
7.1.10 Mix the material thoroughly, and either obtain a
mass of sand used to fill the space, refill the apparatus, and
representative specimen for water content determination, or
determine a new initial mass of apparatus and sand before
use the entire sample.
proceeding with the test. After this measurement is completed,
7.1.11 Determine the water content in accordance with Test
carefully brush the sand from the prepared surface (see Note
Method D2216, D4643, D4944, or D4959. Correlations to Test
7).
Method D2216 will be performed when required by other test
NOTE 7—A second calibrated apparatus may be taken to the field when methods.
this condition is anticipated (instead of refilling and making a second
determination). The procedure in 7.1.4 may be used for each test when the 7.2 Water content specimens must be large enough and
best possible accuracy is desired; however, it is usually not needed for selected in such a way that they represent all the material
most production testing where a relatively smooth surface is obtainable. obtained from the test hole. The minimum mass of the water
7.1.5 The test hole volume will depend on the anticipated content specimens is that required to provide water content
maximum particle size in the soil to be tested and the depth of values expressed to nearest 1 %.
the compacted layer. Test hole volumes are to be as large as 8. Calculation
practical to minimize the errors and shall not be less than the
volumes indicated in Table 1. A hole depth should be selected 8.1 Calculate the volume of the test hole as follows:
that will provide a representative sample of the soil. For V 5 ~ M 1 2 M 2 ! /ρ 1 (1)

4
 D1556/D1556M − 15´1
where:
V = volume of the test hole, ft3 [cm3],
M1 = mass of the sand used to fill the test hole, funnel and
base plate, lbm [g] (from 7.1.8),
M2 = mass of the sand used to fill the funnel and base plate
(from Annex A1.2.3.6), lbm [g], and
ρ1 = bulk density of the sand (from A2.3.5), lbm/ft3
[g/cm3].
8.2 Calculate the dry mass of material removed from the test
hole as follows:
M 4 5 100 M 3 / ~ w1100! (2)
where:
w = water content of the material removed from test hole,
%, (from 7.1.11),
M3 = moist mass of the material from test hole, lbm [g],
(from 7.1.9), and
M4 = dry mass of material from test hole, lbm [g].
8.3 Calculate the in-place wet and dry density of the
material tested as follows:
ρ m 5 M 3 /V (3)
ρ d 5 M 4 /V
where:
V = volume of the test hole, ft3 [cm3] (from 8.1),
M3 = moist mass of the material from the test hole, lbm [g],
(from 7.1.9),
M4 = dry mass of the material from the test hole, lbm [g],
(from 8.2),
ρm = wet density of the tested material, lbm/ft3 [g/cm3], and
ρd = dry density of the tested material, lbm/ft3 [g/cm3].
8.4 It may be desired to express the in-place density as a
percentage of some other density, for example, the laboratory
densities determined in accordance with Test Method D698,
D1557, D4253, or D4254. This relation can be determined by
dividing the in-place density by the laboratory density and
multiplying by 100. Calculations for determining relative
density are provided in Test Method D4254. Corrections for
oversize material, if required, should be performed in accor-
dance with Practice D4718.
9. Report: Test Data Sheet(s)/Form(s)
9.1 The methodology used to specify how data are recorded
on the test data sheet(s)/form(s), as given below, is covered in
1.7 and Practice D6026.
9.2 Record as a minimum the following general information
(data):
9.2.1 Project information, such as project name, number,
test location, elevation, thickness of layer tested, or other
pertinent data to locate or identify the test;
9.2.2 Name or initials of the person(s) who prepared and
tested the sample(s), including the date(s) performed;
5
9.2.3 Visual description of the soil or material designation;
and
9.2.4 Comments or observations on conduct of the test
including any test conditions or difficulties affecting test
results. Photographs of the test are helpful to document
conditions, but not required to be reported.
9.3 Record as a minimum the following apparatus informa-
tion:
9.3.1 Apparatus identity and calibrated volume, to a mini-
mum of four significant digits;
9.3.2 Bulk density of the sand used in the test, to three
significant digits;
9.4 Record as a minimum the following test date/results:
9.4.1 Test hole volume, to four significant digits;
9.4.2 In-place wet density, to three significant digits;
9.4.3 In-place dry density, to three significant digits;
9.4.4 In-place dry unit weight, to three significant digits;
9.4.5 In-place water content of the soil expressed as a
percentage of dry mass (gravimetric water content), to the
nearest 1 %, and the test method used; and
9.4.6 Mass and percentage of oversized particles and the
size sieve used, if performed, to three significant digits.
9.4.7 If the in-place dry density or unit weight is expressed
as a percentage of another value, include the following:
9.4.7.1 The laboratory test method used.
9.4.7.2 The comparative dry density or unit weight value
and water content used.
9.4.7.3 Correction for oversized material and details, if
applicable.
9.4.7.4 The comparative percentage of the in-place material
to the comparison value.
9.4.8 If the in-place density, unit weight, or water content
are to be used for acceptance, include the acceptance criteria
applicable to the test.
10. Precision and Bias
10.1 Precision—Test data on precision is not presented due
to the nature of this test method. It is either not feasible or too
costly at this time to have ten or more agencies participate in
an in situ testing program at a given site.
10.1.1 Subcommittee D18.08 is seeking any data from the
users of this test method that might be used to make a limited
statement on precision.
10.2 Bias—There is no accepted reference value for this test
method, therefore, bias cannot be determined.
11. Keywords
11.1 acceptance tests; compaction tests; degree of compac-
tion; density tests; earthfill; embankments; field control den-
sity; field tests; in-place density; in-place dry density; in situ
density; relative density; sand cone; soil compaction; soil tests;
unit weight
 D1556/D1556M − 15´1
ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
A1. CALIBRATION OF SAND-CONE APPARATUS
A1.1 Scope
A1.1.1 This annex describes the procedure for determining
the mass of sand contained in the funnel and base plate of the
sand-cone apparatus.
A1.1.2 The mass of sand contained in the apparatus and
base plate is dependent on the bulk-density of the sand.
Consequently, this procedure must be performed for each
apparatus whenever there are changes in the sand bulk-
densities.
A1.2 Calibration Procedure
A1.2.1 Calibration of the apparatus can be accomplished by
either of two methods:
A1.2.1.1 Method A—By determining the mass of calibrated
sand that can be contained in each funnel and base plate set, or
A1.2.1.2 Method B (optional)—By determining the volume
of sand needed to fill each funnel and base plate set and
applying this volume constant whenever new sand bulk-
densities are calculated.
A1.2.1.3 Since the mass of sand contained in the apparatus
funnel and base plate is dependent on the bulk density of the
sand, if Method A is used, it must be repeated whenever the
bulk-density of the sand changes.
A1.2.2 All determinations of mass are to be made to the
nearest 0.01 lbm [5 g].
A1.2.3 Method A:
A1.2.3.1 Fill the apparatus with sand that is dried and
conditioned to the same state anticipated during use in testing.
A1.2.3.2 Determine the mass of the apparatus filled with
sand.
A1.2.3.3 Place the base plate on a clean, level, plane
surface. Invert the container/apparatus and seat the funnel in
the flanged center hole in the base plate. Mark and identify the
apparatus and base plate, so that the same apparatus and plate
can be matched and reseated in the same position during
testing.
6
A1.2.3.4 Open the valve fully until the sand flow stops,
making sure the apparatus, base plate, or plane surface are not
jarred or vibrated before the valve is closed.
A1.2.3.5 Close the valve sharply, remove the apparatus and
determine the mass of the apparatus and remaining sand.
Calculate the mass of sand used to fill the funnel and base plate
as the difference between the initial and final mass.
A1.2.3.6 Repeat the procedure a minimum of three times.
The maximum variation between any one determination and
the average will not exceed 1 %. Use the average of the three
determinations for this value in the test calculations.
A1.2.4 Method B (Optional):
A1.2.4.1 When large numbers of tests and batches of sand
are anticipated, it may be advantageous to determine the
volume of each apparatus and base plate. Barring damage to
the apparatus or mismatching of the base plates, this volume
will remain constant, and will eliminate the need to repeat
Method A, when the sand bulk-density changes (see Note
A1.1). If this alternative is chosen, the calculations in the field
test must be altered to determine the total volume of the sand
in the field test hole and apparatus. The volume of the
apparatus is then subtracted to determine the volume of the test
hole.
A1.2.4.2 Determine the mass of sand required to fill the
apparatus funnel and base plate in accordance with A1.2.3,
following steps A1.2.3.1 – A1.2.3.6 for each batch of sand.
A1.2.4.3 Calculate the volume of the funnel and base plate
by dividing the bulk-density of the sand (as determined in
Annex A2) by the mass of sand found in A1.2.3.6. Perform a
minimum of three determinations and calculate an average
value. The maximum volume variation between any one
determination and the average will not exceed 1 %. Use the
average of the values when performing test calculations.
NOTE A1.1—The sand-cone apparatus should be routinely inspected for
damage that may affect the volume of the cone. Dings, out-of-round, or
other damage will affect the volume and will necessitate a redetermination
of the volume (if repairable).
 D1556/D1556M − 15´1
A2. CALIBRATION OF DENSITY SAND
A2.1 Scope
A2.1.1 This annex is used for determining the bulk-density
(calibration) of the sand for use in this test method.
A2.1.2 The calibration determines an average density of the
sand for use in calculating the volume of the test hole.
A2.2 Equipment Required
A2.2.1 Container—Select a container of known volume that
is approximately the same size and allows the sand to fall
approximately the same distance as the hole excavated during
a field test. The 1/30 ft3 [944 cm3] and 1/13.33 ft3 [2124 cm3]
molds specified in Test Methods D698, or the 0.1 ft3 [2830
cm3] mold specified in Test Method D4253 are recommended.
Alternatively, cast duplicates of actual test holes may be used.
This is accomplished by forming plaster of paris negatives in
actual test holes over a range of test volumes, and using these
as forms for portland cement concrete castings. These should
be cast against a flat plane surface, and after the removal of the
negative, sealed water tight and the volume determined in
accordance with the procedure in Test Method D4253 (10.2.2).
A2.2.1.1 Determine the container volume to 1 % using
water in accordance with the procedures described in Test
Method D4253.
A2.2.2 Sand-Cone Apparatus—Use a sand cone apparatus
of the same size and design as will be used during field testing.
A2.2.2.1 Flow characteristics through different valve as-
semblies have been shown to cause different bulk-density
values. Bulk-density determinations will be required for each
apparatus set unless other assemblies are determined to provide
the same results.
A2.2.3 Balance or Scale—A balance or scale having a
sufficient capacity to determine the mass of the calibration
container filled with sand. For 0.500 ft3 [14 200 cm3]
containers, a balance having a minimum capacity of 44 lbf [20
kg] and meeting the requirements of Specification D4753 for
0.01 lbf [5 g] readability is required.
A2.2.4 Metal Straightedge, about 2 in. [51 mm] wide, at
least 1⁄8 in. [3 mm] thick, and length approximately 1.5 times
the diameter of the calibration container.
A2.3 Bulk-Density Determination
A2.3.1 Fill the assembled apparatus with sand. The sand is
to be dried and conditioned to the same state anticipated during
use.
7
A2.3.2 Determine and record the mass of the calibration
container when empty.
A2.3.3 Method A (Preferred):
A2.3.3.1 When the calibration container has the same diam-
eter as the flanged center hole in the base plate, invert and
center the sand filled apparatus and base plate on the calibra-
tion container.
A2.3.3.2 Fully open the valve and allow the sand to fill the
container. When the sand flow stops, close the valve.
A2.3.3.3 Determine the mass of the apparatus and remain-
ing sand. Calculate the net mass of sand in the calibration
container by subtracting the mass of sand contained in the cone
and base plate (as determined in Annex A1) and record.
A2.3.4 Method B (Alternative):
A2.3.4.1 Invert and support the apparatus over the calibra-
tion container so that the sand falls approximately the same
distance and location as in a field test, and fully open the valve.
A2.3.4.2 Fill the container until it just overflows and close
the valve. Using a minimum number of strokes and taking care
not to jar or densify the sand, carefully remove excess sand to
a smooth level surface. Any vibration or jarring during the
bulk-density determination will result in settling and densify-
ing the sand, leading to erroneous results.
A2.3.4.3 Clean any sand from the outside of the calibration
container. Determine the mass of the container and sand.
Record the net mass of the sand by subtracting the mass of the
empty container.
A2.3.5 Perform at least three bulk-density determinations
and calculate the average. The maximum variation between
any one determination and the average will not exceed 1 %.
Repeated determinations not meeting these requirements indi-
cates nonuniform sand density, and the sand source should be
re-evaluated for suitability. The average value obtained is to be
used in the test calculations.
A2.4 Calculation
A2.4.1 Calculate the bulk-density of the sand as follows:
ρ 1 5 M 5 /V 1 (A2.1)
where:
ρ1 = bulk-density of the sand, lbm/ft3 [g/cm3],
M5 = mass of the sand to fill the calibration container, lbm
[g], (from A2.3.4.3), and
V1 = volume of the calibration container, ft3 [cm3] (from
A2.2.1.1).
 D1556/D1556M − 15´1
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D1556 – 07) that may impact the use of this standard. (February 1, 2015)

(1) Revised 1.6. (5) Revised Section 9 and added statements concerning signifi-
(2) Added Test Method C136 to Section 2 and 6.2. cant digits throughout the section.
(3) Revised Note 2.
(4) Revised the standard into a dual measurement system with
the units of measurement stated in either inch-pound units or SI
units.

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in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

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8
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: D6951/D6951M − 09 (Reapproved 2015)

Standard Test Method for

Use of the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer in Shallow
Pavement Applications1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6951/D6951M; 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.

1. Scope separate measuring rod, or it may be fastened to the separate

1.1 This test method covers the measurement of the pen-
etration rate of the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer with an 8-kg
[17.6-lb] hammer (8-kg [17.6-lb] DCP) through undisturbed
soil or compacted materials, or both. The penetration rate may
be related to in situ strength such as an estimated in situ CBR
(California Bearing Ratio). A soil density may be estimated
(Note 1) if the soil type and moisture content are known. The
DCP described in this test method is typically used for
pavement applications.
1.2 The test method provides for an optional 4.6-kg [10.1-
lb] sliding hammer when the use of the 8-kg [17.6-lb] sliding
mass produces excessive penetration in soft ground conditions.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
with the standard.
1.4 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 appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Terminology
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2.1.1 8-kg [17.6-lb] DCP dynamic cone penetrometer with
an 8-kg [17.6-lb] hammer (see Fig. 1)—a device used to assess
the in situ strength of undisturbed soil or compacted materials,
or both.
2.1.2 sliding attachment (see Fig. 1)—an optional device
used in reading the distance the DCP tip has penetrated. It may
be fastened to the anvil or lower rod to hold/slide along a
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E17 on Vehicle
- Pavement Systems and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E17.41 on
Pavement Testing and Evaluation.
Current edition approved May 1, 2015. Published July 2015. Originally approved
in 2003. Last previous edition approved in 2009 as D6951/D6951M – 09. DOI:
10.1520/D6951_D6951M-09R15.
rod and slide along a graduated drive rod.
3. Summary of Test Method
3.1 The operator drives the DCP tip into soil by lifting the
sliding hammer to the handle then releasing it. The total
penetration for a given number of blows is measured and
recorded in mm/blow, which is then used to describe stiffness,
estimate an in situ CBR strength from an appropriate correla-
tion chart, or other material charcharacteristics.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This test method is used to assess in situ strength of
undisturbed soil and compacted materials (or both). The
penetration rate of the 8-kg [17.6-lb] DCP can be used to
estimate in-situ CBR (California Bearing Ratio), to identify
strata thickness, shear strength of strata, and other material
characteristics.
4.1.1 Other test methods exist for DCPs with different
hammer weights and cone tip sizes, which have correlations
that are unique to the instrument.
4.2 The 8-kg [17.6-lb] DCP is held vertically and therefore
is typically used in horizontal construction applications, such
as pavements and floor slabs.
4.3 This instrument is typically used to assess material
properties down to a depth of 1000 mm [39 in.] below the
surface. The penetration depth can be increased using drive rod
extensions. However, if drive rod extensions are used, care
should be taken when using correlations to estimate other
parameters since these correlations are only appropriate for
specific DCP configurations. The mass and inertia of the device
will change and skin friction along drive rod extensions will
occur.
4.4 The 8-kg [17.6-lb] DCP can be used to estimate the
strength characteristics of fine- and coarse-grained soils, granu-
lar construction materials and weak stabilized or modified
materials. The 8-kg [17.6-lb] DCP cannot be used in highly
stabilized or cemented materials or for granular materials
containing a large percentage of aggregates greater than 50 mm
[2 in.].

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 D6951/D6951M − 09 (2015)
5. Apparatus
5.1 The 8-kg [17.6-lb] DCP is shown schematically in Fig.
1. It consists of the following components: a 16-mm [5⁄8-in.]
diameter steel drive rod with a replaceable point or disposable
cone tip, an 8-kg [17.6-lb] hammer which is dropped a fixed
height of 575 mm [22.6 in.], a coupler assembly, and a handle.
The tip has an included angle of 60 degrees and a diameter at
the base of 20 mm [0.79 in.]. (See Fig. 2.)
5.1.1 The apparatus is typically constructed of stainless
steel, with the exception of the replacement point tip, which
may be constructed from hardened tool steel or a similar
material resistant to wear.
5.2 The following tolerances are recommended:
5.2.1 Hammer weight-measurement of 8.0 kg [17.6 lb];
tolerance is 0.01 kg [0.02 lb],
5.2.2 Hammer weight-measurement of 4.6 kg [10.1 lb.];
tolerance is 0.01 kg [0.02 lb],
5.2.3 Drop of hammer-measurement of 575 mm [22.6 in.];
tolerance is 1.0 mm [0.04 in.],
5.2.4 Tip angle measurement of 60 degrees included angle;
tolerance is 1 degree, and
5.2.5 Tip base diameter measurement of 20 mm [0.79 in.];
tolerance is 0.25 mm [0.01 in.]
NOTE 2—A disposable cone tip may be used. The deposable cone tip is
held in place with an o-ring, which allows the cone tip to be easily
detached when the drive rod is pulled upward after completion of the test.
The disposable cone tip is shown schematically in Fig. 3.
5.3 In addition to the DCP, the following equipment is
needed:
5.3.1 Tools for assembling the DCP,
5.3.2 Lubricating Oil,
5.3.3 Thread Locking Compound, and
5.3.4 Data Recording form (see Table 1).
5.4 Depending on the circumstances, the following equip-
ment may also be needed or is recommended:
5.4.1 A vertical scale graduated using increments of 1.0 mm
FIG. 1 Schematic of DCP Device
[0.04 in.], or measuring rod longer than the longest drive rod if
the drive rod(s) are not graduated,
5.4.2 An optional sliding attachment for use with a separate
scale or measuring rod,
4.5 The 8-kg [17.6-lb] DCP can be used to estimate the
strength of in situ materials underlying a bound or highly
stabilized layer by first drilling or coring an access hole.
NOTE 1—The DCP may be used to assess the density of a fairly uniform
material by relating density to penetration rate on the same material. In
this way undercompacted or “soft spots” can be identified, even though
the DCP does not measure density directly.2
4.5.1 A field DCP measurement results in a field or in situ
CBR and will not normally correlate with the laboratory or
soaked CBR of the same material. The test is thus intended to
evaluate the in situ strength of a material under existing field
conditions.

2
“METHOD ST6: Measurement of the In Situ Strength of Soils by the Dynamic
Cone Penetrometer (DCP), Special Methods for Testing Roads,” Draft TMH6,
Technical Methods for Highways (TMH), Pretoria, South Africa, ISBN 0 7988 2289
9, 1984, p. 20. FIG. 2 Replaceable Point Tip

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 D6951/D6951M − 09 (2015)
FIG. 3 Disposable Cone Tip
5.4.3 A rotary hammer drill or coring apparatus capable of
drilling a minimum diameter hole of 25 mm [1 in.]. A larger
hole may be required depending on the underlying material or
the need for addition tests or sampling,
5.4.4 A wet/dry vacuum or suitable alternative to remove
loose material and fluid if an access hole is made before
testing,
5.4.5 Field power supply to power items in 5.4.3 and 5.4.4,
5.4.6 Disposable cone tips,
5.4.7 Dual mass hammer (see Fig. 4), and
5.4.8 Extraction jack, recommended if disposable cone tips
are not used (see Fig. 5).
NOTE 3—A 4.6-kg [10-lb] hammer (see Fig. 4) may be used in place of
the 8-kg [18-lbf] hammer provided that the standard drop height is
maintained. The 4.6-kg [10-lbf] hammer is used in weaker materials
where the 8-kg [18-lbf] hammer would produce excessive penetration.
NOTE 4—An automated version of the DCP (ADCP) may be used
provided all requirements of this standard with respect to the apparatus
and procedure are met.
NOTE 5—An automated data collection system may be used provided it
measures and records to the nearest 1 mm [0.04 in.] and does not interfere
with the operation/results of the devise.
6. Procedure
6.1 Equipment Check—Before beginning a test, the DCP
device is inspected for fatigue-damaged parts, in particular the
coupler and handle, and excessive wear of the drive rod and
replaceable point tip. All joints must be securely tightened
including the coupler assembly and the replaceable point tip (or
the adapter for the disposable cone tip) to drive rod.
6.2 Basic Operation—The operator holds the device by the
handle in a vertical or plumb position and lifts and releases the
hammer from the standard drop height. The recorder measures
and records the total penetration for a given number of blows
or the penetration per blow.
6.3 Initial Reading:
6.3.1 Testing a Surface Layer—The DCP is held vertically
and the tip seated such that the top of the widest part of the tip
is flush with the surface of the material to be tested. An initial
reading is obtained from the graduated drive rod or a separate
vertical scale/measuring rod. The distance is measured to the
nearest 1 mm [0.04 in.]. Some sliding reference attachments
allow the scale/measuring rod to be set/marked at zero when
the tip is at the zero point shown in Fig. 2.
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6.3.2 Testing Below a Bound Layer—When testing materials
underlying a bound layer, a rotary hammer drill or coring
apparatus meeting the requirements given in 5.4.3 above is
used to provide an access hole to the layer to be tested. Wet
coring requires that coring fluid be removed immediately and
the DCP test be performed as soon as possible, but not longer
than 10 minutes following completion of the coring operation.
The coring fluid must not be allowed to soak into or penetrate
the material to be tested. A wet/dry vacuum or suitable
alternative is used after completion of drilling or coring to
remove loose materials and fluid from the access hole before
testing. To minimize the extent of the disturbance from the
rotary hammer, drilling should not be taken completely through
the bound layer, but stopped short by about 10 to 20 mm [0.4
to 0.8 in.]. The DCP is then used to penetrate the bottom
portion of the bound layer. This can be a repetitive process
between drilling and doing DCP tests to determine the thick-
ness of the layer.
6.3.3 Testing Pavement With Thin Seals—For pavements
with thin seals, the tip is advanced through the seal until the
zero point (see Fig. 4) of the tip is flush with the top of the layer
to be tested.
6.3.4 Once the layer to be tested has been reached, a
reference reading is taken with the zero point at the top of that
layer and the thickness of the layer(s) cored through recorded.
This reference reading is the point from which the subsequent
penetration is measured.
6.4 Testing Sequence:
6.4.1 Dropping the Hammer—The DCP device is held in a
vertical or plumb position. The operator raises the hammer
until it makes only light contact with the handle. The hammer
shall not impact the handle when being raised. The hammer is
then allowed to free-fall and impact the anvil coupler assembly.
The number of blows and corresponding penetrations are
recorded as described in 6.5.
6.4.2 Depth of Penetration—The depth of penetration will
vary with application. For typical highway applications, a
penetration less than 900 mm [35 in.] will generally be
adequate.
6.4.3 Refusal—The presence of large aggregates or rock
strata will either stop further penetration or deflect the drive
rod. If after 5 blows, the device has not advanced more than 2
mm [0.08 in.] or the handle has deflected more than 75 mm [3
in.] from the vertical position, the test shall be stopped, and the
device moved to another test location. The new test location
should be a minimum of 300 mm [12 in.] from the prior
location to minimize test error caused by disturbance of the
material.
6.4.4 Extraction—Following completion of the test, the
device should be extracted using the extraction jack when
using a replaceable point tip. When using a disposable cone,
the device is extracted by driving the hammer upward against
the handle.
6.5 Data Recording:
6.5.1 A form like the one shown in Table 1 is suggested for
data recording. The recorder enters the header information
before the test. The actual test data are recorded in column 1
(Number of Blows) and column 2 (Cumulative Penetration in
 D6951/D6951M − 09 (2015)
TABLE 1 DCP Data Sheet3
Project: Forest Service Road Date: 7 July 2001
Location: STA 30+50, 1 M RT of C/L Personnel: JLS & SDT
Depth of zero point below Surface:0 Hammer Weight: 8-kg [17.6-lb]
Material Classification: GW/CL Weather: Overcast, 25°C, [72°F]
Pavement conditions: Not applicable Water Table Depth: Unknown
DCP
Cumulative Penetration Penetration
Number of Hammer Index CBR Moisture
Penetration Between per Blow
BlowsA FactorE mm/blow %G %H
mm [in.]B Readings mm [in.]C mm [in.]D
[in./blow]F
0 0 [0] -- -- -- -- --
5 25 [0.98] 25 [0.98] 5 [0.196] 1 5 [0.196] 50
5 55 [2.17] 30 [1.19] 6 [0.238] 1 6 [0.238] 40
15 125 [4.92] 70 [2.75] 5 [0.183] 1 5 [0.183] 50
10 175 [6.89] 50 [1.97] 5 [0.197] 1 5 [0.197] 50
5 205 [8.07] 30 [1.18] 6 [0.236] 1 6 [0.236] 40
5 230 [9.06] 25 [0.99] 5 [0.198] 1 5 [0.198] 50
10 280 [11.02] 50 [1.96] 5 [0.196] 1 5 [0.196] 50
5 310 [12.20] 30 [1.18] 6 [0.236] 1 6 [0.236] 40
5 340 [13.39] 30 [1.19] 6 [0.238] 1 6 [0.238] 40
5 375 [14.76] 35 [1.37] 7 [0.274] 1 7 [0.274] 35
5 435 [17.13] 60 [2.37] 12 [0.474] 1 12 [0.474] 18
A
Number of hammer blows between test readings.
B
Cumulative penetration after each set of hammer blows.
C
Difference in cumulative penetration (Footnote B) between readings.
D
Footnote C divided by Footnote A.
E
Enter 1 for 8-kg [17.6-lb] hammer; 2 for 4.6-kg [10.1-lb] hammer.
F
Footnote D × Footnote E.
G
From CBR versus DCP Index correlation.
H
% Moisture content when available.

mm); if the moisture content is available, it is entered in
column 8. When testing a subsurface layer though a drilled or
cored access hole, the first reading corresponds to the refer-
enced reading at the top of the layer to be tested as per 6.3.2.
The number of blows between readings may be varied depend-
ing on the resistance of the material. Normally readings will be
taken after a fixed number of blows, that is, 1 blow for soft
material, 5 blows for “normal” materials and 10 blows for very
resistive materials. The penetration to the nearest 1 mm [0.04
in.] corresponding to a specific number of blows is recorded. A
reading is taken immediately when the material properties or
penetration rate change significantly.
7. Calculations and Interpretation of Results
7.1 The estimated in situ CBR is computed using the DCP
index (column 6, Table 1) and Table 2 for each set of readings.
The penetration per blow may then be plotted against scale
reading or total depth. The penetration per blow is then used to
estimate in situ CBR or shear strength using the appropriate
correlation. For example, the correlation of penetration per
blow (DCP) in Table 2 is derived from the following equation
recommended by the US Army Corps of Engineers:3
1.12
CBR 5 292/DCP for DCP in mm/blow
1.12
CBR 5 292/ ~ DCP 3 25.4! for DCP in in./blow (2)
The above equation is used for all soils except for CL soils
below CBR 10 and CH soils. For these soils, the following
equations are recommended by the US Army Corps of Engi-
neers:4
CBR 5 1/ ~ 0.017019 3 DCP! 2 for DCP in mm/blow (3)
2
CBR 5 1/ ~ 0.432283 3 DCP! for DCP in in./blow (4)
for CL soils with CBR < 10 and
CBR 5 1/ ~ 0.002871 3 DCP! for DCP in mm/blow (5)
CBR 5 1/ ~ 0.072923 3 DCP! in in./blow (6)
for CH soils.
7.1.1 Selection of the appropriate correlation is a matter of
professional judgment.
7.2 If a distinct layering exists within the material tested, a
change of slope on a graph of cumulative penetration blows
versus depth will be observed for each layer. The exact
interface is difficult to define because, in general, a transition
zone exists between layers. The layer thickness can be defined
by the intersection of the lines representing the average slope
of adjacent layers. Once the layer thicknesses have been
defined, the average penetration rate per layer is calculated.
8. Report
(1) 8.1 The report should include all the information as shown
in Table 1. The relationship used to estimate the in situ CBR
values should also be included.

