ASTM D7698-11
Standard Test Method for In-Place Estimation of Density and Water Content of Soil and    Aggregate by Correlation with Complex Impedance Method

Standard No.

ASTM D7698-11

Release Date

2011

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D7698-11a

Latest

ASTM D7698-21

Scope

The test method is a procedure for estimating in-place values of density and water content of soils and soil-aggregate based on electrical measurements.

The test method may be used for quality control and acceptance testing of compacted soil and soil aggregate mixtures as used in construction and also for research and development. The minimal disturbance nature of the methodology allows repetitive measurements in a single test location and statistical analysis of the results.

Limitations:

This test method provides an overview of the CIMI measurement procedure, using a controlling console, connected to a soil sensor unit which applies 3.0 MHz radio frequency to an in-place soil in which metallic probes are driven at a prescribed distance apart. This test method does not discuss the details of the CIMI electronics, computer, or software that utilized on-board algorithms for estimating the soil density and water content

It is difficult to address an infinite variety of soils in this standard. This test method does not address the various types of soils on which the CIMI method may or may not be applicable. However, data presented in 12.1.1 provides a list of soil types that are applicable for the CIMI use.

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 procedures prescribed in this standard do not consider material variation, purpose for obtaining the data, special purpose studies, or any considerations for the user’s objectives; it is common practice to increase or reduce significant digits of 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.

1.1 Purpose and Application

1.1.1 This test method describes the procedure, equipment, and interpretation methods for estimating in-place soil dry density and water content using a Complex-Impedance Measuring Instrument (CIMI).

1.1.2 CIMI measurements as described in this Standard Test Method are applicable to measurements of compacted soils intended for roads and foundations.

1.1.3 This test method describes the procedure for estimating in-place density and water content of soils and soil-aggregates by use of a CIMI. The electrical properties of soil are measured using a radio frequency voltage applied to soil electrical probes driven into the soils and soil-aggregates to be tested, in a prescribed pattern and depth. Certain algorithms of these properties are related to wet density and water content. This correlation between electrical measurements, and density and water content is accomplished using a calibration methodology. In the calibration methodology, density and water content are determined by other ASTM Test Standards that measure soil density and water content, thereafter correlating the corresponding measured electrical properties to the soil physical properties.

1.1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The inch-pound units given in parentheses are mathematical conversions which are provided for information purposes only and are not considered standard.

1.1.5 All observed and calculated values shall confirm to the guidelines for significant digits and rounding established in Practice D6026 unless superseded by this standard.

1.2 Generalized Theory

ASTM D7698-11 Referenced Document

• ASTM D1556 Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Sand-Cone Method
• ASTM D1557 Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Modified Effort (56,000 ft-lbf/ft³ (2,700 kN-m/m³))
• ASTM D2216 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil and Rock by Mass
• ASTM D3740 Standard Practice for Minimum Requirements for Agencies Engaged in the Testing and/or Inspection of Soil and Rock as Used in Engineering Design and Construction
• ASTM D4253 Standard test method for maximum index density and unit weight of soil using a shaking table*， 2024-04-19 Update
• ASTM D4643 Standard Test Method for Determination of Water Content of Soil and Rock by Microwave Oven Heating
• ASTM D4718 Standard Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles
• ASTM D4944 Standard Test Method for Field Determination of Water (Moisture) Content of Soil by the Calcium Carbide Gas Pressure Tester Method
• ASTM D6026 Standard Practice for Using Significant Digits in Geotechnical Data
• ASTM D653 Standard Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained Fluids
• ASTM D698 Standard Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Characteristics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft³ (600 kN-m/m³))*， 2024-04-19 Update
• ASTM D7382 Standard Test Methods for Determination of Maximum Dry Unit Weight of Granular Soils Using a Vibrating Hammer

ASTM D7698-11 history

• 2021 ASTM D7698-21 Standard Test Method for In-Place Estimation of Density and Water Content of Soil and Aggregate by Correlation with Complex Impedance Method
• 2020 ASTM D7698-20 Standard Test Method for In-Place Estimation of Density and Water Content of Soil and Aggregate by Correlation with Complex Impedance Method
• 2019 ASTM D7698-19 Standard Test Method for In-Place Estimation of Density and Water Content of Soil and Aggregate by Correlation with Complex Impedance Method
• 2011 ASTM D7698-11a Standard Test Method for In-Place Estimation of Density and Water Content of Soil and Aggregate by Correlation with Complex Impedance Method
• 2011 ASTM D7698-11 Standard Test Method for In-Place Estimation of Density and Water Content of Soil and    Aggregate by Correlation with Complex Impedance Method