ASTM D5030/D5030M-13a
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-13a

Release Date

2013

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D5030/D5030M-21

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 density or to a percentage of a maximum density 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 D1556 or Test Method D2167 is usually used to determine the volume of test holes smaller than 1 ft³ [0.03 m³].

1.3 The two procedures are described as follows:

1.3.1 Procedure A—In-Place Density and Density of Total Material (Section 12).

1.3.2 Procedure B—In-Place Density and Density of Control Fraction (Section 13).

1.4 Selection of Procedure:

1.4.1 Procedure A is used when the in-place density of total material is to be determined. Procedure A can also be used to determine percent compaction or percent relative density when the maximum particle size present i......

ASTM D5030/D5030M-13a Referenced Document

• ASTM C127 Standard Test Method for Density, Relative Density (Specific Gravity), and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate
• ASTM C138/C138M Standard Test Method for Density (Unit Weight), Yield, and Air Content (Gravimetric) of Concrete
• ASTM C566 Standard Test Method for Total Evaporable Moisture Content of Aggregate by Drying
• 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 D2167 Standard Test Method for Density and Unit Weight of Soil in Place by the Rubber Balloon Method
• 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*， 2024-04-20 Update
• ASTM D4254 Standard Test Methods for Minimum Index Density and Unit Weight of Soils and Calculation of Relative Density*， 2024-04-20 Update
• ASTM D4564 Standard Test Method for Density of Soil in Place by the Sleeve Method
• ASTM D4718 Standard Practice for Correction of Unit Weight and Water Content for Soils Containing Oversize Particles
• ASTM D4753 Standard Specification for Evaluating, Selecting, and Specifying Balances and Scales for Use in Soil, Rock, and Construction Materials Testing
• ASTM D4914 Standard Test Methods for Density of Soil and Rock in Place by the Sand Replacement Method in a Test Pit
• 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))
• ASTM D7382 Standard Test Methods for Determination of Maximum Dry Unit Weight of Granular Soils Using a Vibrating Hammer
• ASTM E11 Standard Specification for Wire Cloth and Sieves for Testing Purposes
• ASTM F2362 Standard Specification for Temperature Monitoring Equipment

ASTM D5030/D5030M-13a history

• 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)