3
Webster, S. L., Grau, R. H., and Williams, T. P., “Description and Application
of Dual Mass Dynamic Cone Penetrometer,” Report GL-92-3, Department of the
Army, Washington, DC, May 1992, p. 19.
4
Webster, S. L., Brown, R. W., and Porter, J. R., “Force Projection Site
Evaluation Using the Electric Cone Penetrometer (ECP) and the Dynamic Cone
Penetrometer (DCP),” Technical Report No. GL-94-17, Air Force Civil Engineering
Support Agency, U.S. Air Force, Tyndall Air Force Base, FL, April 1994.

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 D6951/D6951M − 09 (2015)

FIG. 5 Schematic of DCP Extraction Jack

TABLE 2 Tabulated Correlation of CBR versus DCP Index3

DCP Index CBR DCP Index CBR DCP Index CBR
mm/blowA % mm/blowA % mm/blowA %
<3 100 39 4.8 69–71 2.5
3 80 40 4.7 72–74 2.4
4 60 41 4.6 75–77 2.3
5 50 42 4.4 78–80 2.2
6 40 43 4.3 81–83 2.1
7 35 44 4.2 84–87 2.0
8 30 45 4.1 88–91 1.9
9 25 46 4.0 92–96 1.8
10–11 20 47 3.9 97–101 1.7
12 18 48 3.8 102–107 1.6
13 16 49–50 3.7 108–114 1.5
14 15 51 3.6 115–121 1.4
15 14 52 3.5 122–130 1.3
16 13 53–54 3.4 131–140 1.2
17 12 55 3.3 141–152 1.1
18–19 11 56–57 3.2 153–166 1.0
20–21 10 58 3.1 166–183 0.9
22–23 9 59–60 3.0 184–205 0.8
24–26 8 61–62 2.9 206–233 0.7
27–29 7 63–64 2.8 234–271 0.6
30–34 6 65–66 2.7 272–324 0.5
FIG. 4 Schematic of Dual-Mass Hammer
35–38 5 67–68 2.6 >324 <0.5
A
For DCP Index in units of in./blow, divide by 25.4.
9. Precision and Bias
9.1 Precision—The within-field-laboratory repeatability
standard deviation has been determined to be less than 2 nature and the sample is not homogeneous and cannot be
mm/blow [0.08 in./blow].5 It is not possible to determine replicated in moisture and density in another laboratory.
reproducibility limits for this field test, which is destructive in NOTE 6—The repeatability study5 is on granular materials and would
correspond to approximately 20 percent or less if expressed as a
percentage.
5
Burnham, T. R., “Application of Dynamic Cone Penetrometer to Minnesota
Department of Transportation Pavement Assessment Procedures,” MN/RC-97/19, 9.2 Bias—No statement is being made as to the bias of the
Minnesota Department of Transportation, Saint Paul, MN, 1997, p. 37. test method at the present time.

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 D6951/D6951M − 09 (2015)
10. Keywords
10.1 ADCP; aggregate base testing; California bearing ra-
tio; CBR; DCP; disposable cones; dual-mass hammer; dynamic
cone penetrometer; in situ testing; paving material testing;
shear strength; subgrade testing
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(1) Ayers, M. E., “Rapid Shear Strength of In Situ Granualr Materials
Utilizing the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer,” Ph.D. Theses, Univer-
sity of Illinois, Urbana, IL, 1990.
(2) De Beer, M., Kleyn, E. G., and Savage P. F., “Towards a Classifi-
cation System for the Strength-Balance of Thin Surfaced Flexible
Pavements,” Proceedings of the 1988 Annual Transportation Con-
vention (ATC ’88), Session S.443, Vol 3D, Paper 3D-4, Pretoria, July
1988.
(3) De Beer, M., “Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) Aided Evolution
of the Behaviour of Pavements with Lightly Cementitious Layers,”
Division of Roads and Transport Technology, Research Report
DPVT-37, CSIR, Pretoria, South Africa, April 1989.
(4) De Beer, M., Kleyn, E. G., and Savage, P. F., “Advances in Pavement
Evaluation and Overlay Design with the Aid of the Dynamic Cone
Penetrometer (DCP),” 2nd International Symposium on Pavement
Evaluation and Overlay Design, 11th to 15th September 1989, Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil.
(5) De Beer, M., “Use of the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) in the
Design of Road Structures,” Tenth African Regional Conference on
Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, Maseru, Lesotho,
September 1991. Geotechnics in the African Environment, Blight, et
al (eds.), Balkema, Rottedam, Vol 1, 1991, pp. 167-183. Also in
Research Report DPVT-187, Roads and Transport Technology,
CSIR, South Africa.
(6) De Beer, M., “Use of the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) in the
Design of Road Structures,” Research Report DPVT-18, Roads and
Transport Technology, CSIR, South Africa, 1991, p. 30 .
(7) De Beer, M., “Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP), the Development
of DCP Pavement Technology in South Africa,” Session 7, course
notes from RSA/US Pavement Technology Workshop, at Richmond
Field Station, University of California, Berkeley, March 2000.
(8) Kessler, K.C., Dynamic Cone Penetrometer User’s Manual. Kessler
Soils Engineering Products, Inc., January 2001, Springfield, VA.
(9) Kleyn, E. G., “The Use of the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP),”
Report 2/74, Transvaal Roads Department, Pretoria, South Africa,
July 1975, p. 35.
(10) Kleyn, E. G., Maree, J. H., and Savage, P. F., “Application of a
Portable Pavement Dynamic Cone Penetrometer to Determine in situ
Bearing Properties of Road Pavement Layers and Subgrades in South
Africa,” ESOPT 11, Amsterdam, Netherlands, 1982.
(11) Kleyn, E. G., and Savage, P. F., “The Application of the Pavement
DCP to Determine the Bearing Properties and Performance of Road
Pavements,” International Symposium on Bearing Capacity of Roads
and Airfields, Trondheim, Norway, 1982.
(12) Kleyn, E. G., Van Heerden, M. J. J., and Rossouw, A. J., “An
Investigation to Determine the Structural Capacity and Rehabilita-
tion Utilization of a Road Pavement Using the Pavement Dynamic
Cone Penetrometer,” International Symposium on Bearing Capacity
of Roads and Airfields, Trondheim, Norway, 1982.
(13) Kleyn, E. G., and Van Heerden,, M. J. J., “Using DCP Soundings to
Copyright by ASTM Int'l (all rights reserved); Tue Oct 3 05:13:36 EDT 2017
6
Downloaded/printed by
National Institute of Technology - Suratkal - Karnatka (National Institute of Technology - Suratkal - Karnatka) pursuant to License Agreement. No further reproductions authorized.
Optimize Pavement Rehabilitation,” Annual Transport Convention,
Session G: Transport Infrastructure, Johannesburg, South Africa,
1983.
(14) Kleyn, E. G., in Afrikaans, “Aspects of Pavement Evaluation and
Design as Determined with the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer
(DCP),” M. Eng. Thesis, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South
Africa, May 1984. (Approximately 13000 words, 51 Figures and 1
photo.)
(15) Kleyn, E. G., Van Van Zyl, G. D., “Application of the Dynamic Cone
Penetrometer (DCP) to Light Pavement Design,” Proceedings of
First International Symposium on Penetration Testing, Orlando
Florida, A.A. Balkema Publishers, Rotterdam, Netherlands, 1988,
pp. 435-444.
(16) Livneh, M., “The Relationship Between In Situ CBR Test and
Various Penetration Test,” Proceedings of the First Symposium on
Penetration Testing, Orlando, Florida, A.A. Balkenma Publishers,
Rotterdam, Netherland, 1988.
(17) Livneh, M., “Validation of Correlations Between a Number of
Penetrations Tests and In Situ California Bearing Ratio Tests,”
Transportation Research Record 1219, Transportation Research
Record, Washington, DC, 1989.
(18) Livneh, M., “The Israeli Experience with the Regular and Extended
Dynamic Cone Penetrometer for Pavement and Subsoil Strength
Evaluation, Nondistructive Testing of Pavements and Backcalcula-
tion of Moduli,” ASTM STP 1375, S. D. Tayabji and E. O. Lukanen,
Eds., American Society for Testing and Materials, West
Conshohocken, PA, 1999.
(19) “METHOD ST6: Measurement of the In Situ Strength of soils by
the Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP), Special Methods for Test-
ing Roads,” Draft TMH6, Technical Methods for Highways
(TMH), ISBN 0 7988 2289 9, 1984, pp. 19-24.
(20) Sampson, L. R., and Netterberg, F., “Effect of Material Quality on
the Relationship Between nDCP DN-Value and CBR,” Proceedings
of the Annual Transportation Convention, Pretoria, South Africa, Vol
5B, Paper #3, 1990 , p. 12.
(21) Scala, A. J., “Simple Methods of Flexible Pavement Design Using
Cone Penetrometers,” Proceedings of the Second Australian Soil
Mechanics Conference, Christ Church, New Zealand, New Zealand
Engineer, 11( 2), 1956, pp. 34-44.
(22) Siekmeier, J. A., Young, D., and Beberg, D., “Comparison of the
Dynamic Cone Penetrometer with Other Tests During Subgrade and
Granular Base Chartacteriziation in Minnesota,” Nondestructive
Testing of Pavements and Backcalculation of Moduli: Third Volume,
ASTM STP 1375, S. D. Tayabji and E. O. Lukanen, Eds., American
Society for Testing and Materials, West Conshohochen, PA, 1999.
(23) Stephanos, G., Stanglerat, G., Bergdahl, V., and Melzer, K. J.,
“Dynamic Probing (DP): International Reference Test Procedures,”
Proceedings of First International Symposium on Penetration
Testing, Orlando, FL, A.A. Balkema Publishers, Rotterdam,
Netherlands, 1988.
 D6951/D6951M − 09 (2015)
(24) Van Vuuren, D. J., “Rapid Determiniation of CBR With the Portable Site Evaluation Using the Electric Cone Penetrometer (ECP) and the
Dynamic Cone Penetrometer,” The Rhodesian Engineer, Vol 7, Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP),” Technical Report No. GL-94-
Number 5, Salisbury, Rhodesia, September 1968, pp. 852-854. 17, Air Force Civil Engineering Support Agency, U.S. Air Force,
(25) Webster, S. L., Grau, R. H., and Williams, T. P., “Description and Tyndall Air Force Base, FL, April 1994.
Application of Dual Mass Dynamic Cone Penetrometer,” Report (27) WinDCP 4.0: “Analysis and Classification of DCP Survey Data;
GL-92-3, Department of the Army, Washington DC, May 1992, p. User Manual and Software,” 2000, Pretoria: Division of Roads and
19. Transport Technology, CSIR, Divisional Publication: DP-2000/5.
(26) Webster, S. L., Brown, R. W., and Porter, J. R., “Force Projection

ASTM International takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection with any item mentioned
in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
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 Designation: D1556/D1556M − 15´1

Standard Test Method for

Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by Sand-Cone
Method1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D1556/D1556M; 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.

ε1 NOTE—Editorially corrected 6.1.5 in January 2016.

1. Scope* equivalents; therefore each system shall be used independently

1.1 This test method may be used to determine the in-place
density and unit weight of soils using a sand cone apparatus.
1.2 This test method is applicable for soils without appre-
ciable amounts of rock or coarse materials in excess of 11⁄2 in.
[38 mm] in diameter.
1.3 This test method may also be used for the determination
of the in-place density and unit weight of intact or in situ soils,
provided the natural void or pore openings in the soil are small
enough to prevent the sand used in the test from entering the
voids. The soil or other material being tested should have
sufficient cohesion or particle attraction to maintain stable sides
on a small hole or excavation, and be firm enough to withstand
the minor pressures exerted in digging the hole and placing the
apparatus over it, without deforming or sloughing.
1.4 This test method is not suitable for organic, saturated, or
highly plastic soils that would deform or compress during the
excavation of the test hole. This test method may not be
suitable for soils consisting of unbound granular materials that
will not maintain stable sides in the test hole, soils containing
appreciable amounts of coarse material larger than 11⁄2 in. [38
mm], and granular soils having high void ratios.
1.5 When materials to be tested contain appreciable
amounts of particles larger than 11⁄2 in. [38 mm], or when test
hole volumes larger than 0.1 ft3 [2830 cm3] are required, Test
Method D4914 or D5030/D5030M is applicable.
1.6 Units—The values stated in either inch-pound units or
SI units [presented in brackets] are to be regarded separately as
standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D18 on Soil and
Rock and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D18.08 on Special and
Construction Control Tests.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2015. Published March 2015. Originally
approved in 1958. Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D1556 – 07. DOI:
10.1520/D1556_D1556M-15E01.
of the other. Combining values from the two systems may
result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.6.1 The gravitational system of inch-pound units is used
when dealing with inch-pound units. In this system, the pound
(lbf) represents a unit of force (weight).
1.6.2 It is common practice in the engineering profession to
concurrently use units representing both mass and force unless
dynamic calculations (F = Ma) are involved. This implicitly
combines two separate systems within a single standard. These
test methods have been written using inch-pound units (gravi-
tational system); however, conversions are given in the SI
system. The use of balances or scales recording pounds of mass
(lbm), or the recording of density in lbm/ft3 should not be
regarded as nonconformance with this standard.
1.6.3 The sieve designations are identified using the “stan-
dard” system in accordance with Specification E11, such as 25
mm and 75 µm, followed by the “alternative” system of 1 in.
and No. 200, respectively.
1.7 All observed and calculated values shall conform to the
guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in
Practice D6026.
1.7.1 For purposes of comparing, a measured or calculated
value(s) with specified limits, the measured or calculated
value(s) shall be rounded to the nearest decimal or significant
digits in the specified limits.
1.7.2 The procedures used to specify how data are collected/
recorded or calculated in this standard are regarded as the
industry standard. In addition, they are representative of the
significant digits that generally should be retained. The proce-
dures used do not consider material variation, purpose for
obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any consider-
ations for the user’s objectives; and it is common practice to
increase or reduce significant digits or reported data to be
commensurate with these considerations. It is beyond the scope
of this standard to consider significant digits used in analytical
methods for engineering design.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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1
 D1556/D1556M − 15´1
1.8 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 appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
C136 Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse
Aggregates
D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
Fluids
D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft3 (600
kN-m/m3))
D1557 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
istics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft3
(2,700 kN-m/m3))
D2216 Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water
(Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
D3740 Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies
Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as
Used in Engineering Design and Construction
D4253 Test Methods for Maximum Index Density and Unit
Weight of Soils Using a Vibratory Table
D4254 Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit
Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density
D4643 Test Method for Determination of Water (Moisture)
Content of Soil by Microwave Oven Heating
D4718 Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water
Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles
D4753 Guide for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Bal-
ances and Standard Masses for Use in Soil, Rock, and
Construction Materials Testing
D4914 Test Methods for Density of Soil and Rock in Place
by the Sand Replacement Method in a Test Pit
D4944 Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Mois-
ture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure
Tester
D4959 Test Method for Determination of Water Content of
Soil By Direct Heating
D5030/D5030M Test Methods for Density of Soil and Rock
in Place by the Water Replacement Method in a Test Pit
D6026 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical
Data
E11 Specification for Woven Wire Test Sieve Cloth and Test
Sieves
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of common technical terms
in this standard, refer to Terminology D653.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 compacted lift, n—a layer of compacted soil.
2
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
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
2
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 A test hole is hand excavated in the soil to be tested and
all the material from the hole is saved in a container. The hole
is filled with free flowing sand of a known density, and the
volume is determined. The in-place wet density of the soil is
determined by dividing the wet mass of the removed material
by the volume of the hole. The water content of the material
from the hole is determined and the dry mass and the dry
density of the in-place material are calculated using the wet
mass of the soil, the water content, and the volume of the hole.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is used to determine the density and
water content of compacted soils placed during the construc-
tion of earth embankments, road fill, and structural backfill. It
often is used as a basis of acceptance for soils compacted to a
specified density or percentage of a maximum density deter-
mined by a test method, such as Test Methods D698 or D1557.
5.1.1 Test Methods D698 and D1557 require that mass
measurements of laboratory compacted test specimens be
determined to the nearest 1 g, so that computed water contents
and densities can be reported to three and four significant
digits, respectively. This standard is a field procedure requiring
mass measurements to the nearest 0.01 lbm [5 g]. As such,
water content calculations should only be reported to nearest
1 % and density to three significant digits.
5.2 This test method can be used to determine the in-place
density of natural soil deposits, aggregates, soil mixtures, or
other similar material.
5.3 The use of this test method is generally limited to soil in
an unsaturated condition. This test method is not recommended
for soils that are soft or friable (crumble easily) or in moisture
conditions such that water seeps into the hand excavated hole.
The precision of the test may be affected for soils that deform
easily or that may undergo a volume change in the excavated
hole from vibration, or from standing or walking near the hole
during the test (see Note 1).
NOTE 1—When testing in soft conditions or in soils near saturation,
volume changes may occur in the excavated hole as a result of surface
loading, personnel performing the test, and the like. This can sometimes
be avoided by the use of a platform that is supported some distance from
the hole. As it is not always possible to detect when a volume change has
taken place, test results should always be compared to the theoretical
saturation density, or the zero air voids line on the dry density versus water
content plot. Any in-place density test on compacted soils that calculates
to be more than 95 % saturation is suspect and an error has probably
occurred, or the volume of the hole has changed during testing.
NOTE 2—The quality of the test result producted by this test method 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, and the like. Users of this test
method are cautioned that compliance with Practice D3740 does not in
itself ensure reliable results. Reliable results depend on many factors;
Practice D3740 provides a means of evaluating some of those factors.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Sand-Cone Density Apparatus, consisting of sand
container, sand cone, and base plate.
 D1556/D1556M − 15´1
6.1.1 Sand Container, an attachable jar or other sand con-
tainer having a volume capacity in excess of that required to fill
the test hole and sand cone during the test.
6.1.2 Sand Cone, a detachable appliance consisting of a
cylindrical valve with an orifice approximately 1⁄2 in. [13 mm]
in diameter, attached to a metal funnel and sand container on
one end, and a large metal funnel (sand-cone) on the other end.
The valve will have stops to prevent rotating past the com-
pletely open or completely closed positions. The appliance will
be constructed of metal sufficiently rigid to prevent distortion
or volume changes in the cone. The walls of the cone will form
an angle of approximately 60° with the base to allow uniform
filling with sand.
6.1.3 Base Plate, a metal base plate or template with a
flanged center hole cast or machined to receive the large funnel
(cone) of the appliance described in 6.1.2. The base plate may
be round or square and will be a minimum of 3 in. [75 mm]
larger than the funnel (sand-cone). The plate will be flat on the
bottom and have sufficient thickness or stiffness to be rigid.
Plates with raised edges, ridges, ribs, or other stiffeners of
approximately 3⁄8 to 1⁄2 in. [10 to 13 mm] high may be used.
6.1.4 The mass of the sand required to fill the sand cone and
base plate will be determined in accordance with the instruc-
tions in Annex A1 prior to use.
6.1.5 The details for the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 repre-
FIG. 1 Sand-Cone Density Apparatus
3
sents the minimum acceptable dimensions suitable for testing
soils having maximum particle sizes of approximately 11⁄2 in.
[38 mm] and test hole volumes of approximately 0.1 ft3 [2830
cm3]. When the material being tested contains a small amount
of oversize and isolated larger particles are encountered, the
test should be stopped and moved to a new location. Larger
apparatus and test hole volumes are needed when particles
larger than 11⁄2 in. [38 mm] are prevalent. The apparatus
described here represents a design that has proven satisfactory.
Larger apparatus, or other designs of similar proportions may
be used as long as the basic principles of the sand volume
determination are observed. When test hole volumes larger
than 0.1 ft3 [2830 cm3] are required. Test Method D4914
should be utilized.
6.2 Sand—Sand must be clean, dry, uniform in density and
grading, uncemented, durable, and free-flowing. Any gradation
may be used that has a coefficient of uniformity (Cu = D60/D10)
less than 2.0, a maximum particle size smaller than the 2.0 mm
[No. 10] sieve size, and less than 3 % by weight passing the
250 µm [No. 60] sieve size, determined in accordance with Test
Method C136. Uniformly graded sand is needed to prevent
segregation during handling, storage, and use. Sand free of
fines and fine sand particles is required to prevent significant
bulk-density changes with normal daily changes in atmo-
spheric humidity. Sand comprised of durable, natural
subrounded, or rounded particles is desirable. Crushed sand or
sand having angular particles may not be free-flowing, a
condition that can cause bridging resulting in inaccurate
density determinations (see Note 3). In selecting a sand from a
potential source, a gradation and bulk-density determinations
in accordance with the procedure in Annex A2 should be made
on each container or bag of sand. To be an acceptable sand, the
bulk-density variation between any one determination shall not
be greater than 1 % of the average. Before using sand in
density determinations, it shall be dried, then allowed to reach
an air-dried state in the general location where it is to be used
(see Note 4). Sand shall not be re-used without removing any
contaminating soil, checking the gradation, drying and rede-
termining the bulk-density (see Note 5). Bulk-density tests of
the sand will be made at time intervals not exceeding 14 days,
always after any significant changes in atmospheric humidity,
before reusing, and before use of a new batch from a
previously approved supplier (see Note 6).
NOTE 3—Some manufactured (crushed) sands such as blasting sand
have been successfully used with good reproducibility. The reproducibility
of test results using angular sand should be checked under laboratory
controlled testing situations before selecting an angular sand for use.
NOTE 4—Many organizations have found it beneficial to store sands in
moisture resistant containers. Sand should be stored in dry areas protected
from weather. The use of a lighted bulb or other heat source in, or adjacent
to the storage containers has also been found to be beneficial in areas of
high humidity.
NOTE 5—As a general rule, reclaiming sand after testing is not
desirable.
NOTE 6—Most sands have a tendency to absorb moisture from the
atmosphere. A very small amount of absorbed moisture can make a
substantial change in bulk-density. In areas of high humidity, or where the
humidity changes frequently, the bulk-density may need to be determined
more often than the 14 day maximum interval indicated. The need for
more frequent checks can be determined by comparing the results of
different bulk-density tests on the same sand made in the same conditions
 D1556/D1556M − 15´1
of use over a period of time. TABLE 1 Minimum Test Hole Volumes Based on Maximum Size
of Included Particle
6.3 Balances or Scales—Meeting Specification D4753, with
Maximum Particle Size Minimum Test Hole Volumes
0.01 lbm [5.0 g] readability, or better, to determine the mass of in. mm cm3 ft3
sand and excavated soils. A balance or scale having a minimum 1⁄ 2 12.7 1415 0.05
capacity of 44 lbf [20 kg] and 0.01 lbf [5 g] readability is 1 25.4 2125 0.075
1 1 ⁄2 38 2830 0.1
suitable for determining the mass of the sand and the excavated
soil when apparatus with the dimensions shown in Fig. 1 is
used. construction control, the depth of the hole should approximate
6.4 Drying Equipment—Equipment corresponding to the the thickness of one, or more, compacted lift(s). The procedure
method used for determining water content as specified in Test for calibrating the sand must reflect this hole depth. See Annex
Methods D2216, D4643, D4944, or D4959. A2.
7.1.6 Dig the test hole through the center hole in the base
6.5 Miscellaneous Equipment—Knife, small pick, chisel,
plate, being careful to avoid disturbing or deforming the soil
small trowel, screwdriver, or spoons for digging test holes,
that will bound the hole. The sides of the hole should slope
large nails or spikes for securing the base plate; buckets with
slightly inward and the bottom should be reasonably flat or
lids, plastic-lined cloth sacks, or other suitable containers for
concave. The hole should be kept as free as possible of pockets,
retaining the density samples, moisture sample, and density
overhangs, and sharp obtrusions since these affect the accuracy
sand respectively; small paint brush, calculator, notebook or
of the test. Soils that are essentially granular require extreme
test forms, etc.
care and may require digging a conical-shaped test hole. Place
7. Procedure all excavated soil, and any soil loosened during digging, in a
moisture tight container that is marked to identify the test
7.1 Select a location/elevation that is representative of the
number. Take care to avoid losing any materials. Protect this
area to be tested, and determine the density of the soil in-place
material from any loss of moisture until the mass has been
as follows:
determined and a specimen has been obtained for a water
7.1.1 Inspect the cone apparatus for damage, free rotation of
content determination.
the valve, and properly matched baseplate. Fill the cone
7.1.7 Clean the flange of the base plate hole, invert the
container with conditioned sand for which the bulk-density has
sand-cone apparatus and seat the sand-cone funnel into the
been determined in accordance with Annex A2, and determine
flanged hole at the same position as marked during calibration
the total mass.
(see Annex A1). Eliminate or minimize vibrations in the test
7.1.2 Prepare the surface of the location to be tested, so that
area due to personnel or equipment. Open the valve and allow
it is a level plane. The base plate may be used as a tool for
the sand to fill the hole, funnel, and base plate. Take care to
striking off the surface to a smooth level plane.
avoid jarring or vibrating the apparatus while the sand is
7.1.3 Seat the base plate on the plane surface, making sure
running. When the sand stops flowing, close the valve.
there is contact with the ground surface around the edge of the
7.1.8 Determine the mass of the apparatus with the remain-
flanged center hole. Mark the outline of the base plate to check
ing sand, record, and calculate the mass of sand used.
for movement during the test, and if needed, secure the plate
7.1.9 Determine and record the mass of the moist soil
against movement using nails pushed into the soil adjacent to
material that was removed from the test hole. When oversized
the edge of the plate, or by other means, without disturbing the
material corrections are required, determine the mass of the
soil to be tested.
oversized material on the appropriate sieve and record, taking
7.1.4 In soils where leveling is not successful, or surface
care to avoid moisture losses. When required, make appropri-
voids remain, the volume horizontally bounded by the funnel,
ate corrections for the oversized material using Practice
plate and ground surface must be determined by a preliminary
D4718.
test. Fill the space with sand from the apparatus, determine the
7.1.10 Mix the material thoroughly, and either obtain a
mass of sand used to fill the space, refill the apparatus, and
representative specimen for water content determination, or
determine a new initial mass of apparatus and sand before
use the entire sample.
proceeding with the test. After this measurement is completed,
7.1.11 Determine the water content in accordance with Test
carefully brush the sand from the prepared surface (see Note
Method D2216, D4643, D4944, or D4959. Correlations to Test
7).
Method D2216 will be performed when required by other test
NOTE 7—A second calibrated apparatus may be taken to the field when methods.
this condition is anticipated (instead of refilling and making a second
determination). The procedure in 7.1.4 may be used for each test when the 7.2 Water content specimens must be large enough and
best possible accuracy is desired; however, it is usually not needed for selected in such a way that they represent all the material
most production testing where a relatively smooth surface is obtainable. obtained from the test hole. The minimum mass of the water
7.1.5 The test hole volume will depend on the anticipated content specimens is that required to provide water content
maximum particle size in the soil to be tested and the depth of values expressed to nearest 1 %.
the compacted layer. Test hole volumes are to be as large as 8. Calculation
practical to minimize the errors and shall not be less than the
volumes indicated in Table 1. A hole depth should be selected 8.1 Calculate the volume of the test hole as follows:
that will provide a representative sample of the soil. For V 5 ~ M 1 2 M 2 ! /ρ 1 (1)

