ASTM D5030/D5030M-13
Standard Test Methods for Density of Soil and Rock in Place by the Water Replacement Method in a Test Pit

Standard No.

ASTM D5030/D5030M-13

Release Date

2013

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D5030/D5030M-13a

Latest

ASTM D5030/D5030M-21

Scope

5.1 These test methods are used to determine the in-place density of compacted materials in construction of earth embankments, road fills, and structure backfill. For construction control, the test methods can be used as the basis for acceptance of material compacted to a specified unit weight or to a percentage of a maximum unit weight determined by a standard laboratory test method such as determined from Test Methods D698 or D1557, subject to the limitations discussed in 1.4.

5.2 These test methods can be used to determine in-place density of natural soil deposits, aggregates, soil mixtures, or other similar material.

Note 1—The quality of the result produced by these test methods are dependent on the competence of the personnel performing them and the suitability of the equipment and facilities used. Agencies that meet the criteria of Practice D3740 are generally considered capable of competent and objective testing/sampling/inspection/etc. Users of these test methods 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.

1.1 These test methods cover the determination of the in-place density of soil and rock using water to fill a lined test pit to determine the volume of the test pit. The use of the word “rock” in these test methods is used to imply that the material being tested will typically contain particles larger than 3 in. [75 mm].

1.2 These test methods are best suited for test pits with a volume between approximately 3 and 100 ft³ [0.08 and 2.83 m³]. In general, the materials tested would have maximum particle sizes over 5 in. [125 mm]. These test methods may be used for larger sized excavations if desirable.

1.2.1 This procedure is usually performed using circular metal templates with inside diameters of 3 ft [0.9 m] or more. Other shapes or materials may be used providing they meet the requirements of these test methods and the guidelines given in Annex A1 for the minimum volume of the test pit.

1.2.2 Test Method D4914 may be used as an alternative method. Its use, however, is usually only practical for volume determination of test pits between approximately 1 and 6 ft³ [0.03 and 0.17 m³].

1.2.3 Test Method

• 2021 ASTM D5030/D5030M-21 Standard Test Methods for Density of In-Place Soil and Rock Materials by the Water Replacement Method in a Test Pit
• 2013 ASTM D5030/D5030M-13a Standard Test Methods for Density of Soil and Rock in Place by the Water Replacement Method in a Test Pit
• 2013 ASTM D5030/D5030M-13 Standard Test Methods for Density of Soil and Rock in Place by the Water Replacement Method in a Test Pit
• 2004 ASTM D5030-04 Standard Test Method for Density of Soil and Rock in Place by the Water Replacement Method in a Test Pit
• 2017 ASTM D5030-89(1994)e1 Standard Test Method for Density of Soil and Rock in Place by the Water Replacement Method in a Test Pit (Withdrawn 2003)