4
 D1556/D1556M − 15´1
where:
V = volume of the test hole, ft3 [cm3],
M1 = mass of the sand used to fill the test hole, funnel and
base plate, lbm [g] (from 7.1.8),
M2 = mass of the sand used to fill the funnel and base plate
(from Annex A1.2.3.6), lbm [g], and
ρ1 = bulk density of the sand (from A2.3.5), lbm/ft3
[g/cm3].
8.2 Calculate the dry mass of material removed from the test
hole as follows:
M 4 5 100 M 3 / ~ w1100! (2)
where:
w = water content of the material removed from test hole,
%, (from 7.1.11),
M3 = moist mass of the material from test hole, lbm [g],
(from 7.1.9), and
M4 = dry mass of material from test hole, lbm [g].
8.3 Calculate the in-place wet and dry density of the
material tested as follows:
ρ m 5 M 3 /V (3)
ρ d 5 M 4 /V
where:
V = volume of the test hole, ft3 [cm3] (from 8.1),
M3 = moist mass of the material from the test hole, lbm [g],
(from 7.1.9),
M4 = dry mass of the material from the test hole, lbm [g],
(from 8.2),
ρm = wet density of the tested material, lbm/ft3 [g/cm3], and
ρd = dry density of the tested material, lbm/ft3 [g/cm3].
8.4 It may be desired to express the in-place density as a
percentage of some other density, for example, the laboratory
densities determined in accordance with Test Method D698,
D1557, D4253, or D4254. This relation can be determined by
dividing the in-place density by the laboratory density and
multiplying by 100. Calculations for determining relative
density are provided in Test Method D4254. Corrections for
oversize material, if required, should be performed in accor-
dance with Practice D4718.
9. Report: Test Data Sheet(s)/Form(s)
9.1 The methodology used to specify how data are recorded
on the test data sheet(s)/form(s), as given below, is covered in
1.7 and Practice D6026.
9.2 Record as a minimum the following general information
(data):
9.2.1 Project information, such as project name, number,
test location, elevation, thickness of layer tested, or other
pertinent data to locate or identify the test;
9.2.2 Name or initials of the person(s) who prepared and
tested the sample(s), including the date(s) performed;
5
9.2.3 Visual description of the soil or material designation;
and
9.2.4 Comments or observations on conduct of the test
including any test conditions or difficulties affecting test
results. Photographs of the test are helpful to document
conditions, but not required to be reported.
9.3 Record as a minimum the following apparatus informa-
tion:
9.3.1 Apparatus identity and calibrated volume, to a mini-
mum of four significant digits;
9.3.2 Bulk density of the sand used in the test, to three
significant digits;
9.4 Record as a minimum the following test date/results:
9.4.1 Test hole volume, to four significant digits;
9.4.2 In-place wet density, to three significant digits;
9.4.3 In-place dry density, to three significant digits;
9.4.4 In-place dry unit weight, to three significant digits;
9.4.5 In-place water content of the soil expressed as a
percentage of dry mass (gravimetric water content), to the
nearest 1 %, and the test method used; and
9.4.6 Mass and percentage of oversized particles and the
size sieve used, if performed, to three significant digits.
9.4.7 If the in-place dry density or unit weight is expressed
as a percentage of another value, include the following:
9.4.7.1 The laboratory test method used.
9.4.7.2 The comparative dry density or unit weight value
and water content used.
9.4.7.3 Correction for oversized material and details, if
applicable.
9.4.7.4 The comparative percentage of the in-place material
to the comparison value.
9.4.8 If the in-place density, unit weight, or water content
are to be used for acceptance, include the acceptance criteria
applicable to the test.
10. Precision and Bias
10.1 Precision—Test data on precision is not presented due
to the nature of this test method. It is either not feasible or too
costly at this time to have ten or more agencies participate in
an in situ testing program at a given site.
10.1.1 Subcommittee D18.08 is seeking any data from the
users of this test method that might be used to make a limited
statement on precision.
10.2 Bias—There is no accepted reference value for this test
method, therefore, bias cannot be determined.
11. Keywords
11.1 acceptance tests; compaction tests; degree of compac-
tion; density tests; earthfill; embankments; field control den-
sity; field tests; in-place density; in-place dry density; in situ
density; relative density; sand cone; soil compaction; soil tests;
unit weight
 D1556/D1556M − 15´1
ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
A1. CALIBRATION OF SAND-CONE APPARATUS
A1.1 Scope
A1.1.1 This annex describes the procedure for determining
the mass of sand contained in the funnel and base plate of the
sand-cone apparatus.
A1.1.2 The mass of sand contained in the apparatus and
base plate is dependent on the bulk-density of the sand.
Consequently, this procedure must be performed for each
apparatus whenever there are changes in the sand bulk-
densities.
A1.2 Calibration Procedure
A1.2.1 Calibration of the apparatus can be accomplished by
either of two methods:
A1.2.1.1 Method A—By determining the mass of calibrated
sand that can be contained in each funnel and base plate set, or
A1.2.1.2 Method B (optional)—By determining the volume
of sand needed to fill each funnel and base plate set and
applying this volume constant whenever new sand bulk-
densities are calculated.
A1.2.1.3 Since the mass of sand contained in the apparatus
funnel and base plate is dependent on the bulk density of the
sand, if Method A is used, it must be repeated whenever the
bulk-density of the sand changes.
A1.2.2 All determinations of mass are to be made to the
nearest 0.01 lbm [5 g].
A1.2.3 Method A:
A1.2.3.1 Fill the apparatus with sand that is dried and
conditioned to the same state anticipated during use in testing.
A1.2.3.2 Determine the mass of the apparatus filled with
sand.
A1.2.3.3 Place the base plate on a clean, level, plane
surface. Invert the container/apparatus and seat the funnel in
the flanged center hole in the base plate. Mark and identify the
apparatus and base plate, so that the same apparatus and plate
can be matched and reseated in the same position during
testing.
6
A1.2.3.4 Open the valve fully until the sand flow stops,
making sure the apparatus, base plate, or plane surface are not
jarred or vibrated before the valve is closed.
A1.2.3.5 Close the valve sharply, remove the apparatus and
determine the mass of the apparatus and remaining sand.
Calculate the mass of sand used to fill the funnel and base plate
as the difference between the initial and final mass.
A1.2.3.6 Repeat the procedure a minimum of three times.
The maximum variation between any one determination and
the average will not exceed 1 %. Use the average of the three
determinations for this value in the test calculations.
A1.2.4 Method B (Optional):
A1.2.4.1 When large numbers of tests and batches of sand
are anticipated, it may be advantageous to determine the
volume of each apparatus and base plate. Barring damage to
the apparatus or mismatching of the base plates, this volume
will remain constant, and will eliminate the need to repeat
Method A, when the sand bulk-density changes (see Note
A1.1). If this alternative is chosen, the calculations in the field
test must be altered to determine the total volume of the sand
in the field test hole and apparatus. The volume of the
apparatus is then subtracted to determine the volume of the test
hole.
A1.2.4.2 Determine the mass of sand required to fill the
apparatus funnel and base plate in accordance with A1.2.3,
following steps A1.2.3.1 – A1.2.3.6 for each batch of sand.
A1.2.4.3 Calculate the volume of the funnel and base plate
by dividing the bulk-density of the sand (as determined in
Annex A2) by the mass of sand found in A1.2.3.6. Perform a
minimum of three determinations and calculate an average
value. The maximum volume variation between any one
determination and the average will not exceed 1 %. Use the
average of the values when performing test calculations.
NOTE A1.1—The sand-cone apparatus should be routinely inspected for
damage that may affect the volume of the cone. Dings, out-of-round, or
other damage will affect the volume and will necessitate a redetermination
of the volume (if repairable).
 D1556/D1556M − 15´1
A2. CALIBRATION OF DENSITY SAND
A2.1 Scope
A2.1.1 This annex is used for determining the bulk-density
(calibration) of the sand for use in this test method.
A2.1.2 The calibration determines an average density of the
sand for use in calculating the volume of the test hole.
A2.2 Equipment Required
A2.2.1 Container—Select a container of known volume that
is approximately the same size and allows the sand to fall
approximately the same distance as the hole excavated during
a field test. The 1/30 ft3 [944 cm3] and 1/13.33 ft3 [2124 cm3]
molds specified in Test Methods D698, or the 0.1 ft3 [2830
cm3] mold specified in Test Method D4253 are recommended.
Alternatively, cast duplicates of actual test holes may be used.
This is accomplished by forming plaster of paris negatives in
actual test holes over a range of test volumes, and using these
as forms for portland cement concrete castings. These should
be cast against a flat plane surface, and after the removal of the
negative, sealed water tight and the volume determined in
accordance with the procedure in Test Method D4253 (10.2.2).
A2.2.1.1 Determine the container volume to 1 % using
water in accordance with the procedures described in Test
Method D4253.
A2.2.2 Sand-Cone Apparatus—Use a sand cone apparatus
of the same size and design as will be used during field testing.
A2.2.2.1 Flow characteristics through different valve as-
semblies have been shown to cause different bulk-density
values. Bulk-density determinations will be required for each
apparatus set unless other assemblies are determined to provide
the same results.
A2.2.3 Balance or Scale—A balance or scale having a
sufficient capacity to determine the mass of the calibration
container filled with sand. For 0.500 ft3 [14 200 cm3]
containers, a balance having a minimum capacity of 44 lbf [20
kg] and meeting the requirements of Specification D4753 for
0.01 lbf [5 g] readability is required.
A2.2.4 Metal Straightedge, about 2 in. [51 mm] wide, at
least 1⁄8 in. [3 mm] thick, and length approximately 1.5 times
the diameter of the calibration container.
A2.3 Bulk-Density Determination
A2.3.1 Fill the assembled apparatus with sand. The sand is
to be dried and conditioned to the same state anticipated during
use.
7
A2.3.2 Determine and record the mass of the calibration
container when empty.
A2.3.3 Method A (Preferred):
A2.3.3.1 When the calibration container has the same diam-
eter as the flanged center hole in the base plate, invert and
center the sand filled apparatus and base plate on the calibra-
tion container.
A2.3.3.2 Fully open the valve and allow the sand to fill the
container. When the sand flow stops, close the valve.
A2.3.3.3 Determine the mass of the apparatus and remain-
ing sand. Calculate the net mass of sand in the calibration
container by subtracting the mass of sand contained in the cone
and base plate (as determined in Annex A1) and record.
A2.3.4 Method B (Alternative):
A2.3.4.1 Invert and support the apparatus over the calibra-
tion container so that the sand falls approximately the same
distance and location as in a field test, and fully open the valve.
A2.3.4.2 Fill the container until it just overflows and close
the valve. Using a minimum number of strokes and taking care
not to jar or densify the sand, carefully remove excess sand to
a smooth level surface. Any vibration or jarring during the
bulk-density determination will result in settling and densify-
ing the sand, leading to erroneous results.
A2.3.4.3 Clean any sand from the outside of the calibration
container. Determine the mass of the container and sand.
Record the net mass of the sand by subtracting the mass of the
empty container.
A2.3.5 Perform at least three bulk-density determinations
and calculate the average. The maximum variation between
any one determination and the average will not exceed 1 %.
Repeated determinations not meeting these requirements indi-
cates nonuniform sand density, and the sand source should be
re-evaluated for suitability. The average value obtained is to be
used in the test calculations.
A2.4 Calculation
A2.4.1 Calculate the bulk-density of the sand as follows:
ρ 1 5 M 5 /V 1 (A2.1)
where:
ρ1 = bulk-density of the sand, lbm/ft3 [g/cm3],
M5 = mass of the sand to fill the calibration container, lbm
[g], (from A2.3.4.3), and
V1 = volume of the calibration container, ft3 [cm3] (from
A2.2.1.1).
 D1556/D1556M − 15´1
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee D18 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue
(D1556 – 07) that may impact the use of this standard. (February 1, 2015)

(1) Revised 1.6. (5) Revised Section 9 and added statements concerning signifi-
(2) Added Test Method C136 to Section 2 and 6.2. cant digits throughout the section.
(3) Revised Note 2.
(4) Revised the standard into a dual measurement system with
the units of measurement stated in either inch-pound units or SI
units.

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in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such patent rights, and the risk
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8
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SNI 6371: 2015

Standar Nasional Indonesia

Tata cara pengklasifikasian tanah

untuk keperluan teknik dengan
sistem klasifikasi unifikasi tanah
(ASTM D 2487-06, MOD)

ICS 93.020 Badan Standardisasi Nasional

 “Hak cipta Badan Standardisasi Nasional, copy standar ini dibuat untuk PT 91-01 Bahan Konstruksi Bangunan & Rekayasa Sipil, dan tidak untuk dikomersialkan”
© ASTM 2006 – All rights reserved
© BSN 2015 untuk kepentingan adopsi standar © ASTM menjadi SNI – Semua hak dilindungi

Hak cipta dilindungi undang-undang. Dilarang mengumumkan dan memperbanyak sebagian

atau seluruh isi dokumen ini dengan cara dan dalam bentuk apapun serta dilarang
mendistribusikan dokumen ini baik secara elektronik maupun tercetak tanpa izin tertulis BSN

BSN
Email: dokinfo@bsn.go.id
www.bsn.go.id

Diterbitkan di Jakarta
 “Hak cipta Badan Standardisasi Nasional, copy standar ini dibuat untuk PT 91-01 Bahan Konstruksi Bangunan & Rekayasa Sipil, dan tidak untuk dikomersialkan”
“This Standard is modification of ASTM D ASTM D 2487-06 (2006), Standard
Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified
Soil Classification System) , Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbour
Drive, West Conshohocken PA 19428 USA.
Reprinted by permission of ASTM International.”
ASTM International has authorized the distribution of this translation of SNI
6371:2015, but recognizes that the translation has gone through a limited
review process. ASTM neither represents nor warrants that the translation is
technically or linguistically accurate. Only the English edition as published and
copyrighted by ASTM shall be considered the official version. Reproduction of
this translation, without ASTM's written permission is strictly forbidden under
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 “Hak cipta Badan Standardisasi Nasional, copy standar ini dibuat untuk PT 91-01 Bahan Konstruksi Bangunan & Rekayasa Sipil, dan tidak untuk dikomersialkan”
SNI 6371:2015

Daftar isi

Daftar isi.....................................................................................................................................i
Prakata ..................................................................................................................................... ii
Prakata ..................................................................................................................................... ii
Pendahuluan............................................................................................................................ iii
1 Ruang lingkup .................................................................................................................... 1
2 Acuan normatif ................................................................................................................... 2
3 Istilah dan definisi .............................................................................................................. 2
4 Ringkasan .......................................................................................................................... 4
5 Arti dan kegunaan .............................................................................................................. 5
6 Peralatan ........................................................................................................................... 6
7 Pengambilan contoh uji ................................................................................................... 11
8 Klasifikasi tanah gambut .................................................................................................. 11
9 Persiapan untuk klasifikasi .............................................................................................. 11
10 Prosedur klasifikasi awal ................................................................................................. 12
11 Prosedur untuk klasifikasi tanah berbutir halus ............................................................... 12
12 Prosedur untuk klasifikasi tanah berbutir kasar ............................................................... 14
13 Laporan ............................................................................................................................ 15
14 Ketelitian dan bias ........................................................................................................... 16
15 Kata Kunci ....................................................................................................................... 16
Lampiran A (informatif) Pengklasifikasian tanah ................................................................... 17
Lampiran B (normatif) Contoh formulir isian .......................................................................... 22
Lampiran C (normatif) Contoh formulir isian .......................................................................... 23
Lampiran D (informatif) Contoh isian formulir ........................................................................ 24
Lampiran E (informatif) Contoh isian formulir ........................................................................ 25

Gambar 1 - Bagan alir untuk pengklasifikasian tanah butir halus

(lolos ayakan No. 200 ≥ 50%)................................................................................ 7
Gambar 2 - Bagan alir untuk pengklasifikasian tanah organik butir halus
(lolos ayakan No. 200 ≥ 50%)................................................................................ 8
Gambar 3 - Bagan alir untuk pengklasifikasian tanah butir kasar
(tertahan ayakan No. 200 > 50%) .......................................................................... 9
Gambar 4 - Grafik plastisitas ................................................................................................. 10
Gambar 5 – Distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif .................................................................... 10

Tabel 1 - Bagan klasifikasi tanah ............................................................................................. 4

© BSN 2015 i
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SNI 6371:2015

Prakata

Standar Nasional Indonesia (SNI) tentang “Tata cara pengklasifikasian tanah untuk
keperluan teknik dengan sistem klasifikasi unifikasi tanah” adalah revisi dari SNI 03-6371-
2000, Tata cara pengklasifikasian tanah dengan cara unifikasi tanah. Standar ini merupakan
hasil adopsi modifikasi dari ASTM D2487-06, Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for
Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification Sistem). Adapun revisi yang dilakukan
yaitu perbaikan bagan alir untuk pengklasifikasian tanah, penambahan gambar grafik
plastisitas, perbaikan gambar distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif serta contoh penggunaan
gambar grafik plastisitas dan gambar distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif.
Modifikasi dilakukan yakni pada standar acuan ASTM D2487-06 dengan pasal 9.8.2 dan
9.8.3 yang menyebutkan nilai 15% direvisi menjadi 12%. Kalimat pasal 9.8.2 direvisi menjadi
“Untuk tanah yang diperkirakan mengandung butiran halus antara 5% sampai 12% …. ” dan
pasal 9.8.3 dengan kalimat “Untuk tanah yang diperkirakan mengandung butiran halus 12%
atau lebih .......”. Perubahan nilai tersebut disesuaikan dengan Gambar 3 Bagan alir untuk
pengklasifikasian tanah butir kasar (tertahan ayakan No. 200 > 50%).
Standar acuan ASTM D4083, Practice for Description of Frozen Soils (Visual Manual
Procedure) tetap dicantumkan dalam standar ini karena dapat digunakan jika tata cara
pengklasifikasian menggunakan tanah beku/salju.
Standar ASTM yang digunakan sebagai acuan dalam standar ini telah diadopsi menjadi SNI
sebagai berikut:

1. C136, Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates, telah diadopsi
menjadi SNI ASTM C 136-2012, Metode uji untuk analisis saringan agregat halus dan
agregat kasar

SNI ini dipersiapkan oleh Komite Teknis 91-01 Bahan Konstruksi Bangunan dan Rekayasa
Sipil pada Subpanitia Teknis Rekayasa Jalan dan Jembatan 91-01/S2 melalui Gugus Kerja
Geoteknik Jalan.
Tata cara penulisan disusun dengan mengikuti Pedoman Standardisasi Nasional (PSN)
Nomor 10 Tahun 2012 dan dibahas dalam forum rapat konsensus yang diselenggarakan
pada tanggal 02 April 2013 di Bandung, oleh Sub komite Teknis yang melibatkan para
narasumber, pakar, dan lembaga terkait, dan telah melalui proses jajak pendapat dari
tanggal 6 April 2015 hingga 5 Juni 2015.

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SNI 6371:2015

Pendahuluan

Standar ini menetapkan sistem untuk mengklasifikasikan tanah dan tanah organik untuk
keperluan teknik berdasarkan hasil pengujian laboratorium yaitu penentuan karakteristik
ukuran butir, batas cair, dan indeks plastisitas. Sistem klasifikasi ini mengidentifikasi tanah ke
dalam 3 kelompok utama, yaitu: tanah berbutir kasar, tanah berbutir halus, dan tanah
berorganik tinggi.
Pemberian nama dan simbol kelompok dapat digunakan untuk mengevaluasi sifat-sifat
penting tanah serta berbagai pengelompokkan pada sistem klasifikasi ini dibuat untuk
mengorelasikan secara umum terhadap sifat-sifat tekniknya.
Pelaksanaan pengujian laboratorium dalam mengklasifikasikan tanah menggunakan grafik
plastisitas seperti ditunjukkan pada Gambar 4 dan kurva distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif
seperti ditunjukkan pada Gambar 5. Standar ini digunakan sebagai langkah awal dalam
penyelidikan lapangan atau laboratorium untuk keperluan geoteknik.

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Tata cara pengklasifikasian tanah untuk keperluan teknik dengan

sistem klasifikasi unifikasi tanah

1 Ruang lingkup

1.1 Standar ini menetapkan sistem untuk mengklasifikasikan tanah dan tanah organik
untuk keperluan teknik berdasarkan hasil pengujian laboratorium tentang karakteristik ukuran
butir, batas cair, dan indeks plastisitas. Standar ini digunakan untuk keperluan klasifikasi
tanah yang teliti.

CATATAN 1 - Penggunaan standar ini akan menghasilkan satu simbol dan satu nama kelompok
klasifikasi tanah, kecuali untuk kasus tanah yang mengandung butiran halus 5% sampai dengan 12%
atau nilai batas cair dan nilai indeks plastisitasnya berada pada daerah yang diarsir dari grafik
plastisitas. Untuk kedua kasus tersebut digunakan simbol ganda seperti GP – GM, CL – ML. Bila hasil
pengujian laboratorium menunjukkan bahwa tanah mendekati kelompok klasifikasi tanah lain,
keadaan garis batas dapat ditunjukkan dengan dua simbol yang dipisahkan oleh garis miring. Simbol
pertama harus didasarkan standar ini dari hasil klasifikasi standar ini, misalkan CL/CH, GM/SM,
SC/CL. Simbol-simbol garis batas terutama bermanfaat bila nilai batas cair lempung mendekati 50,
tanah tersebut dapat bersifat ekspansif dan penggunaan simbol garis batas (CL/CH, CH/CL) akan
mengingatkan para pengguna untuk melakukan klasifikasi tanah yang berpotensi ekspansif.

1.2 Simbol kelompok pada sistem klasifikasi ini didasarkan atas hasil-hasil pengujian
laboratorium yang dilakukan terhadap bagian contoh tanah yang lolos ayakan 3 inci (75
mm), sesuai ASTM E 11.

1.3 Sebagai sistem klasifikasi, standar ini hanya berlaku untuk jenis tanah yang terbentuk
secara alami.

CATATAN 2 - nama-nama kelompok dan simbol klasifikasi yang digunakan dalam standar ini dapat
digunakan sebagai sistem yang diterapkan terhadap material seperti batu serpih, batu lempung,
cangkang kerang, batu pecah, dan sebagainya. Lihat Lampiran A butir X2.

1.4 Standar ini hanya untuk penggunaan secara kualitatif

CATATAN 3 - Bila informasi secara kuantitatif dibutuhkan untuk desain rinci struktur penting, standar
ini harus dilengkapi dengan data hasil pengujian laboratorium atau data kuantitatif lainnya untuk
menentukan karakteristik kinerja pada kondisi lapangan yang direncanakan.

1.5 Standar ini merupakan versi ASTM untuk sistem klasifikasi unifikasi tanah. sistem
klasifikasi tanah didasarkan pada “Airfield Classification System” yang dikembangkan oleh A.
Cassagrande pada awal tahun 1940. Sistem ini dikenal sebagai sistem klasifikasi unifikasi
tanah ketika sejumlah instansi pemerintah USA mengadopsi versi modifikasi dari “Airfield
System” pada tahun 1952.

1.6 Standar ini tidak dimaksudkan untuk menjelaskan semua permasalahan keselamatan,
bila ada kaitannya dengan penggunaannya. Hal tersebut menjadi tanggung jawab pengguna
dalam menerapkannya sesuai keselamatan dan kesehatan, juga ketentuan-ketentuan yang
harus ditaati sebelum menggunakan standar ini.

1.7 Standar ini mengemukakan satu perangkat petunjuk untuk melakukan satu atau lebih
operasi/pelaksanaan yang spesifik. Dokumen ini tidak dapat mengganti pendidikan atau
pengalaman dan harus digunakan dengan pertimbangan profesional. Tidak semua aspek
standar ini dapat diaplikasikan pada semua kondisi. Standar ini tidak dimaksudkan untuk
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SNI 6371:2015

mewakili atau menggantikan standar pemeliharaan/perawatan yang membutuhkan penilaian

profesional yang cukup. Standar ini juga tidak seharusnya digunakan tanpa
mempertimbangkan keunikan/kekhasan pada suatu proyek/pekerjaan. Kata “Standard”
dalam judul dokumen ini berarti hanya berupa dokumen yang disetujui melalui proses
konsensus.

2 Acuan normatif

2.1 Standar ASTM

C 117, Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-µm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by
Washing
C136, Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates (SNI ASTM C 136-
2012, Metode uji untuk analisis saringan agregat halus dan agregat kasar)
C702, Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
D420, Guide to Site Characterization for Engineering Design and Construction Purposes.
D422, Test method for particle – Size analysis of soils
D653, Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D1140,Test Methods for Amount of Material in Soils Finer than No. 200 (0,075 Mm) Sieve
D2216, Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and
Rock by Mass (SNI 1965:2008, Cara uji penentuan kadar air untuk tanah dan batuan)
D2217, Practice for Wet Preparation of Soil Samples for Particel-Size Analysis And
Determination Of Soil Constants
D2488, Practice for Description and Identitication of Soil (Visual-Manual Procedure) (SNI
2436:2008, Standar pencatatan dan identifikasi hasil pengeboran inti)
D3740, Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agency Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection
of Soil and Rock As Used In Engineering Design And Construction
D4083, Practice for Description of Frozen Soils (Visual Manual Procedure)
D4318, Test Methods for liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index of soils
D4427, Classification of peat samples by laboratory testing
D6913, Test Methods for particle-size distribution (gradation) of soils using sieve analysis
E11, Specification for woven wire test sieve cloth and test sieves

3 Istilah dan definisi

3.1 Definisi

Semua definisi sesuai dengan ASTM D 653, kecuali yang diuraikan di bawah ini

CATATAN 4 - Untuk butiran yang tertahan pada ayakan 3 inci (75 mm), maka digunakan definisi-
definisi sebagaimana disarankan :
Kerakal yaitu butiran batuan yang lolos ayakan 12 inci (300 mm) dan tertahan pada ayakan 3 inci (75
mm) dan Bongkahan batuan yaitu ukuran butir yang tertahan ayakan ukuran 12 inci (300 mm)

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3.1.1
lempung
butiran tanah yang lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) yang dalam satu rentang kadar air
tertentu bersifat plastis dan mempunyai kekuatan yang cukup besar pada saat kering udara.
Untuk klasifikasi, lempung termasuk tanah yang berbutir halus, atau bagian tanah yang
berbutir halus, dengan indeks plastisitas sama atau lebih besar dari 4, bila digambarkan
dalam grafik plastisitas akan terletak pada atau di atas garis “A”

3.1.2
kerikil
partikel batuan yang lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) dan tertahan pada ayakan No. 4 (4,75 mm).
Ayakan standar dengan sub bagian :
Kerikil kasar yaitu butiran batuan yang lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) dan tertahan pada ayakan
¾ inci (19 mm) serta kerikil halus yaitu butiran batuan yang lolos ayakan ¾ inci (19 mm)
tertahan pada ayakan No. 4 (4,75 mm)

3.1.3
lempung organik
definisi lempung organik, untuk klasifikasi, lempung organik adalah tanah lempung yang
mempunyai nilai batas cair kering oven kurang dari 75% dari nilai batas cair sebelum
pengeringan

3.1.4
lanau organik
untuk klasifikasi, lanau organik adalah tanah lanau yang mempunyai nilai batas cair kering
ovennya kurang dari 75% batas cair sebelum pengeringan

3.1.5
gambut
tanah yang terdiri dari serat/jaringan daun-daunan pada berbagai tingkat pembusukan
dengan kadar organik tinggi, berwarna cokelat tua sampai hitam

3.1.6
pasir
butiran batuan yang lolos ayakan No. 4 (4,75 mm) dan tertahan ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm).
Ayakan standar dengan sub bagian : pasir kasar yaitu butiran batuan yang lolos ayakan No. 4
(4,75 mm) dan tertahan ayakan No. 10 (2,00 mm), pasir sedang yaitu butiran batuan yang
lolos ayakan No. 10 (2,00 mm) dan tertahan ayakan No. 40 (0,425 mm) serta pasir halus yaitu
butiran batuan yang lolos ayakan No. 40 (0,425 mm) dan tertahan pada ayakan No. 200
(0,075 mm)

3.1.7
lanau
butiran tanah lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm), yang nonplastis atau sangat sedikit plastisitas
dan dapat menunjukkan sedikit atau tidak ada kekuatan pada saat kering udara. Untuk
klasifikasi, lanau termasuk tanah yang berbutir halus, atau bagian tanah berbutir halus,
dengan indeks plastisitas lebih kecil dari 4 atau bila digambarkan dalam grafik plastisitas akan
terletak di bawah garis “A”
3.2 Definisi Istilah khusus untuk Standar ini :
3.2.1
koefisien kelengkungan (Cc)
perbandingan (D30)2/(D10 x D60), dengan pengertian D60, D30 dan D10 adalah diameter butir
yang ditentukan oleh 60%, 30%, dan 10% lolos ayakan terhadap gambar distribusi ukuran
partikel kumulatif

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3.2.2
koefisien keseragaman (Cu)
perbandingan D60/D10, dengan pengertian D60 dan D10 adalah diameter butir yang ditentukan
oleh 60% dan 10% lolos ayakan terhadap Gambar distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif

4 Ringkasan

4.1 Sebagaimana diuraikan dalam Tabel 1, sistem klasifikasi ini mengidentifikasi tanah ke
dalam 3 kelompok utama, yaitu: tanah berbutir kasar, tanah berbutir halus, dan tanah
berorganik tinggi. Ketiga kelompok tanah ini, selanjutnya dibagi lagi menjadi 15 kelompok
dasar tanah.

4.2 Berdasarkan hasil pengamatan secara visual dan pengujian di laboratorium, tanah
digolongkan menurut kelompok dasar tanah, diberi simbol kelompok nama dan cara itu
disebut sebagai pengklasifikasian. Pada Gambar 1 menunjukan bagan alir untuk tanah butir
halus, Gambar 2 menunjukan bagan alir untuk tanah organik butir halus dan Gambar 3
menunjukan bagan alir untuk tanah butir kasar, dapat digunakan untuk menetapkan simbol-
simbol kelompok dan nama yang tepat.

Tabel 1 - Bagan klasifikasi tanah

Kriteria untuk Menetapkan Simbol-Simbol Kelompok dan Nama-Nama Kelompok Klasifikasi Tanah
Menggunakan Pengujian-Pengujian LaboratoriumA Simbol Nama KelompokB
Kelompok
TANAH Kerikil Kerikil bersih Cu ≥ 4 dan 1 ≤ Cc ≤ 3D GW KerikilE bergradasi baik
BERBUTIR (Lebih besar (Butir halusC < 5%) Cu < 4 dan/atau Cc < 1 atau Cc > 3D GP KerikilE bergradasi
KASAR dari 50% Fraksi jelek
>50% tertahan kasar yang Kerikil dengan butir Butir halus diklasifikasikan sebagai GM KerikilE, F, G lanauan
ayakan No. 200 tertahan halus ML atau MH
ayakan No. 4 ) (Butir halusC > 12%) Butir halus diklasifikasikan sebagai CL GC KerikilE, F, G lempungan
atau CH
Pasir Pasir bersih Cu ≥ 6 dan 1 ≤ Cc ≤ 3D SW PasirI bergradasi baik
(Lebih besar ≥ (Butir halusH < 5%) Cu < 6 dan/atau Cc < 1 atau Cc > 3D SP PasirI bergradasi jelek
50% Fraksi
kasar yang Pasir dengan butir Butir halus diklasifikasikan sebagai SM PasirF,G,I lanauan
lolos halus ML atau MH
ayakan No. 4 ) (Butir halusH > 12%) Butir halus diklasifikasikan sebagai CL SC PasirF,G,I lempungan
atau CH
TANAH Lanau dan Non Organik PI > 7 dan terletak pada atau di atas CL LempungK,L,M rendah
BERBUTIR lempung garis “A”
HALUS Batas cair < 50 PI < 4 atau terletak di bawah garis “A” ML LanauK,L,M
 50% lolos Organik Batas cair - kering oven OL LempungK,L,M,N organik
Ayakan < 0,75
No. 200 Batas cair – tidak kering LanauK,L,M,O organik
Lanau dan Non Organik PI terletak pada atau di atas garis “A” CH LempungK,L,M tinggi
lempung
Batas cair ≥ 50 PI terletak di bawah garis “A” MH LanauK,L,M elastis
Organik Batas cair - kering oven OH LempungK,L,M,P organik
< 0,75
Batas cair – tidak kering LempungK,L,M,O organik
TANAH Secara primer terdiri atas zat-zat organik, berwarna gelap dan berbau organik PT Gambut
BERORGANIK
A
Berdasarkan material lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm)
B
Apabila contoh lapangan mengandung bongkahan atau kerakal, atau keduanya tambahkan “dengan
bongkahan atau kerakal atau keduanya” pada nama kelompok
C
Kerikil-kerikil dengan butiran halus 5% sampai dengan 12% diperlukan simbol ganda:
GW–GM Kerikil bergradasi baik dengan lanau
GW–GC Kerikil bergradasi baik dengan lempung
GP–GM Kerikil bergradasi jelek dengan lanau
GP–GC Kerikil bergradasi jelek dengan lempung
Cc = (D30)2/D10 x D60
D
Cu = D60/D10
E
Apabila tanah mengandung ≥ 15% pasir, tambahkan “dengan pasir” pada nama kelompok
F
Apabila butiran halus diklasifikasikan sebagai CL–ML gunakan simbol ganda GC–GM atau SC–SM.
Apabila butiran halus adalah organik, tambahkan “dengan butiran halus organik” pada nama kelompok
G

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Tabel 1 - Bagan klasifikasi tanah (lanjutan)

H
Pasir-pasir dengan butiran halus 5% sampai dengan 12% diperlukan simbol ganda:
SW–SM Pasir bergradasi baik dengan lanau
SW–SC Pasir bergradasi baik dengan lempung
SP–SM Pasir bergradasi jelek dengan lanau
SP–SC Pasir bergradasi jelek dengan lempung
I
Apabila tanah mengandung ≥ 15% kerikil, tambahkan “dengan kerikil” pada nama kelompok
J
Apabila batas-batas Atterberg berada di dalam daerah yang diarsir, tanah adalah lempung lanauan
CL–ML
K
Apabila tanah mengandung 15% sampai 29% tertahan ayakan No. 200, tambahkan “dengan pasir”
atau “dengan kerikil” mana yang paling dominan
L
Apabila tanah mengandung ≥ 30% tertahan ayakan No. 200 dan dominan pasir, tambahkan
“pasiran” pada nama kelompok
M
Apabila tanah mengandung ≥ 30% tertahan ayakan No. 200 dan dominan kerikil, tambahkan
“kerikilan” pada nama kelompok
N
PI ≥ 4% dan berada pada atau di atas garis “A”
O
PI < 4% atau berada di bawah garis “A”
P
PI berada di atas garis “A”
Q
PI berada di bawah garis “A”

5 Arti dan kegunaan

5.1 Standar ini dapat mengklasifikasikan tanah dari berbagai lokasi geografis ke dalam
kategori yang menggambarkan hasil-hasil pengujian laboratorium untuk menentukan
karakteristik ukuran partikel, batas cair, dan indeks plastisitas di laboratorium

5.2 Pemberian nama dan simbol kelompok yang diatur dalam ASTM D 2488 dapat
digunakan untuk mengevaluasi sifat-sifat penting tanah untuk keperluan teknik.

5.3 Berbagai pengelompokkan pada sistem klasifikasi ini dibuat untuk mengorelasikan
secara umum terhadap sifat-sifat tekniknya. Standar ini digunakan sebagai langkah awal
dalam penyelidikan lapangan atau laboratorium untuk keperluan geoteknik.

5.4 Standar ini dapat juga digunakan sebagai bahan bantuan pelatihan dalam
menggunakan ASTM D 2488..

5.5 Standar ini dapat juga digunakan sebagai bahan bantuan kombinasi dengan pelatihan
ASTM D 4083 ketika bekerja dengan tanah yang diperkeras.

CATATAN 5 – Meski demikian pernyataan menyangkut ketelitian dan bias tercantum dalam standar ini
; Ketepatan dari metode uji ini bergantung kepada kompetensi personilnya dan kecocokan dengan
peralatan dan fasilitas yang digunakan. Instansi yang memenuhi ASTM D 3740 pada umumnya
dianggap mampu melaksanakan pengujian yang obyektif dan kompeten. Pengguna metode uji ini
diingatkan bahwa pemenuhan ASTM D 3740 tidak dengan sendirinya menjamin pengujian dapat
dipercaya. Pengujian yang dapat dipercaya tergantung dari beberapa faktor; ASTM D 3740
menyediakan sarana untuk evaluasi faktor-faktor tersebut.

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6 Peralatan

6.1 Selain peralatan yang diperlukan untuk keperluan pengambilan dan persiapan contoh
uji serta pelaksanaan pengujian laboratorium yang diperlukan, dibutuhkan juga grafik
plastisitas seperti ditunjukkan pada gambar 4 dan kurva distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif
seperti ditunjukkan pada Gambar 5.

CATATAN 6 - Garis “U” yang ditunjukkan pada Gambar 4 ditentukan secara empiris sebagai perkiraan
“batas atas” untuk tanah asli. Garis ini dapat digunakan sebagai kontrol terhadap kesalahan data, dan
data yang berada di sebelah atas atau di sebelah kirinya harus diverifikasi kebenarannya.

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SIMBOL KELOMPOK NAMA KELOMPOK

PI>7 dan terletak pada
atau di atas garis “A”
4PI7 dan terletak pada
Non Organik
atau di atas garis “A”
LL<50 PI<4 atau terletak
di bawah garis “A”
 LL  kering oven 
Organik   0,75 
 LL  tidak kering oven 
Tertahan No. Tertahan No. 200 < 15% Lempung plastisitas rendah
200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lempung plastisitas rendah dengan pasir
% pasir < % kerikil Lempung plastisitas rendah dengan kerikil
CL Tertahan No. % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lempung plastisitas rendah pasiran
200≥30% Kerikil ≥ 15% Lempung plastisitas rendah pasiran dengan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Pasir < 15% Lempung plastisitas rendah kerikilan
Pasir ≥ 15% Lempung plastisitas rendah kerikil dengan pasir
Tertahan No. Tertahan No. 200 < 15% Lempung lanauan
200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lempung lanauan dengan pasir
% pasir < % kerikil Lempung lanauan dengan kerikil
CL-ML Tertahan No. % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lempung pasiran lanauan
200≥30% Kerikil ≥ 15% Lempung pasiran lanauan dengan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Pasir < 15% Lempung lanauan kerikil
Pasir ≥ 15% Lempung lanauan kerikil dengan pasir
Tertahan No. Tertahan No. 200 < 15% Lanau
200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lanau dengan pasir
% pasir < % kerikil Lanau dengan kerikil
ML Tertahan No. % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lanau pasiran
200≥30% Kerikil ≥ 15% Lanau pasiran dengan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Pasir < 15% Lanau kerikilan
Pasir ≥ 15% Lanau kerikil dengan pasir
OL Lihat Gambar 2

Tertahan No. Tertahan No. 200 < 15% Lempung plastisitas tinggi
200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lempung plastisitas tinggi dengan pasir
PI terletak pada atau di % pasir < % kerikil Lempung plastisitas tinggi dengan kerikil
atas garis “A” CH Tertahan No. % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lempung plastisitas tinggi pasiran
200≥30% Kerikil ≥ 15% Lempung plastisitas tinggi pasiran dengan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lempung plastisitas tinggi kerikilan
Non Organik Kerikil ≥ 15% Lempung plastisitas tinggi kerikil dengan pasir
Tertahan No. Tertahan No. 200 < 15% Lanauan elastis
200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lanau elastis dengan pasir
P terletak di bawah % pasir < % kerikil Lanau elastis dengan kerikil
garis “A” MH Tertahan No. % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lanau elastis pasiran
LL≥50 Kerikil ≥ 15%
200≥30% Lanau elastis pasiran dengan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Pasir < 15% Lanau elastis kerikilan
Pasir ≥ 15% Lanau elastis kerikil dengan pasir
 LL  kering oven 
Organik   0,75 OH Lihat Gambar 2
 LL  tidak kering oven 

Gambar 1 - Bagan alir untuk pengklasifikasian tanah butir halus (lolos ayakan No. 200 ≥ 50%)
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 SNI 6371:2015

SIMBOL KELOMPOK NAMA KELOMPOK

Tertahan No. Tertahan No. 200 < 15% Lempung organik

200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lempung organik dengan pasir
PI≥4 dan terletak pada % pasir < % kerikil Lempung organik dengan kerikil
atau di atas garis “A” Tertahan No. % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lempung organik pasiran
200≥30% Kerikil ≥ 15% Lempung organik pasiran dan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Pasir < 15% Lempung organik kerikil
Pasir ≥ 15% Lempung organik kerikil dengan pasir
OL Tertahan No. 200 < 15%
Tertahan No. Lanau organik
200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lanau organik dengan pasir
% pasir < % kerikil Lanau organik dengan kerikil
PI<4 atau terletak % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15%
Tertahan No. Lanau organik pasiran
di bawah garis “A” Kerikil ≥ 15%
200≥30% Lanau organik pasiran dan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Pasir < 15% Lanau organik kerikil
Pasir ≥ 15% Lanau organik kerikil dengan pasir

Tertahan No. Tertahan No. 200 < 15% Lempung organik

200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lempung organik dengan pasir
terletak pada atau di % pasir < % kerikil Lempung organik dengan kerikil
atas garis “A” Tertahan No. % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lempung organik pasiran
200≥30% Kerikil ≥ 15% Lempung organik pasiran dan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Pasir < 15% Lempung organik kerikil
Pasir ≥ 15% Lempung organik kerikilan dengan pasir
OH
Tertahan No. Tertahan No. 200 < 15% Lanau organik
200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lanau organik dengan pasir
terletak di bawah % pasir < % kerikil Lanau organik dengan kerikil
garis “A” Tertahan No. % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lanau organik pasiran
200≥30% Kerikil ≥ 15% Lanau organik pasiran dan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lanau organik kerikilan
Kerikil ≥ 15% Lanau organik kerikilan dengan pasir

Gambar 2 - Bagan alir untuk pengklasifikasian tanah organik butir halus (lolos ayakan No. 200 ≥ 50%)

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 SNI 6371:2015

SIMBOL KELOMPOK NAMA KELOMPOK

Cu≥4 dan 1≤Cc≤3 GW Pasir < 15% Kerikil bergradasi baik

Butir halus <5% Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil bergradasi baik dengan pasir
Cu<4 dan/atau Cc<1 atau Cc>3 GP Pasir < 15% Kerikil bergradasi buruk
Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil bergradasi buruk dengan pasir
Butir halus = ML atau MH GW-GM Pasir < 15% Kerikil bergradasi baik dengan lanau
Cu≥4 dan 1≤Cc≤3 Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil bergradasi baik dengan pasir dan lanau
Butir halus = CL atau CH GW-GC Pasir < 15% Kerikil bergradasi baik dengan lempung (lempung lanauan)
KERIKIL (atau CL-ML)
Butir halus 5% - 12% Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil bergradasi baik dengan pasir dan lempung
%kerikil > %pasir
(lempung dan pasir lanauan)
Butir halus = ML atau MH GP-GM Pasir < 15% Kerikil bergradasi buruk dengan lanau
Cu<4 dan/atau Cc<1 atau Cc>3 Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil bergradasi buruk dengan pasir dan lanau
Butir halus = CL atau CH GP-GC Pasir < 15% Kerikil bergradasi buruk dengan lempung (lempung lanauan)
(atau CL-ML) Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil bergradasi buruk dengan pasir dan lempung
(lempung dan pasir lanauan)
Butir halus = ML atau MH GM Pasir < 15% Kerikil lanauan
Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil lanauan dengan pasir
Butir halus > 12% Butir halus = CL atau CH GC Pasir < 15% Kerikil lempungan
Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil lempungan dengan pasir
Butir halus = CL-ML GC-GM Pasir < 15% Kerikil lempungan, lanauan
Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil lempungan lanauan dengan pasir

Cu≥6 dan 1≤Cc≤3 SW Kerikil < 15% Pasir bergradasi baik

Butir halus <5% Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir bergradasi baik dengan kerikil
Cu<6 dan/atau Cc<1 atau Cc>3 SP Kerikil < 15% Pasir bergradasi jelek
Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir bergradasi jelek dengan kerikil
Butir halus = ML atau MH SW-SM Kerikil < 15% Pasir bergradasi baik dengan lanau
Cu≥6 dan 1≤Cc≤3 Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir bergradasi baik dengan kerikil dan lanau
Butir halus = CL atau CH SW-SC Kerikil < 15% Pasir bergradasi baik dengan lempung (lempung lanauan)
PASIR (atau CL-ML)
Butir halus 5% - 12% Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir bergradasi baik dengan kerikil dan lempung
%pasir > %kerikil
(lempung dan kerikil lanauan)
Butir halus = ML atau MH SP-SM Kerikil < 15% Pasir bergradasi buruk dengan lanau
Cu<6 dan/atau Cc<1 atau Cc>3 Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir bergradasi buruk dengan kerikil dan lanau
Butir halus = CL atau CH SP-SC Kerikil < 15% Pasir bergradasi buruk dengan lempung (lempung lanauan)
(atau CL-ML) Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir bergradasi buruk dengan pasir dan lempung
(lempung dan kerikil lanauan)
Butir halus = ML atau MH SM Kerikil < 15% Pasir lanauan
Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir lanauan dengan kerikil
Butir halus > 12% Butir halus = CL atau CH SC Kerikil < 15% Pasir lempungan
Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir lempungan dengan kerikil
Butir halus = CL-ML SC-SM Kerikil < 15% Pasir lempungan, lanauan
Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir lempungan lanauan dengan kerikil

Gambar 3 - Bagan alir untuk pengklasifikasian tanah butir kasar (tertahan ayakan No. 200 > 50%)

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SNI 6371:2015

Untuk klasifikasi tanah berbutir halus

dan fraksi halus dari tanah berbutir kasar

Persamaan Garis "A"

Horizontal PI = 4, LL = 25,5
maka PI = 0,73 (LL-20)

Persamaan Garis "U"

Vertikal LL = 16, PI = 7
maka PI = 0,9 (LL-8)

7 CL - ML
4

16

Gambar 4 - Grafik plastisitas

Analisis Ayakan
Kawat Ayakan (inci) No. Ayakan
Persen Tertahan (%)
Persen Lolos (%)

Ukuran Partikel (mm)

Gambar 5 – Distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif

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7 Pengambilan contoh uji

7.1 Contoh uji harus diperoleh dan diidentifikasi sesuai metode atau beberapa metode,
yang disarankan dalam (subtansi dalam lampiran) ASTM D420 atau dengan prosedur lain
yang disetujui.

7.2 ASTM D 6913 menyediakan pedoman dalam pemilihan jumlah benda uji. Dua metode
uji disediakan dalam standar ini. Kedua metode tersebut berbeda dalam pencatatan angka
signifikan, dan massa yang dibutuhkan. Metode yang digunakan dapat ditentukan/dipilih oleh
otoritas yang membutuhkan ; jika tidak maka metode A yang digunakan. Apabila mungkin,
contoh dari lapangan mempunyai massa dua sampai empat kali lebih besar dari yang
ditunjukkan.

7.3 Jika contoh uji lapangan atau benda uji lebih sedikit dari jumlah minimum yang
disarankan, contoh uji tersebut dalam laporan harus dicantumkan.

8 Klasifikasi tanah gambut

8.1 Suatu contoh uji yang komposisi utamanya terdiri atas serat tanaman dalam berbagai
tingkat pembusukan dan mempunyai tekstur berbentuk serat sampai tidak berbentuk,
berwarna cokelat gelap sampai hitam, dan berbau organik harus dinyatakan sebagai tanah
organik tingkat tinggi dan harus diklasifikasikan sebagai tanah gambut atau peat (pt).
Adapun prosedur untuk mengklasifikasi tanah gambut tidak menjadi bahan pokok yang
diuraikan di sini.

8.2 Jika dikehendaki, klasifikasi jenis gambut dapat dilakukan menurut klasifikasi ASTM D
4427.

9 Persiapan untuk klasifikasi

9.1 Sebelum tanah dapat diklasifikasikan dengan standar ini, diperlukan analisis distribusi
ukuran butir dari material lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) serta karakteristik plastisitas bahan
yang lolos ayakan No. 40 (0,425 mm) dengan jenis pengujian sesuai 9.8.

9.2 Persiapan benda uji tanah dan pengujian distribusi ukuran butiran, batas cair, dan
indeks plastisitas harus dilakukan sesuai dengan prosedur standar yang disetujui. Dua
prosedur persiapan benda uji tanah untuk tujuan klasifikasi diberikan dalam lampiran A. X3
dan X4. Lampiran A. X3 menjelaskan metode persiapan basah yang dianjurkan untuk tanah
kohesif yang belum pernah dikeringkan dan untuk tanah organik.

9.3 Dalam pelaporan klasifikasi tanah yang menggunakan standar ini, prosedur persiapan
dan pengujian atau rujukan yang digunakan harus dilaporkan.

9.4 Prosedur pengujian yang digunakan dalam penentuan distribusi ukuran butir atau
pertimbangan lain mungkin membutuhkan suatu analisis hidrometer, tetapi dalam penentuan
klasifikasi tanah tidak memerlukan analisis hidrometer.

9.5 Persentase massa kering dan material yang tertahan ayakan ukuran 3 inci (75 mm)
harus ditentukan dan dilaporkan sebagai informasi tambahan.

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9.6 Ukuran butiran maksimum harus ditentukan (diukur atau ditaksir) dan dilaporkan
sebagai informasi tambahan.

9.7 Apabila distribusi kumulatif ukuran butiran dibutuhkan, harus digunakan satu susunan
ayakan (ukuran ayakan terbesar disesuaikan dengan ukuran butiran maksimum) dengan
ayakan ukuran lain yang dibutuhkan untuk penentuan gradasi ukuran butir, yaitu :

3 inci (75 mm)

¾ inci (19,0 mm)
No. 4 (4,75 mm)
No. 10 (2,00 mm)
No. 40 (0,425 mm)
No. 200 (0,075 mm)

9.8 Pengujian yang diperlukan dalam persiapan klasifikasi adalah sebagai berikut:

9.8.2 Untuk tanah yang diperkirakan mengandung butiran halus kurang dari 5%, maka
perlu dibuat kurva distribusi kumulatif ukuran butiran tanah yang tertahan ayakan No. 200
(0,075 mm). Kurva distribusi kumulatif ukuran butiran semi-log persentase lolos terhadap
ukuran butiran, ukuran ayakan atau nomor ayakan dapat dibuat seperti dalam Gambar 5.

9.8.3 Untuk tanah yang diperkirakan mengandung butiran halus antara 5% sampai 12%,
maka perlu dibuat kurva distribusi kumulatif ukuran butiran seperti pada 9.8.1, serta batas
cair dan indeks plastisitas pada Gambar 4.

9.8.3.1 Jika tanah tidak cukup untuk menentukan batas cair dan indeks plastisitas, butiran
halus harus diperkirakan sebagai tanah bersifat lanauan atau lempungan sesuai dengan
prosedur pada SNI 2436:2008 serta harus dimuat dalam laporan.

9.8.4 Untuk tanah yang diperkirakan mengandung butiran halus 12% atau lebih, maka
penentuan persentase butiran halus, persentase pasir dan persentase kerikil harus
ditentukan, demikian pula dengan batas cair dan indeks plastisnya. Untuk tanah yang
diperkirakan mengandung butiran halus 90% atau lebih, maka persentase butiran halus,
persentase pasir, dan persentase kerikil dapat diperkirakan dengan cara sesuai prosedur
SNI 2436:2008 serta harus dicantumkan dalam laporan.

10 Prosedur klasifikasi awal

10.1 Jika benda uji yang lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) mengandung butiran halus lebih
besar atau sama dengan 50% dari massa kering, benda uji itu diklasifikasikan sebagai tanah
berbutir halus dan selanjutnya lihat pasal 11.

10.2 Jika benda uji tertahan ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) lebih besar dari 50% massa
kering, maka diklasifikasikan sebagai tanah berbutir kasar dan selanjutnya lihat pasal 12.

11 Prosedur untuk klasifikasi tanah berbutir halus

(Benda uji lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) ≥ 50% dari massa kering)

11.1 Tanah disebut lempung non organik jika dalam grafik indeks plastisitas terhadap batas
cair seperti tampak pada Gambar 4, tanah tersebut terletak pada atau di atas garis “A”,
dengan indeks plastisitasnya lebih besar dari 4, dan adanya bahan organik tidak
mempengaruhi nilai batas cair sebagaimana ditentukan pada 11.3.2.

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CATATAN 7 - Indeks plastisitas dan batas cair ditentukan dari material lolos ayakan No. 40 (0,425
mm).
11.1.1 Jika batas cair kurang dari 50%, diklasifikasikan sebagai lempung plastisitas rendah
(CL), lihat daerah yang diidentifikasi sebagai CL pada Gambar 4.

11.1.2 Jika batas cair lebih besar atau sama dengan 50%, diklasifikasikan sebagai lempung
plastisitas tinggi (CH), lihat daerah yang diidentifikasi sebagai CH pada Gambar 4.

CATATAN 8 - Jika nilai batas cair lebih besar dari 110% atau indeks plastisitas lebih besar dari 60%,
grafik plastisitas dapat diperluas nilainya dengan skala yang sama, baik sumbu vertikal maupun
horizontal demikian pula terhadap garis “A” pada kemiringan yang ditunjukkan.

11.1.3 Jika dalam grafik, indeks plastisitas terhadap batas cair terletak di atas garis “A”
dengan indeks plastisitasnya antara 4% sampai 7%, diklasifikasikan sebagai lempung
lanauan (CL-ML), lihat daerah yang diidentifikasi sebagai CL-ML pada Gambar 4.

11.2 Jika dalam grafik plastisitas terhadap batas cair terletak di bawah garis “A” dengan
indeks plastisitasnya kurang dari 4%, tanah disebut lanau non organik yaitu bahan organik
tidak mempengaruhi besarnya nilai batas cair, seperti ditentukan dalam 11.3.2.

11.2.1 Jika batas cair kurang dari 50%, tanah diklasifikasikan sebagai lanau (ML), lihat
daerah yang diidentifikasi sebagai ML pada Gambar 4.

11.2.2 Jika batas cair lebih besar atau sama dengan 50%, tanah diklasifikasikan sebagai
lanau elastis (MH), lihat daerah yang diidentifikasi sebagai MH pada Gambar 4.

11.3 Jika dijumpai bahan organik yang mempengaruhi nilai batas cair seperti ditentukan
pada 11.3.2, tanah disebut lempung organik atau lanau organik.

11.3.1 Jika tanah mempunyai warna gelap dan berbau organik ketika basah dan hangat,
harus dilakukan pengujian batas cair untuk kedua kalinya terhadap benda uji pada kondisi
kering oven dengan temperatur (110 ± 5) oC sampai massanya tetap, biasanya selama satu
malam.

11.3.2 Jika batas cair kering oven kurang dari 75% batas cair benda uji semula, tanah
disebut lempung organik atau lanau organik (lihat prosedur B pada ASTM D 2217).

11.3.3 Jika batas cair (tidak kering oven) kurang dari 50%, tanah diklasifikasikan sebagai
lempung organik atau lanau organik (OL). Jika indeks plastisitas kurang dari 4 atau pada
garis plastisitas terhadap batas cair terletak di bawah garis “A”, tanah diklasifikasikan
sebagai lanau organik (OL). Jika indeks plastisitas lebih besar atau sama dengan 4 dan atau
di atas garis “A”, tanah diklasifikasikan sebagai lempung organik, (OL). Lihat daerah yang
diidentifikasi sebagai OL (atau CL- ML) pada Gambar 4.

11.3.4 Jika batas cair (tidak kering oven) lebih besar atau sama dengan 50%, tanah
diklasifikasikan sebagai lanau organik atau lempung organik (OH). Jika posisi indeks
plastisitas jatuh di bawah garis “A”, tanah diklasifikasikan sebagai lanau organik (OH). Jika
posisi indeks plastisitas terhadap batas cair jatuh pada atau di atas garis “A”, tanah
diklasifikasikan sebagai lempung organik (OH), seperti tampak pada Gambar 4.

11.4 Jika benda uji yang tertahan pada ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) berkisar antara 15%
sampai 30%, istilah ”dengan pasir” atau ”dengan kerikil” (mana yang lebih dominan) harus
ditambahkan pada nama kelompok tanah. Sebagai contoh lempung plastisitas rendah

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dengan pasir (CL), lanau dengan kerikil (ML). Jika persentase pasir sama dengan
persentase kerikil, gunakan istilah “dengan pasir”.

11.5 Jika benda uji yang tertahan pada ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm), lebih besar atau sama
dengan 30%, istilah “pasiran” atau “kerikilan” harus ditambahkan pada nama kelompok
tanah. Tambahkan istilah “pasiran” jika benda uji yang tertahan pada ayakan No. 200 (0,075
mm) lebih besar atau sama dengan 30% serta bagian butir kasar yang dominan adalah
pasir. Tambahkan istilah “kerikilan” jika benda uji yang tertahan pada ayakan No. 200 (0,075
mm) lebih besar atau sama dengan 30% serta bagian berbutir kasar yang dominan adalah
kerikil. Sebagai contoh lempung rendah pasiran (CL), lempung plastisitas tinggi kerikilan
(CH); lanau pasiran (ML). Jika persentase pasir sama dengan persentase kerikil, gunakan
istilah “pasiran”

12 Prosedur untuk klasifikasi tanah berbutir kasar

(Lebih dari 50% material tertahan pada ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm)

12.1 Jika fraksi kasar yang tertahan ayakan No. 4 (4,75 mm) lebih dari 50%, fraksi tersebut
diklasifikasikan sebagai kerikil.

12.2 Jika fraksi kasar yang lolos ayakan No. 4 (4,75 mm) lebih besar atau sama dengan
50%, diklasifikasikan sebagai pasir.

12.3 Jika benda uji yang lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) lebih kecil atau sama dengan
12%, harus digambarkan distribusi kumulatif ukuran butir, dalam Gambar 5, hitung koefisien
keseragaman (Cu) serta koefisien kelengkungan (Cc), seperti yang diberikan pada
persamaan 1 dan 2.

Cu = D60/D10 (1)
Cc = (D30)2/(D10 x D60 ) (2)

Keterangan :
D10, D30, dan D60 = berturut-turut diameter ukuran butir pada 10%, 30% dan 60%, pada gambar grafik
distribusi kumulatif ukuran partikel Gambar 5.

CATATAN 9 - Jika diperlukan untuk memperoleh diameter D10, dapat dilakukan dengan kurva
ekstrapolasi

12.3.1 Jika benda uji yang lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) lebih kecil dari 5%, tanah
dapat diklasifikasikan sebagai kerikil bergradasi baik (GW) atau pasir bergradasi baik (SW).
Klasifikasi ini berlaku jika Cu untuk kerikil lebih besar dari 4 atau Cu untuk pasir lebih besar
dari 6, serta nilai Cc minimal 1 tapi tidak lebih dari 3.

12.3.2 Jika benda uji lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) lebih kecil dari 5%, maka tanah
dapat diklasifikasikan sebagai kerikil bergradasi jelek (GP) atau pasir bergradasi jelek (SP).
Hal ini terjadi jika Cu atau Cc tidak memenuhi kriteria tanah bergradasi baik.

12.4 Jika benda uji yang lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) lebih besar dari 12%, tanah
harus dianggap berbutir kasar dengan butiran halus. Berdasarkan pada penggunaan grafik
plastisitas terhadap batas cair seperti pada Gambar 4, tanah berbutir halus tersebut dapat
bersifat lempungan atau lanauan (lihat 9.8.2.1 jika material tidak mencukupi, lihat catatan 7).

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12.4.1 Jika butiran halus bersifat lempungan atau dalam grafik indeks plastisitas terhadap
batas cair terletak pada atau di atas garis “A” serta indeks plastisitas lebih besar dari 7%,
tanah diklasifikasikan sebagai kerikil lempungan (GC) atau pasir lempungan (SC).

12.4.2 Jika butiran halus bersifat lanauan atau dalam grafik indeks plastisitas terhadap
batas cair terletak di bawah garis “A” serta indeks plastisitas lebih kecil dari 4%, tanah
diklasifikasikan sebagai kerikil lanauan (GM) atau pasir lanauan (SM).

12.4.3 Jika tanah berbutir halus ditetapkan sebagai lempung lanauan (CL-ML), dengan
kerikil lebih dominan, tanah dapat diklasifikasikan sebagai kerikil lempung lanauan (GC-GM).
Bila pasir yang lebih dominan, tanah dapat diklasifikasikan sebagai pasir lempung lanauan
(SC- SM).

12.5 Jika benda uji lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) mulai dari 5% sampai dengan 12%,
tanah diklasifikasikan ganda dengan menggunakan dua simbol kelompok.

12.5.1 Simbol kelompok pertama harus berkaitan dengan kerikil atau pasir yang
mempunyai butiran halus kurang dari 5% (GW, GP, SW, SP), dan simbol kelompok kedua
harus berkaitan dengan kerikil atau pasir yang mempunyai butir halus (GC, GM, SC, SM)
dikaitkan lebih dari 12%.

12.5.2 Nama kelompok harus dihubungkan dengan simbol kelompok pertama ditambah
“dengan lempung” atau “dengan lanau” untuk menunjukkan karakteristik plastisitas butir
halus. Sebagai contoh, kerikil bergradasi baik dengan lempung (GW-GC), pasir bergradasi
jelek dengan lanau (SP-SM) (lihat 9.8.2.1 jika material yang tersedia untuk pengujian tidak
mencukupi).

CATATAN 10 - Jika butiran halus berupa lempung lanauan (CL-ML), simbol kelompok kedua dapat
berupa GC atau SC. Sebagai contoh, pasir bergradasi jelek dengan 10% butiran halus, batas cair 20,
dan indeks plastisitas 6% dapat diklasifikasikan sebagai pasir bergradasi jelek dengan lempung
kelanauan (SP- SC).

12.6 Jika benda uji mengandung pasir atau kerikil yang lebih dominan tetapi mengandung
15% atau lebih unsur butiran kasar lainnya, istilah “dengan kerikil” atau “dengan pasir” harus
ditambahkan pada nama kelompok. Sebagai contoh, kerikil bergradasi jelek dengan pasir,
pasir lempungan dengan kerikil.

12.7 Jika contoh lapangan mengandung kerakal atau bongkahan atau keduanya, istilah
“dengan kerakal” atau “dengan kerakal dan bongkahan” harus ditambahkan pada nama
kelompok. Sebagai contoh, kerikil lanauan dengan kerakal (GM).

13 Laporan

13.1 Laporan harus mencakup nama kelompok, simbol kelompok, dan hasil-hasil pengujian
laboratorium. Distribusi ukuran butiran harus diberikan dalam bentuk persentase kerikil,
pasir, dan butiran halus. Grafik distribusi kumulatif ukuran butiran halus harus dilaporkan jika
digunakan dalam klasifikasi tanah. Laporkan dengan informasi deskriptif secara layak,
sesuai dengan prosedur (ASTM D 2488). Penamaan istilah geologi yang umumnya
digunakan serta penamaan lokal dapat ditambahkan pada bagian akhir laporan, demikian
pula prosedur pengujian yang dilakukan harus pula dicantumkan.

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CATATAN 11 - Contoh : kerikil lempungan dengan pasir dan kerakal (GC) terdiri dari:
• 46% butiran kerikil halus sampai kasar, bersifat keras, berbentuk agak bulat
• 30% butiran pasir halus sampai kasar, bersifat keras, berbentuk agak bulat
• 24% butiran halus lempungan, LL = 38, PI = 19, bereaksi lemah dengan HCl.
Contoh uji tanah asli dari lapangan bersifat keras 4%, berangkal agak bulat dengan diameter
maksimum 150 mm

Kondisi setempat : teguh, homogen, kering, cokelat.

Interpretasi geologi : kipas alluvial.

CATATAN 12 – Contoh-contoh lain deskripsi tanah diberikan dalam lampiran X1

14 Ketelitian dan bias

14.1 Kriteria untuk dapat diterima tergantung dari ketelitian dan bias pada metode
pengujian ASTM D 422, ASTM D 1140 dan ASTM D 4318.

15 Kata Kunci

15.1 Batas-batas Atterberg, klasifikasi, lempung, gradasi, kerikil, klasifikasi laboratorium,

tanah-tanah organik, pasir, lanau, klasifikasi tanah, pengujian-pengujian tanah.

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Lampiran A
(informatif)
Pengklasifikasian tanah

X1. Contoh-contoh uraian penggunaan klasifikasi tanah

X1.1 Contoh-contoh berikut menunjukkan bagaimana informasi yang diminta pada butir 13.1
dapat dilaporkan. Sebagai gambaran informasi yang tepat perlu dimasukkan uraian standar
SNI 2436:2008. Istilah-istilah tambahan pada klasifikasi tanah harus berdasarkan
penggunaan klasifikasi yang dikehendaki dan kondisi masing-masing.

X1.1.1 Kerikil bergradasi baik dengan pasir (GW) - 73% butir halus sampai kasar, keras,
kerikil agak bersudut ; 23% butir halus sampai kasar, keras, pasir agak bersudut ; 4% butir
halus ; Cc = 2,7, Cu = 12,4.

X1.1.2 Pasir kelanauan dengan kerikil (SM) - 61% didominasi pasir halus ; 23% lanau halus
; LL = 33, PI = 6, 16% butir halus, keras, kerikil agak bulat ; tidak bereaksi dengan HCl ;
(contoh lapangan lebih kecil dari yang dianjurkan). Kondisi di tempat kuat dan berlapis-lapis,
terdiri atas lensa-lensa endapan 2.5 cm sampai 5 cm (1 inci sampai 2 inci), tebal, basah
(lembap), berwarna cokelat sampai keabu-abuan ; densitas lapangan = (106 lb/ft3 ) dan kadar
air lapangan = 9%

X1.1.3 Lempung organik (OL) – 100% butir halus, LL (tidak dikeringkan) = 32, LL
(dikeringkan oven) = 21, PI (tidak dikeringkan) = 10, basah, berwarna cokelat, berbau organik,
reaksi dengan HCL lemah.

X1.1.4 Pasir kelanauan dengan butir halus organik (SM) - 74% butir halus sampai kasar,
keras, pasir kemerah-merahan agak bersudut ; 26% organik dan butir halus cokelat gelap
kelanauan, LL (tidak dikeringkan) = 37, LL (dikeringkan oven) = 26, PI (tidak dikeringkan) = 6,
basah, reaksi dengan HCL lemah.

X1.1.5 Kerikil bergradasi jelek dengan lanau, pasir, kerakal, dan bongkahan (GP-GM) -
78% butir halus sampai kasar, keras, kerikil agak bulat sampai agak bersudut; 16% butir
halus sampai kasar, keras, pasir agak bulat sampai agak bersudut; 6% butir halus kelanauan
(perkiraan), lembap, cokelat; tidak bereaksi dengan HCL, contoh asli lapangan mempunyai
7% keras, batu kecil agak bulat dan 2% keras, batu besar agak bulat dengan dimensi
maksimum 18 inci (45 cm).

X2. Penggunaan klasifikasi tanah sebagai suatu sistem deskriptif untuk batu serpih,
batu lempung, slag, batu pecah, dan lain-lain

X2.1 Nama-nama kelompok dan simbol-simbol yang digunakan dalam standar ini boleh
digunakan sebagai sistem deskriptif, diterapkan untuk bahan-bahan yang ada di tempat
sebagai batu serpih, batu lempung, batu pasir, batu lanau, batu lumpur, dan lain-lain, yang
berubah menjadi tanah setelah proses di laboratorium dan lapangan (pemecahan,
perendaman, dan lain- lain).

X2.2 Bahan-bahan seperti cangkang kerang, batu pecah, kerak, dan lain-lain harus
diidentifikasi seperti apa adanya. Namun, prosedur yang digunakan pada standar ini untuk
uraian ukuran partikel dan karakteristik plastisitas dapat digunakan untuk deskripsi bahan.
Jika diinginkan, klasifikasi menurut standar ini dapat digunakan untuk membantu dalam
mendeskripsikan bahan.
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X2.3 Apabila menggunakan klasifikasi, simbol-simbol kelompok dan nama-nama kelompok

harus ditempatkan pada tanda kutip atau dicatat dengan beberapa jenis/tipe simbol yang
berbeda. Lihat contoh-contoh.

X2.4 Contoh-contoh bagaimana klasifikasi tanah dapat digunakan ke dalam suatu sistem
deskripsi untuk bahan-bahan yang bukan merupakan tanah alami, sebagai berikut :

X2.4.1 Bongkahan batu serpih – dapatkan potongan batu serpih berukuran 2 inci sampai 4
inci (5 cm sampai 10 cm), dari lubang bor auger, kering, cokelat, tidak bereaksi dengan HCl.
Setelah proses laboratorium dengan direndam dalam air selama 24 jam, bahan
diklasifikasikan sebagai “lempung plastisitas rendah kepasiran” (CL) - 61% butir halus
kelempungan, LL = 37, PI = 16 ; 33% butir halus sampai pasir medium ; 6% potongan-
potongan ukuran kerikil batu serpih.

X2.4.2 Batu pasir pecah (abu batu) - produk perusahaan pemecah batu, “pasir bergradasi
jelek dengan lanau (SP-SM)” - 91% butir pasir halus sampai medium ; 9% butir halus
kelanauan (perkiraan) ; kering, cokelat kemerahan, bereaksi kuat dengan HCl.

X2.4.3 Cangkang kerang pecah - 65% cangkang kerang pecah ukuran kerikil ; 31% pasir
dan potongan-potongan cangkang kerang ukuran pasir, 4% butir halus ; Cc = 2,4, Cu = 1,9 ;
diklasifikasikan sebagai “kerikil bergradasi jelek dengan pasir (GP)”

2.4.4.4 Batu pecah - kerikil dan batu bundar kecil yang diproses dari lubang No. 7; “kerikil
bergradasi jelek (GP)” - 89% butir halus, keras, partikel-partikel ukuran kerikil bersudut; 11%
butir kasar, keras, partikel-partikel ukuran pasir bersudut, kering, cokelat kemerah-merahan;
tidak bereaksi dengan HCl; Cc = 2,4, Cu=0,9.

X3. Persiapan dan pengujian untuk klasifikasi dengan cara basah

X3.1 Lampiran ini menguraikan langkah-langkah dalam mempersiapkan contoh tanah

pengujian untuk klasifikasi tanah dengan prosedur persiapan secara basah.

X3.2 Contoh-contoh yang disiapkan menurut prosedur ini sedapat mungkin mengandung
sebanyak kadar air alami dan untuk menjaga kadar air alami harus dilakukan pada saat
persiapan dan pengangkutan contoh.

X3.3 Prosedur-prosedur yang diikuti dalam standar ini mengasumsikan bahwa contoh
lapangan mengandung butir halus, pasir, kerikil, dan partikel berukuran lebih besar 3 inci (75
mm) distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif serta batas cair, dan nilai-nilai indeks plastisitas yang
dibutuhkan (Lihat butir 9.8). Beberapa langkah berikut boleh diabaikan bila tidak dapat
diterapkan untuk tanah yang sedang diuji.

X3.4 Jika tanah mengandung partikel yang tertahan ayakan No. 200 (75 mm) akan
mengalami degradasi selama penyaringan kering, gunakan prosedur pengujian untuk
menentukan karakteristik ukuran partikel yang akan mencegah degradasi.

X3.5 Karena sistem klasifikasi ini dibatasi untuk bagian dari contoh lolos ayakan 3 inci (75
mm), maka bahan yang tertahan ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) harus dibuang sebelum menentukan
karakteristik ukuran partikel, batas cair dan indeks plastisitas.

X3.6 Bagian dari contoh lapangan yang lebih halus dari ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) akan diperoleh
dengan cara sebagai berikut :

X3.6.1 Pisahkan dua contoh lapangan ke dalam dua fraksi pada ayakan 3 inci (75 mm), lalu
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berhati-hatilah untuk menjaga kandungan kadar air alami dalam fraksi yang lebih kecil dari 3
inci (75 mm) harus disikat atau dibersihkan dan disatukan dengan fraksi lolos ayakan 3 inci
(75 mm).

X3.6.2 Tentukan massa kering udara atau massa kering oven dari fraksi yang tertahan pada
ayakan 3 inci (75 mm). Tentukan massa total (basah) dari fraksi lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm).

X3.6.3 Campur seluruhnya fraksi lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm). Tentukan kadar air menurut
metode pengujian D 2216 dari contoh bahan yang mewakili dengan massa kering minimum
seperti diminta pada 7.2. Amankan kadar air contoh untuk menentukan analisis ukuran butir
sesuai dengan (butir X3.8).

X3.6.4 Hitung massa kering dari fraksi yang lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) berdasarkan pada
kadar air dan massa (basah) total. Hitung total massa kering dari contoh dan hitung
persentase material tertahan ayakan 3 inci (75 mm).

X3.7 Tentukan batas cair dan indeks plastisitas dengan cara sebagai berikut :

X3.7.1 Jika tanah sudah tidak menggumpal, campur di atas permukaan yang bersih dan
keras, pilih contoh yang mewakili dengan membagi empat sesuai dengan panduan
pelaksanaan ASTM C 702.

X3.7.1.1 Jika tanah mengandung partikel-partikel butir kasar yang terselimuti dan melekat
menjadi satu oleh bahan kelempungan yang kuat, untuk memperoleh bagian yang mewakili
fraksi No. 40 (0,425 mm), agar dilakukan dengan cara yang sangat hati-hati. Secara khusus
bagian yang lebih besar daripada yang normal harus dipilih, seperti massa minimum yang
dibutuhkan pada butir 7.2.

X3.7.1.2 Untuk memperoleh contoh yang mewakili tanah yang pada dasarnya tanah
berkohesif, sebaiknya tanah disaring dengan ayakan No. ¾ inci (19 mm) atau ukuran lain
yang tepat sehingga bahan dapat dengan mudah dicampur, kemudian dibagi empat atau
dipisah untuk memperoleh bahan yang mewakili.

X3.7.2 Proses bahan contoh yang mewakili sesuai dengan prosedur B dari panduan praktek
ASTM D 2217

X3.7.3 Melakukan pengujian batas cair sesuai dengan metode pengujian ASTM D 4318,
kecuali sebelum pengujian tanah tidak dikeringkan di udara terbuka.

X3.7.4 Melakukan pengujian batas plastis sesuai dengan metode pengujian ASTM D 4318,
kecuali sebelum pengujian tanah tidak dikeringkan di udara terbuka dan hitung indeks
plastisitas.

X3.8 Menentukan distribusi ukuran partikel adalah sebagai berikut:

X3.8.1 Jika kadar air dari fraksi lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) diperlukan (Butir X3.6.3),
gunakan kadar air contoh untuk penentuan distribusi ukuran partikel. Dengan cara lain, pilih
contoh yang mewakili sesuai dengan panduan pelaksanaan ASTM C 702 dengan massa
kering minimum seperti pada butir 7.2.

X3.8.2 Jika distribusi kumulatif ukuran partikel termasuk analisis hydrometer diperlukan,
tentukan distribusi ukuran partikel sesuai dengan metode pengujian ASTM D 422 butir 9.7
untuk susunan ayakan yang diperlukan.

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X3.8.3 Jika distribusi kumulatif ukuran partikel tidak memerlukan analisis hydrometer,
tentukan distribusi ukuran partikel sesuai dengan metode ASTM C136 untuk susunan ayakan
yang diperlukan. Untuk pengerjaan distribusi ukuran partikel sebelumnya, contoh harus
direndam sampai semua gumpalan kelempungan telah melunak, kemudian dicuci sesuai
dengan metode pengujian SNI 03-4142-1996.

X3.8.4 Jika distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif tidak diperlukan, tentukan persen butir halus,
persen pasir dan persen kerikil dalam contoh bahan sesuai dengan metode pengujian ASTM
C 117, yakinkan untuk merendam contoh cukup lama untuk melunakkan gumpalan-gumpalan
kelempungan, diikuti dengan metode ASTM C 136 menggunakan satu set ayakan yang
memasukkan ayakan No. 4 (4,75 mm) dan ayakan No.200 (0.075 mm).

X3.8.5 Untuk pengklasifikasian hitung persen butir halus, persen pasir dan persen kerikil
pada fraksi lebih kecil 3 inci (75 mm).

X4. Persiapan tanah dengan metode pengeringan udara untuk pengujian bagi
keperluan klasifikasi

X4.1 Lampiran ini menguraikan langkah-langkah persiapan contoh tanah untuk keperluan
pengujian klasifikasi tanah bila pengeringan udara tanah diperlukan atau dikehendaki atau
bila kadar air alami mendekati keadaan kadar air pengeringan udara.

X4.2 Jika tanah mengandung zat organik atau mineral koloid yang tidak terpengaruh oleh
pengeringan udara, metode persiapan basah sebagaimana yang diuraikan pada butir X3
harus digunakan.

X4.3 Selama sistem klasifikasi ini dibatasi untuk bagian dari contoh yang lolos ayakan 3 inci
(75 mm), maka untuk menentukan karakteristik ukuran partikel dan batas cair dari indeks
plastisitas, maka contoh yang tertahan ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) sebelumnya harus dibuang.

X4.4 Bagian dari contoh lapangan yang lebih halus dari ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) akan diperoleh
dengan cara sebagai berikut:

X4.4.1 Contoh tanah lapangan dikeringkan pada kondisi kering udara dan ditimbang

X4.4.2 Pisahkan contoh lapangan ke dalam 2 fraksi pada ayakan 3 inci (75 mm)

X4.4.3 Timbang kedua fraksi tersebut dan hitung persentase contoh lapangan yang lebih
besar dari 3 inci (75 mm) terhadap contoh lapangan.

X4.5 Tentukan distribusi ukuran partikel, batas cair dan indek plastisitas dengan cara sebagai
berikut (lihat butir 9.8 pada saat pengujian-pengujian ini diperlukan):

X4.5.1 Campurkan seluruh fraksi yang lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm)

X4.5.2 Jika distribusi kumulatif ukuran partikel termasuk analisis hydrometer diperlukan,
tentukan distribusi, ukuran partikel sesuai dengan metode pengujian ASTM D 422 lihat butir
9.7 untuk susunan ayakan yang diperlukan.

X4.5.3 Jika distribusi kumulatif ukuran partikel tidak memerlukan analisis hydrometer,
tentukan distribusi ukuran partikel sesuai dengan metode pengujian ASTM D 1140 dilanjutkan
dengan metode ASTM C 136 butir 9.7 untuk susunan ayakan yang diperlukan.

4.5.4 Jika distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif tidak diperlukan, tentukan persen butir halus,
persen pasir, dan persen kerikil pada contoh sesuai dengan metode pengujian ASTM D 1140,
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dilanjutkan dengan metode ASTM C 136 menggunakan satu set kawat ayakan yang
menyatukan ayakan No. 4 (4,75 mm) dan ayakan No. 200 (0.075 mm).

X4.5.5 Jika diperlukan, tentukan batas cair dan indeks plastisitas dari contoh pengujian
sesuai dengan metode pengujian ASTM D 4318

X5. Singkatan simbol klasifikasi tanah

X5.1 Pada beberapa kasus, karena kolom terbatas, sistem singkatan mungkin berguna untuk
mengindikasikan simbol dan nama klasifikasi tanah. Contoh tersebut akan berbentuk log
grafik, basis data, tabel dan lain-lain.

X5.2 Sistem singkatan ini tidak cocok untuk nama lengkap atau informasi deskriptif tapi dapat
digunakan pada penyajian uraian lengkap.

X5.3 Sistem singkatan harus terdiri atas simbol klasifikasi tanah yang berdasarkan standar
yang tepat ini dengan pengertian huruf yang tepat apakah sebagai awalan atau akhiran
adalah sebagai berikut :

Awalan Akhiran

s = pasiran s = dengan pasir

g = kerikilan g = dengan kerikil
c = kerakal
b = bongkahan batu

X5.4 Simbol klasifikasi tanah disisipkan dalam tanda kurung, beberapa contoh berikut.

Simbol Kelompok dan Nama Lengkap Disingkat

CL, lempung plastisitas rendah pasiran s(CL)
SP-SM, Pasir bergradasi jelek dengan lanau dan kerikil (SP-SM)g
GP, Kerikil bergradasi jelek dengan pasir, kerakal dan bongkahan batu (GP)scb
ML, Lanau kerikilan dengan pasir dan kerakal g(ML)sc

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Contoh formulir isian
Lampiran B
(normatif)

22 dari 25
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SNI 6371:2015

Contoh formulir isian

Lampiran C
(normatif)

23 dari 25
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Contoh isian formulir
Lampiran D
(informatif)

24 dari 25
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SNI 6371:2015

Contoh isian formulir

Lampiran E
(informatif)

25 dari 25
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SNI 6371: 2015

Standar Nasional Indonesia

Tata cara pengklasifikasian tanah

untuk keperluan teknik dengan
sistem klasifikasi unifikasi tanah
(ASTM D 2487-06, MOD)

ICS 93.020 Badan Standardisasi Nasional

 “Hak cipta Badan Standardisasi Nasional, copy standar ini dibuat untuk PT 91-01 Bahan Konstruksi Bangunan & Rekayasa Sipil, dan tidak untuk dikomersialkan”
© ASTM 2006 – All rights reserved
© BSN 2015 untuk kepentingan adopsi standar © ASTM menjadi SNI – Semua hak dilindungi

Hak cipta dilindungi undang-undang. Dilarang mengumumkan dan memperbanyak sebagian

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Diterbitkan di Jakarta
 “Hak cipta Badan Standardisasi Nasional, copy standar ini dibuat untuk PT 91-01 Bahan Konstruksi Bangunan & Rekayasa Sipil, dan tidak untuk dikomersialkan”
“This Standard is modification of ASTM D ASTM D 2487-06 (2006), Standard
Practice for Classification of Soils for Engineering Purposes (Unified
Soil Classification System) , Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbour
Drive, West Conshohocken PA 19428 USA.
Reprinted by permission of ASTM International.”
ASTM International has authorized the distribution of this translation of SNI
6371:2015, but recognizes that the translation has gone through a limited
review process. ASTM neither represents nor warrants that the translation is
technically or linguistically accurate. Only the English edition as published and
copyrighted by ASTM shall be considered the official version. Reproduction of
this translation, without ASTM's written permission is strictly forbidden under
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Daftar isi

Daftar isi.....................................................................................................................................i
Prakata ..................................................................................................................................... ii
Prakata ..................................................................................................................................... ii
Pendahuluan............................................................................................................................ iii
1 Ruang lingkup .................................................................................................................... 1
2 Acuan normatif ................................................................................................................... 2
3 Istilah dan definisi .............................................................................................................. 2
4 Ringkasan .......................................................................................................................... 4
5 Arti dan kegunaan .............................................................................................................. 5
6 Peralatan ........................................................................................................................... 6
7 Pengambilan contoh uji ................................................................................................... 11
8 Klasifikasi tanah gambut .................................................................................................. 11
9 Persiapan untuk klasifikasi .............................................................................................. 11
10 Prosedur klasifikasi awal ................................................................................................. 12
11 Prosedur untuk klasifikasi tanah berbutir halus ............................................................... 12
12 Prosedur untuk klasifikasi tanah berbutir kasar ............................................................... 14
13 Laporan ............................................................................................................................ 15
14 Ketelitian dan bias ........................................................................................................... 16
15 Kata Kunci ....................................................................................................................... 16
Lampiran A (informatif) Pengklasifikasian tanah ................................................................... 17
Lampiran B (normatif) Contoh formulir isian .......................................................................... 22
Lampiran C (normatif) Contoh formulir isian .......................................................................... 23
Lampiran D (informatif) Contoh isian formulir ........................................................................ 24
Lampiran E (informatif) Contoh isian formulir ........................................................................ 25

Gambar 1 - Bagan alir untuk pengklasifikasian tanah butir halus

(lolos ayakan No. 200 ≥ 50%)................................................................................ 7
Gambar 2 - Bagan alir untuk pengklasifikasian tanah organik butir halus
(lolos ayakan No. 200 ≥ 50%)................................................................................ 8
Gambar 3 - Bagan alir untuk pengklasifikasian tanah butir kasar
(tertahan ayakan No. 200 > 50%) .......................................................................... 9
Gambar 4 - Grafik plastisitas ................................................................................................. 10
Gambar 5 – Distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif .................................................................... 10

Tabel 1 - Bagan klasifikasi tanah ............................................................................................. 4

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Prakata

Standar Nasional Indonesia (SNI) tentang “Tata cara pengklasifikasian tanah untuk
keperluan teknik dengan sistem klasifikasi unifikasi tanah” adalah revisi dari SNI 03-6371-
2000, Tata cara pengklasifikasian tanah dengan cara unifikasi tanah. Standar ini merupakan
hasil adopsi modifikasi dari ASTM D2487-06, Standard Practice for Classification of Soils for
Engineering Purposes (Unified Soil Classification Sistem). Adapun revisi yang dilakukan
yaitu perbaikan bagan alir untuk pengklasifikasian tanah, penambahan gambar grafik
plastisitas, perbaikan gambar distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif serta contoh penggunaan
gambar grafik plastisitas dan gambar distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif.
Modifikasi dilakukan yakni pada standar acuan ASTM D2487-06 dengan pasal 9.8.2 dan
9.8.3 yang menyebutkan nilai 15% direvisi menjadi 12%. Kalimat pasal 9.8.2 direvisi menjadi
“Untuk tanah yang diperkirakan mengandung butiran halus antara 5% sampai 12% …. ” dan
pasal 9.8.3 dengan kalimat “Untuk tanah yang diperkirakan mengandung butiran halus 12%
atau lebih .......”. Perubahan nilai tersebut disesuaikan dengan Gambar 3 Bagan alir untuk
pengklasifikasian tanah butir kasar (tertahan ayakan No. 200 > 50%).
Standar acuan ASTM D4083, Practice for Description of Frozen Soils (Visual Manual
Procedure) tetap dicantumkan dalam standar ini karena dapat digunakan jika tata cara
pengklasifikasian menggunakan tanah beku/salju.
Standar ASTM yang digunakan sebagai acuan dalam standar ini telah diadopsi menjadi SNI
sebagai berikut:

1. C136, Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates, telah diadopsi
menjadi SNI ASTM C 136-2012, Metode uji untuk analisis saringan agregat halus dan
agregat kasar

SNI ini dipersiapkan oleh Komite Teknis 91-01 Bahan Konstruksi Bangunan dan Rekayasa
Sipil pada Subpanitia Teknis Rekayasa Jalan dan Jembatan 91-01/S2 melalui Gugus Kerja
Geoteknik Jalan.
Tata cara penulisan disusun dengan mengikuti Pedoman Standardisasi Nasional (PSN)
Nomor 10 Tahun 2012 dan dibahas dalam forum rapat konsensus yang diselenggarakan
pada tanggal 02 April 2013 di Bandung, oleh Sub komite Teknis yang melibatkan para
narasumber, pakar, dan lembaga terkait, dan telah melalui proses jajak pendapat dari
tanggal 6 April 2015 hingga 5 Juni 2015.

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Pendahuluan

Standar ini menetapkan sistem untuk mengklasifikasikan tanah dan tanah organik untuk
keperluan teknik berdasarkan hasil pengujian laboratorium yaitu penentuan karakteristik
ukuran butir, batas cair, dan indeks plastisitas. Sistem klasifikasi ini mengidentifikasi tanah ke
dalam 3 kelompok utama, yaitu: tanah berbutir kasar, tanah berbutir halus, dan tanah
berorganik tinggi.
Pemberian nama dan simbol kelompok dapat digunakan untuk mengevaluasi sifat-sifat
penting tanah serta berbagai pengelompokkan pada sistem klasifikasi ini dibuat untuk
mengorelasikan secara umum terhadap sifat-sifat tekniknya.
Pelaksanaan pengujian laboratorium dalam mengklasifikasikan tanah menggunakan grafik
plastisitas seperti ditunjukkan pada Gambar 4 dan kurva distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif
seperti ditunjukkan pada Gambar 5. Standar ini digunakan sebagai langkah awal dalam
penyelidikan lapangan atau laboratorium untuk keperluan geoteknik.

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Tata cara pengklasifikasian tanah untuk keperluan teknik dengan

sistem klasifikasi unifikasi tanah

1 Ruang lingkup

1.1 Standar ini menetapkan sistem untuk mengklasifikasikan tanah dan tanah organik
untuk keperluan teknik berdasarkan hasil pengujian laboratorium tentang karakteristik ukuran
butir, batas cair, dan indeks plastisitas. Standar ini digunakan untuk keperluan klasifikasi
tanah yang teliti.

CATATAN 1 - Penggunaan standar ini akan menghasilkan satu simbol dan satu nama kelompok
klasifikasi tanah, kecuali untuk kasus tanah yang mengandung butiran halus 5% sampai dengan 12%
atau nilai batas cair dan nilai indeks plastisitasnya berada pada daerah yang diarsir dari grafik
plastisitas. Untuk kedua kasus tersebut digunakan simbol ganda seperti GP – GM, CL – ML. Bila hasil
pengujian laboratorium menunjukkan bahwa tanah mendekati kelompok klasifikasi tanah lain,
keadaan garis batas dapat ditunjukkan dengan dua simbol yang dipisahkan oleh garis miring. Simbol
pertama harus didasarkan standar ini dari hasil klasifikasi standar ini, misalkan CL/CH, GM/SM,
SC/CL. Simbol-simbol garis batas terutama bermanfaat bila nilai batas cair lempung mendekati 50,
tanah tersebut dapat bersifat ekspansif dan penggunaan simbol garis batas (CL/CH, CH/CL) akan
mengingatkan para pengguna untuk melakukan klasifikasi tanah yang berpotensi ekspansif.

1.2 Simbol kelompok pada sistem klasifikasi ini didasarkan atas hasil-hasil pengujian
laboratorium yang dilakukan terhadap bagian contoh tanah yang lolos ayakan 3 inci (75
mm), sesuai ASTM E 11.

1.3 Sebagai sistem klasifikasi, standar ini hanya berlaku untuk jenis tanah yang terbentuk
secara alami.

CATATAN 2 - nama-nama kelompok dan simbol klasifikasi yang digunakan dalam standar ini dapat
digunakan sebagai sistem yang diterapkan terhadap material seperti batu serpih, batu lempung,
cangkang kerang, batu pecah, dan sebagainya. Lihat Lampiran A butir X2.

1.4 Standar ini hanya untuk penggunaan secara kualitatif

CATATAN 3 - Bila informasi secara kuantitatif dibutuhkan untuk desain rinci struktur penting, standar
ini harus dilengkapi dengan data hasil pengujian laboratorium atau data kuantitatif lainnya untuk
menentukan karakteristik kinerja pada kondisi lapangan yang direncanakan.

1.5 Standar ini merupakan versi ASTM untuk sistem klasifikasi unifikasi tanah. sistem
klasifikasi tanah didasarkan pada “Airfield Classification System” yang dikembangkan oleh A.
Cassagrande pada awal tahun 1940. Sistem ini dikenal sebagai sistem klasifikasi unifikasi
tanah ketika sejumlah instansi pemerintah USA mengadopsi versi modifikasi dari “Airfield
System” pada tahun 1952.

1.6 Standar ini tidak dimaksudkan untuk menjelaskan semua permasalahan keselamatan,
bila ada kaitannya dengan penggunaannya. Hal tersebut menjadi tanggung jawab pengguna
dalam menerapkannya sesuai keselamatan dan kesehatan, juga ketentuan-ketentuan yang
harus ditaati sebelum menggunakan standar ini.

1.7 Standar ini mengemukakan satu perangkat petunjuk untuk melakukan satu atau lebih
operasi/pelaksanaan yang spesifik. Dokumen ini tidak dapat mengganti pendidikan atau
pengalaman dan harus digunakan dengan pertimbangan profesional. Tidak semua aspek
standar ini dapat diaplikasikan pada semua kondisi. Standar ini tidak dimaksudkan untuk
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SNI 6371:2015

mewakili atau menggantikan standar pemeliharaan/perawatan yang membutuhkan penilaian

profesional yang cukup. Standar ini juga tidak seharusnya digunakan tanpa
mempertimbangkan keunikan/kekhasan pada suatu proyek/pekerjaan. Kata “Standard”
dalam judul dokumen ini berarti hanya berupa dokumen yang disetujui melalui proses
konsensus.

2 Acuan normatif

2.1 Standar ASTM

C 117, Test Method for Materials Finer than 75-µm (No. 200) Sieve in Mineral Aggregates by
Washing
C136, Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates (SNI ASTM C 136-
2012, Metode uji untuk analisis saringan agregat halus dan agregat kasar)
C702, Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
D420, Guide to Site Characterization for Engineering Design and Construction Purposes.
D422, Test method for particle – Size analysis of soils
D653, Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
D1140,Test Methods for Amount of Material in Soils Finer than No. 200 (0,075 Mm) Sieve
D2216, Test Methods for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and
Rock by Mass (SNI 1965:2008, Cara uji penentuan kadar air untuk tanah dan batuan)
D2217, Practice for Wet Preparation of Soil Samples for Particel-Size Analysis And
Determination Of Soil Constants
D2488, Practice for Description and Identitication of Soil (Visual-Manual Procedure) (SNI
2436:2008, Standar pencatatan dan identifikasi hasil pengeboran inti)
D3740, Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agency Engaged in Testing and/or Inspection
of Soil and Rock As Used In Engineering Design And Construction
D4083, Practice for Description of Frozen Soils (Visual Manual Procedure)
D4318, Test Methods for liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index of soils
D4427, Classification of peat samples by laboratory testing
D6913, Test Methods for particle-size distribution (gradation) of soils using sieve analysis
E11, Specification for woven wire test sieve cloth and test sieves

3 Istilah dan definisi

3.1 Definisi

Semua definisi sesuai dengan ASTM D 653, kecuali yang diuraikan di bawah ini

CATATAN 4 - Untuk butiran yang tertahan pada ayakan 3 inci (75 mm), maka digunakan definisi-
definisi sebagaimana disarankan :
Kerakal yaitu butiran batuan yang lolos ayakan 12 inci (300 mm) dan tertahan pada ayakan 3 inci (75
mm) dan Bongkahan batuan yaitu ukuran butir yang tertahan ayakan ukuran 12 inci (300 mm)

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3.1.1
lempung
butiran tanah yang lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) yang dalam satu rentang kadar air
tertentu bersifat plastis dan mempunyai kekuatan yang cukup besar pada saat kering udara.
Untuk klasifikasi, lempung termasuk tanah yang berbutir halus, atau bagian tanah yang
berbutir halus, dengan indeks plastisitas sama atau lebih besar dari 4, bila digambarkan
dalam grafik plastisitas akan terletak pada atau di atas garis “A”

3.1.2
kerikil
partikel batuan yang lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) dan tertahan pada ayakan No. 4 (4,75 mm).
Ayakan standar dengan sub bagian :
Kerikil kasar yaitu butiran batuan yang lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) dan tertahan pada ayakan
¾ inci (19 mm) serta kerikil halus yaitu butiran batuan yang lolos ayakan ¾ inci (19 mm)
tertahan pada ayakan No. 4 (4,75 mm)

3.1.3
lempung organik
definisi lempung organik, untuk klasifikasi, lempung organik adalah tanah lempung yang
mempunyai nilai batas cair kering oven kurang dari 75% dari nilai batas cair sebelum
pengeringan

3.1.4
lanau organik
untuk klasifikasi, lanau organik adalah tanah lanau yang mempunyai nilai batas cair kering
ovennya kurang dari 75% batas cair sebelum pengeringan

3.1.5
gambut
tanah yang terdiri dari serat/jaringan daun-daunan pada berbagai tingkat pembusukan
dengan kadar organik tinggi, berwarna cokelat tua sampai hitam

3.1.6
pasir
butiran batuan yang lolos ayakan No. 4 (4,75 mm) dan tertahan ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm).
Ayakan standar dengan sub bagian : pasir kasar yaitu butiran batuan yang lolos ayakan No. 4
(4,75 mm) dan tertahan ayakan No. 10 (2,00 mm), pasir sedang yaitu butiran batuan yang
lolos ayakan No. 10 (2,00 mm) dan tertahan ayakan No. 40 (0,425 mm) serta pasir halus yaitu
butiran batuan yang lolos ayakan No. 40 (0,425 mm) dan tertahan pada ayakan No. 200
(0,075 mm)

3.1.7
lanau
butiran tanah lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm), yang nonplastis atau sangat sedikit plastisitas
dan dapat menunjukkan sedikit atau tidak ada kekuatan pada saat kering udara. Untuk
klasifikasi, lanau termasuk tanah yang berbutir halus, atau bagian tanah berbutir halus,
dengan indeks plastisitas lebih kecil dari 4 atau bila digambarkan dalam grafik plastisitas akan
terletak di bawah garis “A”
3.2 Definisi Istilah khusus untuk Standar ini :
3.2.1
koefisien kelengkungan (Cc)
perbandingan (D30)2/(D10 x D60), dengan pengertian D60, D30 dan D10 adalah diameter butir
yang ditentukan oleh 60%, 30%, dan 10% lolos ayakan terhadap gambar distribusi ukuran
partikel kumulatif

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3.2.2
koefisien keseragaman (Cu)
perbandingan D60/D10, dengan pengertian D60 dan D10 adalah diameter butir yang ditentukan
oleh 60% dan 10% lolos ayakan terhadap Gambar distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif

4 Ringkasan

4.1 Sebagaimana diuraikan dalam Tabel 1, sistem klasifikasi ini mengidentifikasi tanah ke
dalam 3 kelompok utama, yaitu: tanah berbutir kasar, tanah berbutir halus, dan tanah
berorganik tinggi. Ketiga kelompok tanah ini, selanjutnya dibagi lagi menjadi 15 kelompok
dasar tanah.

4.2 Berdasarkan hasil pengamatan secara visual dan pengujian di laboratorium, tanah
digolongkan menurut kelompok dasar tanah, diberi simbol kelompok nama dan cara itu
disebut sebagai pengklasifikasian. Pada Gambar 1 menunjukan bagan alir untuk tanah butir
halus, Gambar 2 menunjukan bagan alir untuk tanah organik butir halus dan Gambar 3
menunjukan bagan alir untuk tanah butir kasar, dapat digunakan untuk menetapkan simbol-
simbol kelompok dan nama yang tepat.

Tabel 1 - Bagan klasifikasi tanah

Kriteria untuk Menetapkan Simbol-Simbol Kelompok dan Nama-Nama Kelompok Klasifikasi Tanah
Menggunakan Pengujian-Pengujian LaboratoriumA Simbol Nama KelompokB
Kelompok
TANAH Kerikil Kerikil bersih Cu ≥ 4 dan 1 ≤ Cc ≤ 3D GW KerikilE bergradasi baik
BERBUTIR (Lebih besar (Butir halusC < 5%) Cu < 4 dan/atau Cc < 1 atau Cc > 3D GP KerikilE bergradasi
KASAR dari 50% Fraksi jelek
>50% tertahan kasar yang Kerikil dengan butir Butir halus diklasifikasikan sebagai GM KerikilE, F, G lanauan
ayakan No. 200 tertahan halus ML atau MH
ayakan No. 4 ) (Butir halusC > 12%) Butir halus diklasifikasikan sebagai CL GC KerikilE, F, G lempungan
atau CH
Pasir Pasir bersih Cu ≥ 6 dan 1 ≤ Cc ≤ 3D SW PasirI bergradasi baik
(Lebih besar ≥ (Butir halusH < 5%) Cu < 6 dan/atau Cc < 1 atau Cc > 3D SP PasirI bergradasi jelek
50% Fraksi
kasar yang Pasir dengan butir Butir halus diklasifikasikan sebagai SM PasirF,G,I lanauan
lolos halus ML atau MH
ayakan No. 4 ) (Butir halusH > 12%) Butir halus diklasifikasikan sebagai CL SC PasirF,G,I lempungan
atau CH
TANAH Lanau dan Non Organik PI > 7 dan terletak pada atau di atas CL LempungK,L,M rendah
BERBUTIR lempung garis “A”
HALUS Batas cair < 50 PI < 4 atau terletak di bawah garis “A” ML LanauK,L,M
 50% lolos Organik Batas cair - kering oven OL LempungK,L,M,N organik
Ayakan < 0,75
No. 200 Batas cair – tidak kering LanauK,L,M,O organik
Lanau dan Non Organik PI terletak pada atau di atas garis “A” CH LempungK,L,M tinggi
lempung
Batas cair ≥ 50 PI terletak di bawah garis “A” MH LanauK,L,M elastis
Organik Batas cair - kering oven OH LempungK,L,M,P organik
< 0,75
Batas cair – tidak kering LempungK,L,M,O organik
TANAH Secara primer terdiri atas zat-zat organik, berwarna gelap dan berbau organik PT Gambut
BERORGANIK
A
Berdasarkan material lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm)
B
Apabila contoh lapangan mengandung bongkahan atau kerakal, atau keduanya tambahkan “dengan
bongkahan atau kerakal atau keduanya” pada nama kelompok
C
Kerikil-kerikil dengan butiran halus 5% sampai dengan 12% diperlukan simbol ganda:
GW–GM Kerikil bergradasi baik dengan lanau
GW–GC Kerikil bergradasi baik dengan lempung
GP–GM Kerikil bergradasi jelek dengan lanau
GP–GC Kerikil bergradasi jelek dengan lempung
Cc = (D30)2/D10 x D60
D
Cu = D60/D10
E
Apabila tanah mengandung ≥ 15% pasir, tambahkan “dengan pasir” pada nama kelompok
F
Apabila butiran halus diklasifikasikan sebagai CL–ML gunakan simbol ganda GC–GM atau SC–SM.
Apabila butiran halus adalah organik, tambahkan “dengan butiran halus organik” pada nama kelompok
G

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Tabel 1 - Bagan klasifikasi tanah (lanjutan)

H
Pasir-pasir dengan butiran halus 5% sampai dengan 12% diperlukan simbol ganda:
SW–SM Pasir bergradasi baik dengan lanau
SW–SC Pasir bergradasi baik dengan lempung
SP–SM Pasir bergradasi jelek dengan lanau
SP–SC Pasir bergradasi jelek dengan lempung
I
Apabila tanah mengandung ≥ 15% kerikil, tambahkan “dengan kerikil” pada nama kelompok
J
Apabila batas-batas Atterberg berada di dalam daerah yang diarsir, tanah adalah lempung lanauan
CL–ML
K
Apabila tanah mengandung 15% sampai 29% tertahan ayakan No. 200, tambahkan “dengan pasir”
atau “dengan kerikil” mana yang paling dominan
L
Apabila tanah mengandung ≥ 30% tertahan ayakan No. 200 dan dominan pasir, tambahkan
“pasiran” pada nama kelompok
M
Apabila tanah mengandung ≥ 30% tertahan ayakan No. 200 dan dominan kerikil, tambahkan
“kerikilan” pada nama kelompok
N
PI ≥ 4% dan berada pada atau di atas garis “A”
O
PI < 4% atau berada di bawah garis “A”
P
PI berada di atas garis “A”
Q
PI berada di bawah garis “A”

5 Arti dan kegunaan

5.1 Standar ini dapat mengklasifikasikan tanah dari berbagai lokasi geografis ke dalam
kategori yang menggambarkan hasil-hasil pengujian laboratorium untuk menentukan
karakteristik ukuran partikel, batas cair, dan indeks plastisitas di laboratorium

5.2 Pemberian nama dan simbol kelompok yang diatur dalam ASTM D 2488 dapat
digunakan untuk mengevaluasi sifat-sifat penting tanah untuk keperluan teknik.

5.3 Berbagai pengelompokkan pada sistem klasifikasi ini dibuat untuk mengorelasikan
secara umum terhadap sifat-sifat tekniknya. Standar ini digunakan sebagai langkah awal
dalam penyelidikan lapangan atau laboratorium untuk keperluan geoteknik.

5.4 Standar ini dapat juga digunakan sebagai bahan bantuan pelatihan dalam
menggunakan ASTM D 2488..

5.5 Standar ini dapat juga digunakan sebagai bahan bantuan kombinasi dengan pelatihan
ASTM D 4083 ketika bekerja dengan tanah yang diperkeras.

CATATAN 5 – Meski demikian pernyataan menyangkut ketelitian dan bias tercantum dalam standar ini
; Ketepatan dari metode uji ini bergantung kepada kompetensi personilnya dan kecocokan dengan
peralatan dan fasilitas yang digunakan. Instansi yang memenuhi ASTM D 3740 pada umumnya
dianggap mampu melaksanakan pengujian yang obyektif dan kompeten. Pengguna metode uji ini
diingatkan bahwa pemenuhan ASTM D 3740 tidak dengan sendirinya menjamin pengujian dapat
dipercaya. Pengujian yang dapat dipercaya tergantung dari beberapa faktor; ASTM D 3740
menyediakan sarana untuk evaluasi faktor-faktor tersebut.

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6 Peralatan

6.1 Selain peralatan yang diperlukan untuk keperluan pengambilan dan persiapan contoh
uji serta pelaksanaan pengujian laboratorium yang diperlukan, dibutuhkan juga grafik
plastisitas seperti ditunjukkan pada gambar 4 dan kurva distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif
seperti ditunjukkan pada Gambar 5.

CATATAN 6 - Garis “U” yang ditunjukkan pada Gambar 4 ditentukan secara empiris sebagai perkiraan
“batas atas” untuk tanah asli. Garis ini dapat digunakan sebagai kontrol terhadap kesalahan data, dan
data yang berada di sebelah atas atau di sebelah kirinya harus diverifikasi kebenarannya.

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 SNI 6371:2015

SIMBOL KELOMPOK NAMA KELOMPOK

PI>7 dan terletak pada
atau di atas garis “A”
4PI7 dan terletak pada
Non Organik
atau di atas garis “A”
LL<50 PI<4 atau terletak
di bawah garis “A”
 LL  kering oven 
Organik   0,75 
 LL  tidak kering oven 
Tertahan No. Tertahan No. 200 < 15% Lempung plastisitas rendah
200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lempung plastisitas rendah dengan pasir
% pasir < % kerikil Lempung plastisitas rendah dengan kerikil
CL Tertahan No. % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lempung plastisitas rendah pasiran
200≥30% Kerikil ≥ 15% Lempung plastisitas rendah pasiran dengan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Pasir < 15% Lempung plastisitas rendah kerikilan
Pasir ≥ 15% Lempung plastisitas rendah kerikil dengan pasir
Tertahan No. Tertahan No. 200 < 15% Lempung lanauan
200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lempung lanauan dengan pasir
% pasir < % kerikil Lempung lanauan dengan kerikil
CL-ML Tertahan No. % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lempung pasiran lanauan
200≥30% Kerikil ≥ 15% Lempung pasiran lanauan dengan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Pasir < 15% Lempung lanauan kerikil
Pasir ≥ 15% Lempung lanauan kerikil dengan pasir
Tertahan No. Tertahan No. 200 < 15% Lanau
200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lanau dengan pasir
% pasir < % kerikil Lanau dengan kerikil
ML Tertahan No. % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lanau pasiran
200≥30% Kerikil ≥ 15% Lanau pasiran dengan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Pasir < 15% Lanau kerikilan
Pasir ≥ 15% Lanau kerikil dengan pasir
OL Lihat Gambar 2

Tertahan No. Tertahan No. 200 < 15% Lempung plastisitas tinggi
200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lempung plastisitas tinggi dengan pasir
PI terletak pada atau di % pasir < % kerikil Lempung plastisitas tinggi dengan kerikil
atas garis “A” CH Tertahan No. % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lempung plastisitas tinggi pasiran
200≥30% Kerikil ≥ 15% Lempung plastisitas tinggi pasiran dengan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lempung plastisitas tinggi kerikilan
Non Organik Kerikil ≥ 15% Lempung plastisitas tinggi kerikil dengan pasir
Tertahan No. Tertahan No. 200 < 15% Lanauan elastis
200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lanau elastis dengan pasir
P terletak di bawah % pasir < % kerikil Lanau elastis dengan kerikil
garis “A” MH Tertahan No. % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lanau elastis pasiran
LL≥50 Kerikil ≥ 15%
200≥30% Lanau elastis pasiran dengan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Pasir < 15% Lanau elastis kerikilan
Pasir ≥ 15% Lanau elastis kerikil dengan pasir
 LL  kering oven 
Organik   0,75 OH Lihat Gambar 2
 LL  tidak kering oven 

Gambar 1 - Bagan alir untuk pengklasifikasian tanah butir halus (lolos ayakan No. 200 ≥ 50%)
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 SNI 6371:2015

SIMBOL KELOMPOK NAMA KELOMPOK

Tertahan No. Tertahan No. 200 < 15% Lempung organik

200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lempung organik dengan pasir
PI≥4 dan terletak pada % pasir < % kerikil Lempung organik dengan kerikil
atau di atas garis “A” Tertahan No. % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lempung organik pasiran
200≥30% Kerikil ≥ 15% Lempung organik pasiran dan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Pasir < 15% Lempung organik kerikil
Pasir ≥ 15% Lempung organik kerikil dengan pasir
OL Tertahan No. 200 < 15%
Tertahan No. Lanau organik
200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lanau organik dengan pasir
% pasir < % kerikil Lanau organik dengan kerikil
PI<4 atau terletak % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15%
Tertahan No. Lanau organik pasiran
di bawah garis “A” Kerikil ≥ 15%
200≥30% Lanau organik pasiran dan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Pasir < 15% Lanau organik kerikil
Pasir ≥ 15% Lanau organik kerikil dengan pasir

Tertahan No. Tertahan No. 200 < 15% Lempung organik

200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lempung organik dengan pasir
terletak pada atau di % pasir < % kerikil Lempung organik dengan kerikil
atas garis “A” Tertahan No. % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lempung organik pasiran
200≥30% Kerikil ≥ 15% Lempung organik pasiran dan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Pasir < 15% Lempung organik kerikil
Pasir ≥ 15% Lempung organik kerikilan dengan pasir
OH
Tertahan No. Tertahan No. 200 < 15% Lanau organik
200<30% Tertahan No. 200, 15%-29% % pasir ≥ % kerikil Lanau organik dengan pasir
terletak di bawah % pasir < % kerikil Lanau organik dengan kerikil
garis “A” Tertahan No. % pasir ≥ % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lanau organik pasiran
200≥30% Kerikil ≥ 15% Lanau organik pasiran dan kerikil
% pasir < % kerikil Kerikil < 15% Lanau organik kerikilan
Kerikil ≥ 15% Lanau organik kerikilan dengan pasir

Gambar 2 - Bagan alir untuk pengklasifikasian tanah organik butir halus (lolos ayakan No. 200 ≥ 50%)

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“Hak cipta Badan Standardisasi Nasional, copy standar ini dibuat untuk PT 91-01 Bahan Konstruksi Bangunan & Rekayasa Sipil, dan tidak untuk dikomersialkan”
 SNI 6371:2015

SIMBOL KELOMPOK NAMA KELOMPOK

Cu≥4 dan 1≤Cc≤3 GW Pasir < 15% Kerikil bergradasi baik

Butir halus <5% Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil bergradasi baik dengan pasir
Cu<4 dan/atau Cc<1 atau Cc>3 GP Pasir < 15% Kerikil bergradasi buruk
Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil bergradasi buruk dengan pasir
Butir halus = ML atau MH GW-GM Pasir < 15% Kerikil bergradasi baik dengan lanau
Cu≥4 dan 1≤Cc≤3 Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil bergradasi baik dengan pasir dan lanau
Butir halus = CL atau CH GW-GC Pasir < 15% Kerikil bergradasi baik dengan lempung (lempung lanauan)
KERIKIL (atau CL-ML)
Butir halus 5% - 12% Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil bergradasi baik dengan pasir dan lempung
%kerikil > %pasir
(lempung dan pasir lanauan)
Butir halus = ML atau MH GP-GM Pasir < 15% Kerikil bergradasi buruk dengan lanau
Cu<4 dan/atau Cc<1 atau Cc>3 Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil bergradasi buruk dengan pasir dan lanau
Butir halus = CL atau CH GP-GC Pasir < 15% Kerikil bergradasi buruk dengan lempung (lempung lanauan)
(atau CL-ML) Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil bergradasi buruk dengan pasir dan lempung
(lempung dan pasir lanauan)
Butir halus = ML atau MH GM Pasir < 15% Kerikil lanauan
Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil lanauan dengan pasir
Butir halus > 12% Butir halus = CL atau CH GC Pasir < 15% Kerikil lempungan
Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil lempungan dengan pasir
Butir halus = CL-ML GC-GM Pasir < 15% Kerikil lempungan, lanauan
Pasir ≥ 15% Kerikil lempungan lanauan dengan pasir

Cu≥6 dan 1≤Cc≤3 SW Kerikil < 15% Pasir bergradasi baik

Butir halus <5% Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir bergradasi baik dengan kerikil
Cu<6 dan/atau Cc<1 atau Cc>3 SP Kerikil < 15% Pasir bergradasi jelek
Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir bergradasi jelek dengan kerikil
Butir halus = ML atau MH SW-SM Kerikil < 15% Pasir bergradasi baik dengan lanau
Cu≥6 dan 1≤Cc≤3 Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir bergradasi baik dengan kerikil dan lanau
Butir halus = CL atau CH SW-SC Kerikil < 15% Pasir bergradasi baik dengan lempung (lempung lanauan)
PASIR (atau CL-ML)
Butir halus 5% - 12% Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir bergradasi baik dengan kerikil dan lempung
%pasir > %kerikil
(lempung dan kerikil lanauan)
Butir halus = ML atau MH SP-SM Kerikil < 15% Pasir bergradasi buruk dengan lanau
Cu<6 dan/atau Cc<1 atau Cc>3 Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir bergradasi buruk dengan kerikil dan lanau
Butir halus = CL atau CH SP-SC Kerikil < 15% Pasir bergradasi buruk dengan lempung (lempung lanauan)
(atau CL-ML) Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir bergradasi buruk dengan pasir dan lempung
(lempung dan kerikil lanauan)
Butir halus = ML atau MH SM Kerikil < 15% Pasir lanauan
Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir lanauan dengan kerikil
Butir halus > 12% Butir halus = CL atau CH SC Kerikil < 15% Pasir lempungan
Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir lempungan dengan kerikil
Butir halus = CL-ML SC-SM Kerikil < 15% Pasir lempungan, lanauan
Kerikil ≥ 15% Pasir lempungan lanauan dengan kerikil

Gambar 3 - Bagan alir untuk pengklasifikasian tanah butir kasar (tertahan ayakan No. 200 > 50%)

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 “Hak cipta Badan Standardisasi Nasional, copy standar ini dibuat untuk PT 91-01 Bahan Konstruksi Bangunan & Rekayasa Sipil, dan tidak untuk dikomersialkan”
SNI 6371:2015

Untuk klasifikasi tanah berbutir halus

dan fraksi halus dari tanah berbutir kasar

Persamaan Garis "A"

Horizontal PI = 4, LL = 25,5
maka PI = 0,73 (LL-20)

Persamaan Garis "U"

Vertikal LL = 16, PI = 7
maka PI = 0,9 (LL-8)

7 CL - ML
4

16

Gambar 4 - Grafik plastisitas

Analisis Ayakan
Kawat Ayakan (inci) No. Ayakan
Persen Tertahan (%)
Persen Lolos (%)

Ukuran Partikel (mm)

Gambar 5 – Distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif

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7 Pengambilan contoh uji

7.1 Contoh uji harus diperoleh dan diidentifikasi sesuai metode atau beberapa metode,
yang disarankan dalam (subtansi dalam lampiran) ASTM D420 atau dengan prosedur lain
yang disetujui.

7.2 ASTM D 6913 menyediakan pedoman dalam pemilihan jumlah benda uji. Dua metode
uji disediakan dalam standar ini. Kedua metode tersebut berbeda dalam pencatatan angka
signifikan, dan massa yang dibutuhkan. Metode yang digunakan dapat ditentukan/dipilih oleh
otoritas yang membutuhkan ; jika tidak maka metode A yang digunakan. Apabila mungkin,
contoh dari lapangan mempunyai massa dua sampai empat kali lebih besar dari yang
ditunjukkan.

7.3 Jika contoh uji lapangan atau benda uji lebih sedikit dari jumlah minimum yang
disarankan, contoh uji tersebut dalam laporan harus dicantumkan.

8 Klasifikasi tanah gambut

8.1 Suatu contoh uji yang komposisi utamanya terdiri atas serat tanaman dalam berbagai
tingkat pembusukan dan mempunyai tekstur berbentuk serat sampai tidak berbentuk,
berwarna cokelat gelap sampai hitam, dan berbau organik harus dinyatakan sebagai tanah
organik tingkat tinggi dan harus diklasifikasikan sebagai tanah gambut atau peat (pt).
Adapun prosedur untuk mengklasifikasi tanah gambut tidak menjadi bahan pokok yang
diuraikan di sini.

8.2 Jika dikehendaki, klasifikasi jenis gambut dapat dilakukan menurut klasifikasi ASTM D
4427.

9 Persiapan untuk klasifikasi

9.1 Sebelum tanah dapat diklasifikasikan dengan standar ini, diperlukan analisis distribusi
ukuran butir dari material lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) serta karakteristik plastisitas bahan
yang lolos ayakan No. 40 (0,425 mm) dengan jenis pengujian sesuai 9.8.

9.2 Persiapan benda uji tanah dan pengujian distribusi ukuran butiran, batas cair, dan
indeks plastisitas harus dilakukan sesuai dengan prosedur standar yang disetujui. Dua
prosedur persiapan benda uji tanah untuk tujuan klasifikasi diberikan dalam lampiran A. X3
dan X4. Lampiran A. X3 menjelaskan metode persiapan basah yang dianjurkan untuk tanah
kohesif yang belum pernah dikeringkan dan untuk tanah organik.

9.3 Dalam pelaporan klasifikasi tanah yang menggunakan standar ini, prosedur persiapan
dan pengujian atau rujukan yang digunakan harus dilaporkan.

9.4 Prosedur pengujian yang digunakan dalam penentuan distribusi ukuran butir atau
pertimbangan lain mungkin membutuhkan suatu analisis hidrometer, tetapi dalam penentuan
klasifikasi tanah tidak memerlukan analisis hidrometer.

9.5 Persentase massa kering dan material yang tertahan ayakan ukuran 3 inci (75 mm)
harus ditentukan dan dilaporkan sebagai informasi tambahan.

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9.6 Ukuran butiran maksimum harus ditentukan (diukur atau ditaksir) dan dilaporkan
sebagai informasi tambahan.

9.7 Apabila distribusi kumulatif ukuran butiran dibutuhkan, harus digunakan satu susunan
ayakan (ukuran ayakan terbesar disesuaikan dengan ukuran butiran maksimum) dengan
ayakan ukuran lain yang dibutuhkan untuk penentuan gradasi ukuran butir, yaitu :

3 inci (75 mm)

¾ inci (19,0 mm)
No. 4 (4,75 mm)
No. 10 (2,00 mm)
No. 40 (0,425 mm)
No. 200 (0,075 mm)

9.8 Pengujian yang diperlukan dalam persiapan klasifikasi adalah sebagai berikut:

9.8.2 Untuk tanah yang diperkirakan mengandung butiran halus kurang dari 5%, maka
perlu dibuat kurva distribusi kumulatif ukuran butiran tanah yang tertahan ayakan No. 200
(0,075 mm). Kurva distribusi kumulatif ukuran butiran semi-log persentase lolos terhadap
ukuran butiran, ukuran ayakan atau nomor ayakan dapat dibuat seperti dalam Gambar 5.

9.8.3 Untuk tanah yang diperkirakan mengandung butiran halus antara 5% sampai 12%,
maka perlu dibuat kurva distribusi kumulatif ukuran butiran seperti pada 9.8.1, serta batas
cair dan indeks plastisitas pada Gambar 4.

9.8.3.1 Jika tanah tidak cukup untuk menentukan batas cair dan indeks plastisitas, butiran
halus harus diperkirakan sebagai tanah bersifat lanauan atau lempungan sesuai dengan
prosedur pada SNI 2436:2008 serta harus dimuat dalam laporan.

9.8.4 Untuk tanah yang diperkirakan mengandung butiran halus 12% atau lebih, maka
penentuan persentase butiran halus, persentase pasir dan persentase kerikil harus
ditentukan, demikian pula dengan batas cair dan indeks plastisnya. Untuk tanah yang
diperkirakan mengandung butiran halus 90% atau lebih, maka persentase butiran halus,
persentase pasir, dan persentase kerikil dapat diperkirakan dengan cara sesuai prosedur
SNI 2436:2008 serta harus dicantumkan dalam laporan.

10 Prosedur klasifikasi awal

10.1 Jika benda uji yang lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) mengandung butiran halus lebih
besar atau sama dengan 50% dari massa kering, benda uji itu diklasifikasikan sebagai tanah
berbutir halus dan selanjutnya lihat pasal 11.

10.2 Jika benda uji tertahan ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) lebih besar dari 50% massa
kering, maka diklasifikasikan sebagai tanah berbutir kasar dan selanjutnya lihat pasal 12.

11 Prosedur untuk klasifikasi tanah berbutir halus

(Benda uji lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) ≥ 50% dari massa kering)

11.1 Tanah disebut lempung non organik jika dalam grafik indeks plastisitas terhadap batas
cair seperti tampak pada Gambar 4, tanah tersebut terletak pada atau di atas garis “A”,
dengan indeks plastisitasnya lebih besar dari 4, dan adanya bahan organik tidak
mempengaruhi nilai batas cair sebagaimana ditentukan pada 11.3.2.

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CATATAN 7 - Indeks plastisitas dan batas cair ditentukan dari material lolos ayakan No. 40 (0,425
mm).
11.1.1 Jika batas cair kurang dari 50%, diklasifikasikan sebagai lempung plastisitas rendah
(CL), lihat daerah yang diidentifikasi sebagai CL pada Gambar 4.

11.1.2 Jika batas cair lebih besar atau sama dengan 50%, diklasifikasikan sebagai lempung
plastisitas tinggi (CH), lihat daerah yang diidentifikasi sebagai CH pada Gambar 4.

CATATAN 8 - Jika nilai batas cair lebih besar dari 110% atau indeks plastisitas lebih besar dari 60%,
grafik plastisitas dapat diperluas nilainya dengan skala yang sama, baik sumbu vertikal maupun
horizontal demikian pula terhadap garis “A” pada kemiringan yang ditunjukkan.

11.1.3 Jika dalam grafik, indeks plastisitas terhadap batas cair terletak di atas garis “A”
dengan indeks plastisitasnya antara 4% sampai 7%, diklasifikasikan sebagai lempung
lanauan (CL-ML), lihat daerah yang diidentifikasi sebagai CL-ML pada Gambar 4.

11.2 Jika dalam grafik plastisitas terhadap batas cair terletak di bawah garis “A” dengan
indeks plastisitasnya kurang dari 4%, tanah disebut lanau non organik yaitu bahan organik
tidak mempengaruhi besarnya nilai batas cair, seperti ditentukan dalam 11.3.2.

11.2.1 Jika batas cair kurang dari 50%, tanah diklasifikasikan sebagai lanau (ML), lihat
daerah yang diidentifikasi sebagai ML pada Gambar 4.

11.2.2 Jika batas cair lebih besar atau sama dengan 50%, tanah diklasifikasikan sebagai
lanau elastis (MH), lihat daerah yang diidentifikasi sebagai MH pada Gambar 4.

11.3 Jika dijumpai bahan organik yang mempengaruhi nilai batas cair seperti ditentukan
pada 11.3.2, tanah disebut lempung organik atau lanau organik.

11.3.1 Jika tanah mempunyai warna gelap dan berbau organik ketika basah dan hangat,
harus dilakukan pengujian batas cair untuk kedua kalinya terhadap benda uji pada kondisi
kering oven dengan temperatur (110 ± 5) oC sampai massanya tetap, biasanya selama satu
malam.

11.3.2 Jika batas cair kering oven kurang dari 75% batas cair benda uji semula, tanah
disebut lempung organik atau lanau organik (lihat prosedur B pada ASTM D 2217).

11.3.3 Jika batas cair (tidak kering oven) kurang dari 50%, tanah diklasifikasikan sebagai
lempung organik atau lanau organik (OL). Jika indeks plastisitas kurang dari 4 atau pada
garis plastisitas terhadap batas cair terletak di bawah garis “A”, tanah diklasifikasikan
sebagai lanau organik (OL). Jika indeks plastisitas lebih besar atau sama dengan 4 dan atau
di atas garis “A”, tanah diklasifikasikan sebagai lempung organik, (OL). Lihat daerah yang
diidentifikasi sebagai OL (atau CL- ML) pada Gambar 4.

11.3.4 Jika batas cair (tidak kering oven) lebih besar atau sama dengan 50%, tanah
diklasifikasikan sebagai lanau organik atau lempung organik (OH). Jika posisi indeks
plastisitas jatuh di bawah garis “A”, tanah diklasifikasikan sebagai lanau organik (OH). Jika
posisi indeks plastisitas terhadap batas cair jatuh pada atau di atas garis “A”, tanah
diklasifikasikan sebagai lempung organik (OH), seperti tampak pada Gambar 4.

11.4 Jika benda uji yang tertahan pada ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) berkisar antara 15%
sampai 30%, istilah ”dengan pasir” atau ”dengan kerikil” (mana yang lebih dominan) harus
ditambahkan pada nama kelompok tanah. Sebagai contoh lempung plastisitas rendah

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SNI 6371:2015

dengan pasir (CL), lanau dengan kerikil (ML). Jika persentase pasir sama dengan
persentase kerikil, gunakan istilah “dengan pasir”.

11.5 Jika benda uji yang tertahan pada ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm), lebih besar atau sama
dengan 30%, istilah “pasiran” atau “kerikilan” harus ditambahkan pada nama kelompok
tanah. Tambahkan istilah “pasiran” jika benda uji yang tertahan pada ayakan No. 200 (0,075
mm) lebih besar atau sama dengan 30% serta bagian butir kasar yang dominan adalah
pasir. Tambahkan istilah “kerikilan” jika benda uji yang tertahan pada ayakan No. 200 (0,075
mm) lebih besar atau sama dengan 30% serta bagian berbutir kasar yang dominan adalah
kerikil. Sebagai contoh lempung rendah pasiran (CL), lempung plastisitas tinggi kerikilan
(CH); lanau pasiran (ML). Jika persentase pasir sama dengan persentase kerikil, gunakan
istilah “pasiran”

12 Prosedur untuk klasifikasi tanah berbutir kasar

(Lebih dari 50% material tertahan pada ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm)

12.1 Jika fraksi kasar yang tertahan ayakan No. 4 (4,75 mm) lebih dari 50%, fraksi tersebut
diklasifikasikan sebagai kerikil.

12.2 Jika fraksi kasar yang lolos ayakan No. 4 (4,75 mm) lebih besar atau sama dengan
50%, diklasifikasikan sebagai pasir.

12.3 Jika benda uji yang lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) lebih kecil atau sama dengan
12%, harus digambarkan distribusi kumulatif ukuran butir, dalam Gambar 5, hitung koefisien
keseragaman (Cu) serta koefisien kelengkungan (Cc), seperti yang diberikan pada
persamaan 1 dan 2.

Cu = D60/D10 (1)
Cc = (D30)2/(D10 x D60 ) (2)

Keterangan :
D10, D30, dan D60 = berturut-turut diameter ukuran butir pada 10%, 30% dan 60%, pada gambar grafik
distribusi kumulatif ukuran partikel Gambar 5.

CATATAN 9 - Jika diperlukan untuk memperoleh diameter D10, dapat dilakukan dengan kurva
ekstrapolasi

12.3.1 Jika benda uji yang lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) lebih kecil dari 5%, tanah
dapat diklasifikasikan sebagai kerikil bergradasi baik (GW) atau pasir bergradasi baik (SW).
Klasifikasi ini berlaku jika Cu untuk kerikil lebih besar dari 4 atau Cu untuk pasir lebih besar
dari 6, serta nilai Cc minimal 1 tapi tidak lebih dari 3.

12.3.2 Jika benda uji lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) lebih kecil dari 5%, maka tanah
dapat diklasifikasikan sebagai kerikil bergradasi jelek (GP) atau pasir bergradasi jelek (SP).
Hal ini terjadi jika Cu atau Cc tidak memenuhi kriteria tanah bergradasi baik.

12.4 Jika benda uji yang lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) lebih besar dari 12%, tanah
harus dianggap berbutir kasar dengan butiran halus. Berdasarkan pada penggunaan grafik
plastisitas terhadap batas cair seperti pada Gambar 4, tanah berbutir halus tersebut dapat
bersifat lempungan atau lanauan (lihat 9.8.2.1 jika material tidak mencukupi, lihat catatan 7).

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12.4.1 Jika butiran halus bersifat lempungan atau dalam grafik indeks plastisitas terhadap
batas cair terletak pada atau di atas garis “A” serta indeks plastisitas lebih besar dari 7%,
tanah diklasifikasikan sebagai kerikil lempungan (GC) atau pasir lempungan (SC).

12.4.2 Jika butiran halus bersifat lanauan atau dalam grafik indeks plastisitas terhadap
batas cair terletak di bawah garis “A” serta indeks plastisitas lebih kecil dari 4%, tanah
diklasifikasikan sebagai kerikil lanauan (GM) atau pasir lanauan (SM).

12.4.3 Jika tanah berbutir halus ditetapkan sebagai lempung lanauan (CL-ML), dengan
kerikil lebih dominan, tanah dapat diklasifikasikan sebagai kerikil lempung lanauan (GC-GM).
Bila pasir yang lebih dominan, tanah dapat diklasifikasikan sebagai pasir lempung lanauan
(SC- SM).

12.5 Jika benda uji lolos ayakan No. 200 (0,075 mm) mulai dari 5% sampai dengan 12%,
tanah diklasifikasikan ganda dengan menggunakan dua simbol kelompok.

12.5.1 Simbol kelompok pertama harus berkaitan dengan kerikil atau pasir yang
mempunyai butiran halus kurang dari 5% (GW, GP, SW, SP), dan simbol kelompok kedua
harus berkaitan dengan kerikil atau pasir yang mempunyai butir halus (GC, GM, SC, SM)
dikaitkan lebih dari 12%.

12.5.2 Nama kelompok harus dihubungkan dengan simbol kelompok pertama ditambah
“dengan lempung” atau “dengan lanau” untuk menunjukkan karakteristik plastisitas butir
halus. Sebagai contoh, kerikil bergradasi baik dengan lempung (GW-GC), pasir bergradasi
jelek dengan lanau (SP-SM) (lihat 9.8.2.1 jika material yang tersedia untuk pengujian tidak
mencukupi).

CATATAN 10 - Jika butiran halus berupa lempung lanauan (CL-ML), simbol kelompok kedua dapat
berupa GC atau SC. Sebagai contoh, pasir bergradasi jelek dengan 10% butiran halus, batas cair 20,
dan indeks plastisitas 6% dapat diklasifikasikan sebagai pasir bergradasi jelek dengan lempung
kelanauan (SP- SC).

12.6 Jika benda uji mengandung pasir atau kerikil yang lebih dominan tetapi mengandung
15% atau lebih unsur butiran kasar lainnya, istilah “dengan kerikil” atau “dengan pasir” harus
ditambahkan pada nama kelompok. Sebagai contoh, kerikil bergradasi jelek dengan pasir,
pasir lempungan dengan kerikil.

12.7 Jika contoh lapangan mengandung kerakal atau bongkahan atau keduanya, istilah
“dengan kerakal” atau “dengan kerakal dan bongkahan” harus ditambahkan pada nama
kelompok. Sebagai contoh, kerikil lanauan dengan kerakal (GM).

13 Laporan

13.1 Laporan harus mencakup nama kelompok, simbol kelompok, dan hasil-hasil pengujian
laboratorium. Distribusi ukuran butiran harus diberikan dalam bentuk persentase kerikil,
pasir, dan butiran halus. Grafik distribusi kumulatif ukuran butiran halus harus dilaporkan jika
digunakan dalam klasifikasi tanah. Laporkan dengan informasi deskriptif secara layak,
sesuai dengan prosedur (ASTM D 2488). Penamaan istilah geologi yang umumnya
digunakan serta penamaan lokal dapat ditambahkan pada bagian akhir laporan, demikian
pula prosedur pengujian yang dilakukan harus pula dicantumkan.

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CATATAN 11 - Contoh : kerikil lempungan dengan pasir dan kerakal (GC) terdiri dari:
• 46% butiran kerikil halus sampai kasar, bersifat keras, berbentuk agak bulat
• 30% butiran pasir halus sampai kasar, bersifat keras, berbentuk agak bulat
• 24% butiran halus lempungan, LL = 38, PI = 19, bereaksi lemah dengan HCl.
Contoh uji tanah asli dari lapangan bersifat keras 4%, berangkal agak bulat dengan diameter
maksimum 150 mm

Kondisi setempat : teguh, homogen, kering, cokelat.

Interpretasi geologi : kipas alluvial.

CATATAN 12 – Contoh-contoh lain deskripsi tanah diberikan dalam lampiran X1

14 Ketelitian dan bias

14.1 Kriteria untuk dapat diterima tergantung dari ketelitian dan bias pada metode
pengujian ASTM D 422, ASTM D 1140 dan ASTM D 4318.

15 Kata Kunci

15.1 Batas-batas Atterberg, klasifikasi, lempung, gradasi, kerikil, klasifikasi laboratorium,

tanah-tanah organik, pasir, lanau, klasifikasi tanah, pengujian-pengujian tanah.

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Lampiran A
(informatif)
Pengklasifikasian tanah

X1. Contoh-contoh uraian penggunaan klasifikasi tanah

X1.1 Contoh-contoh berikut menunjukkan bagaimana informasi yang diminta pada butir 13.1
dapat dilaporkan. Sebagai gambaran informasi yang tepat perlu dimasukkan uraian standar
SNI 2436:2008. Istilah-istilah tambahan pada klasifikasi tanah harus berdasarkan
penggunaan klasifikasi yang dikehendaki dan kondisi masing-masing.

X1.1.1 Kerikil bergradasi baik dengan pasir (GW) - 73% butir halus sampai kasar, keras,
kerikil agak bersudut ; 23% butir halus sampai kasar, keras, pasir agak bersudut ; 4% butir
halus ; Cc = 2,7, Cu = 12,4.

X1.1.2 Pasir kelanauan dengan kerikil (SM) - 61% didominasi pasir halus ; 23% lanau halus
; LL = 33, PI = 6, 16% butir halus, keras, kerikil agak bulat ; tidak bereaksi dengan HCl ;
(contoh lapangan lebih kecil dari yang dianjurkan). Kondisi di tempat kuat dan berlapis-lapis,
terdiri atas lensa-lensa endapan 2.5 cm sampai 5 cm (1 inci sampai 2 inci), tebal, basah
(lembap), berwarna cokelat sampai keabu-abuan ; densitas lapangan = (106 lb/ft3 ) dan kadar
air lapangan = 9%

X1.1.3 Lempung organik (OL) – 100% butir halus, LL (tidak dikeringkan) = 32, LL
(dikeringkan oven) = 21, PI (tidak dikeringkan) = 10, basah, berwarna cokelat, berbau organik,
reaksi dengan HCL lemah.

X1.1.4 Pasir kelanauan dengan butir halus organik (SM) - 74% butir halus sampai kasar,
keras, pasir kemerah-merahan agak bersudut ; 26% organik dan butir halus cokelat gelap
kelanauan, LL (tidak dikeringkan) = 37, LL (dikeringkan oven) = 26, PI (tidak dikeringkan) = 6,
basah, reaksi dengan HCL lemah.

X1.1.5 Kerikil bergradasi jelek dengan lanau, pasir, kerakal, dan bongkahan (GP-GM) -
78% butir halus sampai kasar, keras, kerikil agak bulat sampai agak bersudut; 16% butir
halus sampai kasar, keras, pasir agak bulat sampai agak bersudut; 6% butir halus kelanauan
(perkiraan), lembap, cokelat; tidak bereaksi dengan HCL, contoh asli lapangan mempunyai
7% keras, batu kecil agak bulat dan 2% keras, batu besar agak bulat dengan dimensi
maksimum 18 inci (45 cm).

X2. Penggunaan klasifikasi tanah sebagai suatu sistem deskriptif untuk batu serpih,
batu lempung, slag, batu pecah, dan lain-lain

X2.1 Nama-nama kelompok dan simbol-simbol yang digunakan dalam standar ini boleh
digunakan sebagai sistem deskriptif, diterapkan untuk bahan-bahan yang ada di tempat
sebagai batu serpih, batu lempung, batu pasir, batu lanau, batu lumpur, dan lain-lain, yang
berubah menjadi tanah setelah proses di laboratorium dan lapangan (pemecahan,
perendaman, dan lain- lain).

X2.2 Bahan-bahan seperti cangkang kerang, batu pecah, kerak, dan lain-lain harus
diidentifikasi seperti apa adanya. Namun, prosedur yang digunakan pada standar ini untuk
uraian ukuran partikel dan karakteristik plastisitas dapat digunakan untuk deskripsi bahan.
Jika diinginkan, klasifikasi menurut standar ini dapat digunakan untuk membantu dalam
mendeskripsikan bahan.
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X2.3 Apabila menggunakan klasifikasi, simbol-simbol kelompok dan nama-nama kelompok

harus ditempatkan pada tanda kutip atau dicatat dengan beberapa jenis/tipe simbol yang
berbeda. Lihat contoh-contoh.

X2.4 Contoh-contoh bagaimana klasifikasi tanah dapat digunakan ke dalam suatu sistem
deskripsi untuk bahan-bahan yang bukan merupakan tanah alami, sebagai berikut :

X2.4.1 Bongkahan batu serpih – dapatkan potongan batu serpih berukuran 2 inci sampai 4
inci (5 cm sampai 10 cm), dari lubang bor auger, kering, cokelat, tidak bereaksi dengan HCl.
Setelah proses laboratorium dengan direndam dalam air selama 24 jam, bahan
diklasifikasikan sebagai “lempung plastisitas rendah kepasiran” (CL) - 61% butir halus
kelempungan, LL = 37, PI = 16 ; 33% butir halus sampai pasir medium ; 6% potongan-
potongan ukuran kerikil batu serpih.

X2.4.2 Batu pasir pecah (abu batu) - produk perusahaan pemecah batu, “pasir bergradasi
jelek dengan lanau (SP-SM)” - 91% butir pasir halus sampai medium ; 9% butir halus
kelanauan (perkiraan) ; kering, cokelat kemerahan, bereaksi kuat dengan HCl.

X2.4.3 Cangkang kerang pecah - 65% cangkang kerang pecah ukuran kerikil ; 31% pasir
dan potongan-potongan cangkang kerang ukuran pasir, 4% butir halus ; Cc = 2,4, Cu = 1,9 ;
diklasifikasikan sebagai “kerikil bergradasi jelek dengan pasir (GP)”

2.4.4.4 Batu pecah - kerikil dan batu bundar kecil yang diproses dari lubang No. 7; “kerikil
bergradasi jelek (GP)” - 89% butir halus, keras, partikel-partikel ukuran kerikil bersudut; 11%
butir kasar, keras, partikel-partikel ukuran pasir bersudut, kering, cokelat kemerah-merahan;
tidak bereaksi dengan HCl; Cc = 2,4, Cu=0,9.

X3. Persiapan dan pengujian untuk klasifikasi dengan cara basah

X3.1 Lampiran ini menguraikan langkah-langkah dalam mempersiapkan contoh tanah

pengujian untuk klasifikasi tanah dengan prosedur persiapan secara basah.

X3.2 Contoh-contoh yang disiapkan menurut prosedur ini sedapat mungkin mengandung
sebanyak kadar air alami dan untuk menjaga kadar air alami harus dilakukan pada saat
persiapan dan pengangkutan contoh.

X3.3 Prosedur-prosedur yang diikuti dalam standar ini mengasumsikan bahwa contoh
lapangan mengandung butir halus, pasir, kerikil, dan partikel berukuran lebih besar 3 inci (75
mm) distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif serta batas cair, dan nilai-nilai indeks plastisitas yang
dibutuhkan (Lihat butir 9.8). Beberapa langkah berikut boleh diabaikan bila tidak dapat
diterapkan untuk tanah yang sedang diuji.

X3.4 Jika tanah mengandung partikel yang tertahan ayakan No. 200 (75 mm) akan
mengalami degradasi selama penyaringan kering, gunakan prosedur pengujian untuk
menentukan karakteristik ukuran partikel yang akan mencegah degradasi.

X3.5 Karena sistem klasifikasi ini dibatasi untuk bagian dari contoh lolos ayakan 3 inci (75
mm), maka bahan yang tertahan ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) harus dibuang sebelum menentukan
karakteristik ukuran partikel, batas cair dan indeks plastisitas.

X3.6 Bagian dari contoh lapangan yang lebih halus dari ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) akan diperoleh
dengan cara sebagai berikut :

X3.6.1 Pisahkan dua contoh lapangan ke dalam dua fraksi pada ayakan 3 inci (75 mm), lalu
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berhati-hatilah untuk menjaga kandungan kadar air alami dalam fraksi yang lebih kecil dari 3
inci (75 mm) harus disikat atau dibersihkan dan disatukan dengan fraksi lolos ayakan 3 inci
(75 mm).

X3.6.2 Tentukan massa kering udara atau massa kering oven dari fraksi yang tertahan pada
ayakan 3 inci (75 mm). Tentukan massa total (basah) dari fraksi lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm).

X3.6.3 Campur seluruhnya fraksi lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm). Tentukan kadar air menurut
metode pengujian D 2216 dari contoh bahan yang mewakili dengan massa kering minimum
seperti diminta pada 7.2. Amankan kadar air contoh untuk menentukan analisis ukuran butir
sesuai dengan (butir X3.8).

X3.6.4 Hitung massa kering dari fraksi yang lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) berdasarkan pada
kadar air dan massa (basah) total. Hitung total massa kering dari contoh dan hitung
persentase material tertahan ayakan 3 inci (75 mm).

X3.7 Tentukan batas cair dan indeks plastisitas dengan cara sebagai berikut :

X3.7.1 Jika tanah sudah tidak menggumpal, campur di atas permukaan yang bersih dan
keras, pilih contoh yang mewakili dengan membagi empat sesuai dengan panduan
pelaksanaan ASTM C 702.

X3.7.1.1 Jika tanah mengandung partikel-partikel butir kasar yang terselimuti dan melekat
menjadi satu oleh bahan kelempungan yang kuat, untuk memperoleh bagian yang mewakili
fraksi No. 40 (0,425 mm), agar dilakukan dengan cara yang sangat hati-hati. Secara khusus
bagian yang lebih besar daripada yang normal harus dipilih, seperti massa minimum yang
dibutuhkan pada butir 7.2.

X3.7.1.2 Untuk memperoleh contoh yang mewakili tanah yang pada dasarnya tanah
berkohesif, sebaiknya tanah disaring dengan ayakan No. ¾ inci (19 mm) atau ukuran lain
yang tepat sehingga bahan dapat dengan mudah dicampur, kemudian dibagi empat atau
dipisah untuk memperoleh bahan yang mewakili.

X3.7.2 Proses bahan contoh yang mewakili sesuai dengan prosedur B dari panduan praktek
ASTM D 2217

X3.7.3 Melakukan pengujian batas cair sesuai dengan metode pengujian ASTM D 4318,
kecuali sebelum pengujian tanah tidak dikeringkan di udara terbuka.

X3.7.4 Melakukan pengujian batas plastis sesuai dengan metode pengujian ASTM D 4318,
kecuali sebelum pengujian tanah tidak dikeringkan di udara terbuka dan hitung indeks
plastisitas.

X3.8 Menentukan distribusi ukuran partikel adalah sebagai berikut:

X3.8.1 Jika kadar air dari fraksi lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) diperlukan (Butir X3.6.3),
gunakan kadar air contoh untuk penentuan distribusi ukuran partikel. Dengan cara lain, pilih
contoh yang mewakili sesuai dengan panduan pelaksanaan ASTM C 702 dengan massa
kering minimum seperti pada butir 7.2.

X3.8.2 Jika distribusi kumulatif ukuran partikel termasuk analisis hydrometer diperlukan,
tentukan distribusi ukuran partikel sesuai dengan metode pengujian ASTM D 422 butir 9.7
untuk susunan ayakan yang diperlukan.

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X3.8.3 Jika distribusi kumulatif ukuran partikel tidak memerlukan analisis hydrometer,
tentukan distribusi ukuran partikel sesuai dengan metode ASTM C136 untuk susunan ayakan
yang diperlukan. Untuk pengerjaan distribusi ukuran partikel sebelumnya, contoh harus
direndam sampai semua gumpalan kelempungan telah melunak, kemudian dicuci sesuai
dengan metode pengujian SNI 03-4142-1996.

X3.8.4 Jika distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif tidak diperlukan, tentukan persen butir halus,
persen pasir dan persen kerikil dalam contoh bahan sesuai dengan metode pengujian ASTM
C 117, yakinkan untuk merendam contoh cukup lama untuk melunakkan gumpalan-gumpalan
kelempungan, diikuti dengan metode ASTM C 136 menggunakan satu set ayakan yang
memasukkan ayakan No. 4 (4,75 mm) dan ayakan No.200 (0.075 mm).

X3.8.5 Untuk pengklasifikasian hitung persen butir halus, persen pasir dan persen kerikil
pada fraksi lebih kecil 3 inci (75 mm).

X4. Persiapan tanah dengan metode pengeringan udara untuk pengujian bagi
keperluan klasifikasi

X4.1 Lampiran ini menguraikan langkah-langkah persiapan contoh tanah untuk keperluan
pengujian klasifikasi tanah bila pengeringan udara tanah diperlukan atau dikehendaki atau
bila kadar air alami mendekati keadaan kadar air pengeringan udara.

X4.2 Jika tanah mengandung zat organik atau mineral koloid yang tidak terpengaruh oleh
pengeringan udara, metode persiapan basah sebagaimana yang diuraikan pada butir X3
harus digunakan.

X4.3 Selama sistem klasifikasi ini dibatasi untuk bagian dari contoh yang lolos ayakan 3 inci
(75 mm), maka untuk menentukan karakteristik ukuran partikel dan batas cair dari indeks
plastisitas, maka contoh yang tertahan ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) sebelumnya harus dibuang.

X4.4 Bagian dari contoh lapangan yang lebih halus dari ayakan 3 inci (75 mm) akan diperoleh
dengan cara sebagai berikut:

X4.4.1 Contoh tanah lapangan dikeringkan pada kondisi kering udara dan ditimbang

X4.4.2 Pisahkan contoh lapangan ke dalam 2 fraksi pada ayakan 3 inci (75 mm)

X4.4.3 Timbang kedua fraksi tersebut dan hitung persentase contoh lapangan yang lebih
besar dari 3 inci (75 mm) terhadap contoh lapangan.

X4.5 Tentukan distribusi ukuran partikel, batas cair dan indek plastisitas dengan cara sebagai
berikut (lihat butir 9.8 pada saat pengujian-pengujian ini diperlukan):

X4.5.1 Campurkan seluruh fraksi yang lolos ayakan 3 inci (75 mm)

X4.5.2 Jika distribusi kumulatif ukuran partikel termasuk analisis hydrometer diperlukan,
tentukan distribusi, ukuran partikel sesuai dengan metode pengujian ASTM D 422 lihat butir
9.7 untuk susunan ayakan yang diperlukan.

X4.5.3 Jika distribusi kumulatif ukuran partikel tidak memerlukan analisis hydrometer,
tentukan distribusi ukuran partikel sesuai dengan metode pengujian ASTM D 1140 dilanjutkan
dengan metode ASTM C 136 butir 9.7 untuk susunan ayakan yang diperlukan.

4.5.4 Jika distribusi ukuran partikel kumulatif tidak diperlukan, tentukan persen butir halus,
persen pasir, dan persen kerikil pada contoh sesuai dengan metode pengujian ASTM D 1140,
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dilanjutkan dengan metode ASTM C 136 menggunakan satu set kawat ayakan yang
menyatukan ayakan No. 4 (4,75 mm) dan ayakan No. 200 (0.075 mm).

X4.5.5 Jika diperlukan, tentukan batas cair dan indeks plastisitas dari contoh pengujian
sesuai dengan metode pengujian ASTM D 4318

X5. Singkatan simbol klasifikasi tanah

X5.1 Pada beberapa kasus, karena kolom terbatas, sistem singkatan mungkin berguna untuk
mengindikasikan simbol dan nama klasifikasi tanah. Contoh tersebut akan berbentuk log
grafik, basis data, tabel dan lain-lain.

X5.2 Sistem singkatan ini tidak cocok untuk nama lengkap atau informasi deskriptif tapi dapat
digunakan pada penyajian uraian lengkap.

X5.3 Sistem singkatan harus terdiri atas simbol klasifikasi tanah yang berdasarkan standar
yang tepat ini dengan pengertian huruf yang tepat apakah sebagai awalan atau akhiran
adalah sebagai berikut :

Awalan Akhiran

s = pasiran s = dengan pasir

g = kerikilan g = dengan kerikil
c = kerakal
b = bongkahan batu

X5.4 Simbol klasifikasi tanah disisipkan dalam tanda kurung, beberapa contoh berikut.

Simbol Kelompok dan Nama Lengkap Disingkat

CL, lempung plastisitas rendah pasiran s(CL)
SP-SM, Pasir bergradasi jelek dengan lanau dan kerikil (SP-SM)g
GP, Kerikil bergradasi jelek dengan pasir, kerakal dan bongkahan batu (GP)scb
ML, Lanau kerikilan dengan pasir dan kerakal g(ML)sc

© BSN 2015 21 dari 25

“Hak cipta Badan Standardisasi Nasional, copy standar ini dibuat untuk PT 91-01 Bahan Konstruksi Bangunan & Rekayasa Sipil, dan tidak untuk dikomersialkan”
Contoh formulir isian
Lampiran B
(normatif)

22 dari 25
SNI 6371:2015

© BSN 2015
“Hak cipta Badan Standardisasi Nasional, copy standar ini dibuat untuk PT 91-01 Bahan Konstruksi Bangunan & Rekayasa Sipil, dan tidak untuk dikomersialkan”
SNI 6371:2015

Contoh formulir isian

Lampiran C
(normatif)

23 dari 25
© BSN 2015
“Hak cipta Badan Standardisasi Nasional, copy standar ini dibuat untuk PT 91-01 Bahan Konstruksi Bangunan & Rekayasa Sipil, dan tidak untuk dikomersialkan”
Contoh isian formulir
Lampiran D
(informatif)

24 dari 25
SNI 6371:2015

© BSN 2015
“Hak cipta Badan Standardisasi Nasional, copy standar ini dibuat untuk PT 91-01 Bahan Konstruksi Bangunan & Rekayasa Sipil, dan tidak untuk dikomersialkan”
SNI 6371:2015

Contoh isian formulir

Lampiran E
(informatif)

25 dari 25
© BSN 2015